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Noren DP, Johnson S, Boyd D, Ylitalo GM, Lundin J, McCormley M, Jensen ED. The dynamics of persistent organic pollutant (POP) transfer from female bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to their calves during lactation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167888. [PMID: 37863220 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are lipophilic compounds that can accumulate in high concentrations in the blubber of marine mammals, which are long-lived, top-level predators in their ecosystems. These compounds, which include DDTs, PCBs, PBDEs, HCHs, and CHLDs, impact mammalian health, including neurological effects, reduced immune system efficiency, and reproductive failure. POPs are transferred from females to their offspring during gestation and lactation, which have implications for the health of newborn marine mammals, particularly first-born offspring who receive higher concentrations. The dynamics of POP transfer during lactation have been studied in a few pinniped species, but there are no comparable studies on living cetaceans. Because life history strategies and behavior of lactating phocids differ from dolphins, a study on delphinid maternal transfer is warranted. To accomplish this, placenta and longitudinally collected blood and milk samples were taken concurrently from trained bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, mother/calf pairs to assess the dynamics of maternal contaminant transfer. Initial POP levels in placenta, blood serum, and milk varied by individual and were related to the age and reproductive history of the females. Regardless of initial POP levels, maternal serum and milk concentrations decreased while calf serum POP levels increased over time. Pollutant transfer varied by POP class and by congener. Contaminant transfer efficiency to calves was most apparent for 4- to 6‑chlorine PCBs, DDT isomers p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDD, and o,p'-DDE, trans-nonachlor, cis-nonachlor, heptachlor epoxide, nonachlor III, and oxychlordane. By the end of the lactation period, calf serum POP levels were considerably greater than those of their mothers, particularly for compounds with fewer chlorines. POP levels were most biomagnified in the calf born to the primiparous female. These results provide critical information on one component of contaminant transfer in the marine ecosystem and for understanding potential risks of POP exposure to developing odontocete calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn P Noren
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA.
| | - Shawn Johnson
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Daryle Boyd
- Environmental Fisheries and Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental Fisheries and Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jessica Lundin
- National Research Council, Under Contract to Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Molly McCormley
- Lynker, Under Contract to Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric D Jensen
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, CA, USA
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2
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Baugh KA, Robbins J, Schultz IR, Ylitalo GM. Persistent organic pollutants in female humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae from the Gulf of Maine. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120616. [PMID: 36410597 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120616] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant studies in cetaceans can provide information about pollutant levels and patterns in a given region. Due to the confounding effects of reproductive status and maternal offloading in females, these studies typically focus on males. However, an improved understanding of contaminant burdens in female cetaceans is needed to better assess potential impacts to populations. The objectives of this study were to characterize concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blubber of female humpback whales across age classes and to also better characterize maternal offloading of these pollutants to their offspring. A total of 36 blubber biopsy samples of female humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the Gulf of Maine were analyzed to examine contaminant loads across females of different ages. Sampled individuals were individually-identified from longitudinal studies and assigned to age class (i.e., adult, subadult, juvenile, calf). Analysis was performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of POPs including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), chlordanes (CHLDs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs). The most abundant POPs were PCB congeners, with summed values ranging from 280 to 12,000 ng/g, lipid weight, which is above recent estimates of the threshold for adverse health effects. We found significant differences in mean values between adults and juveniles and between adults and subadults, with the exception of the less persistent HCHs for the latter. We also found significant differences in mean levels of ∑HCHs between the juveniles and subadults. Changes over age are consistent with maternal offloading and potentially important for evaluating population health and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri A Baugh
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
| | - Jooke Robbins
- Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA, 02657, USA
| | - Irvin R Schultz
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA
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3
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Minoia L, Consales G, Mazzariol S, Mancusi C, Terracciano G, Ceciarini I, Capanni F, Neri A, D'Agostino A, Marsili L. Preliminary assessment of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in tissues of Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) specimens stranded along the Italian coasts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114470. [PMID: 36528010 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ecotoxicological and pathological research on Grampus griseus (Cuvier, 1812) (Risso's dolphins) is scarce both globally and in the Mediterranean Sea. This species has been classified as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the Mediterranean Sea. To evaluate the presence of "persistent organic pollutants" (POPs), especially organochlorine compounds (OCs), in the animals, chemical analyses were performed on tissues and organs of Risso's dolphin stranded along the Italian coasts between 1998 and 2021. Toxic contaminants such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs) were examined in the blubber, liver, muscle, and brain of 20 animals, and data was correlated with sex, age, and stranding locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Minoia
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Genoa Marine Centre, Villa del Principe, Via San Benedetto 2, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - G Consales
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Genoa Marine Centre, Villa del Principe, Via San Benedetto 2, 16126 Genoa, Italy.
