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Zeolite: “The magic stone”; main nutritional, environmental, experimental and clinical fields of application
Abstract
Introduction:
zeolites (clinoptilolites) are a family of alluminosilicates and cations clustered to form macro aggregates by small individual cavities. In the medical area they are involved in detoxification mechanisms capturing ions and molecules into their holes. Actually, we classify about 140 types of natural and 150 synthetic zeolites, for specific and selective use. Clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite and it is the most widespread compound in the medical market.
Objective:
this review analyzes the main fields of zeolite utilization.
Methods:
we searched Pubmed/Medline using the terms "zeolite" and "clinoptilolite".
Results and discussion:
in zoothechnology and veterinary medicine zeolite improves the pets' fitness, removes radioactive elements, aflatoxines and poisons. Zeolite displays also antioxidant, whitening, hemostatic and anti-diarrhoic properties, projected in human care. However very scanty clinical studies have been run up to now in immunodeficiency, oncology after chemotherapy and radiotherapy as adjuvants.
Conclusions:
further clinical investigations are urgently required after this review article publication which updates the state of the art.
... 15,25 Recently, an increasing number of clinoptilolite-based products have shown high potential in wound healing, skin inflammation and irritation, adsorption of exudate and prevention of microorganism penetration. [18][19][20][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] A major advantage of PCT application in wound healing is its ability to adsorb wound exudate and irreversibly bind bacteria. In vitro studies on the adsorption capacity of zeolite have shown that adsorption is not limited to microorganisms, as clinoptilolite can also adsorb bacterial toxins. ...
... In vitro studies on the adsorption capacity of zeolite have shown that adsorption is not limited to microorganisms, as clinoptilolite can also adsorb bacterial toxins. 15,27,36,37 In addition, clinoptilolite has also been shown to efficiently adsorb biogenic amines that contribute to foul wound odours and pruritus. 38,39 This represents new potential area of application, as the treatment of malodorous wounds still represents a largely unsolved medical need, especially in the field of chronic wounds associated with neoplastic skin manifestations. ...
... Clearly, these preliminary results obtained with a limited number of samples need to be confirmed with a larger sample to definitively conclude about the safety of clinoptilolite application in wound healing in a more complex population.A major advantage of PCT application in wound healing is its ability to adsorb wound exudate and irreversibly bind bacteria. In vitro studies on the adsorption capacity of zeolite show that this adsorption is not limited to microorganisms, as clinoptilolite can also adsorb bacterial toxins.15,27,36,37 Previous studies have hypothesised that zeolites may improve the wound healing process and accelerate wound closure.28,29 ...
In an aging society, chronic ulcers pose an increasingly relevant healthcare issue associated with significant morbidity and an increasing financial burden. Hence, there is an unmet medical need for novel, cost-effective therapies that improve healing of chronic cutaneous wounds. This prospective, randomized, open-label, phase I trial investigated the safety and tolerability of topically administered purified clinoptilolite-tuff (PCT), mainly consisting of the naturally occurring zeolite mineral clinoptilolite, in artificial wounds in healthy male volunteers compared to the standard of care (SoC). We found that topically administered PCT was safe for therapeutic application in acute wounds in healthy male volunteers. No significant differences in wound healing or wound conditions were observed compared to SoC treated wounds. However, we found a significantly higher proportion of CD68-positive cells and a significantly lower proportion of α-SMA positive cells in PCT-treated wounds. Scanning electron microscopy revealed PCT particles in the restored dermis in some cases. However, these did not impede wound healing or clinical symptoms. Hence, purified PCT could represent an attractive, cost-effective wound treatment promoting the process of healing.
... Based on their biological/genetic or chemical origin and immunomodulating properties these substances have been classified as prebiotics, probiotics, IRMs in narrower sense, recently termed immunobiotics (including microbiotics, fungibiotics, phytobiotics and zoobiotics), chemical compounds (natural or synthetic), metals/microelements, minerals, nutrients and nutraceuticals (2). Recently, strategies aiming at stimulation of natural porcine defenses, maintenance of their systemic/gut health and performance through the use of such substances with bioactive properties have gained increasing interest in research and have been subject of numerous nutritional and immunohematological investigations in pigs (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12). However, the results obtained with majority of these substances remained inconclusive as the final aim of using such in-feed supplements is to promote pig immunity, health and performance. ...
... However, the results obtained with majority of these substances remained inconclusive as the final aim of using such in-feed supplements is to promote pig immunity, health and performance. Among those few which have shown to be effective in zootechnology and biomedicine are: (a) a variety of polysaccharides from different natural sources, such as yeast derivatives b-glucans and mannans (3) and (b) natural clay minerals, such as aluminosilicate compounds bentonite, kaolin, diosmectite, attapulgite and zeolite (12). The main source for in-feed supplement currently used in pig nutrition as a natural additive is mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) found in large quantities in yeast cell wall (3,9), The most promising results to date have been obtained with montmorillonite, smectite, illite, kaolinite, biotic and zeolite clinoptilolite (CPL) for their ability to replace AGP as feed additives and to maintain swine health and performance (7,11). ...
... Moreover, CPL is the most widespread compound in the medical market and recently has been approved as feed additive in the EU. The CPL utilization in animal biotechnology and veterinary medicine are as detoxificating, anti-diarrheic, growth-promoting, antioxidant, hemostatic and immunostimulating agent, and in human medicine as an adjuvant in immunodeficiency, oncology (after chemotherapy and radiotherapy) or reducer of radioactive elements (7,11,12). Additionally, the use of CPL has beneficial effects on reproductive efficiency in swine (10). An interesting finding was reported earlier in 1998 by Stojic et al. (17) who documented significant increase in IgG absorption in piglets oraly dosed with CPL immediately after partus. ...
Background and Purpose: Yeast derivative mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) and zeolite clinoptilolite (CPL) well known nutritional supplements acting as either prebiotic or immunobiotic, respectively, in animal husband-ry. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not these agents referred to as potential alternatives to antibiotics may positively influence systemic immune parameters of weaned pigs without negatively affecting their hematological, serum biochemical and gut histological homeostasis. Materials and Methods: Sixty pigs from a commercial farm were divided into three groups comprising 20 pigs each and treated at 4 weeks of age as follows: controls received standard weaner diet, whereas diet for principals was supplemented with 0.2% of MOS or 0.5% of CPL. The experiment was conducted throughout 35 days and at either Day 7 or Day 35 intervals starting at Day 0 before the treatments hematological, serum biochemical and intestinal histopathological parameters were monitored, respectively. Results: Pigs fed CPL supplement had lower proportion of lymphocytes (P<0.05), but higher proportions of neutrophils and eosinophils (P<0.05) at Day 21. Neither MOS nor CPL affected values of hematological parameters. Serum levels of hepatic enzymes in pigs fed CPL supplemen, with exception of lower value of creatinine kinase (CK) at Day 35 (P<0.01) were not changed. These pigs had lower level of total proteins (P<0.05) at Day 28, but higher levels of urea (P<0.05) and creatinine (P<0.01) at Day 35. Generally, principal pigs had milder damages of villi, similar infiltration of lymphoid/myeloid cells within jejunal/ileal lamina propria and follicular hyperplasia in mesenterc lymph node, but more extensive proliferation within Peyer's patches. Conclusions: MOS did not affect any of monitored parameters, and CPL only sporadically induced lymphopaenia and granulocytosis, decrease of CK and total proteins and increase of urea and creatinine levels, indicating that the agents were not associated with any harmful side effects on monitored blood and gut parameters and impairment in general health status of pigs.
... Based on their biological/genetic or chemical origin and immunomodulating properties these substances have been classified as prebiotics, probiotics, IRMs in narrower sense, recently termed immunobiotics (including microbiotics, fungibiotics, phytobiotics and zoobiotics), chemical compounds (natural or synthetic), metals/microelements, minerals, nutrients and nutraceuticals (2). Recently, strategies aiming at stimulation of natural porcine defenses, maintenance of their systemic/gut health and performance through the use of such substances with bioactive properties have gained increasing interest in research and have been subject of numerous nutritional and immunohematological investigations in pigs (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12). However, the results obtained with majority of these substances remained inconclusive as the final aim of using such in-feed supplements is to promote pig immunity, health and performance. ...
... However, the results obtained with majority of these substances remained inconclusive as the final aim of using such in-feed supplements is to promote pig immunity, health and performance. Among those few which have shown to be effective in zootechnology and biomedicine are: (a) a variety of polysaccharides from different natural sources, such as yeast derivatives b-glucans and mannans (3) and (b) natural clay minerals, such as aluminosilicate compounds bentonite, kaolin, diosmectite, attapulgite and zeolite (12). The main source for in-feed supplement currently used in pig nutrition as a natural additive is mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) found in large quantities in yeast cell wall (3,9), The most promising results to date have been obtained with montmorillonite, smectite, illite, kaolinite, biotic and zeolite clinoptilolite (CPL) for their ability to replace AGP as feed additives and to maintain swine health and performance (7,11). ...
... Moreover, CPL is the most widespread compound in the medical market and recently has been approved as feed additive in the EU. The CPL utilization in animal biotechnology and veterinary medicine are as detoxificating, anti-diarrheic, growth-promoting, antioxidant, hemostatic and immunostimulating agent, and in human medicine as an adjuvant in immunodeficiency, oncology (after chemotherapy and radiotherapy) or reducer of radioactive elements (7,11,12). Additionally, the use of CPL has beneficial effects on reproductive efficiency in swine (10). An interesting finding was reported earlier in 1998 by Stojic et al. (17) who documented significant increase in IgG absorption in piglets oraly dosed with CPL immediately after partus. ...
Background and Purpose: Yeast derivative mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) and zeolite clinoptilolite (CPL) well known nutritional supplements acting as either prebiotic or immunobiotic, respectively, in animal husbandry. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not these agents referred to as potential alternatives to antibiotics may positively influence systemic immune parameters of weaned pigs without negatively affecting their hematological, serum biochemical and gut histological homeostasis. Materials and Methods: Sixty pigs from a commercial farm were divided into three groups comprising 20 pigs each and treated at 4 weeks of age as follows: controls received standard weaner diet, whereas diet for principals was supplemented with 0.2% of MOS or 0.5% of CPL. The experiment was conducted throughout 35 days and at either Day 7 or Day 35 intervals starting at Day 0 before the treatments hematological, serum biochemical and intestinal histopathological parameters were monitored, respectively. Results: Pigs fed CPL supplement had lower proportion of lymphocytes (P<0.05), but higher proportions of neutrophils and eosinophils (P<0.05) at Day 21. Neither MOS nor CPL affected values of hematological parameters. Serum levels of hepatic enzymes in pigs fed CPL supplemen, with exception of lower value of creatinine kinase (CK) at Day 35 (P<0.01) were not changed. These pigs had lower level of total proteins (P<0.05) at Day 28, but higher levels of urea (P<0.05) and creatinine (P<0.01) at Day 35. Generally, principal pigs had milder damages of villi, similar infiltration of lymphoid/myeloid cells within jejunal/ileal lamina propria and follicular hyperplasia in mesenterc lymph node, but more extensive proliferation within Peyer’s patches. Conclusions: MOS did not affect any of monitored parameters, and CPL only sporadically induced lymphopaenia and granulocytosis, decrease of CK and total proteins and increase of urea and creatinine levels, indicating that the agents were not associated with any harmful side effects on monitored blood and gut parameters and impairment in general health status of pigs. © 2017, Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History. All rights reserved.
... Clinoptilolite is widely available worldwide and is one of the most abundant natural zeolites used for ion exchange and adsorbent properties [12]. Thanks to its lightweight and porous structure consisting of tiny crystals, it is adsorbent, allows oxygen passage, and is used in wound care [13]. Clinoptilolite has been reported to have an immune-enhancing, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant effect in vitro and in vivo studies [14]. ...
... Clinoptilolite has been shown to accelerate wound healing with its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial activity and its effect on cytokines [15]. The antioxidative roles attributed to clinoptilolite are based on its ability to reduce free radicals and lipid peroxidation levels in the serum and increase overall antioxidant capacity [13]. Toxic effects of clinoptilolite have not been documented [14]. ...
Objectives
Mesenteric ischemia is a surgical emergency caused by poor blood supply to the intestines. In ischemia, the decrease in blood flow to the tissue causes acidosis and cell death through anaerobic metabolism. Clinoptilolite is one of the most abundant natural zeolites, and it is used for its ion exchange and adsorbent properties. Clinoptilolite has been reported to have an immune-enhancing, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant effect in-vitro/in-vivo studies. Clinoptilolite’s histological and biochemical effects on ischemic small intestines.
Methods
The experimental animals were randomly divided into sham, control, and clinoptilolite treatment group. Clinoptilolite was administered intraperitoneally after ischemia/reperfusion. Cardiac blood was stored for biochemical analysis. Total antioxidant levels and total oxidant levels were analyzed from the sera taken from groups. TNF-α and IL-6 expressions in blood samples were determined by RT-qPCR. At the end of the reperfusion, terminal ileum tissues were taken for histological tests.
Results
The mean TNF-α expression level was 3.89 in the control group and 2.91 in the clinoptilolite treatment group. The mean IL-6 expression levels were 2.32 in the control group and 1.49 in the clinoptilolite treatment group.
Conclusions
Clinoptilolite administration provided healing in the rat ischemia-reperfusion injury model.
... Zeolites are microporous, hydrated crystalline aluminosilicates which are porous and widely used due to their structure and absorption properties. Many studies deal with natural or synthetic zeolites [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41]. Usually, zeolites contain alkaline metals or metals of alkaline earth and frequently (e.g., in the case of clinoptilolite) crystallize in a monoclinic crystal system [32]. ...
