1
|
Unnikrishan A, Khalid NK, Rayaroth MP, Thomas S, Nazim A, Aravindakumar CT, Aravind UK. Occurrence and distribution of steroid hormones (estrogen) and other contaminants of emerging concern in a south indian water body. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141124. [PMID: 38211796 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Steroid hormones (SHs) are among the important classes of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) whose detection in aquatic environments is vital due to their potential adverse health impacts. Their detection is challenging because of their lower stability in natural conditions and low concentrations. This study reports the presence of steroid hormones in a major river system, the Periyar River, in Kerala (India). Water samples were collected from thirty different river locations in the case of SHs and five locations within these in the case of other CECs. These were subjected to LC-MS/MS and LC-Q-ToF/MS analyses. Five SHs, estriol, estrone, 17 β estradiol, progesterone, and hydroxy progesterone, were separated and targeted using MS techniques. The studies of the water samples confirmed the presence of the first three estrogens in different sampling sites, with estrone present in all the sampling sites. The concentration of estrone was detected in the range from 2 to 15 ng/L. Estriol and estradiol concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 5 ng/L and 1-6 ng/L, respectively. The hormones at some selected sites were continuously monitored for seven months. The chosen areas include the feed water sites for the drinking water treatment plants across the river. The monthly data revealed that estrone is the only SHs detected in all the samples in the selected months. The highest concentration of SH was found in August. Twelve CECs belonging to pharmaceuticals and personal care products were identified and quantified. In addition, 31 other CECs were also identified using non-target analysis. A detailed study of the hormone mapping reported here is the first from any South Indian River.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amitha Unnikrishan
- School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT), Kochi, 682022, Kerala, India
| | - Nejumal K Khalid
- School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, 686560, Kerala, India
| | - Manoj P Rayaroth
- School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, 686560, Kerala, India
| | - Shiny Thomas
- Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIFs), Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, 686560, Kerala, India
| | - Akhil Nazim
- Inter University Instrumentation Centre (IUIC), Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, 686560, Kerala, India
| | - Charuvila T Aravindakumar
- School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, 686560, Kerala, India; Inter University Instrumentation Centre (IUIC), Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, 686560, Kerala, India; Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIFs), Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, 686560, Kerala, India
| | - Usha K Aravind
- School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT), Kochi, 682022, Kerala, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abdelmoneim A, Clark CL, Mukai M. Fluorescent Reporter Zebrafish Line for Estrogenic Compound Screening Generated Using a CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knock-in System. Toxicol Sci 2020; 173:336-346. [PMID: 31688941 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of compounds in our diet and environment are being identified as estrogenic, causing serious and detrimental effects on human, animal, and ecosystem health. Time- and cost-effective biological tools to detect and screen these compounds with potential high-throughput capabilities are in ever-growing demand. We generated a knock-in zebrafish transgenic line with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) driven by the regulatory region upstream of vitellogenin 1 (vtg1), a well-studied biomarker for estrogenic exposure, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Exposure to 17β-estradiol (E2: 0-625 nM) starting at 4-h post-fertilization in dechorionated embryos resulted in the significant induction of hepatic EGFP with ≥5 nM E2 as early as 3-days post-fertilization. Concentration- and time-dependent increase in the percentage of hepatic EGFP-positive larvae and extent of fluorescence expression, categorized into 3 expression levels, were observed with E2 exposure. A strong correlation between the levels of EGFP mRNA, vtg1 mRNA, and EGFP fluorescence levels were detected. Image analysis of the area and intensity of hepatic EGFP fluorescence resulted in high-fidelity quantitative measures that could be used in automated screening applications. In addition, exposure to bisphenol A (0-30 μM) resulted in quantitative responses showing promise for the use of this transgenic line to assess estrogenic activity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These results demonstrate that this novel knock-in zebrafish reporter allows for distinct screening of in vivo estrogenic effects, endpoints of which can be used for laboratory testing of samples for estimation of possible human and environmental risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdelmoneim
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853.,Department of Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Cedric L Clark
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Motoko Mukai
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Küster E, Kalkhof S, Aulhorn S, von Bergen M, Gündel U. Effects of Five Substances with Different Modes of Action on Cathepsin H, C and L Activities in Zebrafish Embryos. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3956. [PMID: 31627361 PMCID: PMC6843663 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16203956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cathepsins have been proposed as biomarkers of chemical exposure in the zebrafish embryo model but it is unclear whether they can also be used to detect sublethal stress. The present study evaluates three cathepsin types as candidate biomarkers in zebrafish embryos. In addition to other functions, cathepsins are also involved in yolk lysosomal processes for the internal nutrition of embryos of oviparous animals until external feeding starts. The baseline enzyme activity of cathepsin types H, C and L during the embryonic development of zebrafish in the first 96 h post fertilisation was studied. Secondly, the effect of leupeptin, a known cathepsin inhibitor, and four embryotoxic xenobiotic compounds with different modes of action (phenanthrene-baseline toxicity; rotenone-an inhibitor of electron transport chain in mitochondria; DNOC (Dinitro-ortho-cresol)-an inhibitor of ATP synthesis; and tebuconazole-a sterol biosynthesis inhibitor) on in vivo cathepsin H, C and L total activities have been tested. The positive control leupeptin showed effects on cathepsin L at a 20-fold lower concentration compared to the respective LC50 (0.4 mM) of the zebrafish embryo assay (FET). The observed effects on the enzyme activity of the four other xenobiotics were not or just slightly more sensitive (factor of 1.5 to 3), but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Results of this study indicate that the analysed cathepsins are not susceptible to toxins other than the known peptide-like inhibitors. However, specific cathepsin inhibitors might be identified using the zebrafish embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eberhard Küster
- Department Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ- Helmholtz -Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Stefan Kalkhof
