With the spread of nanotechnology use in industry, exposure to nanomaterials is currently exponentially increasing. With reports indicating nanoparticles’ ability to pass through key biological barriers—gastrointestinal, lung, skin, blood-brain and the placenta barriers—the question of their safety, particularly the risks associated with embryonic development, arises. The aim of this article is to verify the impact of ZnO nanoparticles, which are commonly used and considered to be safe for adult organisms on the developing embryo. In the current study, the influence of the dose and shape of ZnO nanoparticles (oval vs. long) was evaluated in the chicken embryo model. The oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD)) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonylated protein ((CP) levels), and gene expression changes (full genomic microarray study) were tested. We found that at both doses (10 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL, 100 µL into the air chamber) neither elongated nor oval ZnO nanoparticles changed in ovo mortality. Long ZnO nanoparticles had a lesser and more delayed impact on evaluated parameters, regardless of their higher in vitro toxicity. However, both nanoparticle forms induced changes in the oxidoreductive potential and affected expression of a significant number (1487 for oval and 548 for long ZnO nanoparticles) of identified genes during early embryo development.

Wheat germ oil (WGO), derived from the nutrient-dense germ of wheat kernels, is a functional bioactive product, known for its rich composition of essential fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols, and polyphenols. This study aimed to comprehensively profile the molecular and therapeutic properties of WGO, focusing on its antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Using advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and fluorescence analysis, WGO was shown to contain high levels of linoleic acid (45.3%), squalene (2.52 g/100 g), and polyphenols. WGO displayed selective cytotoxicity, inhibiting cancer cells’ viability in melanoma, prostate, and colorectal cancer cell lines, but not normal cells, highlighting its chemoprevention potential. Furthermore, WGO significantly reduced LPS-induced nitric oxide and IL-6 production in macrophages, with effects plateauing at higher doses. The 3D fluorescence spectra showed a significant decrease in fluorescence intensity when human serum albumin interacted with the WGO polyphenol fraction, indicating a strong binding affinity and stable complex formation. These findings emphasize the nutritional and therapeutic potential of WGO as a natural bioactive agent, warranting further mechanistic investigation and broader applications in health and disease management.

The growing trend in fruit wine production reflects consumers’ interest in novel, diverse drinking experiences and the increasing demand for healthier beverage options. Fruit wines made from kiwi, pomegranates, and persimmons fermented using S. bayanus Lalvin strain EC1118 demonstrate the versatility of winemaking techniques. Kiwifruit, persimmon, and pomegranate wines were analyzed using HPLC and GC-TOFMS analyses to determine their concentrations of phenolic acids and volatile compounds. These results were supported by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to characterize and compare chemical shifts in the polyphenol regions of these wines. The wines’ characterization included an anti-inflammatory assay based on NO, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 production in the RAW 264.7 macrophage model. FTIR spectroscopy predicted the antioxidant and phenolic contents in the wines. In terms of polyphenols, predominantly represented by chlorogenic, caffeic, and gallic acids, pomegranate and kiwifruit wines showed greater benefits. However, kiwifruit wines exhibited a highly diverse profile of volatile compounds. Further analysis is necessary, particularly regarding the use of other microorganisms in the fermentation process and non-Saccharomyces strains methods. These wines exhibit high biological antioxidant potential and health properties, providing valuable insights for future endeavors focused on designing healthy functional food products.