| | - S Mazzariol
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science - BCA, University of Padua, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - C Mancusi
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Environmental Protection Agency Tuscany Region (ARPAT), Via Giovanni Marradi 114, 57126 Livorno, Italy
| | - G Terracciano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana - Sezione di Pisa, Via SS Abetone Brennero 4, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - I Ceciarini
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - F Capanni
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - A Neri
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; CIBM - Consortium for the Interuniversity Center of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci", viale N. Sauro 4, 57128 Livorno, Italy
| | - A D'Agostino
- Department of Management Studies and Quantitative Methods (DISAQ), University of Naples Parthenope, Via Generale Parisi 13, 80132 Napoli, Italy
| | - L Marsili
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario per la Ricerca sui CEtacei (CIRCE), Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Strada Laterina 8, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Fair PA, Peden-Adams MM, Mollenhauer MAM, Bossart GD, Keil DE, White ND. Effects of an environmentally relevant PCB-mixture on immune function, clinical chemistry, and thyroid hormone levels in adult female B 6C 3F 1 mice. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2021; 84:279-297. [PMID: 33357133 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2020.1863887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been assessed for immunotoxicity; however, humans and wildlife are exposed to multiple PCBs environmentally. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of a complex 37 PCB congener mixture identified in blubber specific to dolphins residing in the estuarine waters of Charleston, South Carolina. Immunotoxicity was determined in adult female B6C3F1 mice by assessing lymphocyte proliferation, splenic and thymic immunophenotypes, and IgM production. Mice were exposed via oral gavage to the PCB-mixture (0, 1.8, 3.6, 7.1, or 14.3 mg/kg/day) for 28 days to yield a targeted total administered dose (TAD) 0, 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg. Significant increased liver weight occurred at the highest treatment. IgM production was suppressed compared to control for all treatments. Numbers of thymic CD4+/CD8+, CD4-/CD8-, and CD4+/CD8- cells were not altered, but numbers of thymic CD4-/CD8+ cells were significantly increased in the highest treatment. Lymphocyte proliferation was not markedly affected by any treatment. The numbers of splenic CD4/CD8 T-cells or MHCII+ cells were not significantly changed. Humoral immunity using the plaque-forming cell assay for determining the specific IgM antibody-forming cell response appeared to be the most sensitive endpoint affected. As the lowest concentration tested resulted in decreased IgM production and total and free thyroxine (T4) serum levels a NOAEL was not identified. The calculated ED50 for suppression of IgM production was 2.4 mg/kg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Fair
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Margie M Peden-Adams
- Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Meagan A M Mollenhauer
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Gregory D Bossart
- Animal Health, Research and Conservation, Georgia Aquarium, NW Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deborah E Keil
- Medical Laboratory Sciences, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Natasha D White
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Education, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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5
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Kratofil MA, Ylitalo GM, Mahaffy SD, West KL, Baird RW. Life history and social structure as drivers of persistent organic pollutant levels and stable isotopes in Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 733:138880. [PMID: 32446048 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
False killer whales are long-lived, slow to mature, apex predators, and therefore susceptible to bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Hawaiian waters are home to three distinct populations: pelagic; Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) insular; and main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) insular. Following a precipitous decline over recent decades, the MHI population was listed as "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act in 2012. This study assesses the risk of POP exposure to these populations by examining pollutant concentrations and ratios from blubber samples (n = 56) related to life history characteristics and MHI social clusters. Samples were analyzed for PCBs, DDTs, PBDEs, and some organochlorine pesticides. Skin samples (n = 52) were analyzed for stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N to gain insight into MHI false killer whale foraging ecology. Pollutant levels were similar among populations, although MHI whales had a significantly higher mean ratio of DDTs/PCBs than NWHI whales. The ∑PCB concentrations of 28 MHI individuals (68%) sampled were equal to or greater than suggested thresholds for deleterious health effects in marine mammals. The highest POP values among our samples were found in four stranded MHI animals. Eight of 24 MHI adult females have not been documented to have given birth; whether they have yet to reproduce, are reproductive senescent, or are experiencing reproductive dysfunction related to high POP exposure is unknown. Juvenile/sub-adults had significantly higher concentrations of certain contaminants than those measured in adults, and may be at greater risk of negative health effects during development. Multivariate analyses, POP ratios, and stable isotope ratios indicate varying risk of POP exposure, foraging locations and potentially prey items among MHI social clusters. Our findings provide invaluable insight into the ongoing risk POPs pose to the MHI population's viability, as well as consideration of risk for the NWHI and pelagic stocks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA.
| | - Sabre D Mahaffy
- Cascadia Research Collective, 218½ W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501, USA.
| | - Kristi L West
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, PO Box 1346, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA; Human Nutrition Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, 1955 East West Road, Ag Sci 216, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
| | - Robin W Baird
- Cascadia Research Collective, 218½ W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501, USA; Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, PO Box 1346, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA.
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6
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Capanni F, Muñoz-Arnanz J, Marsili L, Fossi MC, Jiménez B. Assessment of PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs and PBDEs in Mediterranean striped dolphins. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 156:111207. [PMID: 32510364 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bio-accumulation of high levels of persistent organic pollutants represent a serious conservation concern for Mediterranean marine odontocetes. In this study, blubber samples from 10 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Italian coasts during 2015-2016 were analyzed. All specimens showed dl-PCBs > PBDEs ≫ PCDD/Fs. Median concentrations were 1820 ng/g l.w., 456 ng/g l.w. and 23.9 pg/g l.w., respectively. dl-PCBs accounted for 93.3% of total TEQs. PBDE concentrations suggest that the Mediterranean basin may be considered a hotspot for organobromine compounds. OCDD did not represent the greatest contributor to PCDD/Fs profile, most likely due to a change in dioxin environmental sources in the last two-three decades. Despite international regulations, the present study emphasized that POP exposure levels in Mediterranean striped dolphins have not declined significantly in recent years. Toxicological and risk assessment studies on this sentinel species may provide an early indication of potential adverse health effects on Mediterranean ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Capanni
- Dept. Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain; Dept. Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, via P. A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Juan Muñoz-Arnanz
- Dept. Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Letizia Marsili
- Dept. Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, via P. A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - M Cristina Fossi
- Dept. Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, via P. A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Begoña Jiménez
- Dept. Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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Robinson KJ, Hall AJ, Debier C, Eppe G, Thomé JP, Bennett KA. Persistent Organic Pollutant Burden, Experimental POP Exposure, and Tissue Properties Affect Metabolic Profiles of Blubber from Gray Seal Pups. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:13523-13534. [PMID: 30339760 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b04240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic, ubiquitous, resist breakdown, bioaccumulate in living tissue, and biomagnify in food webs. POPs can also alter energy balance in humans and wildlife. Marine mammals experience high POP concentrations, but consequences for their tissue metabolic characteristics are unknown. We used blubber explants from wild, gray seal ( Halichoerus grypus) pups to examine impacts of intrinsic tissue POP burden and acute experimental POP exposure on adipose metabolic characteristics. Glucose use, lactate production, and lipolytic rate differed between matched inner and outer blubber explants from the same individuals and between feeding and natural fasting. Glucose use decreased with blubber dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCB) and increased with acute experimental POP exposure. Lactate production increased with DL-PCBs during feeding, but decreased with DL-PCBs during fasting. Lipolytic rate increased with blubber dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDX) in fasting animals, but declined with DDX when animals were feeding. Our data show that POP burdens are high enough in seal pups to alter adipose function early in life, when fat deposition and mobilization are vital. Such POP-induced alterations to adipose metabolic properties may significantly alter energy balance regulation in marine top predators, with the potential for long-term impacts on fitness and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Robinson