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, UFZ- Helmholtz -Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Bioanalysis, University of Applied Sciences Coburg, 96450 Coburg, Germany
- IZI, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department of Therapy Validation, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Silke Aulhorn
- Department Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ- Helmholtz -Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin von Bergen
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, UFZ- Helmholtz -Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Gündel
- Department Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ- Helmholtz -Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Department Chemicals and Product Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Michiels EDG, Vergauwen L, Lai FY, Town RM, Covaci A, van Nuijs ALN, Van Cruchten SJ, Knapen D. Advancing the Zebrafish embryo test for endocrine disruptor screening using micro-injection: Ethinyl estradiol as a case study. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:533-547. [PMID: 30569562 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fish (embryo) toxicity test guidelines are mostly based on aquatic exposures. However, in some cases, other exposure routes can be more practical and relevant. Micro-injection into the yolk of fish embryos could offer a particular advantage for administering hydrophobic compounds, such as many endocrine disruptors. Single-dose micro-injection was compared with continuous aquatic exposure in terms of compound accumulation and biological responses. 17α-Ethinyl estradiol (EE2) was used as a model compound. First, the optimal solvent and droplet size were optimized, and needle variation was assessed. Next, biological endpoints were evaluated. The accumulated internal dose of EE2 decreased over time in both exposure scenarios. Estrogen receptor activation was concentration/injected dose dependent, increased daily, and was related to esr2b transcription. Transcription of vitellogenin 1 (vtg1) and brain aromatase (cyp19a1b) was induced in both scenarios, but the cyp19a1b transcription pattern differed between routes. Injection caused an increase in cyp19a1b transcripts from 48 hours post fertilization (hpf) onward, whereas after aquatic exposure the main increase occurred between 96 and 120 hpf. Some malformations only occurred after injection, whereas others were present for both scenarios. We conclude that responses can differ between exposure routes and therefore micro-injection is not a direct substitute for, but can be complementary to aquatic exposure. Nevertheless, vtg1and cyp19a1b transcription and estrogen receptor activation are suitable biomarkers for endocrine disruptor screening in both scenarios. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:533-547. © 2018 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen D G Michiels
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lucia Vergauwen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Foon Yin Lai
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Raewyn M Town
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alexander L N van Nuijs
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven J Van Cruchten
- Applied Veterinary Morphology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dries Knapen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shen X, Chang H, Sun D, Wang L, Wu F. Trace analysis of 61 natural and synthetic progestins in river water and sewage effluents by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 133:142-152. [PMID: 30616042 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
A broad number of natural and synthetic progestins are widely used in human and veterinary therapies. Although progestins exhibit adverse effects in aquatic organisms, information about environmental occurrence and fate have been limited to several compounds, hampering the accuracy of risk assessments of the compounds. In this study, a selective and sensitive analytical method was established to simultaneously determine 19 natural and 42 synthetic progestins in environmental waters, and the synthetic progestins included 19-nortestosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and progesterone derivatives. All of the target compounds were effectively separated using an HSS T3 column, and the recoveries for effluent and river samples were 80-115% and 75-105%, respectively. The detection limits for the 61 analytes were in the range of 0.05-0.60 ng/L and 0.03-0.40 ng/L for the effluent and river samples, respectively. The developed method is applied to analyze the target progestogens in sewage effluent and river water samples from Beijing. The detected concentrations of natural progesterone metabolites (3α-hydroxy-5β-tetrahydroprogesterone) were up to 63 times higher than those of the parent compound. Of the three groups of synthetic progestins, the progesterone derivatives were detected for the first time and had the highest concentrations followed by the 19-nortestosterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone derivatives. In contrast to previous studies, the predominant derivative compounds of 19-nortestosterone were found to be 19-nortestosterone, gestodene and mifepristone, and those of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were 6-epi-medroxy progesterone 17-acetate and melengestrol acetate. The toxicities and environmental risk of these emerging progestins deserves more attention in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Shen
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hong Chang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Dezhi Sun
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Linxia Wang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lindholm-Lehto PC, Ahkola HSJ, Knuutinen JS. Procedures of determining organic trace compounds in municipal sewage sludge-a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:4383-4412. [PMID: 27966086 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Sewage sludge is the largest by-product generated during the wastewater treatment process. Since large amounts of sludge are being produced, different ways of disposal have been introduced. One tempting option is to use it as fertilizer in agricultural fields due to its high contents of inorganic nutrients. This, however, can be limited by the amount of trace contaminants in the sewage sludge, containing a variety of microbiological pollutants and pathogens but also inorganic and organic contaminants. The bioavailability and the effects of trace contaminants on the microorganisms of soil are still largely unknown as well as their mixture effects. Therefore, there is a need to analyze the sludge to test its suitability before further use. In this article, a variety of sampling, pretreatment, extraction, and analysis methods have been reviewed. Additionally, different organic trace compounds often found in the sewage sludge and their methods of analysis have been compiled. In addition to traditional Soxhlet extraction, the most common extraction methods of organic contaminants in sludge include ultrasonic extraction (USE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) followed by instrumental analysis based on gas or liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra C Lindholm-Lehto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Heidi S J Ahkola
- Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Survontie 9 A, FI-40500, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Juha S Knuutinen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chi Y, Huang Q, Zhang H, Chen Y, Dong S. In situ combined chemical and biological assessment of estrogenic pollution in a water recycling system. J Environ Sci (China) 2016; 43:216-223. [PMID: 27155427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Estrogenic pollution and its control in aquatic systems have drawn substantial attention around the world. The chemical and biological assessment approaches currently utilized in the laboratory or field cannot give an integrated assessment of the pollution when used separately. In this study, in situ chemical and biological methods were combined to detect pollution in a water recycling system. Data for the water quality index (WQI) demonstrated that the water treatment resulted in the decline of pollution from upstream to downstream. Wild male Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, was sampled in June and September. The concentrations of four common endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) were determined in the tilapia liver by chromatographic analysis methods. The level of 17β-estradiol (E2) declined from upstream to downstream in both months. In contrast, the levels of bisphenol A (BPA), di-(2-ethylhcxyl) phthalate (DEHP), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) did not display this declining tendency. The highest relative expression of vitellogenin 1 (VTG1) was observed in tilapia from upstream, then the level significantly decreased along the water system. The relative expression levels of CYP1A1 in the water system were also significantly higher than that of the control. However, no declining trend could be observed along the water system. The change of VTG1 expression corresponded well with that of E2 levels in the tilapia liver. Overall, our study assessed the pollution by endocrine disruptors using chemical and biological data with good correspondence. This study also demonstrated the effectiveness of the water recycling system in eliminating estrogen pollution in municipal sewage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulang Chi
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Qiansheng Huang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Huanteng Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yajie Chen
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Sijun Dong
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Van Der Kraak GJ, Hosmer AJ, Hanson ML, Kloas W, Solomon KR. Effects of atrazine in fish, amphibians, and reptiles: an analysis based on quantitative weight of evidence. Crit Rev Toxicol 2015; 44 Suppl 5:1-66. [PMID: 25375889 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2014.967836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A quantitative weight of evidence (WoE) approach was developed to evaluate studies used for regulatory purposes, as well as those in the open literature, that report the effects of the herbicide atrazine on fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The methodology for WoE analysis incorporated a detailed assessment of the relevance of the responses observed to apical endpoints directly related to survival, growth, development, and reproduction, as well as the strength and appropriateness of the experimental methods employed. Numerical scores were assigned for strength and relevance. The means of the scores for relevance and strength were then used to summarize and weigh the evidence for atrazine contributing to ecologically significant responses in the organisms of interest. The summary was presented graphically in a two-dimensional graph which showed the distributions of all the reports for a response. Over 1290 individual responses from studies in 31 species of fish, 32 amphibians, and 8 reptiles were evaluated. Overall, the WoE showed that atrazine might affect biomarker-type responses, such as expression of genes and/or associated proteins, concentrations of hormones, and biochemical processes (e.g. induction of detoxification responses), at concentrations sometimes found in the environment. However, these effects were not translated to adverse outcomes in terms of apical endpoints. The WoE approach provided a quantitative, transparent, reproducible, and robust framework that can be used to assist the decision-making process when assessing environmental chemicals. In addition, the process allowed easy identification of uncertainty and inconsistency in observations, and thus clearly identified areas where future investigations can be best directed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Groh KJ, Suter MJF. Stressor-induced proteome alterations in zebrafish: a meta-analysis of response patterns. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 159:1-12. [PMID: 25498419 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2014.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteomics approaches are being increasingly applied in ecotoxicology on the premise that the identification of specific protein expression changes in response to a particular chemical would allow elucidation of the underlying molecular pathways leading to an adverse effect. This in turn is expected to promote the development of focused testing strategies for specific groups of toxicants. Although both gel-based and gel-free global characterization techniques provide limited proteome coverage, the conclusions regarding the cellular processes affected are still being drawn based on the few changes detected. To investigate how specific the detected responses are, we analyzed a set of studies that characterized proteome alterations induced by various physiological, chemical and biological stressors in zebrafish, a popular model organism. Our analysis highlights several proteins and protein groups, including heat shock and oxidative stress defense proteins, energy metabolism enzymes and cytoskeletal proteins, to be most frequently identified as responding to diverse stressors. In contrast, other potentially more specifically responding protein groups are detected much less frequently. Thus, zebrafish proteome responses to stress reported by different studies appear to depend mostly on the level of stress rather than on the specific stressor itself. This suggests that the most broadly used current proteomics technologies do not provide sufficient proteome coverage to allow in-depth investigation of specific mechanisms of toxicant action. We suggest that the results of any differential proteomics experiment performed with zebrafish should be interpreted keeping in mind the list of the most frequent responders that we have identified. Similar reservations should apply to any other species where proteome responses are analyzed by global proteomics methods. Careful consideration of the reliability and significance of observed changes is necessary in order not to over-interpret the experimental results and to prevent the proliferation of false positive linkages between the chemical and the cellular functions it perturbs. We further discuss the implications of the identified "top lists" of frequently responding proteins and protein families, and suggest further directions for proteomics research in ecotoxicology. Apart from improving the proteome coverage, further research should focus on defining the significance of the observed stress response patterns for organism phenotypes and on searching for common upstream regulators that can be targeted by specific assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia J Groh
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; ETH Zürich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Marc J-F Suter