Background The critically low hepatic iron stores of newborn piglets are considered to be a major cause of neonatal iron deficiency in modern breeds of domestic pig ( Sus domestica ). The main factor believed to contribute to this phenomenon is large litter size, which has been an objective of selective breeding of pigs for decades. As consequence, iron transferred from the pregnant sow has to be distributed among a greater number of fetuses. Results Here, we investigated whether litter size influences red blood cell (RBC) indices and iron parameters in Polish Large White (PLW) piglets and gilts. Small and large litters were produced by the transfer of different numbers of embryos, derived from the same superovulated donor females, to recipient gilts. Piglets from large litters obtained following routine artificial insemination were also examined. Our results clearly demonstrated that varying the number of piglets in a litter did not affect the RBC and iron status of 1-day-old piglets, with all showing iron deficiency anemia. In contrast, gilts with small litters displayed higher RBC and iron parameters compared to mothers with large litters. A comparative analysis of the RBC status of wild boars (having less than half as many piglets per litter as domestic pigs) and PLW pigs, demonstrated higher RBC count, hemoglobin level and hematocrit value of both wild boar sows and piglets, even compared to small-litter PLW animals. Conclusions These findings provide evidence that RBC and iron status in newborn PLW piglets are not primarily determined by litter size, and indicate the need to study the efficiency of iron transport across the placenta in domestic pig and wild boar females.

The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of different cultivars of Actinidia arguta (kiwiberry) on the bioavailability of mineral elements and to examine the mineral profile of rats fed atherogenic diets enriched with kiwiberries. The following cultivars of Actinidia arguta were used: Bingo, M1, Anna, Weiki, Jumbo, and Geneva. Kiwiberry has recently become popular in the market. It is a precious source of biologically active components, vitamins, and minerals. The livers, spleens, and kidneys were examined for mineral contents using the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy method. The bioavailability of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu was evaluated. The addition of kiwiberries in atherogenic diets increased the contents of Fe in the rat liver. The bioavailability of Mn, Zn, and Cu, calculated on the basis of the contents in the livers, was significantly decreased in rats fed diets with 5% additional kiwiberries. We supposed that the effect of kiwiberry on the bioavailability of the studied minerals may be related to the diet components of bioactive substances present in fruits (polyphenols, vitamins, dietary fiber, and tannins).

Iron plays an important role in various crucial processes in the body and its deficiency is considered currently as a serious health problem. Thus, iron supplementation strategies for both humans and animals need to be effective and safe. According to our previous studies, zinc-based nanoparticles provide safe, biodegradable, fast and efficient transport system of orally given substances to the tissues. In the current manuscript we present results of a study aimed at investigation of the ZnO nanoparticle-based Fe supplementation system (average size 100 × 250 nm). Nanostructures were orally (gavage) administered to adult mice. Animals were sacrificed at different time points with collection of blood and internal organs for analyses (tissue iron concentration, hepatic level of hepcidin, blood parameters, liver and spleen levels of ferritin, histopathology). Initial experiment was performed to compare the biological effect of doping type (Fe3+ doping vs. a mixture of Fe3+ and Fe2+). Then, the effect of acute/chronic exposure models was determined. The increase in ferritin, along with improved, crucial hematological parameters and lack of the influence on hepcidin expression indicated the chronic application of Fe3+,2+ doped ZnO nanostructures to be the most effective among tested.

Hereby the possible applications of oxide nanoparticles in the cancer diagnostics and therapy are presented. Cancer diseases are nowadays one of the most common causes of death in the highly-developed countries. Discussed will be the current clinical cancer detection methods with their shortcomings. The role of nanomedicine in cancer medicine and the potential applications of nanoparticles debated in the literature will be critically evaluated. In the second part, the most common methods for the nanoparticle synthesis will be discussed. Finally, the system for cancer detection based on the enhanced permeation-retention of multimodal high-k oxide nanoparticles doped with lanthanides will be proposed for both for the magnetic resonance imaging (non-gadolinium contrast agents) and for fluorescence guided biopsy and surgery.