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute , University of St Andrews , St Andrews , Fife KY16 8LB , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute , University of St Andrews , St Andrews , Fife KY16 8LB , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Cathy Debier
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology , Université Catholique de Louvain , Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Louvain-la-Neuve 1348 , Belgium
| | - Gauthier Eppe
- Center for Analytical Research and Technology (CART), B6c, Department of Chemistry , Université de Liège , Liege 4000 , Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Thomé
- Center for Analytical Research and Technology (CART), Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology (LEAE) , Université de Liège , Liege 4000 , Belgium
| | - Kimberley A Bennett
- Division of Science, School of Science Engineering and Technology , Abertay University , Dundee DD1 1HG , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Cocumelli C, Fichi G, Marsili L, Senese M, Cardeti G, Cersini A, Ricci E, Garibaldi F, Scholl F, Di Guardo G, Terracciano G. Cetacean Poxvirus in Two Striped Dolphins ( Stenella coeruleoalba) Stranded on the Tyrrhenian Coast of Italy: Histopathological, Ultrastructural, Biomolecular, and Ecotoxicological Findings. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:219. [PMID: 30255028 PMCID: PMC6141780 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tattoo skin disease (TSD) is a poxviral disease typical of cetaceans. Two juvenile and well-preserved male striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), found stranded along the Tuscany and Latium coasts of Italy in 2015 and 2016, respectively, showed typical skin lesions ascribable to TSD. Histological, ultrastructural and biomolecular investigations confirmed a poxviral aetiology for the aforementioned skin lesions. To our knowledge, this should be the first report of TSD in cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline. As organochlorines like PCBs and DDTs are known to be highly immunotoxic, the tissue loads of these contaminants were evaluated, in order to increase our knowledge on their potential role as well as on the relationships between the level of exposure to these pollutants and poxviral infection's occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Cocumelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Marsili
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Senese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - Giusy Cardeti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Ricci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Garibaldi
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Scholl
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuliana Terracciano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
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Basra K, Scammell MK, Benson EB, Heiger-Bernays W. Ambient Air Exposure to PCBs: Regulation and Monitoring at Five Contaminated Sites in EPA Regions 1, 2, 4, and 5. New Solut 2018; 28:262-282. [PMID: 29558851 DOI: 10.1177/1048291118763620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Existing regulations seek to protect the public from exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in food, water, and soil. Exposure to PCBs in ambient air has recently been given explicit consideration in the human health risk assessments that form the basis of risk management decisions at contaminated sites. The objective of this paper is to examine how ambient air exposure to PCBs is regulated and monitored at five contaminated sites in the United States. We reviewed online accessible materials (including Environmental Protection Agency-site specific websites, data repositories, and other agency websites). Results indicate that the five sites vary in regard to the measured PCB concentrations in air, the sampling and monitoring methodologies, and the established site-specific guidelines/standards and their basis. We conclude that current practices may not adequately protect those living or working near these sites from airborne PCB exposure and that regulations should include recognition of exposure to indoor sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Basra
- 1 Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Eugene B Benson
- 1 Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Desforges JP, Levin M, Jasperse L, De Guise S, Eulaers I, Letcher RJ, Acquarone M, Nordøy E, Folkow LP, Hammer Jensen T, Grøndahl C, Bertelsen MF, St Leger J, Almunia J, Sonne C, Dietz R. Effects of Polar Bear and Killer Whale Derived Contaminant Cocktails on Marine Mammal Immunity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:11431-11439. [PMID: 28876915 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b03532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Most controlled toxicity studies use single chemical exposures that do not represent the real world situation of complex mixtures of known and unknown natural and anthropogenic substances. In the present study, complex contaminant cocktails derived from the blubber of polar bears (PB; Ursus maritimus) and killer whales (KW; Orcinus orca) were used for in vitro concentration-response experiments with PB, cetacean and seal spp. immune cells to evaluate the effect of realistic contaminant mixtures on various immune functions. Cytotoxic effects of the PB cocktail occurred at lower concentrations than the KW cocktail (1 vs 16 μg/mL), likely due to differences in contaminant profiles in the mixtures derived from the adipose of each species. Similarly, significant reduction of lymphocyte proliferation occurred at much lower exposures in the PB cocktail (EC50: 0.94 vs 6.06 μg/mL; P < 0.01), whereas the KW cocktail caused a much faster decline in proliferation (slope: 2.9 vs 1.7; P = 0.04). Only the KW cocktail modulated natural killer (NK) cell activity and neutrophil and monocyte phagocytosis in a concentration- and species-dependent manner. No clear sensitivity differences emerged when comparing cetaceans, seals and PB. Our results showing lower effect levels for complex mixtures relative to single compounds suggest that previous risk assessments underestimate the effects of real world contaminant exposure on immunity. Our results using blubber-derived contaminant cocktails add realism to in vitro exposure experiments and confirm the immunotoxic risk marine mammals face from exposure to complex mixtures of environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University , Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut , 61 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3089, United States of America
| | - Lindsay Jasperse
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut , 61 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3089, United States of America
| | - Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut , 61 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3089, United States of America
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University , Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University , Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0H3
| | - Mario Acquarone
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, University of Tromsø - the Arctic University of Norway , Breivika, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Erling Nordøy
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, University of Tromsø - the Arctic University of Norway , Breivika, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lars P Folkow
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, University of Tromsø - the Arctic University of Norway , Breivika, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Carsten Grøndahl
- Copenhagen ZOO, Roskildevej 38, PO Box 7, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Mads F Bertelsen
- Copenhagen ZOO, Roskildevej 38, PO Box 7, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Judy St Leger
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California 92109, United States of America
| | - Javier Almunia
- Loro Parque Fundación, Avda. Loro Parque, s/n 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife Spain
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University , Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University , Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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11
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Bennett KA, Robinson KJ, Moss SEW, Millward S, Hall AJ. Using blubber explants to investigate adipose function in grey seals: glycolytic, lipolytic and gene expression responses to glucose and hydrocortisone. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7731. [PMID: 28798409 PMCID: PMC5552887 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue is fundamental to energy balance, which underpins fitness and survival. Knowledge of adipose regulation in animals that undergo rapid fat deposition and mobilisation aids understanding of their energetic responses to rapid environmental change. Tissue explants can be used to investigate adipose regulation in wildlife species with large fat reserves, when opportunities for organismal experimental work are limited. We investigated glucose removal, lactate, glycerol and NEFA accumulation in media, and metabolic gene expression in blubber explants from wild grey seals. Glycolysis was higher in explants incubated in 25 mM glucose (HG) for 24 h compared to controls (C: 5.5 mM glucose). Adipose-derived lactate likely contributes to high endogenous glucose production in seals. Lipolysis was not stimulated by HG or high hydrocortisone (HC: 500 nM hydrocortisone) and was lower in heavier animals. HC caused NEFA accumulation in media to decrease by ~30% relative to C in females, indicative of increased lipogenesis. Lipolysis was higher in males than females in C and HG conditions. Lower relative abundance of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 mRNA in HG explants suggests glucose involvement in blubber cortisol sensitivity. Our findings can help predict energy balance responses to stress and nutritional state in seals, and highlight the use of explants to study fat tissue function in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley A Bennett
- Division of Science, School of Science Engineering and Technology, Abertay University, Bell St, Dundee, DD1 1HG, UK.