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; ETH Zürich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liang YQ, Huang GY, Ying GG, Liu SS, Jiang YX, Liu S. Progesterone and norgestrel alter transcriptional expression of genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in zebrafish embryos-larvae. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 167:101-7. [PMID: 25277675 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of progestins on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in the early stage of zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to progesterone (P4) or norgestrel (NGT) at 5, 50 and 100 ng L(-1) for 144 h post fertilization (hpf), and the transcriptional levels of target genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis were determined daily. The results showed that P4 had only minor effects on the mRNA expression of thyroglobulin (Tg), iodothyronine deiodinase type Ι (Dio1) and thyroid hormone receptor β (Thrb) genes. Similarly, the effects of NGT on transcripts of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh), Dio1, iodothyronine deiodinase type II (Dio2) and thyroid hormone receptor α (Thra) genes were generally low. In addition, NGT resulted in some alterations of Tg and Thrb transcripts at different time points. However, a strong induction of Nis mRNA by P4 and NGT was observed in zebrafish embryos-larvae. The overall results showed that besides Nis no effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis are observed following exposure to P4 and NGT, which imply that both P4 and NGT have potential effects on the thyroid endocrine system by inducing transcript of Nis gene during the early stage of zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Qiu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Guo-Yong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Shuang-Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yu-Xia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Shan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vandenberg LN, Ehrlich S, Belcher SM, Ben-Jonathan N, Dolinoy DC, Hugo ER, Hunt PA, Newbold RR, Rubin BS, Saili KS, Soto AM, Wang HS, vom Saal FS. Low dose effects of bisphenol A. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4161/endo.26490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
12
|
Analysis of 21 progestagens in various matrices by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) with diverse sample pretreatment. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:7299-311. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-8146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
13
|
Tohmé M, Prud'homme SM, Boulahtouf A, Samarut E, Brunet F, Bernard L, Bourguet W, Gibert Y, Balaguer P, Laudet V. Estrogen-related receptor γ is an in vivo receptor of bisphenol A. FASEB J 2014; 28:3124-33. [PMID: 24744145 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-240465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that displays estrogenic activity. Several reports suggest that BPA may have estrogen receptor-independent effects. In zebrafish, 50 μM BPA exposure induces otic vesicle abnormalities, including otolith aggregation. The purpose of this study was to test if BPA action was mediated in vivo during zebrafish development by the orphan nuclear estrogen related receptor (ERR) γ. Combining pharmacological and functional approaches, we demonstrate that the zebrafish ERRγ mediates BPA-induced malformations in otoliths. Using different bisphenol derivatives, we show that different compounds can induce a similar otolith phenotype than BPA and that the binding affinity of these derivatives to the zebrafish ERRγ correlates with their ability to induce otolith malformations. Morpholino knockdown of ERRγ function suppresses the BPA effect on otoliths whereas overexpression of ERRγ led to a BPA-like otolith phenotype. Moreover, a subphenotypical dose of BPA (1 μM) combined with ERRγ overexpression led to a full-dose (50 μM) BPA otolith phenotype. We therefore conclude that ERRγ mediates the otic vesicle phenotype generated by BPA. Our results suggest that the range of pathways perturbed by this compound and its potential harmful effect are larger than expected.-Tohmé, M., Prud'homme, S. M., Boulahtouf, A., Samarut, E., Brunet, F., Bernard, L., Bourguet, W., Gibert, Y., Balaguer, P., Laudet, V. Estrogen-related receptor γ is an in vivo receptor of bisphenol A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Tohmé
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5242, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sophie M Prud'homme
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5242, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Abdel Boulahtouf
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U896, Centre Régional de la Lutte Contre le Cancer Val d'Aurelle Paul Lamarque, Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Samarut
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5242, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Brunet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5242, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Laure Bernard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5242, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - William Bourguet
- INSERM U1054, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, Montpellier, CNRS UMR5048, Universités Montpellier 1 and 2, Montpellier, France; and
| | - Yann Gibert
- Metabolic Genetic Diseases Laboratory, Metabolic Research Unit, Deakin School of Medicine, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick Balaguer
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U896, Centre Régional de la Lutte Contre le Cancer Val d'Aurelle Paul Lamarque, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Laudet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5242, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu M, Nishimiya O, Nakamori M, Soyano K, Todo T, Hara A, Hiramatsu N. Molecular Cloning and Characterization of the Expression Profiles of Vitellogenin Transcripts in the Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) in Response to 17α-Ethinylestradiol and 17β-Estradiol Administration. Zoolog Sci 2014; 31:202-12. [DOI: 10.2108/zs130223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
15
|
Hao R, Bondesson M, Singh AV, Riu A, McCollum CW, Knudsen TB, Gorelick DA, Gustafsson JÅ. Identification of estrogen target genes during zebrafish embryonic development through transcriptomic analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79020. [PMID: 24223173 PMCID: PMC3819264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen signaling is important for vertebrate embryonic development. Here we have used zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a vertebrate model to analyze estrogen signaling during development. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 1 µM 17β-estradiol (E2) or vehicle from 3 hours to 4 days post fertilization (dpf), harvested at 1, 2, 3 and 4 dpf, and subjected to RNA extraction for transcriptome analysis using microarrays. Differentially expressed genes by E2-treatment were analyzed with hierarchical clustering followed by biological process and tissue enrichment analysis. Markedly distinct sets of genes were up and down-regulated by E2 at the four different time points. Among these genes, only the well-known estrogenic marker vtg1 was co-regulated at all time points. Despite this, the biological functional categories targeted by E2 were relatively similar throughout zebrafish development. According to knowledge-based tissue enrichment, estrogen responsive genes were clustered mainly in the liver, pancreas and brain. This was in line with the developmental dynamics of estrogen-target tissues that were visualized using transgenic zebrafish containing estrogen responsive elements driving the expression of GFP (Tg(5xERE:GFP)). Finally, the identified embryonic estrogen-responsive genes were compared to already published estrogen-responsive genes identified in male adult zebrafish (Gene Expression Omnibus database). The expressions of a few genes were co-regulated by E2 in both embryonic and adult zebrafish. These could potentially be used as estrogenic biomarkers for exposure to estrogens or estrogenic endocrine disruptors in zebrafish. In conclusion, our data suggests that estrogen effects on early embryonic zebrafish development are stage- and tissue- specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruixin Hao