Thiamine is recognized as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in intermediary metabolism responsible for energy production. Animal model of thiamine deficiency (TD) included direct evaluation of glucose uptake by estimation of 3 H-deoxyglucose transport across red blood cells membranes and β-oxidation of fatty acids in isolated leucocytes. Feeding of animals with the thiamine-deficient diet (0.018 mg/kg diet) for 30 days resulted in disturbances in energy production. The thiamine intake was limited not only by vitamin B1 deficiency in the diet, but also by time-dependent drop of feed consumption by rats fed this diet. At the end of experiment, diet consumption in this group of rats was 52% lower than in the control group. This was accompanied by low glucose uptake by erythrocytes of rats suffering vitamin B1 deficiency for longer time. At the end of experimental period, glucose uptake was over 2 times lower in TD erythrocytes than in control RBC. Such drop of energy production was not compensated by delivery of energy from fatty acid degradation. In leucocytes from TD rats, the β-oxidation was also suppressed. Observed significant decrease of serum insulin from 2.25 ± 0.25 ng/ml (day 0) to 1.94 ± 0.17 ng/ml (day 30) might have significant impact on observed energy production disorders. The results from this study indicate that the thiamine deficiency significantly reduces feed intake and causes modest abnormalities in glucose and fatty acid utilization.

Iron is the crucial element for living organisms and its deficiency is described as the most common nutritional disorder all over the world. Nowadays, more effective and safe iron supplementation strategies for both humans and animals become one of the most important challenges in the therapy of nutritional deficiencies. Our previous in vivo studies confirmed safety and biodegradability of in-house manufactured zinc oxide-based nanoparticles and their rapid distribution to majority of organs and tissues in the body. In vitro examinations performed on Caco-2 cell line, a model of epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, revealed a low toxicity of studied nanomaterials. In the current study, we investigated biodegradable zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with Fe(III) as a perspective supplementation strategy for iron deficiency. Biodegradable ZnO:Fe nanoparticles were intra-gastrically administered to adult mice and following 24 h, animals were sacrificed with collection of internal organs for further analyses. The iron concentration measured with atomic absorption spectrometry and histological staining (Perl's method) showed a rapid distribution of iron-doped nanoparticles to tissues specifically related with iron homeostasis. Accumulation of iron was also visible within hepatocytes and around blood vessels within the spleen, which might indicate the transfer of Fe-doped nanoparticles from the bloodstream into the tissue. Reassuming, preliminary results obtained in the current study suggest that biodegradable ZnO nanoparticles doped with Fe might be a good carriers of exogenous iron in the living body. Therefore, subsequent investigations focus on determination an exact mechanisms related with an iron deposition in the tissue and influence of nanoparticle carriers on iron metabolism are required.

Nanotechnology as a new field of science is broadly exploited in a plethora of commercial uses. Biocompatible nanomaterials are also attractive for medical applications. However, an exact processes related with their biodistribution within the body needs to be examined. This study deals with future perspectives for biodegradable nanoparticle on the example of fluorescent ZnO NPs (zinc oxide nanoparticles), doped with europium (Eu) ions. The aim of the study was to evaluate distribution processes of biodegradable ZnO: Eu NPs within the living organism. ZnO: Eu NPs were administered intra-gastric (IG) (10 mg/ml, 0.3 ml/mouse) to adult Balb-c mice (n= 35) and following 3h, 24h, 7d, 14d and 1m mice were sacrificed and internal organs were collected, as was described before [1]. For determination the excretion patterns of these nanostructure, ZnO NPs were orally administered to mice (n= 24) with further measurement of zinc content in the feces of tested animals. All procedures were conducted according to local and EU regulations and approved by the LEC 44/2012. No pathological/behavioral changes were observed in mice. Biodegradable ZnO: Eu NPs revealed ability to overcome majority of physiological barriers in the organism, which renders them invaluable tool for biomedical applications. After 3h the presence of fluorescent NPs was already observed in key tissues and the peak of NPs distribution was observed at 24 h after IG in majority of tissues, including brain. Moreover, obtained results revealed fast and efficient clearance of ZnO NPs from the living organism, even following multiple administration of nanostructures (up to 4d after IG).