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Kelly J Robinson
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Simon E W Moss
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Sebastian Millward
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
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12
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Rosel PE, Wilcox LA, Sinclair C, Speakman TR, Tumlin MC, Litz JA, Zolman ES. Genetic assignment to stock of stranded common bottlenose dolphins in southeastern Louisiana after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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13
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Bogomolni A, Frasca S, Levin M, Matassa K, Nielsen O, Waring G, De Guise S. In Vitro Exposure of Harbor Seal Immune Cells to Aroclor 1260 Alters Phocine Distemper Virus Replication. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:121-132. [PMID: 26142119 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0178-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In the last 30 years, several large-scale marine mammal mortality events have occurred, often in close association with highly polluted regions, leading to suspicions that contaminant-induced immunosuppression contributed to these epizootics. Some of these recent events also identified morbillivirus as a cause of or contributor to death. The role of contaminant exposures regarding morbillivirus mortality is still unclear. The results of this study aimed to address the potential for a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), specifically Aroclor 1260, to alter harbor seal T-lymphocyte proliferation and to assess if exposure resulted in increased likelihood of phocine distemper virus (PDV USA 2006) to infect susceptible seals in an in vitro system. Exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to Aroclor 1260 did not significantly alter lymphocyte proliferation (1, 5, 10, and 20 ppm). However, using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), lymphocytes exposed to 20 ppm Aroclor 1260 exhibited a significant decrease in PDV replication at day 7 and a significant increase at day 11 compared with unexposed control cells. Similar and significant differences were apparent on exposure to Aroclor 1260 in monocytes and supernatant. The results here indicate that in harbor seals, Aroclor 1260 exposure results in a decrease in virus early during infection and an increase during late infection. The consequences of this contaminant-induced infection pattern in a highly susceptible host could result in a greater potential for systemic infection with greater viral load, which could explain the correlative findings seen in wild populations exposed to a range of persistent contaminants that suffer from morbillivirus epizootics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bogomolni
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, 61 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT, 06268, USA.
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole, Rd. #MS 50, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA.
| | - Salvatore Frasca
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, 61 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT, 06268, USA
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, 61 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT, 06268, USA
| | - Keith Matassa
- Pacific Marine Mammal Center, 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651, USA
| | - Ole Nielsen
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Central and Arctic Region, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Gordon Waring
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Woods Hole Rd., Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, 61 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT, 06268, USA
- Connecticut Sea Grant College Program, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT, 06340, USA
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14
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Desforges JPW, Sonne C, Levin M, Siebert U, De Guise S, Dietz R. Immunotoxic effects of environmental pollutants in marine mammals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 86:126-139. [PMID: 26590481 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Due to their marine ecology and life-history, marine mammals accumulate some of the highest levels of environmental contaminants of all wildlife. Given the increasing prevalence and severity of diseases in marine wildlife, it is imperative to understand how pollutants affect the immune system and consequently disease susceptibility. Advancements and adaptations of analytical techniques have facilitated marine mammal immunotoxicology research. Field studies, captive-feeding experiments and in vitro laboratory studies with marine mammals have associated exposure to environmental pollutants, most notable polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals, to alterations of both the innate and adaptive arms of immune systems, which include aspects of cellular and humoral immunity. For marine mammals, reported immunotoxicology endpoints fell into several major categories: immune tissue histopathology, haematology/circulating immune cell populations, functional immune assays (lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytosis, respiratory burst, and natural killer cell activity), immunoglobulin production, and cytokine gene expression. Lymphocyte proliferation is by far the most commonly used immune assay, with studies using different organic pollutants and metals predominantly reporting immunosuppressive effects despite the many differences in study design and animal life history. Using combined field and laboratory data, we determined effect threshold levels for suppression of lymphocyte proliferation to be between b0.001-10 ppm for PCBs, 0.002-1.3 ppm for Hg, 0.009-0.06 for MeHg, and 0.1-2.4 for cadmium in polar bears and several pinniped and cetacean species. Similarly, thresholds for suppression of phagocytosis were 0.6-1.4 and 0.08-1.9 ppm for PCBs and mercury, respectively. Although data are lacking for many important immune endpoints and mechanisms of specific immune alterations are not well understood, this review revealed a systemic suppression of immune function in marine mammals exposed to environmental contaminants. Exposure to immunotoxic contaminants may have significant population level consequences as a contributing factor to increasing anthropogenic stress in wildlife and infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre W Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, 61 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3089, United States
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, 61 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3089, United States
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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15
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Barón E, Giménez J, Verborgh P, Gauffier P, De Stephanis R, Eljarrat E, Barceló D. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of classical flame retardants, related halogenated natural compounds and alternative flame retardants in three delphinids from Southern European waters. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 203:107-115. [PMID: 25875161 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Occurrence and behaviour of classical (PBDEs) and alternative (HNs, HBB, PBEB, DBDPE and HBCD) flame retardants, together with naturally produced MeO-PBDEs, were studied in short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) in two sampling locations from Southern European waters. PBDEs, Dec 602, Dec 603, DP, α-HBCD and two MeO-PBDEs were detected in all three species. ∑PBDEs were between 17 and 2680 ng/g lw; ∑HNs were between 1.1 and 59 ng/g lw; α-HBCD levels ranged between 3.2 and 641 ng/g lw; ∑MeO-PBDEs were between 34 and 1966 ng/g lw. Bottlenose dolphins were the most contaminated species and some individuals could present health risk for endocrine disruption since levels found were above the reported threshold (1500 ng/g lw). Stable isotope analysis was used to evaluate the biomagnification capacity of these compounds. PBDEs, MeO-PBDEs and Dec 602 showed a significant positive correlation with trophic position.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Barón
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research Studies (IDAEA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Giménez
- Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Department of Conservation Biology, Avenida Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - P Verborgh
- Conservation Information and Research on Cetaceans (CIRCE), Cabeza de Manzaneda 3, Algeciras-Pelayo, 11390 Cádiz, Spain
| | - P Gauffier
- Conservation Information and Research on Cetaceans (CIRCE), Cabeza de Manzaneda 3, Algeciras-Pelayo, 11390 Cádiz, Spain
| | - R De Stephanis
- Fundación Rosetta, Cabeza de Manzaneda 3, Algeciras-Pelayo, 11390 Cadiz, Spain
| | - E Eljarrat