... The charge of their structure is negative and this charge can balance between monovalent and divalent cations [33,34]. Zeolites are porous and they are widely used due to their absorption properties (for example, in agriculture, ecology, the rubber industry, the building industry, households, and medicine [35][36][37][38]). Several important processes occur in zeolites during heating. ...
In this study, the thermophysical properties such as the thermal expansion, thermal diffusivity and conductivity, and specific heat capacity of ceramic samples made from kaolin and natural zeolite are investigated up to 1100 °C. The samples were prepared from Sedlec kaolin (Czech Republic) and natural zeolite (Nižný Hrabovec, Slovakia). Kaolin was partially replaced with a natural zeolite in the amounts of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mass%. The measurements were performed on cylindrical samples using thermogravimetric analysis, a horizontal pushrod dilatometer, and laser flash apparatus. The results show that zeolite in the samples decreases the values of all studied properties (except thermal expansion), which is positive for bulk density, porosity, thermal diffusivity, and conductivity. It has a negative effect for thermal expansion because shrinkage increases with the zeolite content. Therefore, the optimal amount of zeolite in the sample (according to the studied properties) is 30 mass%.
... Diversity of zeolite structures rise from the pore size variation (between 2 up to 13 A°), variation in shape with 4-12 loops and internetwork connection have made zeolite one of the useful substances in different applications [19]. Zeolites have a great potential for a wide range of technical, industrial, agricultural, commercial, and also biomedical applications; for this reason, zeolites have been called "magic stones" [25]. Synthetic zeolites mostly have been applied in industry. ...
... In terms of interacting force between drug-zeolite, drug trapped in the porosity, zeolite provide a very weak hydrogen bond to the drug to deliver it in the targeted tissue and not being detached easily [58,59]. Conducted clinical and pharmacological studies in 2015 approved that zeolites don't cause any biological damage to humans [25]. They have been used as a raw material in the pharmaceutical industry in various forms of drug carriers. ...
... In the past two decades, a significant amount of research has been focused on immunomodulators (IMs) and nutraceuticals (NCs), substances which are capable of stimulating functions of the immune system and the bioactive components of feed that have shown positive impact on gut health and performance, and were harmless for the animal and the environment (4,8,11,12). Promising results have been obtained with natural, synthetic or modified clay minerals, zeolites (13) among which clinoptilolite (CPL) is the best known as zootechnical and biomedical feed ingredient widely reported in the scientific literature and used in farm animal nutrition as candidate to replace AGP in farm animals (14,15) due to its unique antibacterial properties, safety and efficacy as dietary supplement, particularly reported for swine (16)(17)(18)(19). So far, CPL has been successfully used in animal biotechnology and veterinary medicine as the agent which is capable to ameliorate mycotoxicosis, maintain gut health by acting favorably on intestinal microbiota, reduce, prevent and treat diarrheal disease in farm animals, decrease the level of toxic heavy metals and ammonia, improve immunity, general health and growth performance in animals of veterinary and biomedical importance, and thus exhibiting potentials of both an IM and NC (4,(20)(21)(22)(23)(24). ...
... These ions are readily exchangeable in contact with aqueous solution of other positively charged ions, and this structural characteristic of zeolites is the base of their cation-exchange property (32). Therefore, zeolites have been recognized as interesting nanoporous materials and became subjects of research in different areas of chemistry, and are now widely used in industrial, agricultural, environmental and biological technologies (13,33), but have also attracted interest for use in molecular medicine (26). Several toxicological studies as well as hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses of a natural CPL proved that this compound is non-toxic and safe for use in human and veterinary medicine (19,25,31,(34)(35)(36). ...
I n the past two decades many substances of natural or synthetic origin were studied as potential alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) and some of them, particularly immunomodulators (IMs) and nutraceuti-cals (NCs), have shown to be capable of stimulating functions of the immune system and improving general health. At the same time, they were shown to be harmless for animals and the environment. Promising results have been obtained with natural clay minerals, zeolites among which clinoptilolite (CPL) is the best known as zootechnical and biomedical feed ingredient widely reported in scientific literature and used in farm animal nutrition. CPL has a potential to replace AGP due to its unique anti-bacterial properties , safety and efficacy as dietary supplement in food animals unifying potentials of an IM and NC. Currently, there are many reasons for CPL utilization in animal biotechnology and veterinary medicine because of its detoxificating, antioxidant, hemostatic, anti-diarrheic, growth-promoting and immunostimulating properties. Also, in human medicine it is an ad-juvant in immunodeficiency states, oncology (after chemotherapy and ra-diotherapy) or reducer of radioactive elements. The aims of this review were to compile and discuss scientific data on safety and efficiency of nutritive modulation by dietary CPL (and other zeolites) as an alternative to AGP in animals of veterinary importance. In particular the aim is to analyse its potentials and limitations in cattle regarding metabolic and endocrine status , oxidative stress and systemic/local inflammatory responses involved in reproductive and metabolic disorders of dairy cows. Altogether, these analyses will contribute to objective validation of practical significance of CPL as a novel feed additive able to maintain and improve health, fertility and performance in cattle production.
... The presence of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions in solution generate physical-chemical phenomena such as hydrolysis, degradation, dissolution and phase transformation which help in the characterization of different types of mineral zeolites. The zeolites have a microporous network composition consisting of tetrahedral of AlO4 and SiO4 joined by shared oxygen atoms [22] (see Figure 1). In nature, there are more than 80 different types of zeolites, whose particles can be grouped in crystalline structure with a fibrous, lamellar or spheroid morphology [23]. ...
... The whole structure of ZC is made of pores or channels with a uniform shape in which the substances can be adsorbed. In particular, water, or polar molecules, are inserted into these pores that act as sieves for molecules that interact with zeolites by dipolar interactions [22]. In addition to water, the cavities and channels are also occupied by monovalent alkaline ions, such as sodium and potassium, and divalent atoms such as calcium and barium, or hydroxyl groups that can easily be exchanged with other polar molecules and cations from the surrounding environment [24]. ...
Zeolites are porous minerals with high absorbency and ion-exchange capacity. Their molecular structure is a dense network of AlO4 and SiO4 that generates cavities where water and other polar molecules or ions are inserted/exchanged. Even though there are several synthetic or natural occurring species of zeolites, the most widespread and studied is the naturally occurring zeolite clinoptilolite (ZC). ZC is an excellent detoxifying, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. As a result, it is been used in many industrial applications ranging from environmental remediation to oral applications/supplementation in vivo in humans as food supplements or medical devices. Moreover, the modification as micronization of ZC (M-ZC) or tribomechanically activated zeolite clinoptilolite (TMAZ) or furthermore as double tribomechanically activated zeolite clinoptilolite (PMA-ZC) allows improving its benefits in preclinical and clinical models. Despite its extensive use, many underlying action mechanisms of ZC in its natural or modified forms are still unclear, especially in humans. The main aim of this review is to shed light on the geochemical aspects and therapeutic potentials of ZC with a vision of endorsing further preclinical and clinical research on zeolites, in specific on the ZC and its modified forms as a potential agent for promoting human brain health and overall well-being.
... Similarly, a dietary mixture containing 3% of a clinoptilolite-based product showed an increase in the nitrogen excretion in feces and a decrease in the nitrogen excretion in urine in growing pigs. Importantly, no effects on the protein retention values were observed and the protein deposition was not altered (Poulsen and Oksbjerg, 1995;Laurino and Palmieri, 2015). ...
... It seems that this detoxifying effect may have additional systemic effects. The role of clinoptilolite has been recognized in medical applications, where its usage in zootechnology and veterinary medicine has provided strong evidence on improvement of pets' fitness and efficiency in the removal of numerous harmful substances from the organism, including radioactive elements, mycotoxins, and poisons (Laurino and Palmieri, 2015). In addition, EDTA and clinoptilolite supplementation exerted a protective effect on the brain tissue of mice intoxicated with lead by inducing antioxidant mechanisms and greater activity levels of catalase, SOD, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione (Basha et al., 2013). ...
Unique and outstanding physical and chemical properties of zeolite materials make them extremely useful in a variety of applications including agronomy, ecology, manufacturing, and industrial processes. Recently, a more specific application of one naturally occurring zeolite material, clinoptilolite, has been widely studied in veterinary and human medicine. Due to a number of positive effects on health, including detoxification properties, the usage of clinoptilolite-based products in vivo has increased enormously. However, concerns have been raised in the public about the safety of clinoptilolite materials for in vivo applications. Here, we review the scientific literature on the health effects and safety in medical applications of different clinoptilolite-based materials and propose some comprehensive, scientifically-based hypotheses on possible biological mechanisms underlying the observed effects on the health and body homeostasis. We focus on the safety of the clinoptilolite material and the positive medical effects related to detoxification, immune response, and the general health status.
... Because of its caution exchange, adsorption, and catalytic characteristics, it has been widely used in industry and agriculture for feeding animals, filter dialysis machines and remove dissolved ammonia from drinking water. Additionally, CLN has been reported to exert immune-enhancing, anti-carcinogenic and anti-oxidative effects in in vitro and in vivo studies [20][21][22][23]. Also, it has been shown that silica supplementation (the main ingredient of zeolite) in rats injected with STZ, prevents the development of diabetes and preserves pancreatic beta cells from damage [24]. ...
... Also, it has been shown that silica supplementation (the main ingredient of zeolite) in rats injected with STZ, prevents the development of diabetes and preserves pancreatic beta cells from damage [24]. The ability of CLN in decreasing free radicals and lipid peroxidation level as well as increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in Serum is attributed to its anti-oxidative characteristics [23]. No toxic effects of CLN have been documented [22]. ...
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of separate and concurrent supplementation of natural nano-sized clinoptilolite (NCLN) and Nigella sativa (NS) on oxidative stress (OS), anti-oxidative parameters and body weight (BW) in high-fat-diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.
Methods:
In this experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats were divided into diabetic (n=36) and non-diabetic (n=6) groups. The diabetic group (DG) was fed with a HFD for one month, then injected with intra-peritoneal single dose STZ (35 mg/kg BW). The DG was divided into 4 subgroups: [1] control (DC), [2] NS 1%/food, [3] NCLN 2%/food, [4] NS 1%/food + NCLN 2%/food. At the end of the 7th week, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured.
Results:
The MDA level was decreased in the NCLN (p = 0.011) and NCLN+NS (p = 0.007) groups compared to the DC group. The GPX level increased in the NS and NCLN groups compared to the DC group (p = 0.014 and p = 0.034). In addition, the level of TAC demonstrated increase in the untreated DG and NS groups, as compared to the normal control (NC) group (pDC = 0.031 and pNS = 0.024). Moreover, in the NS+NCLN group, the level of SOD decreased in comparison to the NS and NCLN groups (p < 0.01). At the end of the 7th week, BW decreased in the diabetic subgroups in comparison to the NC group. Treatment with NS and/or NS+NCLN insignificantly prevented severe weight loss in the fifth week of the treatment.
Conclusions:
According to results, separate supplementation of NS and NCLN was more beneficent on anti-oxidative parameters than concurrent supplementation of NS and NCLN.
... In the past two decades, a significant amount of research has been focused on immunomodulators (IMs) and nutraceuticals (NCs), substances which are capable of stimulating functions of the immune system and the bioactive components of feed that have shown positive impact on gut health and performance, and were harmless for the animal and the environment (4,8,11,12). Promising results have been obtained with natural, synthetic or modified clay minerals, zeolites (13) among which clinoptilolite (CPL) is the best known as zootechnical and biomedical feed ingredient widely reported in the scientific literature and used in farm animal nutrition as candidate to replace AGP in farm animals (14,15) due to its unique antibacterial properties, safety and efficacy as dietary supplement, particularly reported for swine (16)(17)(18)(19). So far, CPL has been successfully used in animal biotechnology and veterinary medicine as the agent which is capable to ameliorate mycotoxicosis, maintain gut health by acting favorably on intestinal microbiota, reduce, prevent and treat diarrheal disease in farm animals, decrease the level of toxic heavy metals and ammonia, improve immunity, general health and growth performance in animals of veterinary and biomedical importance, and thus exhibiting potentials of both an IM and NC (4,(20)(21)(22)(23)(24). ...
... These ions are readily exchangeable in contact with aqueous solution of other positively charged ions, and this structural characteristic of zeolites is the base of their cation-exchange property (32). Therefore, zeolites have been recognized as interesting nanoporous materials and became subjects of research in different areas of chemistry, and are now widely used in industrial, agricultural, environmental and biological technologies (13,33), but have also attracted interest for use in molecular medicine (26). Several toxicological studies as well as hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses of a natural CPL proved that this compound is non-toxic and safe for use in human and veterinary medicine (19,25,31,(34)(35)(36). ...
In the past two decades many substances of natural or synthetic origin were studied as potential alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) and some of them, particularly immunomodulators (IMs) and nutraceuticals (NCs), have shown to be capable of stimulating functions of the immune system and improving general health. At the same time, they were shown to be harmless for animals and the environment. Promising results have been obtained with natural clay minerals, zeolites among which clinoptilolite (CPL) is the best known as zootechnical and biomedical feed ingredient widely reported in scientific literature and used in farm animal nutrition. CPL has a potential to replace AGP due to its unique anti-bacterial properties, safety and efficacy as dietary supplement in food animals unifying potentials of an IM and NC. Currently, there are many reasons for CPL utilization in animal biotechnology and veterinary medicine because of its detoxificating, antioxidant, hemostatic, anti-diarrheic, growth-promoting and immunostimulating properties. Also, in human medicine it is an adjuvant in immunodeficiency states, oncology (after chemotherapy and radiotherapy) or reducer of radioactive elements. The aims of this review were to compile and discuss scientific data on safety and efficiency of nutritive modulation by dietary CPL (and other zeolites) as an alternative to AGP in animals of veterinary importance. In particular the aim is to analyse its potentials and limitations in cattle regarding metabolic and endocrine status, oxidative stress and systemic/local inflammatory responses involved in reproductive and metabolic disorders of dairy cows. Altogether, these analyses will contribute to objective validation of practical significance of CPL as a novel feed additive able to maintain and improve health, fertility and performance in cattle production. © 2017, Croatian Society of Natural Sciences. All rights reserved.