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maria Bondesson
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Amar V. Singh
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anne Riu
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Catherine W. McCollum
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Thomas B. Knudsen
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel A. Gorelick
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institute for Science, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Griffin LB, January KE, Ho KW, Cotter KA, Callard GV. Morpholino-mediated knockdown of ERα, ERβa, and ERβb mRNAs in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos reveals differential regulation of estrogen-inducible genes. Endocrinology 2013; 154:4158-69. [PMID: 23928376 PMCID: PMC3800766 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetically distinct estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes (ERα and ERβ) play a major role in mediating estrogen actions in vertebrates, but their unique and overlapping functions are not entirely clear. Although mammals have 1 gene of each subtype (ESR1 and ESR2), teleost fish have a single esr1 (ERα) and 2 esr2 (ERβa and ERβb) genes. To determine the in vivo role of different ER isoforms in regulating estrogen-inducible transcription targets, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were microinjected with esr-specific morpholino (MO) oligonucleotides to disrupt splicing of the exon III/intron III junction in the DNA-binding domain. Each MO knocked down its respective normal transcript and increased production of variants with a retained intron III (esr1 MO) or a deleted or mis-spliced exon III (esr2a and esr2b MOs). Both esr1 and esr2b MOs blocked estradiol induction of vitellogenin and ERα mRNAs, predominant hepatic genes, but esr2b was the only MO that blocked induction of cytochrome P450 aromatase B mRNA, a predominant brain gene. Knockdown of ERβa with the esr2a MO had no effect on estrogen induction of the 3 mRNAs but, when coinjected with esr1 MO, attenuated the effect of ERα knockdown. Results indicate that ERα and ERβb, acting separately or cooperatively on specific gene targets, are positive transcriptional regulators of estrogen action, but the role of ERβa, if any, is unclear. We conclude that MO technology in zebrafish embryos is an advantageous approach for investigating the interplay of ER subtypes in a true physiological context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucinda B Griffin
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bakos K, Kovács R, Staszny Á, Sipos DK, Urbányi B, Müller F, Csenki Z, Kovács B. Developmental toxicity and estrogenic potency of zearalenone in zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 136-137:13-21. [PMID: 23624394 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2013.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA, F2) is one of the most common mycotoxins and the only known mycoestrogen. It enters the food and feed chain from contaminated cereals and infiltrates into sewage or natural waters posing potential threat to exposed livestock, wildlife and humans. Therefore evaluation of its biological effects is of international importance. We performed toxicological tests on zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae and adults. Developmental toxicity was assessed by an extended (5 days) fish embryo toxicity test (FET). Effects of early ZEA exposure were concentration-dependent with LC50 and LC10 values of 893 and 335 μg/L. In larvae exposed to 500 μg/L and above, ZEA induced similar phenotype to has (heart-and soul) showing defects in heart and eye development and upward curvature of the body axis. From 250 μg/L at 72 hpf the gap in the melanophore streak at the base of the tail fin was missing and the fin fold was abnormal, suggesting disturbance in the development of the adult tail fin primordium. Estrogenic potency was measured on the basis of Vitellogenin (Vtg) protein (adults) levels and relative abundance of vitellogenin-1 mRNA (vtg-1) (larvae and adults). qRT-PCR in larvae proved to be sufficient substitute to adult tests and sensitive enough to detect ZEA in 0.1 μg/L concentrations, that is close to levels observed in wastewaters. Developmental defects reveal that besides direct estrogenic effects, zearalenone might interact with other ontogenic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Bakos
- Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Environmental and Landscape Management, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Szent István University, 1. Pater Károly St., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Toxicogenomic and phenotypic analyses of bisphenol-A early-life exposure toxicity in zebrafish. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28273. [PMID: 22194820 PMCID: PMC3237442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol-A is an important environmental contaminant due to the increased early-life exposure that may pose significant health-risks to various organisms including humans. This study aimed to use zebrafish as a toxicogenomic model to capture transcriptomic and phenotypic changes for inference of signaling pathways, biological processes, physiological systems and identify potential biomarker genes that are affected by early-life exposure to bisphenol-A. Phenotypic analysis using wild-type zebrafish larvae revealed BPA early-life exposure toxicity caused cardiac edema, cranio-facial abnormality, failure of swimbladder inflation and poor tactile response. Fluorescent imaging analysis using three transgenic lines revealed suppressed neuron branching from the spinal cord, abnormal development of neuromast cells, and suppressed vascularization in the abdominal region. Using knowledge-based data mining algorithms, transcriptome analysis suggests that several signaling pathways involving ephrin receptor, clathrin-mediated endocytosis, synaptic long-term potentiation, axonal guidance, vascular endothelial growth factor, integrin and tight junction were deregulated. Physiological systems with related disorders associated with the nervous, cardiovascular, skeletal-muscular, blood and reproductive systems were implicated, hence corroborated with the phenotypic analysis. Further analysis identified a common set of BPA-targeted genes and revealed a plausible mechanism involving disruption of endocrine-regulated genes and processes in known susceptible tissue-organs. The expression of 28 genes were validated in a separate experiment using quantitative real-time PCR and 6 genes, ncl1, apoeb, mdm1, mycl1b, sp4, U1SNRNPBP homolog, were found to be sensitive and robust biomarkers for BPA early-life exposure toxicity. The susceptibility of sp4 to BPA perturbation suggests its role in altering brain development, function and subsequently behavior observed in laboratory animals exposed to BPA during early life, which is a health-risk concern of early life exposure in humans. The present study further established zebrafish as a model for toxicogenomic inference of early-life chemical exposure toxicity.