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research Studies (IDAEA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - D Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research Studies (IDAEA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H(2)O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
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16
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Fossi MC, Panti C, Marsili L, Maltese S, Coppola D, Jimenez B, Muñoz-Arnanz J, Finoia MG, Rojas-Bracho L, Urban RJ. Could feeding habit and migratory behaviour be the causes of different toxicological hazard to cetaceans of Gulf of California (Mexico)? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:13353-66. [PMID: 24510600 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-2574-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a suite of diagnostic biomarkers was applied to seven cetacean species to evaluate the role of the feeding habits and migratory behavior in the toxicological status of these species from the Gulf of California, Mexico. We investigate the interspecific differences in cytochrome P450 1A1 and 2B (CYP1A1 and CYP2B, respectively), aryl hydrocarbon receptor and E2F transcription factor 1 and the contaminants levels [organochlorine compounds, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)] in four odontocete species (common bottlenose dolphin, long-beaked common dolphin, sperm whale and killer whale) and three mysticete species (blue whale, fin whale, and Bryde's whale) using skin biopsy. Differences in contaminant levels and molecular biomarker responses between the odontocete and mysticete species have been pointed out. The canonical discriminant analysis on principal component analysis factors, performed to reveal clustering variables, shows that odontocete are characterised by the highest levels of lipophilic contaminants compared to the mysticete, with the highest levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes and PBDEs detected in killer whale and the lowest levels in Bryde's whale. The biomarker data show interspecific differences amongst the seven species, revealing highest CYP1A and CYP2B protein levels in the mysticete fish-eating species (Bryde's whale). In conclusion, three main factors seem to regulate the biomarker responses in these species: (a) the inductive ability of persistent organic pollutants and PAHs; (b) the different evolutionary process of the two CYPs related to the different feeding habits of the species; (c) the migratory/resident behaviour of the mysticete species in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Fossi
- Department of Environmental, Physical and Earth Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy,
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17
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Lehnert K, Müller S, Weirup L, Ronnenberg K, Pawliczka I, Rosenberger T, Siebert U. Molecular biomarkers in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) to evaluate pollutant exposure, health and immune status. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 88:311-318. [PMID: 25220314 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Grey seals as top-predators bioaccumulate contaminants and can be considered as sentinels of eco-system health. Pups are weaned after a short nursing period, characterised by an enormous lipid transfer and exposure to contaminants. This study established molecular biomarkers of the xenobiotic metabolism and immune system to help assess health and immune status. mRNA transcription of AHR, ARNT, PPARα and cytokine IL-2 and heat-shock-protein HSP70 was measured in blood of grey seal pups and adults in rehabilitation and permanent care using RT-qPCR and compared to rehabilitating harbour seal pups and haematology values. In pups highest levels at admission in xenobiotic biomarker, HSP70 and cytokine transcription may show contaminant exposure via lactation, stress during abandonment and dehydration. The significant decrease may be linked to diet, health improvement and adaptation. Adults showed higher levels and more variation in biomarker transcription and clear species-specific differences between harbour and grey seal pups were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Büsum, Germany; Institute for Coastal Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
| | - S Müller
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - L Weirup
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - K Ronnenberg
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - I Pawliczka
- Hel Marine Station, University of Gdansk, Morska 2, 84-150 Hel, Poland
| | - T Rosenberger
- Seal Centre Friedrichskoog, An der Seeschleuse 4, 25718 Friedrichskoog, Germany
| | - U Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Büsum, Germany
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18
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Routti H, Lydersen C, Hanssen L, Kovacs KM. Contaminant levels in the world's northernmost harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 87:140-146. [PMID: 25152181 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The world's northernmost harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) population, which inhabits Svalbard, Norway, constitutes a genetically distinct population. The present study reports concentrations of 14 PCBs, 5 chlordanes, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), mirex, and, α-, β-and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in blubber, and pentachlorophenol, 4-OH-heptachlorostyrene, 10 OH-PCBs and 14 perfluoroalkyl substances in plasma of live-captured harbor seals from this population (4 males, 4 females, 4 juveniles), sampled in 2009-2010. Concentrations of PCB 153, p,p'-DDE, oxychlordane, α-HCH and mirex and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates in Svalbard harbor seals were considerably lower than harbor seal from more southerly populations, while concentrations of HCB, OH-PCBs and perfluoroalkyl carboxylates were similar for harbor seals from Svalbard and southern areas. Concentrations of PCBs and pesticides in the Svalbard harbor seals were 60-90% lower than levels determined a decade ago in this same population. Current concentrations of legacy POPs are not considered a health risk to the harbor seals from Svalbard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | - Linda Hanssen
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
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Vazzana M, Reas G, Cammarata M, Arizza V, Ferrantelli V, Parrinello N. Aroclor 1254 inhibits the chemiluminescence response of peritoneal cavity cells from sharpsnout sea bream (Diplodus puntazzo). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 39:498-502. [PMID: 24945575 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) affect the immune system of fish and could lead to a decreased disease resistance. The effects of Aroclor 1254, PCB mixtures, on the Diplodus puntazzo innate immunity were examined by assaying the zymosan stimulated chemiluminescence response (CL) of peritoneal cavity cells (PCCs) at various times (1, 24, 48 h and 1-4 weeks) from intraperitoneal injection of the xenobiotic (1 mg kg(-1) body weight). Controls were performed by assaying cells from medium-treated fish. Since the kinetic of the chemiluminescence response showed the highest peak at 25 min after the zymosan stimulation of the cells, the values found at that time were considered. The CL enhancement observed at 1 h after the treatment with xenobiotic was followed by a decreased response at 24 h and appeared to be lower at 1-4 weeks when compared to the CL response of the control, suggesting a protracted effect of PCBs on the peritoneal cavity. Since PCCs incubated in vitro for 1 h with 0.05 and 0.1 μg ml(-1) Aroclor showed an enhanced CL, the effect of the xenobiotic could be exerted on the cell responsiveness to zymosan. It is known that fish CL response of PCCs can be imputed to phagocyte (macrophages and neutrophils) activation, these cells and their responsiveness to zymosan can be used in immunotoxicology assay to monitor the fish health in polluted environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Vazzana
- Dip. STEBICEF, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriele Reas
- Dip. STEBICEF, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Dip. STEBICEF, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dip. STEBICEF, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 18, Palermo, Italy; IEMEST - Istituto Euromediterraneo di Scienza e Tecnologia, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Ferrantelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Rocco Dicillo, 4, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicolò Parrinello
- Dip. STEBICEF, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 18, Palermo, Italy
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20
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Lopez J, Hyrenbach KD, Littnan C, Ylitalo GM. Geographic variation of persistent organic pollutants in Hawaiian monk seals Monachus schauinslandi in the main Hawaiian Islands. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2014. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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21