... Of these, cigarette smoking is considered to be the most significant. As the number-one cause of preventable death, it is estimated that smoking is responsible for over 440,000 heartrelated deaths every year in the USA 25 There is also evidence to suggest a strong relationship between that of passive smoke exposure, or secondhand smoke, and the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) 25,[27][28][29] . It is now widely considered that exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of CHD by 25-30%, making it imperative to find alternative prevention methods for both active as well as passive smokers 26 . ...
... We observed that zeolite was as effective as vitamin E in reducing oxidative stress and this was achieved without any adverse effects on the study subjects. Thus, zeolites may be considered as an alternative way to attenuate oxidative stress, not only in smokers, but also in any disease that involves the generation of oxidative stress 12,13,16,17,29 . Because of the great heterogeneity in the intensity and time span of smoking (smoking time: 2-37 years; number of cigarettes per day: , it is difficult to make an analysis of the effectiveness of zeolites for different durations of this addiction. ...
Background:
Activated and micronized zeolites are used as detoxifying agents in humans. Detoxification is attributed to their ability to reduce lipid peroxidation by scavenging free radicals.
Objective:
To evaluate activated and micronized zeolites as modulators of cellular oxidative stress in Mexican smokers without lung diseases.
Methods:
Randomized clinical trial. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups: activated and micronized zeolites, n = 29; vitamin E, an accepted antioxidant, n = 29; and maltodextrin as control, n = 27. Each group received the corresponding supplementation, dissolved in water, once a day for 30 days as follows: activated and micronized zeolites, 5.4 g activated and micronized zeolite; vitamin E, 400 mg D-alpha tocopheryl acetate; and maltodextrin, 250 mg of maltodextrin. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay was used to screen for lipid peroxidation. Catalase activity, plasma antioxidant capacity, and hydrogen peroxide levels were also measured. Results were analyzed by a one-way ANOVA and post hoc test of Bonferroni.
Results:
Subjects administered activated and micronized zeolites had equivalent antioxidant activities as subjects administered vitamin E.
Conclusions:
Activated and micronized zeolites may be useful as a modulator of oxidative stress in smokers. However, inclusion of a comparison group of non-smokers would be useful in future studies to assess the degree to which zeolites reverse the oxidant stress.
... In addition, there are zeolites A (Si/Al = 1.0-1.5), zeolites Y (Si/Al = 2-5), and erionite and mordenite (Si/Al > 10) (Laurino and Palmieri, 2015). ...
Our focus was to obtain an overall picture of the different beneficial properties of zeolite, based on its chemical and physical characteristics, which depend on zeolite absorption and exchange of ions. These characteristics make them very useful for various applications, including agriculture (as an animal feed additive and in food technology production), veterinary and human medicine, ecology, certain manufacturing, and cosmetics. Zeolite has pleiotropic effects, and the most important of them are detoxifying, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory roles. We wanted to underline, with the review of the scientific literature, the positive medical beneficial effects of zeolite on the general health status.
... The application of hierarchical zeolite is not limited to catalysis [114] or adsorption [115]. Still, it also covers other exciting areas, such as medicine [116], support to promote antimicrobial action [117], nutrition and clinical applications [118], as auxiliary material in the generation of biofuels [119], among others. Therefore, due to the great diversity of methods to synthesize hierarchically structured zeolites, it is essential to understand the limitations of each technique before implementation, as well as their main advantages and disadvantages (Fig. 7). ...
... Moreover, zeolite clinoptilolite is highly inert and safe for human utilization [58]. Both the preclinical and clinical literature imply the great medical potential of this material in the treatment of various diseases [58][59][60]. The volcanic mineral zeolite clinoptilolite is the most widely used natural zeolite in medicine. ...
Heavy metals are dangerous systemic toxicants that can induce multiple organ damage, primarily by inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Clinoptilolite is a highly porous natural mineral with a magnificent capacity to eliminate metals from living organisms, mainly by ion-exchange and adsorption, thus providing detoxifying, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory medicinal effects. The in vivo efficiency and safety of the oral administration of clinoptilolite in its activated forms, tribomechanically activated zeolite (TMAZ) and Panaceo-Micro-Activated (PMA) zeolite, as well as the impact on the metallic biodistribution, was examined in healthy female rats. Concentration profiles of Al, As, Cd, Co, Pb, Ni and Sr were measured in rat blood, serum, femur, liver, kidney, small and large intestine, and brain using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after a 12-week administration period. Our results point to a beneficial effect of clinoptilolite materials on the concentration profile of metals in female rats supplemented with the corresponding natural clinoptilolite materials, TMAZ and PMA zeolite. The observed decrease of measured toxicants in the kidney, femur, and small and large intestine after three months of oral intake occurred concomitantly with their most likely transient release into the bloodstream (serum) indicative of a detoxification process.
... Zeolites are microporous crystalline hydrated sodium aluminosilicate materials (Na 12 [(SiO 2 ) 12 (AlO 2 ) 12 ]·27H 2 O) [19,20]. Their structure is based upon a 3-dimensional network composed of SiO 4 and AlO 4 tetrahedra that are corner-shared to form a porous (cage) material with various pore sizes [21]. ...
Objectives
To synthesize a bioactive nanocomposite intra-canal medicament using chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-Np), loaded into Zeolite-Y as a carrier, and evaluate its antimicrobial activity in the presence and absence of tissue inhibitors. Also, to evaluate its cytotoxic activity against fibroblast cells.
Materials and methods
A concentration of 3% (w/v) electrosprayed Ch-Np was mixed with Zeolite-Y in a concentration of 53.3 (w/v) and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy Analysis (EDS). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis using the agar diffusion test, and Time-Kill Test performed by using the broth micro-dilution technique in presence of tissue inhibitors. The cytotoxicity was evaluated against Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells using the standard MTT assay.
Results
The mixture resulted in a white paste with a crystalline-like structure under SEM. EDS analysis showed a reduction in the anatomical percentage of Zeolite-Y, indicating cation exchange with Ch-Np. A mean diameter inhibition zones of 9.57 mm for S. mutans and 7.85 mm for E. faecalis were observed, indicating antimicrobial activity. S. mutans and E. faecalis were completely eradicated in the presence of tissue inhibitors. The Ch-Np-Zeolite nanocomposite promotes the growth of 3T3 fibroblast cells significantly (p = 0.00).
Conclusions
Zeolite-Y loaded chitosan nanoparticle nanocomposite completely eradicated S. mutans and E. faecalis even in the presence of tissue inhibitors while maintaining its biocompatibility.
Clinical relevance
The novel Ch-Np-Zeolite nanocomposite exhibits antimicrobial activity against endodontic pathogens while maintaining its biocompatibility, providing the potential to be used as a novel intra-canal medicament.
... Compared to organic materials, the silicate inorganic materials such as zeolite, silicate, kaolin, bentonite and mesoporous silicon [8] are considered more suitable for emergency bleeding control because of their efficient hemostatic performance, wide range of application scenarios, long shelf life and low price [2,9,10]. As a type of crystalline aluminosilicates, the typical pore size of zeolite is about 0.4-12 nm [11], which possess cage-like cavities that can selectively absorb of water molecules in the blood at the exclusion of other components in the blood, thus concentrates the tangible components (coagulation factors and platelets) in the blood to promote coagulation [12]. Nevertheless, using zeolite powder directly is dangerous because this inorganic material is easy to enter the blood vessels and lead to micro thrombosis [13]. ...
The development of fast, safe and effective hemostatic materials is crucial for pre-hospital first aid. In this study, diatomite hemostatic granules (Dhp) were developed by rotating granulation method using silica sol as binder. During rotating granulation process, the Pre-Dhp were prepared by rolling snowball effect, in which nano-silica in silica sol uniformly distributed on the surface of diatomite and polymerized through hydrogen bond to produce strong adhesion. After high-temperature calcination, the hydrogen bond transformed to silica oxygen bond and the three-dimensional gel network formed by silica sol was destroyed to exposed the pores of diatomite. Dhp retained the porous structure of diatomite with hierarchical porous structure (from nano to micro scale). Dhp could quickly adsorb the tangible components in the blood, exhibited rapid hemostatic ability (clotting time was shortened by 43% than that of control group), and good biocompatibility (hemolysis rate < 7%, no cytotoxicity). Dhp residue was not found in the wound of rat tail amputation model, indicating that the adhesion of silica sol and high-temperature curing treatment enhanced the stability of Dhp and reduced the hidden danger of micro thrombosis caused by residual substances entering blood vessels. Our study proved that Dhp prepared by silica sol bonding and rotary granulation was excellent hemostatic material with non-toxic side effects and rapid coagulation promotion.
... 7 Synthetic analogues of porous metal silicate minerals have attracted much attention in the last three decades because they find potential application in, for instance, catalysis, ion exchange and gas adsorption and separation. [8][9][10] These materials are normally prepared under mild hydrothermal conditions using various titanium and silicon sources and copious amounts of water in relatively long reaction times, caveats that we aim to address here. 11 They are usually synthesised in Teflon-lined autoclaves, at temperatures ranging between 120 and 230°C and times varying between several hours and ca. ...
There has been a growing awareness of the importance of developing environmentally friendly chemical processes. In this context, the synthesis of materials by mechanical grinding or milling holds much promise....
... The mixtures were prepared by adding 10,20,30,40, and 50 wt.% of zeolite powder to the illitic clay by dry mixing. The studied samples were labeled as IZ10, IZ20, IZ30, IZ40, and IZ50, according to the natural zeolite content, whereas the pure illitic clay and zeolite samples were labeled as ILB and ZEO (see Table 2). ...
Illitic clays are the commonly used material in building ceramics. Zeolites are microporous, hydrated crystalline aluminosilicates, they are widely used due to their structure and absorption properties. In this study, illitic clay (Füzérradvány, Hungary) was mixed with natural zeolite (Nižný Hrabovec, Slovakia) with up to 50 wt.% of zeolite content. The samples were submitted to thermal analyses, such as differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and dilatometry. In addition, the evolution of thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity in the heating stage of firing were measured and discussed. The amount of the physically bound water in the samples increased along with the amount of zeolite. The temperature of the illite dehydroxylation (peak temperature) was slightly shifted to lower temperatures, from 609 °C to 575 °C (for sample IZ50). On the other hand, the mass loss and the shrinkage of the samples significantly increased with the zeolite content in the samples. Sample IZ50 reached 10.8% shrinkage, while the sample prepared only from the illitic clay contracted by 5.8%. Nevertheless, the temperature of the beginning of the sintering (taken from the dilatometric curves) decreased from 1021 °C (for illitic clay) to 1005 °C (for IZ50). The thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity values decreased as the amount of zeolite increased in the samples, thus showing promising thermal insulating properties.
... In the field of health protection, the concentration of pesticides and organic pollutants in the environment is reduced mainly by using synthetic and modified zeolites that exhibit a high adsorption capacity for these harmful substances 11,12 ; however, only natural zeolites, mainly clinoptilolite (HEU), have been used in all clinical applications. Wider medical applications of these zeolites include the exchange of cations against heavy metals, consolidation and stabilization of the immune system, reduction of discomfort within the gastrointestinal tract during heartburn and gastritis, and maintenance of body homeostasis and good health status as summarized in several reviews [13][14][15][16] . Natural zeolites modified with bi-layered surfactants have also been used in drug research to determine the adsorption capacity for anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen from water 17 . ...
Serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in human physiology. An excess of this native regulator within the human gut can be partially controlled by orally consuming zeolite. Therefore, this study focuses on the kinetics of the uptake and release of serotonin hydrochloride (5-HT-hc) by natural Cuban zeolite containing clinoptilolite and mordenite at different pH levels using UV–Vis spectroscopy. 5-HT-hc is stable under the following investigated experimental conditions: incubation temperature of 36 °C; and at a pH of 5, 7, and 9. Independent of the zeolite framework, the 5-HT-hc is adsorbed without changing its molecular structure. The uptake and release of 5-HT-hc were not correlated to the textural properties of these aluminosilicates. The investigated zeolites adsorbed 5-HT-hc at about 14 mg per gram zeolite with no large differences observed between different samples. Release studies of 5-HT-hc-loaded zeolite revealed that the 5-HT-hc is strongly bound to the zeolite, and independent of the pH value and zeolite framework only up to 12.7% was released into the water.
... Solvent free, environment benign synthesis of… with a consistent and variable pore size, which makes them suitable for particular applications in medical and biological fields, which attract a great research interest [6,7]. Nowadays researcher focused on the enlargement of the pore sizes into the mesoporous range, allowing larger molecules to enter the pore system, intermingle and finally imparting the pore system. ...
Heterogeneous catalysis has been utilized in number of efficient reactions with higher selectivity of the product, more stable, reusable and easy for separation as compared to homogeneous catalysts. Generally, heterogeneous catalysts are prepared by using mesoporous materials, microporous materials, metal oxides and metal organic framework. The mesoporous materials have small particle size and high surface area as compared to the microporous materials. The adsorbent mesoporous materials have highly efficient for the therapeutic applications in chemistry hence it has best as compared to other heterogeneous materials. Herein, we have reported synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines and polyhydroquinolines at solvent free and environmental benign condition in the presence of Zn/MCM-41 catalyst. The present protocol gives excellent yield (89–96%) of the product within short reaction time by easy work up procedure and no need of further purification of product. The catalyst was characterized by XRD diffractometer, SEM, EDAX, TGA-DTA, BET surface area analysis and FT-IR Spectroscopy. The synthesized organic compounds were characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, LC–MS spectrometry.