Collapse
|
19
|
McCormick JM, Van Es T, Cooper KR, White LA, Häggblom MM. Microbially mediated O-methylation of bisphenol A results in metabolites with increased toxicity to the developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:6567-74. [PMID: 21678910 DOI: 10.1021/es200588w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the manufacture of plastics, and has been identified in various environmental matrices, including human serum and breast milk. The prevalence of BPA in the environment and the potential exposure to humans underscores the need to more fully understand the fate of BPA in the environment and the resulting effects and toxicity to humans and other organisms. Here we demonstrate that Mycobacterium species, including Mycobacterium vanbaalenii strain PYR-1, are able to O-methylate BPA to its mono- and dimethyl ether derivatives (BPA MME and BPA DME, respectively). The O-methylation of BPA results in metabolites with increased toxicity as shown from differences in survival and occurrence of developmental lesions in developing zebrafish embryos exposed to BPA, BPA MME, and BPA DME. The mono- and dimethyl ether derivatives were more toxic than BPA, resulting in increased mortality at 5 (LC(50) = 0.66 and 1.2 mg L(-1)) and 28 (LC(50) = 0.38, <0.5 mg L(-1)) days post fertilization. Furthermore, exposure to either of the O-methylated metabolites resulted in an increase in the incidence of developmental lesions as compared to BPA exposure. These data illustrate a new mechanism for microbial transformation of BPA, producing metabolites warranting further study to understand their prevalence and effects in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M McCormick
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lam SH, Lee SGP, Lin CY, Thomsen JS, Fu PY, Murthy KRK, Li H, Govindarajan KR, Nick LCH, Bourque G, Gong Z, Lufkin T, Liu ET, Mathavan S. Molecular conservation of estrogen-response associated with cell cycle regulation, hormonal carcinogenesis and cancer in zebrafish and human cancer cell lines. BMC Med Genomics 2011; 4:41. [PMID: 21575170 PMCID: PMC3114699 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-4-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The zebrafish is recognized as a versatile cancer and drug screening model. However, it is not known whether the estrogen-responsive genes and signaling pathways that are involved in estrogen-dependent carcinogenesis and human cancer are operating in zebrafish. In order to determine the potential of zebrafish model for estrogen-related cancer research, we investigated the molecular conservation of estrogen responses operating in both zebrafish and human cancer cell lines. Methods Microarray experiment was performed on zebrafish exposed to estrogen (17β-estradiol; a classified carcinogen) and an anti-estrogen (ICI 182,780). Zebrafish estrogen-responsive genes sensitive to both estrogen and anti-estrogen were identified and validated using real-time PCR. Human homolog mapping and knowledge-based data mining were performed on zebrafish estrogen responsive genes followed by estrogen receptor binding site analysis and comparative transcriptome analysis with estrogen-responsive human cancer cell lines (MCF7, T47D and Ishikawa). Results Our transcriptome analysis captured multiple estrogen-responsive genes and signaling pathways that increased cell proliferation, promoted DNA damage and genome instability, and decreased tumor suppressing effects, suggesting a common mechanism for estrogen-induced carcinogenesis. Comparative analysis revealed a core set of conserved estrogen-responsive genes that demonstrate enrichment of estrogen receptor binding sites and cell cycle signaling pathways. Knowledge-based and network analysis led us to propose that the mechanism involving estrogen-activated estrogen receptor mediated down-regulation of human homolog HES1 followed by up-regulation cell cycle-related genes (human homologs E2F4, CDK2, CCNA, CCNB, CCNE), is highly conserved, and this mechanism may involve novel crosstalk with basal AHR. We also identified mitotic roles of polo-like kinase as a conserved signaling pathway with multiple entry points for estrogen regulation. Conclusion The findings demonstrate the use of zebrafish for characterizing estrogen-like environmental carcinogens and anti-estrogen drug screening. From an evolutionary perspective, our findings suggest that estrogen regulation of cell cycle is perhaps one of the earliest forms of steroidal-receptor controlled cellular processes. Our study provides first evidence of molecular conservation of estrogen-responsiveness between zebrafish and human cancer cell lines, hence demonstrating the potential of zebrafish for estrogen-related cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siew Hong Lam
- Genome Institute of Singapore, #02-01Genome, 60 Biopolis Street, 138672 Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Proteomic Signatures of the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo: Sensitivity and Specificity in Toxicity Assessment of Chemicals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS 2010; 2010:630134. [PMID: 22084678 PMCID: PMC3200224 DOI: 10.1155/2010/630134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Studies using embryos of the zebrafish Danio rerio (DarT) instead of adult fish for characterising the (eco-) toxic potential of chemicals have been proposed as animal replacing methods. Effect analysis at the molecular level might enhance sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of the embryonal studies. The present paper aimed to test the potential of toxicoproteomics with zebrafish eleutheroembryos for sensitive and specific toxicity assessment. 2-DE-based toxicoproteomics was performed applying low-dose (EC10) exposure for 48 h with three-model substances Rotenone, 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC) and Diclofenac. By multivariate “pattern-only” PCA and univariate statistical analyses, alterations in the embryonal proteome were detectable in nonetheless visibly intact organisms and treatment with the three substances was distinguishable at the molecular level. Toxicoproteomics enabled the enhancement of sensitivity and specificity of the embryonal toxicity assay and bear the potency to identify protein markers serving as general stress markers and early diagnosis of toxic stress.