P. Kielbik , J. Kaszewski , B. S. Witkowski , Z. Gajewski , M. A. Gralak , M. Godlewski , M. M. Godlewski 1,2 Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; : pskielbik@op.pl Veterinary Research Centre, Centre for Biomedical Research, Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WULS-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland

Oxide nanoparticles (NPs) doped with rare-earth ions are tested for applications as nanomarkers in biology. The aim of this study was to investigate the intra-organism distribution of ZnO nanoparticles doped with europium following gastric gavage (IG) in mice. The study is an example of the innovative and comprehensive methodology in research on biodistribution of nanomaterials in the body. We used quantitative (AAS) and imaging (scanning cytometry, confocal microscope) methods of assessing the distribution of rare-earth doped ZnO nanoparticles in the living organism. Visualization of these processes in the body was possible because of high fluorescence yield of europium. Imaging methods applied in this study (scanning cytometry and confocal microscopy) seem to be crucial for understanding the uptake and distribution patterns of nanoparticles within the living organism.

Biodegradable zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are considered promising materials for future biomedical applications. To fulfil this potential, biodistribution and elimination patterns of ZnO NPs in the living organism need to be resolved. In order to investigate gastrointestinal absorption of ZnO NPs and their intra-organism distribution, water suspension of ZnO or fluorescent ZnO:Eu (Europium-doped zinc oxide) NPs (10 mg/ml; 0.3 ml/mouse) was alimentary-administered (IG: intra-gastric) to adult mice. Internal organs collected at key time-points after IG were evaluated by AAS for Zn concentration and analysed by cytometric techniques. We found that Zn-based NPs were readily absorbed and distributed (3 h post IG) in the nanoparticle form throughout the organism. Results suggest, that liver and kidneys were key organs responsible for NPs elimination, while accumulation was observed in the spleen and adipose tissues. We also showed that ZnO/ZnO:Eu NPs were able to cross majority of biological barriers in the organism (including blood–brain-barrier).

Introduction. Ouinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a pseudo-cereal that has received increased interest because it is a good source of different nutrients including proteins, vitamins and other biologically active compounds, and especially as functional gluten-free ingredient of human diet. There are also only limited data concerning the concentration of minerals and antioxidants in quinoa seeds and practically no information concerning composition of whole quinoa plant.

Expression of mGluRs of groups I and II was found in structures of CNS closely related with nociception: spinal cord superficial fields, responsible for pain filling or modulation of neurotransmission in the peripheral receptors. The present study examined contribution of mGluRs to the development and maintenance of changes in behavioral and clinical symptoms caused by visceral pain. Experiments were carried out in fourth stages (each of six Polish Merino ewes). Every experiment was performed simultaneously on two fasted animals, which were placed in two individual cages at one-week intervals. Sheep were fitted with a permanent stainless steel cannula in the lateral ventricle of the brain. Blood was collected before and few times after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the mGluR1 antagonist: L-2-Amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (L-AP3). The L-AP3 was infused at doses: 0.2, 0.4 or 0.8 mg/animal, 10 min before the provoking of visceral pain by distention of Descending Colon (CD) with the rubber balloon of 200 mL water. This data demonstrated that the development and maintenance of the visceral pain symptoms of the CD is dependent on activation of mGluR1 in the CNS and that these receptors play a crucial role in modulating experimental acute visceral pain. The group I of the mGluR antagonist prevent behavioral, clinical and neuroendocrine symptoms of visceral pain. They can be possibly used in cases of acute visceral pain, especially, in combination with opioid agonists. Their simultaneous administration would probably allow minimizing dose of opioids. This knowledge can be also useful in palliative medicine.

Two varieties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) viz. Olav and Sandoval were cultivated in central Poland. Biomass and concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Cr (using flame AAS method) were estimated in different parts of plant (stem, leaves, infructescence), during 180 days of vegetation period. Whole green part of quinoa was found to contain higher concentrations of Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu than whole plant cereals (data known from literature). Estimated mineral concentrations found in quinoa plant were compared with requirement of these elements for cattle. Comparison of mineral composition of different parts of quinoa showed that the concentration of the examined minerals, except for Cu, were highest in leaves followed by infructescence and stem. In case of this metal its highest concentration was observed in infructescence followed by leaves and stem. At the end of the vegetation period participation of infructescence in plant copper content was high and ranged from 57% (Olav var.) to 65% (Sandoval var.). Average Cu content in quinoa plants of the two examined varieties was positively correlated with duration of vegetation period, and its concentration exceeds 10 mg/kg DM, the stipulated dietary requirements for cattle. It is concluded that quinoa could be used for cattle and seems to be a good source of macro and micro-elements like magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc and copper.