Graphical abstract
... The porous character of the zeolite inner surface enables the binding of neutral molecules (Koyama and Takeuchi, 1997; Bacakova et al. 2018). Zeolite maintains the immune system, balances the body's pH, reduces free radicals, neutralizes or removes harmful substances (toxins, heavy metals, nitroamines, radioactive contaminants), improves tissue oxygenation, stimulates skin regeneration and reduces blistering (Laurino, 2015). Besides, zeolite (clinoptilolite) absorbs toxins that can be dangerous to animals and eliminates mycotoxins (aflatoxins and ochratoxins) in animal feed thus reducing the mortality caused by the digestive tract diseases and along with decreased need for antibiotics (Polat et al. 2004). ...
This work is aimed to evaluate the effect of natural zeolite on selected parameters of the rabbit's meat chemical composition. The rabbits of the Castorex breed (n=12) were divided into two groups: Control group C (n=6) without the addition of zeolite in feed and the experimental group Z (n=6) in which animals received zeolite daily in a peroral form in concentration 0.2 g/kg of body weight. Determination of the nutritional composition of rabbit meat and analysis of individual amino acids and fatty acids was performed by the Nicolet 6700 using FT-IR method (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) in the musculus Longissimus dorsi (MLD) and the musculus Vastus lateralis (MVL). The content of water in meat in group Z (73.630 ± 0.270 g * 100g-1) was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) compared to group C (72.480 ± 0.530 g * 100g-1). Cysteine content in MLD in group Z (0.289 ± 0.007 g*100 g-1) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than in group C (0.277 ± 0.011 g*100 g-1). Another noticeable difference in the statistical level p ≤ 0.05 in favor of zeolite was found in linoleic acid content in MLD with mean values in group Z (0.324 ± 0.016 g*100g-1 FAME) against the group C (0.293 ± 0.009 g* 100 g-1 FAME). Therefore, the addition of zeolite to the rabbit feeding diet possibly increases the proportion of essential linoleic fatty acid and thereby may improve the nutritional value of the meat. Increased cysteine value can lead to a better degradation of heavy metals in meat.
... which make it a potential detoxifying agent for organisms and a support in many medical applications. Clinoptilolite was found to be efficient in the veterinary and human medicine [5]. In the last years, the clinoptilolite-based zeolite is increasingly studied for use in human medicine as dietary supplements. ...
An analytical method based on microwave-assisted acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace as atomization source was developed and validated for determining trace elements (Cd and Pb) in zeolites used as dietary supplements, for their characterization and safety evaluation. The method was checked for the main performance parameters according to the legislation requirements in the field of dietary supplements. In all cases, the obtained performance parameters were satisfactory. The selectivity study showed no significant non-spectral matrix effect. The linearity study was conducted for the calibration curves in the range of 0–10 ng mL−1 for Cd and 0–30 ng mL−1 for Pb. The obtained limits of detection (LoDs) and the limits of quantification (LoQs) were sufficiently low in order to allow Pb and Cd determination in dietary supplements. For the internal quality control, certified reference materials were analysed and good recoveries were obtained. The precision study was performed in terms of repeatability and reproducibility, considering the requirements imposed by the Commission Decision (2007/333/EC) and the method fulfilled these performance parameters. Expanded measurement uncertainties were estimated to 11% for Cd and 10% for Pb. Cd and Pb content were measured in real zeolite samples and, using these data, a safety evaluation was carried out.
... Due to a certain amount of pre-loaded elements, it is possible to assume that clinoptilolite may positively affect the body's metal homeostasis, including either the levels or the availability of some physiological metal ions, which are pre-loaded in the material and on the signaling pathways responsible for the production of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Zeolite (clinoptilolite material), in addition, shows whitening, hemostatic, and anti-diarrheic properties projected in human application [28,29]. ...
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most frequently reported adverse effect of oxaliplatin. In this study, we set out to evaluate the role of the panaceo-micro-activation (PMA) zeolite in the reduction of the incidence of CIPN and hematological and liver toxicity. The possible impact of the PMA-zeolite as an adjuvant therapeutic agent is based on its detoxification properties toward agents promoting the development of neuropathy (e.g., ammonium – recognized as a neurotoxic agent produced by tumors), as well as its positive impact on immunity and oxidative stress through its effects in the gastrointestinal tract. From April 2015 to October 2018, a total of 120 patients (pts) diagnosed with predominantly colorectal cancer requiring oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were randomized to receive either the PMA-zeolite (Multizeo Med) or placebo while undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. A nerve-conduction study (NCS) was planned at the baseline, after three and six months of chemotherapy, to evaluate CIPN. Furthermore, the evaluation of hematological and liver toxicity was performed during every cycle of chemotherapy. 70.6% and 64.3% of patients developed CIPN in the placebo and the PMA-zeolite group, respectively. Patients treated with the PMA-zeolite were able to undergo more cycles of chemotherapy (p = 0.03), which also indicates a significant improvement in tolerance to the therapy. The group treated with the PMA-zeolite showed a lower CIPN (although not statistically significant within the whole group of subjects) compared to patients receiving placebo. This advantage was, however, statistically significant in men (p = 0.047). In addition, supplementation with the PMA-zeolite resulted in a lower incidence of severe-grade hematological toxicity (trend toward statistical significance of p = 0.09 was observed). Cancer patients may benefit from the therapy with the appropriate certified zeolite-products (e.g., the PMA-zeolite) for human use in CIPN. The lower CIPN (statistically significant results in the male subgroup) was accompanied by a trend of lower incidence of severe-grade hematological toxicity. Furthermore, these benefits led to a better tolerance toward chemotherapy (increase in cycles) and allow an improved compliance with the oncological treatment protocol.
... Owing to its structure, composed of a microporous arrangement of silica and alumina tetrahedra, and complex formula, (Na,K,Ca)2-3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36$12H2O, 1 Transcarpathian zeolite (clinoptilolite) is used in various branches of the economy as an adsorbent, a catalyst, or an ion exchanger (Laurino and Palmieri, 2015). However, its biological properties predispose it to use in livestock feeding, to reduce the occurrence of diarrhoeal diseases, and improve nutrient digestibility (Cabuk et al., 2004;Nassiri-Moghaddam et al., 2008). ...
The aim of the this study was to determine the effect of different levels of Transcarpathian zeolite (clinoptilolite) on selected indicators of the immune response in chickens by assessing the concentrations of the acute phase proteins haptoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A, transferrin, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-2, and IL-10 in the serum and hepatic tissues of chickens. The study was conducted on 450 one-day-old male Ross 308 chickens. The total rearing period was 42 D. The samples of blood and liver were collected before the start of the study (day 0) and on day 42, after rearing was completed. ELISA kits specific for chicken CRP, haptoglobin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, serum amyloid A, transferrin, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-10 were used to determine the levels of acute phase proteins and cytokines in the serum and liver homogenates. The results of immunological tests suggest that for long-term maintenance of homeostasis in chickens, the addition of 2% zeolite as a feed additive is most beneficial. The results indicate that 3% clinoptilolite induce production of Th1 pro-inflammatory cytokines, increasing the synthesis of IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. The high concentration of IL-10 after the use of zeolite in conjunction with the high concentration of IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ indicates a reduction in the intensity of inflammatory processes, the enhancement of the humoral immune response, and the simultaneous inhibition of the production of Th1-type cytokines. The increase of CRP concentration in conjunction with high concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the birds from the group receiving 3% clinoptilolite demonstrates indicates that it can influence the development of local inflammatory processes and enhance immune regulation in birds. Our research has shown that clinoptilolite influences on an increase in birds' resistance to infection, as confirmed by clinical observations and anatomopathological examination and by the increase in the synthesis of acute phase proteins with immunoregulatory properties.
... Una de sus propiedades es la absorción e intercambio de iones por lo que actúa como antioxidante. (37) Lamprecht y col. (38) examinaron el suplemento PANACEO SPORT® que contiene, entre otros ingredientes, zeolita y sus efectos sobre diversas variables biológicas así como el desempeño físico. ...
Introducción:
En la actualidad se ha incrementado el uso de antioxidantes en el ámbito deportivo, sin embargo, no existe evidencia concluyente del efecto de estas sustancias en la mejora del desempeño físico de los atletas.
Objetivo:
Determinar la efectividad del uso de suplementos antioxidantes en la mejoría del desempeño físico atlético.
Material y Métodos:
Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en bases de datos en línea como Pubmed, Scopus, la Web of Knowledge y el buscador google academic. Se incluyeron solo trabajos originales de estudios doble ciego relacionados con la intervención de un suplemento antioxidante. El periodo de revisión fue del 2009 a diciembre del 2017.
Desarrollo:
Se identificaron un total de 1053 artículos de los cuales 33 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión de la revisión. De acuerdo con el tipo de suplemento, 2 correspondieron a vitaminas, 9 a polifenoles, 11 comerciales y los 9 restantes diversos. La antigüedad de los artículos analizados fue de 4,8 ± 2,4 años, en cuanto a la obsolescencia, determinado por el semiperiodo de Burton y Kleber y el índice de Price, fue 5,5 y 61,0% respectivamente.
Conclusiones:
Hasta el momento no existe evidencia sólida de que la ingesta de suplementos antioxidantes mejore el desempeño físico atlético. Son pocos los resultados positivos en alguna de las variables evaluadas, por tal motivo se requiere de mayor evidencia para poder dilucidar el efecto de los suplementos antioxidantes.
... Dietary administration of small particle size clinoptilolite can effectively reduce concentration of aflatoxins in dairy cattle milk (Katsoulos et al., 2016). So, the detoxificant role of zeolites is already evident in agro and in zoothecnical fields [for review see Laurino and Palmieri, 2015). We started our study from two simple approvals. ...
Natural and synthetic zeolites have many applications in biomedicine and nutrition. Due to its properties, zeolites can absorb therapeutically active proteins and release them under physiological conditions. In this study we tested the clinoptilolite, chabazite, and natrolite ability to be loaded by antitumor ribonuclease binase and the cytotoxicity of the obtained complexes. We found the optimal conditions for binase loading into zeolites and established the dynamic of its release. Cytotoxic effects of zeolite-binase complexes toward colorectal cancer Caco2 cells were characterized after 24 and 48 h of incubation with cells using MTT-test. Zeolites were toxic by itselfs and reduced cells viability by 30% (clinoptilolite), 40% (chabazite), and 70% (natrolite) after 48 h of incubation. Binase complexes with clinoptilolite as well as chabazite always demonstrated enhanced toxicity (up to 57 and 60% for clinoptilolite and chabazite, respectively) in comparison with binase and zeolites separately. Our results contribute to the perspective development of binase-based complexes for therapy of colorectal cancer for or the treatment of malignant skin neoplasms where the complexes can be used in pasty form.
... The ion exchange ability of zeolites allows them to incorporate different cations from solution. The pore size modulates the use of zeolites as catalysts [15,16]. ...
The use of rare earth elements is a growing trend in diverse industrial activities, leading to the need for eco-friendly approaches to their efficient recovery and reuse. The aim of this work is the development of an environmentally friendly and competitive technology for the recovery of those elements from wastewater. Kinetic and equilibria batch assays were performed with zeolite, with and without bacterial biofilm, to entrap rare earth ions from aqueous solution. Continuous assays were also performed in column setups. Over 90% removal of lanthanum and cerium was achieved using zeolite as sorbent, with and without biofilm, decreasing to 70% and 80%, respectively, when suspended Bacillus cereus was used. Desorption from the zeolite reached over 60%, regardless of the tested conditions. When in continuous flow in columns, the removal yield was similar for all of the rare earth elements tested. Lanthanum and cerium were the elements most easily removed by all tested sorbents when tested in single- or multi-solute solutions, in batch and column assays. Rare earth removal from wastewater in open setups is possible, as well as their recovery by desorption processes, allowing a continuous mode of operation.
... So far, zeolites have been successfully used as detoxicants and decontaminants, when added in animal nutrition, as well as antibacterial and antidiarrheal agents. Although zeolites have been used in veterinary medicine and zootechnology, in vivo studies using zeolitic particles are relatively scarce [30]. In a study, the supplementation of the normal diet with two clinoptilolite dietary supplements (Megamin and Lycopenomin) in im- effects and significant reduction of lymphocytes CD56 + and significant increase of CD4 + , CD19 + and CD3 + lymphocytes [31]. ...
Microporous zeolite NaX-FAU has been systemically evaluated for the oral delivery of the poorly water-soluble compound danazol. For this purpose, danazol-loaded zeolitic particles were prepared by the incipient wetness method and were characterized by means of N 2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The zeolitic formulation shows a high drug payload and drug stability over a period of six months under accelerated storage conditions. The dissolution profile of danazol-loaded zeolitic particles was assessed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) pH 1.2; fasted state simulated intestinal fluids (FaSSIF) and fed state simulated intestinal fluid (FeSSIF) showing a gradual and increasing drug dissolution in the different media. Ex vivo studies using the everted gut sac model show an increased drug transport across rat intestinal epithelium when loaded in the zeolitic particles. Our results suggest that microporous Faujasite zeolite (NaX-FAU) could be used as a drug delivery system to facilitate the oral delivery of poorly water soluble compounds.
... Their proposed applications include medical and biological fields, which attract a great research interest [4,5]. These nanostructured substrates possess a high porosity and surface area, as well as a large pore volume, together with a uniform and adjustable pore size, which makes them suitable for special applications in biomedical areas [6,7]. ...