Collapse
|
22
|
Chandrasekar G, Archer A, Gustafsson JÅ, Andersson Lendahl M. Levels of 17beta-estradiol receptors expressed in embryonic and adult zebrafish following in vivo treatment of natural or synthetic ligands. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9678. [PMID: 20300630 PMCID: PMC2837374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 02/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptors encompass a group of regulatory proteins involved in a number of physiological processes. The estrogen receptors (ERs), of which one alpha and one beta form exist in mammals function as transcription factors in response to 17β-estradiol (E2). In zebrafish there are three gene products of estrogen receptors and they are denoted esr1 (ERalpha), esr2a (ERbeta2) and esr2b (ERbeta1). Total RNA of zebrafish early life stages (<3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours post fertilization) and of adult fish (liver, intestine, eye, heart, brain, ovary, testis, gill, swim bladder and kidney) were isolated following in vivo exposures. Using specific primers for each of the three zebrafish ERs the expression levels were quantified using real time PCR methodology. It was shown that in absence of exposure all three estrogen receptors were expressed in adult fish. The levels of expression of two of these three ER genes, the esr1 and esr2a were altered in organs such as liver, intestine, brain and testis in response to ligand (E2, diethylstilbestrol or 4-nonylphenol). During embryogenesis two of the three receptor genes, esr1 and esr2b were expressed, and in presence of ligand the mRNA levels of these two genes increased. The conclusions are i) estrogen receptor genes are expressed during early development ii) altered expression of esr genes in response to ligand is dependent on the cellular context; iii) the estrogenic ligand 4-nonylphenol, a manufactured compound commonly found in sewage of water treatment plants, acts as an agonist of the estrogen receptor during development and has both agonist and antagonist properties in tissues of adult fish. This knowledge of esr gene function in development and in adult life will help to understand mechanisms of interfering mimicking endocrine chemicals in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amena Archer
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Segner H. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism for investigating endocrine disruption. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2009; 149:187-95. [PMID: 18955160 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2008.10.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2008] [Revised: 10/02/2008] [Accepted: 10/02/2008] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are widespread in the aquatic environment and can cause alterations in development, physiological homeostasis and health of vertebrates. Zebrafish, Danio rerio, has been suggested as a model species to identify targets as well as modes of EDC action. In fact, zebrafish has been found useful in EDC screening, in EDC effects assessment and in studying targets and mechanisms of EDC action. Since many of the environmental EDCs interfere with the sex steroid system of vertebrates, most EDC studies with zebrafish addressed disruption of sexual differentiation and reproduction. However, other targets of EDCs action must not be overlooked. For using a species as a toxicological model, a good knowledge of the biological traits of this species is a pre-requisite for the rational design of test protocols and endpoints as well as for the interpretation and extrapolation of the toxicological findings. Due to the genomic resources available for zebrafish and the long experience with zebrafish in toxicity testing, it is easily possible to establish molecular endpoints for EDC effects assessment. Additionally, the zebrafish model offers a number of technical advantages including ease and cost of maintenance, rapid development, high fecundity, optical transparency of embryos supporting phenotypic screening, existence of many mutant strains, or amenability for both forward and reverse genetics. To date, the zebrafish has been mainly used to identify molecular targets of EDC action and to determine effect thresholds, while the potential of this model species to study immediate and delayed physiological consequences of molecular interactions has been instrumentalized only partly. One factor that may limit the exploitation of this potential is the still rather fragmentary knowledge of basic biological and endocrine traits of zebrafish. Information on species-specific features in endocrine processes and biological properties, however, need to be considered in establishing EDC test protocols using zebrafish, in extrapolating findings from zebrafish to other vertebrate species, and in understanding how EDC-induced gene expression changes translate into disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Segner
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Berne, P.O. Box 8466, CH-3001 Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Scholz S, Mayer I. Molecular biomarkers of endocrine disruption in small model fish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 293:57-70. [PMID: 18619515 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2008] [Revised: 05/05/2008] [Accepted: 06/11/2008] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A wide range of environmental contaminants can interfere with hormonal regulation in vertebrates. These endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are of high relevance for human and wildlife health, since endocrine signalling controls many essential physiological processes which impact on the individual's health, such as growth and development, stress response, and ultimately reproduction and population development. Small fish represent a cost-effective model for testing potential EDCs allowing the possibility to integrate from molecular to phenotypic and functional effects. We have comprehensively reviewed exposure-effect data from four different small model fish: zebrafish, medaka, fathead minnow, and the three-spined stickleback. The majority of available data refer to EDCs interfering with reproductive hormones. However, we have also included interactions with other hormone systems, particularly the thyroid hormones. We demonstrate that the available data clearly indicates the predictive potential of molecular biomarkers, supporting the development and regulatory application of simple molecular-based screening assays using small model fish for EDC testing.