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Spector JT, De Roos AJ, Ulrich CM, Sheppard L, Sjödin A, Wener MH, Wood B, McTiernan A. Plasma polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations and immune function in postmenopausal women. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 131:174-180. [PMID: 24721136 PMCID: PMC4019676 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure has been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in several studies, and the immune system is a potential mediator. OBJECTIVES We analyzed associations of plasma PCBs with immune function measures. We hypothesized that higher plasma PCB concentrations are associated with lower immune function cross-sectionally, and that increases in PCB concentrations over a one year period are associated with decreases in immune function. METHODS Plasma PCB concentrations and immune function [natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and PHA-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation (PHA-TLP)] were measured at baseline and one year in 109 postmenopausal overweight women participating in an exercise intervention study in the Seattle, Washington (USA) area. Mixed models, with adjustment for body mass index and other potential confounders, were used to estimate associations of PCBs with immune function cross-sectionally and longitudinally. RESULTS Associations of PCBs with immune function measures differed across groups of PCBs (e.g., medium- and high-chlorinated and dioxin-like [mono-ortho-substituted]) and by the time frame for the comparison (cross-sectional vs. longitudinal). Higher concentrations of medium- and high-chlorinated PCBs were associated with higher PHA-TLP cross-sectionally but not longitudinally. The mean decrease in 0.5 µg/mL PHA-TLP/50.0 pmol/g-lipid increase in dioxin-like PCBs over one year was 51.6 (95% confidence interval 2.7, 100.5; P=0.039). There was no association between plasma PCBs and NK cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS These results do not provide strong evidence of impaired cellular immunity from PCB exposure. Larger longitudinal studies with greater variability in PCB exposures are needed to further examine temporal associations of PCBs with immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- June T Spector
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Anneclaire J De Roos
- Epidemiology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, P.O. Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Cornelia M Ulrich
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, P.O. Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Lianne Sheppard
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Andreas Sjödin
- National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
| | - Mark H Wener
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Brent Wood
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Anne McTiernan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Epidemiology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, P.O. Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Fossi MC, Panti C, Marsili L, Maltese S, Spinsanti G, Casini S, Caliani I, Gaspari S, Muñoz-Arnanz J, Jimenez B, Finoia MG. The Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean marine mammals: Marine Protected Area (MPA) or marine polluted area? The case study of the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 70:64-72. [PMID: 23465620 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The concurrence of man-made pressures on cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea is potentially affecting population stability and marine biodiversity. This needs to be proven for the only pelagic marine protected area in the Mediterranean Sea: the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals. Here we applied a multidisciplinary tool, using diagnostic markers elaborated in a statistical model to rank toxicological stress in Mediterranean cetaceans. As a case study we analyzed persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals combined with a wide range of diagnostic markers of exposure to anthropogenic contaminants and genetic variation as marker of genetic erosion in striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) skin biopsies. Finally, a statistical model was applied to obtain a complete toxicological profile of the striped dolphin in the Pelagos Sanctuary and other Mediterranean areas (Ionian Sea and Strait of Gibraltar). Here we provide the first complete evidence of the toxicological stress in cetaceans living in Pelagos Sanctuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via PA Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Lopez J, Boyd D, Ylitalo GM, Littnan C, Pearce R. Persistent organic pollutants in the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) from the main Hawaiian Islands. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:2588-2598. [PMID: 22884537 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2012] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about levels or effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Hawaiian monk seals (HMS) from the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) subpopulation. This study examined concentrations of a large suite of POPs in blubber and serum of juvenile and adult HMS from the MHI. Adult females have the lowest blubber levels of most POPs, whereas adult males have highest levels. POPs in serum were significantly different in adult males compared with adult females for chlordanes and summed dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs). Lipid-normalized concentrations of chlordanes, DDTs, polychlorinated biphenyls, and mirex in paired blubber and serum samples were significantly correlated. Contaminant levels from the MHI were at similar or lower levels than those from remote Northwestern Hawaiian Island populations. Determining initial ranges of POPs is an important step towards assessing one of the many potential health threats to this critically endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lopez
- Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawaii, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1000, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA.
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Patterns of stranding and mortality in common seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in The Netherlands between 1979 and 2008. J Comp Pathol 2012; 147:550-65. [PMID: 22632685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pathological examination of stranded marine mammals provides information on the causes of mortality in their populations. Patterns of stranding and causes of death of dead-stranded seals on the Dutch coast were analyzed over a 30-year period (1979-2008). Stranding data (n=1,286) and post-mortem data (n=379) from common seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) found dead, or that died before admission to rehabilitation, were obtained from the Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre database. Data for the years 1988 and 2002, when mass mortality occurred due to phocine distemper virus epidemics, were excluded. Common seal stranding increased from one to nearly 100 per year over this period. This coincides with the increase in the number of common seals in Dutch waters over recent decades. Grey seal stranding increased gradually from one to about 40 per year over the period, reflecting recolonization of Dutch waters by this species. For both species, the trend in stranding of dead seals was found to be in line with that of seals observed in Dutch waters during aerial surveys and did not provide any indications of a relative change in the stranding rate of dead seals. The total monthly stranding rates peaked at more than 120 in June and July for common seals and at nearly 60 in January for grey seals. This coincides with the pupping periods of the two species. Besides phocine distemper, the most common causes of death in investigated common seals (n=286) were by-catch (confirmed and inferred) (19%), pup starvation (7%), intestinal volvulus (7%) and parasitic bronchopneumonia (6%). The most common causes of death in investigated grey seals (n=93) were by-catch (confirmed and inferred) (15%), pup starvation (11%) and trauma (5%). The relative occurrence of by-catch significantly decreased over time for grey seals, but not for common seals. Common seals were affected by infectious disease significantly more often than grey seals, mainly because of a higher occurrence of parasitic pneumonia. Phocine distemper caused mass mortalities among common seals, but not among grey seals. These findings in dead-stranded seals differ in part from those reported elsewhere in live-stranded seals, for which pup starvation and parasitic bronchopneumonia were the main causes of stranding. A substantial proportion of seals in Dutch waters die from causes related to human activity. Continued monitoring of stranding patterns and causes of death is warranted for early detection of changes and the possibility of taking timely management actions.