Hybrid materials based on MCM-41 silica and Y-zeolites with a variable Si/Al ratio and an appropriate countercationic composition were prepared by impregnating inorganic substrates with an organic extract. The organic phase was previously characterized by GC-MS and IRTF, while XRD, SEM, TEM, N 2 -physisorption, and TPD of NH 3 were used to analyze the selected inorganic supports. The effect of size- and shape-selectivity was manifested in MCM-41 and Y-zeolites. Texture results confirm that the extract containing relatively large branched organic molecules is deposited in the internal voids of MCM-41 material and on the outer area of Y-zeolites. In the case of Y-zeolites, the results demonstrate the effect of the SiO 2 / Al2O3 molar ratio and countercations on the textural properties of the samples.
... The administration of dietary zeolites in dairy cows has aimed to achieve several objectives. Due to its highly absorptive capacity, zeolites have been used to bind in-feed mycotoxins and to decrease the ammonia content released into the environment (Laurino and Palmieri, 2015). Considering the welldefined chemical properties of zeolites (Pavelić et al., 2002), beneficial effects on health and productivity of dairy cows have been expected and confirmed (Bosi et al., 2002). ...
The aim of the current study was to establish the influence of dietary zeolite clinoptilolite (CPL) on the chemical composition of milk, somatic cell counts and udder health in dairy cows. Twenty cows of the Holstein-Frisian breed, aged between 3 and 5 years, which were pregnant for 3 months and kept in a small family farm in vicinity of Durdevac, Croatia, were included in the trial. Cows were randomly assigned into two groups, control (n=10) and CPL-fed group (n=10). The CPL group received 100 g zeolite in the ratio for dairy cows on a daily basis. The first milk sampling was taken prior to adding CPL to feed. The four consecutive samplings were performed on a monthly basis up to 7th month of pregnancy, i.e., the dry period. The milk samples were analysed for chemical composition (milk fat, proteins, lactose, nonfatty dry matter and urea), somatic cell counts and by bacteriological examination. Observed differences in the content of particular milk components tested did not differ significantly between groups in any of sampling points. However, the chemical composition of milk was found to be more stable in CPL-fed cows. Statistically significant differences were found for milk fat and urea contents between single samplings in CPL-fed cows. Moreover, in the control group, significant differences were found between single samplings for all milk components, except non-fatty dry matter. The number of SCC in milk between the groups did not differ significantly. However, the control cows had a 21-fold higher odd of intramammary infections than CPL-fed cows. This beneficial outcome of the study may be attributed to the antibacterial, detoxifying, antioxidative and immunostimulating effects of CPL on the metabolism of cows, as exhibited by a decreased incidence of intramammary infections during the dry period, parturition and early lactation. Such an outcome might be explained by the moderation of stressful events accompanying such periods, when cows are the most sensitive to metabolic imbalance and environmental detrimental effects, resulting in more pronounced immunosuppression and susceptibility to intramammary infections.
... 25 In humans, clinoptilolite has been used as adjuvant in cancer therapy; heavy metal remover; hemostatic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiarrheal agent; and skin regeneration and immune system stimulant. 29 No side effects have been reported in humans after up to 8 weeks of oral intake, perhaps owing to minimal resorption from the gut, minimal solubility within the physiological pH range, and no changes in mineral and vitamin content. 30,31 In persons with immunodeficiency, however, Megamin supplement (3.6 g) significantly increased CD4 + , CD19 + , and HLA-DR + lymphocyte counts and decreased CD56 + count, whereas Lycopenomin (1.2 g) significantly increased CD3 + and decreased CD56 + cells. ...
Objectives:
A tribomechanically activated clinoptilolite (natural aluminosilicate mineral) has been used to increase growth in meat-producing animals, as an adjuvant in cancer therapy, and a heavy metal remover in humans. Because of its unique cation exchanging and chelating properties, we hypothesized that clinoptilolite may be beneficial for the treatment of dyslipidemia in the manner similar to bile acid sequestrants. Thus, specific aims of this pilot study were to orally administer clinoptilolite in different doses and granule size combinations to determine magnitude and time profile of changes in blood lipids.
Design:
A phase I/IIa prospective, open-label, uncontrolled, dose/granule size-ranging study (treatment phase 8 weeks, follow-up 6 weeks). Blood lipids were examined every 2 weeks.
Settings:
Outpatient clinic of a university-affiliated hospital.
Subjects:
Forty-one subjects (all white, mean age 57.6 ± 6.8 years, 17 women) with blood lipids above the normative limits divided into three groups.
Intervention:
A tribomechanically activated clinoptilolite was administered in three dose/grind combinations: 6 g/day of fine grind (6gF), 6 g/day of coarse grind (6gC), and 9 g/day of coarse grind (9gC).
Outcome measures:
Blood concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and triglycerides (TG).
Results:
For the 3 groups combined, all lipid fractions significantly improved after 8 weeks of treatment (20-25%, p < 0.001), which reversed to baseline after 6 weeks of clinoptilolite withdrawal. Early (week 2) and the most pronounced decrease in TC and LDLc was observed in the 6gF group (19% and 23% in week 8, respectively), with no difference in HDLc and TG between the three dose/grind groups. No side effects were reported.
Conclusions:
These pilot results suggest that oral administration of clinoptilolite may improve lipid profile in individuals with dyslipidemia, which warrants further investigations.
... and sustain positive effects of zeolites on lead-detoxification of living organisms [56]. Observed ion-exchange capacity is in a consequence of pre-loaded extra-framework cations in natural clinoptilolite materials. ...
Alumosilicate materials zeolites are widely exploited due to porous structure and ion-exchange properties in several industrial, agriculture and veterinary applications. The only zeolite used for medical purposes in animals and humans so far is the natural zeolite clinoptilolite. Clinoptilolite may be prepared for medical applications by different methods that are usually based on mechanical or tribomechanical processing that increase specific surface area. Different processing procedures are known to cause substantial changes in the physical-chemical properties of the material that may affect biological properties as well. In this paper we therefore, (1) systematically analysed physical-chemical characteristics of three clinoptilolite materials obtained by different production methods and one synthetic zeolite to provide novel evidence on structural differences caused by production methods and (2) evaluated clinoptilolite materials detoxification properties in vitro and in AlCl3 intoxicated rats in vivo. We analysed a new clinoptilolite material as well, that was prepared by tribomechanical double micronization and oxygenation. Our results clearly show that each tested clinoptilolite material differs in physical-chemical properties and that these are linked to the production method. Our results add knowledge on toxicology and safety properties of clinoptilolite materials as no aluminium leakage was observed from clinoptilolite materials into the blood or organs of tested animals. Presented results therefore, prove for the first time the efficiency of clinoptilolite in detoxification of aluminium in vivo, provide scientific data relevant to clinoptilolite safety issues and speak strongly in favour to usage of tested clinoptilolite materials for detoxification purposes.
... p0060 Zeolitic tuffs have been found in many parts of the world after the original discovery of zeolitic minerals in volcanogenic sedimentary rock in the 1750s. Natural zeolites have found applications in adsorption, catalysis, agriculture, aquaculture, soil remediation, medicine, and energy (Muller and Arlt, 2013;Primo and Garcia, 2014;Laurino and Palmieri, 2015). It has been estimated that global natural zeolite consumption was 3.98 million tons in 2009, and has increased every year with industrialization (Wang and Peng, 2010). ...
Many countries including New Zealand, Australia, and South Korea discharge of farm effluents containing large reserves of plant nutrients into surface waters. Such discharge is currently considered a discretionary activity and requires legal consent that demands the effluent nutrient concentration to be minimized before entering surface waters. This can be achieved by land disposal or nutrient stripping of the effluent by tertiary treatment. Although the pond system (ie, biological treatment) is effective in removing suspended solids and carbon, there has been some debate about its efficiency in removing nutrients. Porous materials such as zeolite, a naturally occurring and electrically charged aluminosilicate material, can be used to adsorb nutrients from effluents. Then the nutrient-enriched material can be recycled as a soil conditioner or nutrient source. This chapter examines the potential of zeolite in nutrient stripping from wastewater streams and its value as a nutrient source.
Background:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with poor response to treatment. IBS with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) is accompanied by abdominal pain as well as high stool frequency and urgency. Purified clinoptilolite-tuff (PCT), which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a dietary supplement with the brand name G-PUR®, has previously shown therapeutic potential in other indications based on its physical adsorption capacity.
Aim:
To assess whether symptoms of IBS-D can be ameliorated by oral treatment with PCT.
Methods:
In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study, 30 patients with IBS-D diagnosis based on Rome IV criteria were enrolled. Following a 4-wk run-in phase, 14 patients were randomized to receive a 12-wk treatment with G-PUR® (2 g three times daily), and 16 patients received placebo. The relief from IBS-D symptoms as measured by the proportion of responders according to the Subject's Global Assessment (SGA) of Relief was assessed as the primary outcome. For the secondary outcomes, validated IBS-D associated symptom questionnaires, exploratory biomarkers and microbiome data were collected.
Results:
The proportions of SGA of Relief responders after 12 wk were comparable in both groups, namely 21% in the G-PUR® group and 25% in the placebo group. After 4 wk of treatment, 36% of patients in the G-PUR® group vs 0% in the placebo group reported complete or considerable relief. An improvement in daily abdominal pain was noted in 94% vs 83% (P = 0.0353), and the median number of days with diarrhea per week decreased by 2.4 d vs 0.3 d in the G-PUR® and placebo groups, respectively. Positive trends were observed for 50% of responders in the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Positive trends were also noted for combined abdominal pain and stool consistency response and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire score. Only 64% in the G-PUR® group compared to 86% in the placebo group required rescue medication intake during the study. Stool microbiome studies showed a minor increase in diversity in the G-PUR® group but not in the placebo group. No PCT-related serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusion:
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the PCT product, G-PUR®, demonstrated safety and clinical benefit towards some symptoms of IBS-D, representing a promising novel treatment option for these patients.
Asbestos and zeolites are silicate-based minerals, linked inextricably via paradoxical similarities and differences which have emanated from different geological epochs. Both have been employed in the service of humanity through millennia: asbestos, for its "inextinguishable" quality of being an insulator against heat and fire; zeolite, a "boiling stone" with its volcanic and marine sedimentary rock origins, for its propensity to adsorb water and remove metals and toxins. Serious adverse health effects observed in asbestos miners as long ago as the 1st Century AD did not halt the rising popularity of asbestos. As the miracle material of the 1900s, asbestos production and consumption exploded, culminating in its ubiquity in ships, vehicles, homes, commercial buildings, and over 3000 different industrial and household products. Through the 1940s and 1950s, epidemiological studies concluded that asbestos was a likely cause of asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma, and it is now banned in many but far from all countries. The long latency between exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of cancer has obscured the deadly consequences of asbestos exposure for centuries. Even today, a considerable part of the world population is insufficiently aware of the dangers of asbestos, and millions of tons of this carcinogen continue to be mined and used worldwide. Zeolites, both natural and synthetic, are microporous aluminosilicate minerals commonly used in a myriad of processes, in the petrochemical industry, in domestic appliances and cleaning agents, as commercial adsorbents and exchangers for toxins and pollutants, and as catalysts. Zeolites are found in agriculture, veterinary science, and human health. More recently, new materials such as carbon nanotubes are being employed in materials requiring durability and thermal and electrical conductivity, yet nanotubes are now joining the ranks of more established particulates such as asbestos and silica, in causing human disease. In this review, we compare and contrast the similarities and differences of these two groups of silicate minerals and their waxing and waning use in the employ of humanity.
Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is considered as one of the most promising routes to upgrade bio-oil for high value-added chemicals. In the study, the gas-phase HDO of guaiacol in atmosphere and 350 °C over Ni-based catalysts modified by Fe, Ga, Ce, La, or Sm on HUSY zeolite support was carried on. The effect of promotors, bimetallic/monometallic catalysts and Ni loading on HDO activity was investigated. The results showed that phenols and aromatic hydrocarbon were the main products and Ni was the main metal active site. Compared with monometallic metal catalysts, the promoters, such as Fe, Ga, Ce, La, and Sm, inhibited the aggregation of Ni, promoted Ni dispersion, and improved the HDO activity of guaiacol significantly. The highest conversion of 98.36% was performed over 10%Sm-20%Ni/HUSY, and the highest degree of hydrodeoxygenation (HDO%) of 7.7% was obtained over 10%La–20%Ni/HUSY catalysts. For Ce, Ga, and Fe modified catalysts, hydroquinone selectivity was higher than that over La and Sm modified catalysts. However, for La and Sm modified catalysts, phenols selectivity increased, and more aromatic hydrocarbon was formed. The HDO activity was improved via increasing Ni loading. Direct deoxygenation and hydrogenation were the more reasonable reaction pathways for gas phase guaiacol atmospheric HDO over Ni-based bimetallic HUSY catalysts.
BACKGROUND
Patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the gastrointestinal tract suffer frequently from chronic diarrhea. A well characterized medical advice containing zeolite (Detoxsan® powder) was applied to patients suffered from therapy-refractory diarrhea either by its frequency or by watery stool, despite receiving standard pharmacotherapy according to the guidelines for carcinoid syndrome and comorbidities. Detoxsan® powder acts as an adsorbent and might reduce significantly symptoms of diarrhea in patients suffering from NETs.
AIM
To overcome the therapy-refractory diarrhea of patients with NETs by the zeolite containing medical advice Detoxsan® powder.
METHODS
A total of 20 patients (12 female and 8 male) suffering from diarrhea either by its frequency or from watery stool caused by NETs were included. In each patient, the diagnosis had been confirmed by histology and somatostatin receptors expression proven by positron emission tomography/computed tomography using Ga-68-labeled somatostatin analogs. All patients received standard-of-care pharmacotherapy and were additionally given Detoxsan® powder as an extemporaneous drug containing 90% natural Cuban zeolite and 10% magnesium aspartate. Recommended daily dosage ranges between 3 g once to three times per day. Each day dose and bowel movements were documented by the patients themselves in a pre-defined table. Additionally to the bowel movements quantitative determinations of serotonin, urea, creatinine and single ions were performed within the serum of the patients by commercially available equipment used as a matter of routine in the clinic.