Collapse
|
25
|
Scholz S, Fischer S, Gündel U, Küster E, Luckenbach T, Voelker D. The zebrafish embryo model in environmental risk assessment--applications beyond acute toxicity testing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2008; 15:394-404. [PMID: 18575912 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-008-0018-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 395] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2007] [Accepted: 05/27/2008] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE The use of fish embryos is not regulated by current legislations on animal welfare and is therefore considered as a refinement, if not replacement of animal experiments. Fish embryos represent an attractive model for environmental risk assessment of chemicals since they offer the possibility to perform small-scale, high-throughput analyses. MAIN FEATURES Beyond their application for determining the acute toxicity, fish embryos are also excellent models for studies aimed at the understanding of toxic mechanisms and the indication of possible adverse and long-term effects. Therefore, we have reviewed the scientific literature in order to indicate alternative applications of the fish embryo model with focus on embryos of the zebrafish. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS The analysis of the mode of action is important for the risk assessment of environmental chemicals and can assist in indicating adverse and long-term effects. Toxicogenomics present a promising approach to unravel the potential mechanisms. Therefore, we present examples of the use of zebrafish embryos to study the effect of chemicals on gene and protein patterns, and the potential implications of differential expression for toxicity. The possible application of other methods, such as kinase arrays or metabolomic profiling, is also highlighted. Furthermore, we show examples of toxicokinetic studies (bioconcentration, ABC transporters) and discuss limitations that might be caused by the potential barrier function of the chorion. Finally, we demonstrate that biomarkers of endocrine disruption, immune modulation, genotoxicity or chronic toxicity could be used as indicators or predictors of sub-acute and long-term effects. CONCLUSIONS The zebrafish embryo represents a model with an impressive range of possible applications in environmental sciences. Particularly, the adaptation of molecular, system-wide approaches from biomedical research is likely to extend its use in ecotoxicology. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES Challenges for future research are (1) the identification of further suitable molecular markers as indicators of the mode of action, (2) the establishment of strong links between (molecular) effects in short-term assays in embryos and long-term (toxic) effects on individuals, (3) the definition of limitations of the model and (4) the development of tests that can be used for regulatory purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Scholz
- Department of Cell Toxicology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liedtke A, Muncke J, Rüfenacht K, Eggen RIL. Molecular multi-effect screening of environmental pollutants using the MolDarT. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2008; 23:59-67. [PMID: 18214934 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Molecular effect detection is a useful approach for ecotoxicological screening of chemicals. We show here the application of the molecular DarT (MolDarT), where the expression of selected target genes is detected in short-term (120 h) exposed developing zebrafish (Danio rerio), thus allowing subacute multi-effect compound screening. The genes metallothionein 2 (mt2), cytochrome P450 1A1 (cyp1a1), and recombination activation gene 1 (rag1) are used as endpoints that describe detoxification/metal toxicity (mt2), detoxification/PAH toxicity (cyp1a1), and acquired immune system disruption (rag1). Each gene's developmental expression was studied in unexposed zebrafish during 4 to 120 h past fertilization (hpf), and all three genes were found to be expressed at 120 hpf. Furthermore, mt2 transcripts were present at high levels at 4 hpf, indicating a maternal transfer. For positive toxicity controls, freshly fertilized zebrafish eggs were exposed for 120 hpf to ZnSO(4), 1,5-dimethylnaphthalene (DMN) and CdCl(2). Exposure to 100 and 200 microM ZnSO(4) significantly induced mt2; 10 microM DMN and 20 microM DMN resulted in significantly increased cyp1a1 abundance; and 5 and 10 microM CdCl(2) significantly reduced rag1 expression levels. Furthermore, we analysed these target genes for their expression in zebrafish eggs from a previous exposure study. The eggs were exposed for 120 hpf to the environmental pollutants estradiol (E2), ethinylestradiol (EE2), nonylphenol (NP), atrazine, cyproconazol, and bisphenol A (BPA) and found differential expression of the three genes. Exposure to the (xeno-)estrogenic compound NP (0.75 microM) significantly lowered mt2 expression. This study shows the potential of short-term in vivo multi-effect screenings within one single subacute exposure using the MolDarT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Liedtke
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Toxicology, Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Eldridge JC, Stevens JT, Breckenridge CB. Atrazine interaction with estrogen expression systems. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2008; 196:147-160. [PMID: 19025096 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-78444-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
More than 40 publications have described results of atrazine responses in 17 estrogen-dependent systems and in more than a dozen different reporter and estrogen receptor-binding studies in vitro. Results from these studies have consistently failed to demonstrate that atrazine acts as an estrogen agonist. Moreover, a variety of indices of estrogen-dependent activity, in models that encompass cell incubations to whole animals, have failed to respond to atrazine. Researchers in more than a dozen laboratories have examined rats, rat tissues, human and prokaryotic cells, in addition to tissues from reptile, fish, amphibian, avian, molluscan, and insect sources, without eliciting estrogenic-like responses from atrazine. In contrast, studies of atrazine ability to antagonize estrogen-mediated responses have yielded equivocal results. Results of several studies show inhibition of estrogen-like activities by atrazine, yet many other tests have yielded negative results. Generally, in vivo models have more consistently shown that atrazine inhibits estrogen-mediated responses, whereas in more specific in vitro systems, inhibition is seldom observed. The implication is that in vivo effects of atrazine may result from inhibition of factors that are indirectly connected to the genomic interaction of estrogen (e.g., at the receptor). Potential targets of atrazine may be downstream of the ligand-receptor binding event. Atrazine may also interact with other, less specific, factors that are necessary for the completion of the estrogen-mediated response. Moreover, the apparent inhibition of cytosolic-ER binding by atrazine may, similarly, be relatively nonspecific. Observed inhibitory responses occur only at extreme doses or concentrations, i.e., several orders of magnitude greater than the level of estradiol presence in each test system. It is probable that the inhibitory effects result from very low affinity and/or low specificity interactions, which are unlikely to occur in nature. We conclude that atrazine is not an estrogen receptor agonist, but it may be a weak antagonist, when present at a high concentration under conditions of disequilibrium with estrogen. These conditions are not expected to occur as a result of normal environmental exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Charles Eldridge
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1083, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Recent Papers on Zebrafish and Other Aquarium Fish Models. Zebrafish 2007. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2007.9987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|