Bovine hyperkeratosis is a polyetiologic disease that is increasingly widespread at high milk yielding dairy farms. Clinical manifestation is characterized by focal skin lesions with distinct borders. A clinical study and observation were carried out on 26 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. During the initial phase of the condition, the skin of the affected cows was itchy, hence the animals tended to lick the skin lesions, or else rub against surrounding objects, with the resultant formation of single spots of raised coat and skin flaking resembling dandruff. These changes appeared on the posterolateral upper sides of the pelvic limbs and around the vulva. Distinct thickening of the wrinkled skin was observed as a result of excessive growth of the epidermis. The superficial part of the skin on major portions of the lesions was dry, corrugated and covered with numerous scales. The epidermis was dry, thickened and rough, with cracks showing the reddened dermal layer. When touched, the animals reacted as if in pain. The disease generally progressed into a chronic condition. In the studied cases, histopathological examination confirmed hyperkeratosis with widened hair follicle infundibulums filled with keratin, the swelling of sweat glands, epithelial atrophy of sweat glands, infiltration of inflammatory cells between and around blood vessels, and massive expansion of keratinized layers of the epidermis.The content of both calcium and magnesium as well as copper, zinc, iron and manganese in grain, roughage, mineral mixtures and in other feeds met the requirements of dairy cows. Blood biochemistry profiles revealed only slightly lower serum calcium values, while zinc values were within the reference range. However, the zinc concentration in skeletal muscles and in the skin was reduced. The mean serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the tested animals was also somewhat decreased. Adverse environmental factors such as direct skin contact with faeces and urine as well as zinc deficiency in the cows' tissues were significant factors in the formation of skin lesions characteristic for hyperkeratosis.

Material & methods. The experiment (90 days) was performed on male Wistar rats divided into six groups fed ad libitum with semi-purified diets. All diets contained 14.7 MJ gross energy/kg (350 kcal/100 g). Two groups were fed the diet containing 20% of energy from protein and the other four groups were fed the diet containing only 4.5% of energy from protein. Two of the four protein-deficient diets were supplemented with riboflavin in the amount of 75 mg/kg diet as fed. Rats of three groups were trained for one hour daily.

The conditions of fruit cultivation may affect their content of some mineral elements. The study aims at determining the content of some microelements (Cu, Zn and Mn) in diets with “Hayward” kiwifruits from the organic (ecological) (OHC) and conventional (CHC) cultivation and also determining their effect on the mineral profile of the kidneys of rats loaded for 28 days with a diet containing 1% of cholesterol (C) and the assessment of bioavailability of these elements in rats. The mineral composition of the diets and kidneys was examined using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Perkin-Elemer 1100B). The bioavailability of Cu, Zn and Mn was calculated using the “three-point assay” [Littell et al. 1995]. In the atherogenic diets containing 5% of “Hayward” kiwifruit, the content of the investigated elements was higher than in the control diet and the highest content was noted in the diet with kiwifruit from the ecological cultivation. The content of Mn, Cu and Zn in rat kidneys was 1.1–1.4, 8.2–8.4 and 36.8–42.4 mg/kg, respectively. The bioavailability of Cu determined in respect to the C group was significantly lower in both CHC and OHC groups, whereas Mn was lower only in the OHC group. There were no significant differences in Zn bioavailability. The obtained results of the bioavailability of selected trace elements, determined on the basis of their concentration in the rat kidneys, did not show a clear evidence of the advantages of organically cultivated “Hayward” kiwifruit over conventional cultivation, in spite of their different contents in the examined fruits.