RESULTS
All patients enrolled in this pilot study did not only suffer from NETs, but also from comorbidities and treatment-resistant diarrhea. There was insufficient control of diarrhea, most probably due to the secretion of hormones like serotonin produced by the slowly growing and highly differentiated NETs. All patients only took Detoxsan® powder as an antidiarrheal drug. In general, response effects need several days to become perceptible and require an intake of Detoxsan® powder for an extended time period or intermittently, if persisting stabilization of bowel movements could not be achieved. A correlation between NET grade, part and size of bowel resection and functionality of the tumor could not be demonstrated. Therefore, diarrhea seemed to be based on the metabolic activity of the well-differentiated NETs, which eventually led to treatment resistance. In summary, 14 out of the 20 patients (70%) declared to be very content with using Detoxsan® powder and observed a significant reduction of diarrhea, while the effective dose and intake period that resulted in a symptom relief varied individually.
CONCLUSION
Detoxsan® powder is able to reduce significantly symptoms of NET-related diarrhea in the majority of patients. The duration of taking Detoxsan® powder and its dosage vary individually.
Ornamental aquaculture nutrition is profoundly different from conventional aquaculture nutrition from several points of views as the prices, finality and diversity. This paper tries to answer to some simple questions: do modern ornamental fish feeds reflect more physiological fish needs or aquarist expectations? What are the driving forces behind the modern aquarium nutrition? On the light of the considerations made in this paper, it emerges that popularity of ornamental aquaculture is largely influenced by a progressive humanization of ornamental fish. Obesity and longevity transfer is the most evident nutritional effect of pet proximity to humans and this special kind of ‘contagion’ is observable in ornamental fish too. Assuming that aquarium fish have been humanized, ornamental fish industry has taken profit from this. A drastic change happens to fish feeds after crossing the human doorstep. This is probably ignored by humans, but not by ornamental aquafeed companies that sometimes induce erroneous customer expectations to improve their profits. Feeding an ornamental fish in our modern society represents a symbolic action more referred to humans than to fish physiological needs; therefore, human psychology affects the ornamental fish feeds quality much more than the fish physiology. This is the main and illogical conclusion of this paper. This paper tries to enlighten some unexpected relationship between us (humans) and this modern category of domesticated animals: aquarium fish and to give some possible future perspectives.
It is an economical and environment-friendly method to produce renewable and sustainable oil by upgrading pyrolysis bio-oil containing phenolics. Among all upgrading methods, the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO)-based method of converting bio-oil into renewable fuels is one of the most promising and interesting technologies for the bio-oil refining, which can produce renewable fuels that have comparable quality to conventional fossil fuels. A high hydrogen pressure is usually required for HDO process when using the traditional hydrotreating catalysts. In recent years, molecular sieves supported noble metal and/or transition metal catalysts have been introduced in the reaction of lignin-derived bio-oil upgrading.. This paper summaries the HDO catalysts such as noble metal and transition metal catalysts that are supported on microporous molecular sieves, mesoporous molecular sieves and porous molecular sieves, as well as the HDO activities and the HDO reaction pathyways. The investigation of hydrodeoxygenation of phenolic model compounds in bio-oil over various metal(s)/molecular sieves is crucial to understand catalyst behavior for the hydrodeoxygenation process and to illuminate the reaction pathways of hydrodeoxygenation.
Purpose
The cation exchanger, a potentiated clinoptilolite (Absorbatox™ 2.4D), is a synthetically enhanced aluminosilicate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible benefits of a potentiated clinoptilolite as a gastroprotective agent in reducing the severity of clinical symptoms and signs associated with 1) endoscopically negative gastroesophageal reflux disease (ENGORD) and 2) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) medication.
Methods and patients
Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot studies, the ENGORD and NSAID studies, were conducted. After initial negative gastroscopy, a total of 25 patients suffering from ENGORD were randomized to receive either placebo capsules or 750 mg Absorbatox twice daily for 14 days. The NSAID study recruited 23 healthy patients who received orally either 1,500 mg Absorbatox or placebo three times daily, plus 500 mg naproxen twice daily. Patients underwent gastroscopic evaluation of their stomach linings prior to and on day 14 of the study. Gastric biopsies were obtained and evaluated via the upgraded Sydney system, whereas visible gastric events and status of the gastric mucosa were evaluated via a 0–3 rating scale. During both studies, patients recorded gastric symptoms in a daily symptom diary.
Results
In the ENGORD study, patients who received the potentiated clinoptilolite reported a significant reduction (P≤0.05) in severity of symptoms including reduction in heartburn (44%), discomfort (54%), and pain (56%). Symptom-free days improved by 41% compared to the group who received placebo (not significant). This was over and above the benefits seen with the proton pump inhibitor. In the NSAID study, the reduction in gastric symptom severity was echoed in the group who received the potentiated clinoptilolite. Treatment with the potentiated clinoptilolite resulted in significant prevention (P≤0.05) of mucosal erosion severity as graded by the gastroenterologist.
Conclusion
Absorbatox is a nonabsorbable aluminosilicate with potential gastroprotective benefits as it protected against ENGORD symptoms and NSAID-induced gastric events. The exact mechanism of action is not clear but may be due to its binding to hydrogen ions and biologically active amines and nitrates.
A possibility of the creation of potentiometric biosensor by adsorption of enzyme urease on zeolite was investigated. Several variants of zeolites (nano beta, calcinated nano beta, silicalite, and nano L) were chosen for experiments. The surface of pH-sensitive field-effect transistors was modified with particles of zeolites, and then the enzyme was adsorbed. As a control, we used the method of enzyme immobilization in glutaraldehyde vapour (without zeolites). It was shown that all used zeolites can serve as adsorbents (with different effectiveness). The biosensors obtained by urease adsorption on zeolites were characterized by good analytical parameters (signal reproducibility, linear range, detection limit and the minimal drift factor of a baseline). In this work, it was shown that modification of the surface of pH-sensitive field-effect transistors with zeolites can improve some characteristics of biosensors.
There have been comparatively few investigations reported of radiation effects in zeolites, although it is known that these materials may be modified substantially by exposure to ionizing radiation. Thus, by exposure to γ-rays or high-energy particles, the charge states of atoms may be changed so to create, and accumulate, lattice point defects, and to form structurally disordered regions. Such a technique may permit the creation, in a controlled fashion, of additionally useful properties of the material while preserving its essential stoichiometry and structure. Accordingly, we present an application, in which the cation-exchange capacity of a natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) is substantially enhanced, for the treatment/decontamination of water contaminated with radionuclides e.g. (134)Cs, (137)Cs and (90)Sr, by its exposure to high-energy (8 MeV) electrons, and to different total doses.
Measurement by impedance spectroscopy of the changes in intrazeolitic cation motion of pressed pellets of zeolite particles upon adsorption of dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP) provides a strategy for sensing DMMP, a commonly used simulant for highly toxic organophosphate nerve agents. In this work, two strategies for improving the impedance spectroscopy based sensing of DMMP on zeolites were investigated. The first one is the use of cerium oxide (CeO(2)) coated on the zeolite surface to neutralize acidic groups that may cause the decomposition of DMMP, and results in better sensor recovery. The second strategy was to explore the use of zeolite Y membrane. Compared to pressed pellets, the membranes have connected supercages of much longer length scales. The zeolite membranes resulted in higher sensitivity to DMMP, but recovery of the device was significantly slower as compared to pressed zeolite pellets.
Increasing consumer demand for healthier food products has led to the development of governmental policies regarding health claims in many developed countries. In this context, contamination of poultry by food-borne pathogens is considered one of the major problems facing the progress of the poultry industry in Tunisia.
Zeolite (Clinoptilolites) was added to chicken feed at concentrations 0,5% or 1% and was evaluated for its effectiveness to reduce total flora in chickens and its effects on performance of the production. The broilers were given free and continuous access to a nutritionally non-limiting diet (in meal form)that was either a basal diet or a' zeolite diet' (the basal diet supplemented with clinoptilolite at a level of 0,5% or 1%). It was found that adding zeolite in the broiler diet significantly (p < 0,05) reduced total flora levels, as compared to the control, on the chicken body. In addition, it was found that zeolite treatment had a positive effect on performance production and organoleptic parameters that were measured and mainly on the increase level of Omega 3 fatty acid.
This study showed the significance of using zeolite, as a feed additive for broilers, as part of a comprehensive program to control total flora at the broiler farm and to increase level of Omega 3 fatty acid on the chicken body.
Zeolite 4A, synthetic silicate, has been shown to exhibit diverse biological activities such as anti-cancer and anti-oxidant activity. In the present study, we report that the zeolite 4A may improve skin-whitening. We found that zeolite 4A inhibited melanin production in a dose-dependent manner, which has not cytotoxicity. Zeolite 4A also inhibited alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)-induced melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells. Interestingly, zeolite 4A decreased alpha-MSH-induced tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells, which did not inhibit tyrosinase activity under cell-free conditions. The results of this study indicate that zeolite 4A may reduce pigmentation by way of an indirect nonenzymatic mechanism. We also found that zeolite 4A decreased alpha-MSH-induced microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase expression and that zeolite 4A induced the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). These results suggest that the depigmenting effect of zeolite 4A may result from the down-regulation of MITF and tyrosinase expression by increasing ERK activity. The results thus provide evidence that zeolite 4A can be used as a potential skin-whitening agent.
Clinoptilolite (CLI, a natural zeolite), incorporated into the diet at 50 g/kg, was evaluated for its ability to reduce the deleterious effects of 2.0 mg total aflatoxin (AF;83.06% AFB1, 12.98% AFB2, 2.84% AFG1 and 1.12% AFG2)/kg diet on growing Japanese quail chicks from 10 to 45 d of age. A total of 40 Japanese quail chicks were divided into 4 treatment groups (control, AF, CLI, AF plus CLI) each consisting of 10 chicks. The performance of the birds was evaluated. The AF treatment significantly decreased food consumption and body weight gain from the 3rd week onwards. The adverse effect of AF on food conversion ratio was also significant from week 4 of the experiment. The addition of CLI to an AF-containing diet significantly reduced the deleterious effects of AF on food consumption, body weight gain and food conversion ratio. Food consumption was reduced by 14% in quail chicks consuming the AF diet without CLI, but by only 6% for quail chicks consuming the AF plus CLI diet. Similarly, overall body weight gain was reduced by 27% in birds consuming the AF diet without CLI, but by only 8% for birds consuming the AF plus CLI diet. The addition of CLI to the AF-free diet significantly decreased food consumption and body weight gain during week 4, but these parameters were similar to the controls in week 5. No mortality was observed in any of the groups. These results suggest that CLI effectively diminished the detrimental effects of AF on the variables investigated in this study.
Natural zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates with unique adsorption, cation-exchange, and catalytic properties that have multiple uses in industry and agriculture. TMAZ, a natural zeolite clinoptilolite with enhanced physicochemical properties, is the basis of the dietary supplements Megamin and Lycopenomin, which have demonstrated antioxidant activity in humans. The aim of this prospective, open, and controlled parallel-group study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with TMAZ on the cellular immune system in patients undergoing treatment for immunodeficiency disorder. A total of 61 patients were administered daily TMAZ doses of 1.2 g (Lycopenomin) and 3.6 g (Megamin) for 6 to 8 weeks, during which the patients' primary medical therapy was continued unchanged. Blood and lymphocyte counts were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Blood count parameters were not relevantly affected in either of the two treatment groups. Megamin administration resulted in significantly increased CD4+, CD19+, and HLA-DR+ lymphocyte counts and a significantly decreased CD56+ cell count. Lycopenomin was associated with an increased CD3+ cell count and a decreased CD56+ lymphocyte count. No adverse reactions to the treatments were observed.
This study was conducted to evaluate the pathological changes in broilers fed a diet containing low-levels of aflatoxin (AF) and clinoptilolite (CLI) until 42 days of age. A total of 576 one-day-old Ross-308 type broiler chicks were treated with varying levels of AF and CLI (15 g kg(-1)). The gross and histopathological changes in the liver, kidneys, spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius were investigated and relative organ weights were calculated. Compared to controls, significant changes (P<0.05), such as slight to moderate hydropic degeneration and/or fatty change (8 cases of 10), bile-duct hyperplasia (7 of 10) and periportal fibrosis (5 of 10), were found in chicks fed 100 ppb AF-containing diet. No gross-pathological changes were observed in any treatments. The addition of CLI to the 100 ppb AF-containing diet significantly decreased the number of affected broilers and/or the severity of lesions (hydropic degeneration and bile-duct hyperplasia) in the livers (P<0.05). The addition of CLI to the AF-free diet did not produce any significant lesions compared with the controls.
Clinoptilolite is a nontoxic natural zeolite with properties of an ion-exchanger and adsorbent. Earlier studies showed that clinoptilolite could be an adjuvant in cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to define effects of clinoptilolite in cell media on cell viability and activity of key proteins regulating cell survival, cell division and stress response. The number of viable cells, DNA synthesis and activity of EGF-R, PKB/Akt and NF?B was reduced, while apoptosis was increased in cells that were cultured in medium supplemneted with clinoptilolite. These results might be due to adsorbtion of some serum components such as EGF to clinoptilolite. In treated medium without serum the predominant role of clinoptilolite is that of cation exchange, likely affecting calcium levels and calcium-dependent signalling pathways. These results are in line with other data that confirm enhanced apoptosis in cells incubated in treated medium. Together, data presented here demonstrate that clinoptilolite affects cellular microenvironment through mechanisms that are dependent on adsorptive and ion-exchange characteristics of this material.