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Effects of life history variation on vertical transfer of toxicants in marine mammals. J Theor Biol 2010; 264:479-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2010.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 02/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Dufresne MM, Frouin H, Pillet S, Lesage V, De Guise S, Fournier M. Comparative sensitivity of harbour and grey seals to several environmental contaminants using in vitro exposure. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2010; 60:344-349. [PMID: 19945719 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Revised: 10/19/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)), mercury chloride (HgCl(2)), methylmercury chloride (CH(3)HgCl), and PCBs on lymphocyte proliferation in phocids. PBMCs isolated from harbour and grey seals were exposed in vitro to varying concentrations of contaminants. A reduction of viability occurred when cells were exposed to 10(-4)M HgCl(2) or CH(3)HgCl or to 50ppm of Aroclor 1254. In both grey and harbour seals, T-lymphocyte proliferation was suppressed when their cells were incubated with 5 x 10(-5)M CdCl(2) or 10(-4)M HgCl(2). An inhibition of proliferation occurred with CH(3)HgCl from 10(-6)M in grey seals and from 10(-5)M in harbour seals. In grey seals, Aroclor 1254 reduced lymphocyte proliferation at 15ppm. In both harbour and grey seals, CH(3)HgCl was ten times more immunotoxic that HgCl(2). From IC(50), chemicals were ranked in terms of toxicity as followed: CH(3)HgCl>CdCl(2)>HgCl(2)>Aroclor 1254.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Dufresne
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
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27
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Ylitalo GM, Baird RW, Yanagida GK, Webster DL, Chivers SJ, Bolton JL, Schorr GS, McSweeney DJ. High levels of persistent organic pollutants measured in blubber of island-associated false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) around the main Hawaiian Islands. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2009; 58:1932-1937. [PMID: 19782380 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Revised: 08/28/2009] [Accepted: 08/28/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Ylitalo
- NOAA Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Environmental Conservation Division, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA.
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Park JS, Kalantzi OI, Kopec D, Petreas M. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PCBs) in livers of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from San Francisco Bay, California and Gulf of Maine. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2009; 67:129-35. [PMID: 19150735 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2008.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/12/2008] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Bioaccumulation of endocrine disruptors in marine mammals positioned at the top of the food chain is of toxicological concern. Livers from four pups and ten adult harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) stranded in San Francisco Bay (SFB) and the Gulf of Maine (GOM) were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PCBs). We used GC-ECD and GC-NCI/MS to investigate the presence of 28 PCBs and 8 OH-PCB metabolites, respectively. Sigma(28)PCB concentrations (di- to octa-CBs) ranged from 1.81 to 35.9 microg/g lipid with a median of 6.53 for the seal pups and 2.31 to 249 microg/g lipid with a median of 28.9 for the adult seals. Sigma(8)OH-PCB concentrations (penta- to hepta-OH-PCBs) ranged from 0.02 to 0.69 microg/g lipid with a median of 0.04 for the adult seals, i.e., at much lower concentrations than those for PCBs. Ratios of OH-PCBs to PCBs (0.24% on average) were comparable to those in beluga whale, but were lower than ratios in human livers. The OH-PCB profiles were slightly different between SFB and GOM seal livers, although similar PCB congener patterns were observed. Generally, 4-OH-CB107 was found predominantly in seal livers and was the only OH-PCB detectable in most of seal pup livers. This study provides information on OH-PCBs in seals, adding to the scarce exposure data for these chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- June-Soo Park
- Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, 700 Heinz Ave., Suite 100, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA.
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Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on the neutrophil NADPH oxidase system. Toxicol Lett 2009; 187:144-8. [PMID: 19429257 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2008] [Revised: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are reported to induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neutrophil granulocytes through the activation of the NADPH oxidase. The purpose of the present study is to elucidate the cellular mechanisms responsible for the activation of the NADPH oxidase after exposure to PCB. We have previously shown that PCB activates human neutrophil granulocytes through a calcium dependent activation of phospholipase D and/or phospholipase C, followed by the activation of protein kinase C. In the present study, pharmacological characterization of Aroclor (A) 1242-induced respiratory burst in human neutrophils was conducted by the use of enzymatic inhibitors. Pre-incubation with U0126, SB203580, SP600125, cyclosporin A and FK506 attenuated the A 1242-induced respiratory burst, measured by DCF-fluorescence, and luminol-amplified chemiluminescence. Our results show that the Erk1/2 kinases and p38MAPK/JNK are involved in ROS formation in neutrophils exposed to A 1242.