Fifty-two clinically healthy Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to their age and parity. The first group (A) consisted of 17 cows that were fed a concentrate ration supplemented with 1.25 per cent clinoptilolite, the second group (B) consisted of 17 cows fed a ration supplemented with 2.5 per cent clinoptilolite, and the third group (C) consisted of 18 cows, which were fed the basal ration containing no clinoptilolite. The rations were fed from four weeks before the cows' expected parturition dates until the beginning of the next dry period. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the start of the experiment, on the day of calving and then monthly, and analysed for serum glucose, ketone bodies, liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and total proteins. The milk yield of each cow was recorded monthly. The cows in group B had significantly fewer cases of clinical ketosis during the first month after calving and a higher total milk yield. Feeding the cows with clinoptilolite for a long period had no apparent adverse effects on their liver function, and did not significantly affect the concentrations of glucose, ketone bodies, BUN and total proteins in their serum.
The aim of this research was to evaluate, on a weekly basis, the effects of aflatoxins on the activity of digestive enzymes (alpha-amylase, lipase, and trypsin) in the pancreas as well as on the performance and histology of pancreas in broiler chickens over the course of 42 days. One thousand and eighty 1-day-old male Cobb broilers were divided into four treatments with 18 replicates and 15 birds per replicate (i.e., 270 broilers per treatment). Treatments were established according to the amount of aflatoxins added to the diet, as follows: T1 = 0 mg of aflatoxins per kilogram of feed (mg/kg); T2 = 0.7 mg/kg; T3 = 1.7 mg/kg; and T4 = 2.8 mg/kg. Pancreas sample collection was performed from one bird out of each replicate at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of experiment, which yielded a total of 18 samples per treatment on each collection. Each sample was homogenized in distilled water, frozen in liquid nitrogen, lyophilized, and stored at -20 C until analysis. Performance parameters (body weight, feed consumption, and feed conversion rate) were measured at 21, 35, and 42 days of experiment. At the end of the experiment (42 days), six birds from each treatment were randomly chosen for histologic evaluation of the pancreas. The presence of aflatoxins in the diet induced a negative effect on all performance parameters. The pancreatic activity of lipase and alpha-amylase were significantly increased in treatments T3 and T4, while the specific activity of trypsin was only affected during treatment T4. In addition, several histologic changes were observed in the pancreas of birds receiving aflatoxin-contaminated feed. Aflatoxins present in the feed determined an increase in the activity of pancreatic enzymes in broilers, affecting the digestibility of the diet, thereby leading to losses in performance and productivity.
Aim:
Oxidative stress is considered one of the main events that lead to aging and neurodegeneration. Antioxidant treatments used to counteract oxidative damage have been associated with a wide variety of side effects or at the utmost to be ineffective. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant property of a natural mineral, the tribomechanically micronized zeolite (MZ).
Main methods:
Cell death and oxidative stress were assessed in retinoic acid differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, a neuronal-like cell line, after a pro-oxidant stimulus. In vivo evaluation of antioxidant activity and amyloidogenic processing of beta amyloid have been evaluated in a transgenic model of aging related neurodegeneration, the APPswePS1dE9 transgenic mice (tg mice) after a five-month long period of water supplementation with MZ.
Key findings:
The study showed that 24h of cell pretreatment with MZ (1) protected the cells by radical oxygen species (ROS)-induced cell death and moreover (2) induced a reduction of the mitochondrial ROS production following a pro-oxidant stimulation. Looking for an antioxidant effect of MZ in vivo, we found (3) an increased activity of the endogenous antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampus of tg mice and (4) a reduction in amyloid levels and plaque load in MZ treated tg mice compared to control tg mice.
Significance:
Our results suggest MZ as a novel potential adjuvant in counteracting oxidative stress and plaque accumulation in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.
Ion exchange properties of five different Japanese natural zeolites in seawater were examined. Sodium ions could be reduced by all zeolites, although anions, Cl(-) and SO(4)(2-), in seawater showed barely changes. Natural zeolite desalination treatment mainly depends on the ion exchange between Na(+), K(+) and Mg(2+) in seawater and Ca(2+) in natural zeolite. This study found that mordenite is superior to clinoptilolite for use in Na(+) reduction. Mordenite with high cation exchange capacity containing Ca(2+) resulted in the highest Na(+) reduction from seawater.
In earlier work, we have reported that a phyllosilicate clay (HSCAS or NovaSil) can tightly and selectively bind the aflatoxins in vitro and in vivo. Since then, a variety of untested clay and zeolitic minerals have been added to poultry and livestock feeds as potential "aflatoxin binders." However, the efficacy and safety of these products have not been determined. A common zeolite that has been frequently added to animal feed is clinoptilolite. Our objectives in this study were twofold: (1) to utilize the pregnant rat as an in vivo model to compare the potential of HSCAS and clinoptilolite to prevent the developmental toxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AfB1), and (2) to determine the effect of these two sorbents on the metabolism and bioavailability of AfB1. Clay and zeolitic minerals (HSCAS or clinoptilolite) were added to the diet at a level of 0.5% (w/w) and fed to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats throughout pregnancy (i.e., day 0 to 20). Treatment groups (HSCAS or clinoptilolite) alone and in combination with AfB1 were exposed to sorbents in the feed as well as by gavage. Untreated and AfB1 control animals were fed the basal diet without added sorbent. Between gestation days 6 and 13, animals maintained on diets containing sorbent were gavaged with corn oil in combination with an amount of the respective sorbent equivalent to 0.5% of the estimated maximum daily intake of feed. Animals receiving AfB1 were dosed orally (between days 6 and 13) with AfB1 (2 mg/kg body wt) either alone or concomitantly with a similar quantity of the respective sorbent. Evaluations of toxicity were performed on day 20. These included: maternal (mortality, body weights, feed intake, and litter weights), developmental (embryonic resorptions and fetal body weights), and histological (maternal livers and kidneys). Sorbents alone were not toxic; AfB1 alone and with clinoptilolite resulted in significant maternal and developmental toxicity. Animals treated with HSCAS (plus AfB1) were comparable to controls. Importantly, clinoptilolite (plus AfB1) resulted in severe maternal liver lesions (more severe than AfB1 alone), suggesting that this zeolite may interact with dietary components that modulate aflatoxicosis. In metabolism studies, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, maintained on diets containing 0.5% (w/w) HSCAS or clinoptilolite, were dosed orally with 2.0 mg AfB1/kg body wt. The concentration of the major urinary metabolite (AfM1) was considerably decreased in the presence of HSCAS. These results suggest that the mechanism of protection of AfB1-induced maternal and developmental toxicities in the rat may involve adsorption and reduction of AfB1 bioavailability in vivo. Importantly, this study demonstrates the potential for significant hidden risks associated with the inclusion of nonselective aflatoxin binders in feeds. Aflatoxin sorbents should be rigorously tested individually and thoroughly characterized in vivo, paying particular attention to their effectiveness and safety in sensitive animal models and their potential for deleterious interactions.
The effects of feeding clinoptilolite on hematology, performance, and health of newborn Balouchi lambs were evaluated in this experiment. In a completely randomized design, 30 newborn lambs were allocated to three groups and fed by basal diet (C0; without clinoptilolite) and C1 and C2 (the basal diet plus 1.5% and 3% clinoptilolite, respectively, for 6 weeks (3 weeks before and 3 weeks after weaning)). Blood samples were taken from all lambs, at the time when the animals were allocated to the experimental diet and at the end of each week of experiment, and analyzed for hematology, plasma fibrinogen, and total protein. Performance and health of all lambs were measured. Fecal consistency score and diarrhea severity were evaluated. There was no difference between lambs in case of hematological parameters. Lambs fecal consistency score and severity of diarrhea were lowest (P < 0.05) for lambs on C1 and C2 and highest for lambs on C0. Dry matter intake and feed conservation ratio were similar between the groups of lambs fed by different diets, but daily gain of lambs differed significantly (P < 0.05) and was higher in C2. It was concluded that addition of 3% clinoptilolite to starter diet of newborn lamb can reduce incidence and severity of diarrhea, although its effect on hematology and performance was negligible.
In the first series of trials, the physiological values of tissue cholinesterases were determined in the male rats of the Wistar strain. In the second series of trials the rats were perorally intoxicated with dichlorvos at the doses of 200.0, 128.0, 81.9, 65.5 and 52.4 mg per kg live weight. The objective of the trials was to examine the distribution of dichlorvos in the body of a rat on the basis of tissue cholinesterase inhibition. A marked decrease in the level of tissue cholinesterases was recorded at all the dichlorvos doses. In the third series of trials the protective effect of clinoptilolite was verified; clinoptilolite as a sorbent of natural origin has been administered per os at the dose of 1.0 g per kg live weight just before the intoxication with dichlorvos. The results document a marked protective effect of clinoptilolite on most of the tissues studied.
Weanling Landrace X Yorkshire swine were fed a basal diet or a diet containing 3% clinoptilolite (a natural zeolite) with or without 150 ppm CdCl2 or 3% zeolite NaA (a synthetic zeolite) with or without 150 ppm CdCl2 for 31 days. Hematocrit and hemoglobin were depressed significantly in animals fed Cd in the absence of zeolites, but not in their presence. Liver Cd concentration was increased dramatically by added dietary Cd but was significantly lower in animals fed clinoptilolite with Cd than in those fed Cd alone (11.4 vs 16.5 ppm). Liver Fe and Zn were decreased by dietary Cd; liver Fe was not affected significantly by clinoptilolite or zeolite NaA, but liver Zn was increased by zeolite NaA. Kidney dry matter, Zn, and Cd concentrations were increased by dietary Cd; neither clinoptilolite nor zeolite NaA affected kidney Cd concentration. Zeolite NaA increased kidney dry matter both in the presence and in the absence of dietary Cd. Plasma urea-N, K, Na, and Mg were unaffected by Cd or by either zeolite. The data illustrate the different effects of dietary clinoptilolite compared with zeolite NaA on blood plasma, liver, and kidney concentrations of minerals and provide evidence that both zeolites offer some protection against Cd-induced Fe-deficiency anemia; the magnitude of this protection and the effects of each zeolite on tissue concentrations of Cd and other materials need further quantification.
Zeolite A is a synthetic zeolite which may have therapeutic utility in osteoporotic individuals because of its ability to stimulate bone formation. A study of Zeolite A (30 mg/kg), sodium aluminosilicate (16 mg/kg), magnesium trisilicate (20 mg/kg), and aluminum hydroxide (675 mg) was designed in beagle dogs. The purpose of this study was to compare the oral bioavailability of silicon and aluminum from Zeolite A, sodium aluminosilicate, magnesium trisilicate, and aluminum hydroxide in dogs. Twelve female dogs received each compound as a single dose separated by one week in a randomized, 4-way, crossover design. Plasma samples were drawn at time 0 and for 24 hours after dosing. The concentrations of silicon and aluminum were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption. The mean plasma silicon AUC values (+/- S.D.) were 9.5 +/- 4.5, 7.7 +/- 1.6, 8.8 +/- 3.0, 6.1 +/- 1.9 mg.hr/L and the mean plasma silicon Cmax values (+/- S.D.) were 1.07 +/- 1.06, 0.67 +/- 0.27, 0.75 +/- 0.31, 0.44 +/- 0.17 mg/L for Zeolite A, sodium aluminosilicate, magnesium trisilicate, and aluminum hydroxide respectively. Although mean silicon AUC and Cmax values were elevated when compared to baseline after administration of the silicon containing compounds, only the AUC from Zeolite A reached statistical significance (p = 0.041). The mean plasma silicon Tmax values (+/- S.D.) were 7.9 +/- 6.4, 5.8 +/- 4.6, 6.9 +/- 6.3 and 8.5 +/- 3.4 hrs for Zeolite A, sodium aluminosilicate, magnesium trisilicate and aluminum Hydroxide respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
In the present paper the effect of zeolite tuff (61% clinoptilolite) was investigated on cholinesterase activity in brain, liver, spleen, femoral muscle, heart, stomach, duodenum, colon and erythrocytes in sewer-rats after peroral intoxication with VX substance (65.5 micrograms/kg). Fig. 1 shows the ChE activity in the tissues and erythrocytes in the animals of control group and in the group of animals after intoxication with VX substance. The highest activity in the control group was found in brain and duodenum. The enzyme activity in the femoral muscle had the lowest values. A significant decrease in the ChE activity (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01) occurred in all the investigated samples in the group of animals intoxicated with the VX substance. highest enzyme inhibition was observed in erythrocytes (97.9%), stomach (97.9%), brain (95.4%) and liver (94.7%) if compared with the control group. The relatively lowest inhibition was found out in duodenum and colon. In the group administered zeolite before intoxication (1.0 g/kg five minutes before intoxication) the ChE activity was significantly higher in almost all investigated samples than in the group without zeolite (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01)-Fig. 2. The duodenum is an exception, in which the ChE activity in the zeolite group was lower than in the zeolite-free group (P < 0.001), as well as the colon, in which there were no significant differences in the activity between the groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The long term carcinogenicity of clinoptilolite was examined in Wistar rats. Respirable clinoptilolite was given intratracheally in doses 0, 30, or 60 mg/animal to groups of 60 or 50 male and 50 female rats on one occasion. No significant dose-related increase was found in the incidence of tumours in any organ or tissue. The results indicated that clinoptilolite type zeolite had no carcinogenic activity in Wistar rats.
The efficiency of the sorbent prepared by immobilization of [Iron(II)hexacyanoferrate(II)] on clinoptilolite--marked as ZEOFe--in reduction of the radiocaesium Cs-137 has been in vivo investigated in sheep. It was found that an application of this modified clinoptilolite affected both primary and secondary resorption of Cs-137 also by interrupting the enteral cycle of radiocaesium in sheep. It was proved that ZEOFe accelerated approx. twice the excretion of Cs-137 from sheep's body. The whole effect resulted in 15 to 50 times lowering of the equilibrium concentration of radiocaesium in the case of constant intake of the contaminated feed and simultaneous application of 50 grams of ZEOFe daily. The actual reduction depends mainly on the way of administration. The reduction of Cs-137 by non-modified clinoptilolite--ZEO--has been investigated, too. More than 10x lower sorption efficiency has been observed in comparison with ZEOFe.
1. One hundred and twenty 16-week-old single combed pullets of three strains were fed on a diet containing 135 g protein/kg with or without 50 g clinoptilolite/kg in a trial with 20 hens per treatment. Sterile river sand replaced clinoptilotile in the control diet in order to keep the diets isoenergetic. The hens were individually caged in a naturally ventilated laying house and fed one of the two diets for ten 28-d periods. 2. Significant dietary effects of feeding clinoptilolite were observed with number of eggs laid per hen, shell thickness, efficiency of food utilisation and droppings moisture content. No significant dietary effects between treatments were observed with body weight, age at first egg, egg weight. Haugh units, food intake/hen and rate of amino acid absorption of radioactive lysine and methionine into the bloodstream. Significant differences between strains were observed with regard to all parameters except food intake/hen. There were no significant strain X clinoptilolite interactions.
The application of zeoliferous rocks, from Metaxades region (Thrace, Greece) to soils contaminated with mercury significantly reduced the concentrations of mercury in the shoots and roots of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Use of natural zeolites at application rates of 1%, 2% and 5% by soil weight caused reductions in mercury concentrations of up to 86.0% in shoots and 58.2% in roots, compared with controls with no added zeolites. The reductions are more pronounced in above-ground plant material than in roots of the two plant species. The use of natural zeolites, as soil additives, to reduce the uptake of mercury by plants and the restriction of the entry of mercury into the food chain, is noted.
In our previous paper, we reported the restoration promoting effects of mineral-encaging zeolite-processed water, especially of a Fe-encaging one, on tributyltin chloride (TBTCl)-intoxicated Euglena gracilis. This present study extends the investigation on the behavior of TBTCl and a xenobiotic enzyme, cytochrome P-450, in Euglena cells incubated with or without Fe-encaging zeolite-processed water (FeZW). Subcellular fractionation of TBTCl-intoxicated Euglena cells, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and GC analyses showed that TBTCl was rapidly incorporated into the cells to halt cell motility. GC-MS showed that FeZW promoted conversion of TBTCl to dibutyltin (DBT) as the major metabolite in the microsomal fraction of the cells. An in vitro incubation system with heat-treated microsomes did not convert TBTCl to DBT. The contribution of cytochrome P-450 in the microsomal fraction was suggested by an immunochemical method. The results suggest that the improvement of detoxification by FeZW in the TBT-intoxicated Euglena cells should be due to activation of biotransformation system of the Euglena cells by FeZW.
Bench-scale packed zeolite columns were set up and operated to investigate the continuous removal of ammonium ions from compost leachate. The effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT), and particle size of the zeolite on the ammonia adsorption capacity were studied. For both the coarse particle and the powdered zeolite columns, higher ammonia removal efficiencies were achieved with longer HRT (i.e., lower influent flow rate) tests. At the same HRT, ammonia removal efficiencies from tests with powdered zeolite were generally 20% higher than tests with the coarse particle zeolite. A HRT of 6 hours was found appropriate for efficient ammonia removal, and an operating capacity of 1.31 mg N/g zeolite was obtained. Over 98% of the ammonia input from the influent was consistently removed for over 5 bed volumes (BV) of compost leachate flowing through the zeolite column. Zeolite proved to have a great potential as a medium for ammonia removal in treating composting leachate.
In order to determine whether clinoptilolite, a naturally occurring zeolite, had any ameliorative effect on lead (Pb) toxicity to fungi, a series of growth experiments were performed. Three fungi, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, and Fusarium culmorum, were grown on appropriately amended solid agar media, and their linear extension rates determined. B. cinerea was 25% inhibited, as compared to a control, at 100 mg dm(-3) Pb, and completely inhibited at 1000 mg dm(-3) Pb. F. culmorum was completely inhibited, and A. niger 97% inhibited at 1000 mg dm(-3) Pb. The addition of 3% clinoptilolite partially removed this inhibition in the case of A. niger and B. cinerea and almost completely removed it for F. culmorum. At a constant 500 mg dm(-3) Pb, increasing concentrations of clinoptilolite increased the linear extension rate of F. culmorum and B. cinerea, close to the rates achieved by the untreated controls. A. niger was not inhibited markedly at this Pb concentration. The evidence suggests that the Pb is adsorbed by the clinoptilolite which reduces the availability, and hence toxicity, of the metal to the fungi.
Land application of sewage sludge may be the least energy consuming and the most cost-effective means of sludge disposal or utilization. However, the major technical problem with land application of sludge concerns the high concentrations of heavy metals. These metals may be leached and enter the ecosystem, the food chain, and eventually the human population. This paper deals with the removal of heavy metals from sewage sludge compost using natural zeolite clinoptilolite, in respect to the particle size. The final results indicate that heavy metals can be sufficiently removed by using 25% w/w of zeolite with particle size of 3.3-4.0 mm. Pore clogging and structural damage in smaller particle sizes is probably the reason for lower uptake of metals by the latter.
This study was undertaken to the study toxic effects of aflatoxins and reducing toxic effects of calcium propionate on performance, hepatic enzyme activities and aflatoxin residues in broilers. Two hundred and seventy 1-day-old hybrid Arbor Acor broiler chickens were fed conventional feed for 3 days. Broilers were then randomly divided into nine groups of 30 birds each. The nine dietary treatments consisted of (1) conventional feed as a negative control diet, (2) 0.25% calcium propionate, (3) 0.5% calcium propionate, (4) 50 ppb aflatoxin B1, (5) 50 ppb aflatoxin B1 plus 0.25% calcium propionate, (6) 50 ppb aflatoxin B1 plus 0.5% calcium propionate, (7) 100 ppb aflatoxin B1, (8) 100 ppb aflatoxin B1 plus 0.25% calcium propionate, (9) 100 ppb aflatoxin B1 plus 0.5% calcium propionate. Test diets were offered for 6 weeks continuously and the birds were sacrificed. Decreased body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were observed in aflatoxin treated groups whereas aflatoxin B1-calcium propionate supplemented diet groups increased, in comparison to the control group. Significant difference was observed after 4 weeks of feeding. Serum samples were tested for gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma-GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Gamma-GGT, AST and ALT were significantly increased in aflatoxin treated groups, in comparison among the dietary treated groups. Muscle and liver tissues were analyzed for aflatoxin residues. The residual levels of aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin M1 were significantly higher in liver than in muscle. The levels in the liver and the muscle were highest in the aflatoxin B1-supplemented groups and lower in the aflatoxin B1-calcium propionate supplemented groups. Results of this study indicate that addition of calcium propionate to diets containing aflatoxin B1 appears to be effective in reducing toxicity. Aflatoxin contamination in broiler feed may cause economic losses by lowering body weight gain. Therefore, lower levels of aflatoxin B1 in the chicken feeds should be required if all acceptable risk is to be avoided. Additionally, the risk of aflatoxins in broiler as a food appears to remain very low, although the levels of aflatoxins in human foods should be kept as low as possible to reduce the incidence of hepatic cancer.
The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effect of clinoptilolite (a natural zeolite) supplementation in the ration of dairy cows on serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations. Fifty-two clinically healthy Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to their age and parity. The first group (group A) comprised 17 cows fed a ration supplemented with 1.25% clinoptilolite, the second group (group B) comprised also 17 cows was given a ration with 2.5% clinoptilolite, and the third group (group C, the control), comprised 18 cows fed the basal ration that did not contain any clinoptilolite. The experiment started when the cows entered the fourth week before the expected parturition and lasted until the end of lactation. All cows were fed the above concentrates during the entire experimental period. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the starting day of the experiment, at the day of calving, and at monthly intervals thereafter. All samples were tested for serum Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations. The results showed that the 1.25 and 2.5% supplementation of clinoptilolite did not have any adverse effects on serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Fe.
QuikClot is a zeolite-based dressing approved and deployed by military for the arrest of severe combat-induced hemorrhage. A novel formulation (bagged QuikClot [ACS]) of the original granular QuikClot (QC) has been proposed to facilitate the application of the hemostatic dressings under battlefield conditions. This study compares the hemostatic efficacy of ACS and QC in controlling blood loss and improving survival in a swine model of uncontrolled hemorrhage induced by complex groin injury.
After transection of the femoral vasculature, anesthetized Yorkshire pigs (n = 32) were hemorrhaged for 3 minutes and randomized into four groups: no treatment (NONE) or application of standard dressing (SD), QC, or ACS. At 15 minutes, resuscitation was initiated by infusion of 500 mL Hextend during a span of 30 minutes. Vital signs were continuously recorded throughout the 4-hour experimental period. In addition, blood loss and temperature at the dressing and tissue interface were continuously recorded.
After 3 minutes, average blood loss was 44.7% +/- 11.9% estimated blood volume (EBV) for all animals (34.1 +/- 3.2 kg). Posttreatment blood loss was significantly higher (p < 0.01) for NONE- and SD-treated animals (31.5% +/- 21.8% and 22.3% +/- 12.6% EBV, respectively) as compared with animals treated with QC and ACS (7.4% +/- 7.1% and 10.3% +/- 6.9%, respectively). All NONE animals died at approximately 60 minutes. Times until death were slightly greater for animals treated with SD (96.8 minutes) and significantly greater for animals treated with QC (188 minutes) and ACS (194 minutes). Overall survival to 4 hours for SD (1 of 8, 12.5%) was significantly lower (p < 0.02) than for QC (6 of 8, 75%) and for ACS (6 of 8, 75%) treatments. Elevated temperatures at the dressing and tissue interface were seen in animals treated with QC and ACS (average at 8 minutes was 58.1 +/- 4.5 degrees C and 58.2 +/- 5.3 degrees C, respectively) compared with SD treated animals (38.8 +/- 2.7 degrees C). Histologic examination revealed more edema in muscular tissue of animals treated with ACS as compared with in QC-treated animals.
ACS was as efficacious as original granular QC in inducing hemostasis and improving survival as compared with the efficacy of SD. Easier and more rapid application and complete removal of ACS may offer a distinct advantage in battlefield resuscitation efforts to enhance a clean wound site and eventual surgical repair.
In recent years, the use of both natural and synthetic zeolites in animal nutrition has increased, mainly to improve their performance, health, and to protect against mycotoxins intoxication. Thirty calves were used in the present study for the determination of the effects of clinoptilolite supplementation on hematology, serum proteins, performance, and health. The animals were divided equally into three groups (control, test 1 and test 2). The three groups of calves were homogeneous for parity of dams, sex, and month of birth. For test 1 group, clinoptilolite in the concentration of 2% of each colostrum meal was added for 48h and for test 2 group, clinoptilolite in the concentration of 2% was added to each colostrum and milk meal for 14 days. Blood samples were taken from all calves 12h after birth and at the end of the first, second, third, forth, fifth and sixth weeks of life (end of the experiment: 42 days of life) and analyzed for hematology, plasma fibrinogen and for total protein, albumin, beta and gamma globulin measurement. Performance and health of calves were also recorded during the experiment. For statistical analysis of data a repeated measures approach using ANOVA with Mixed linear models, and chi-test was used. Clinoptilolite supplementation had significant effect on the values of hematocrit (HCT), red cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), monocyte (Mono), and albumin (Alb). The values of most above parameters were significantly higher in test group 2, except MCV that was significantly lower in test group 1 than other trial groups (p<0.05). No significant difference was seen for other measured parameters, performance, and health between trial groups.
The causative substances for axillary osmidrosis, which are often found in apocrine sweat, are the decomposed/denatured products of short-chain fatty acid and other biological metabolite compounds produced by axillary-resident bacteria. Conventional underarm deodorants suppress the process of odour production mostly by the following mechanism: (1) suppression of perspiration, (2) reduction in numbers of resident bacteria, (3) deodorization and (4) masking. The most important and effective method to reduce odour is to suppress the growth of resident bacteria with antimicrobials, which have several drawbacks, especially in their safety aspect. To solve these problems, we focused on Ag-zeolite (silver-exchanged zeolite) that hold stable Ag, an inorganic bactericidal agent, in its structure, and therefore, poses less risk in safety. Its bactericidal effect on skin-resident bacteria was found to be excellent and comparable with that of triclosan, a most frequently used organic antimicrobial in this product category. The dose-response study of Ag-zeolite powder spray (0-40 w/w%) using 39 volunteers revealed that 5-40 w/w% Ag-zeolite could show a sufficient antimicrobial effect against skin-resident bacteria. The comparison study using 0.2 w/w% triclosan as the control and 10 w/w% Ag-zeolite indicated that: (1) one application of the powder spray containing 10 w/w% Ag-zeolite could show a sufficient antimicrobial effect against the resident bacteria and its effect continued for 24 h, (2) a powder spray containing 0.2 w/w% triclosan was unable to show a sufficient antimicrobial effect, and (3) no adverse event was observed. These studies show that Ag-zeolite has a superior antimicrobial ability that is rarely found in conventional antimicrobials used in deodorant products and a strong antiaxillary odour deodorant ability because of its long-lasting effect. During clinical study, patch tests with humans and other clinical studies of this product showed no adverse events related to the treatment with the Ag-zeolite product.
Journal of environmental science and health Part B, Pesticides, food contaminants, and agricultural wastes
- C H Liu
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Liu CH, Lo KV. Ammonia removal from compost leachate
using zeolite. II. A study using continuous flow packed columns. Journal of environmental science and health Part B,
Pesticides, food contaminants, and agricultural wastes 2001
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Prevention of maternal and developmental toxicity in rats via dietary inclusion of common aflatoxin sorbents: potential for hidden risks. Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology
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