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30
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Smith KF, Acevedo-Whitehouse K, Pedersen AB. The role of infectious diseases in biological conservation. Anim Conserv 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2008.00228.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Kakuschke A, Valentine-Thon E, Fonfara S, Griesel S, Rosenberger T, Siebert U, Prange A. Metal-induced impairment of the cellular immunity of newborn harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2008; 55:129-136. [PMID: 18166986 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-007-9092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2007] [Accepted: 11/06/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The cellular immunity of newborn harbor seals and the influence of pollutants are rarely investigated. This study evaluated the lymphocyte proliferation using a lymphocyte proliferation test (LTT) to understand the dynamics of immune response in seal pups of varying ages from the moment they arrived in a seal center after active beaching until their release into wildlife 3 months later after rehabilitation. Moreover, the effect of various metals (Ag, Al, Au, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, different Hg compounds, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Sn, Ti) on lymphocyte proliferation in terms of immunosuppression and hypersensitivity was investigated. First, a strong lymphocyte proliferation in newborns as a reflection of relative immunocompetence was found. Second, different metal-induced influences on lymphocyte proliferation such as specific inhibition by Be, Cd, Hg, and Sn as well as stimulation induced by Mo and Ni were determined. For seals tested repeatedly, the suppressive effect was detected in newborns but not found in the same animals when they were older and had become immunologically competent. Summarizing, the lymphocyte proliferation used as a marker in this investigation provided useful immunological information on these developing animals, and its application for toxicological studies on pollutants can be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Kakuschke
- GKSS Research Center, Institute for Coastal Research, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
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Myers MJ, Ylitalo GM, Krahn MM, Boyd D, Calkins D, Burkanov V, Atkinson S. Organochlorine contaminants in endangered Steller sea lion pups (Eumetopias jubatus) from western Alaska and the Russian Far East. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 396:60-69. [PMID: 18384839 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2007] [Revised: 02/05/2008] [Accepted: 02/06/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Investigations into the cause of the Steller sea lion population decline have focused on numerous factors, including exposure to toxic contaminants such as organochlorines (OCs). OCs, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane, or dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), have been associated with various biological effects in marine mammals. We measured these compounds in whole blood of free-ranging Steller sea lion pups in order to determine the extent and magnitude of contamination across their geographical range. Of 212 pups analyzed for OCs, 76 pups (36 females and 40 males) were from western Alaska and the other 136 (63 females and 73 males) were from the Russian Far East. Concentrations of summation SigmaPCBs in the whole blood of pups from western Alaska ranged from 0.21 to 13 ng/g wet weight with a mean of 2.1+/-0.27 ng/g wet weight. In the Russian animals, summation SigmaPCB concentrations in the whole blood of pups ranged from 0.33 to 36 ng/g wet weight with a mean of 4.3+/-0.44 ng/g wet weight. summation SigmaDDT concentrations in the whole blood of pups from western Alaska ranged from 0.18 to 11 ng/g wet weight with a mean of 1.6+/-0.23 ng/g wet weight. In Russia, summation SigmaDDT in the whole blood of pups ranged from undetectable to 26 ng/g wet weight with a mean of 3.3+/-0.36 ng/g wet weight. Average OC concentrations were significantly higher in the blood of Russian animals compared to western Alaska (for PCBs and DDTs, p<0.001) and in both areas females had higher concentrations than males. Male pups from western Alaska had significantly lower levels of summation SigmaPCBs and summation SigmaDDT when compared to male pups from Russia (for PCBs and DDTs p<0.001). Female pups from western Alaska were significantly lower in summation SigmaPCBs than Russian female pups (for PCBs p=0.009) as were female pups for summation SigmaDDT levels between areas (for DDTs p=0.026). OC contaminants data indicate that Steller sea lion pups have measurable concentrations of these synthetic chemicals. While any physiological effect and the specific role these chemicals may have in either the decline or the failure of the endangered Steller sea lion population to recover needs to be further investigated, this study indicates specific areas and animals that may be most at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Myers
- Alaska SeaLife Center, 301 Railway Ave., PO Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664, United States
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33
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Reif JS, Peden-Adams MM, Romano TA, Rice CD, Fair PA, Bossart GD. Immune dysfunction in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with lobomycosis. Med Mycol 2008; 47:125-35. [PMID: 18608890 DOI: 10.1080/13693780802178493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lobomycosis (Lacaziosis) occurs only in humans and dolphins under natural conditions. We evaluated the immune status of eight dolphins with lobomycosis and 40 healthy dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Lobomycosis cases had multiple abnormalities in their immunologic parameters when compared to healthy dolphins. The absolute number of circulating lymphocytes and serum albumin concentration were reduced (P<0.05) while the segmented neutrophils, alpha 1, total beta, total gamma and total globulins were increased (P<0.05). Although innate immunity was relatively intact and phagocytosis and natural killer cell activity were not affected, the plasma lysozyme concentrations were elevated in dolphins with lobomycosis (P<0.05). Adaptive immunity was depressed with statistically significant decreases found in the absolute numbers of CD4(+) helper T cells and CD19(+) and CD21(+) B cells. The ratios of CD2(+) T cells to CD4(+) cells and CD2(+) to CD21(+) cells were increased (P=0.05 and P<0.05, respectively) and the numbers of lymphocytes expressing MHC class II molecules was decreased in dolphins with lobomycosis (P<0.05). Lymphocyte proliferation was reduced in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and concanavalin A (P<0.05). Antibody titers to Erysipelas rhusiopathiae, a common marine micro-organism, were decreased (P<0.05). In summary, dolphins with lobomycosis exhibit significant impairment in adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Reif
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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Kakuschke A, Valentine-Thon E, Griesel S, Rosenberger T, Mundry R, Siebert U, Prange A. Blood metal levels and metal-influenced immune functions of harbour seals in captivity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2008; 56:764-769. [PMID: 18291423 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2007] [Revised: 01/04/2008] [Accepted: 01/11/2008] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Immunological blood parameters and the effects of environmental pollutants on the immune system are important to assess the health status of seals. Animals living permanently in seal centres are useful for development and validation of diagnostic tools for free-ranging animals. In this study, parameters of cellular immunity as well as metal concentrations in blood and metal influence on cell proliferation of seven seals from a seal centre were investigated repeatedly using multi-element analysis and a lymphocyte proliferation assay. The metal concentrations, except for tin and chromium, were in general comparable to those of free-ranging animals of the North Sea. The unstimulated and mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation showed strong intra- and inter-individual variability, which reflected variability in activation of the immune status. Furthermore, both immunosuppressive and stimulative influences of metals on lymphocytes were found. Summarising, the methods used in this investigation provided useful information on these animals, and their application to free-ranging animals can be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Kakuschke
- GKSS Research Centre, Institute for Coastal Research, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
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35
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Ylitalo GM, Myers M, Stewart BS, Yochem PK, Braun R, Kashinsky L, Boyd D, Antonelis GA, Atkinson S, Aguirre AA, Krahn MM. Organochlorine contaminants in endangered Hawaiian monk seals from four subpopulations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2008; 56:231-44. [PMID: 18031765 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2007.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2007] [Revised: 09/19/2007] [Accepted: 09/21/2007] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed blubber and blood samples for organochlorines (OCs) from 158 Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) at four of their six primary breeding colonies in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Levels of OCs in blubber were lower in adult females compared to juveniles or adult males, evidently owing to the transfer of these lipophilic compounds to pups by pregnant and lactating females. Concentrations of SigmaPCBs and p,p'-DDE in blubber generally increased with age until seals were sexually mature and then continued to increase with age in males after puberty. Average levels of PCBs and PCB toxic equivalents (TEQs) in blubber were significantly higher in adult male and juvenile seals at Midway Atoll than the same age class of seals at the other colonies. Unlike concentrations of OCs in blubber, circulating levels of OCs in blood did not vary consistently among age classes of seals or among breeding colonies. Though the concentrations of OCs measured in Hawaiian monk seals were generally equal to or lower than those reported for other pinniped species in the North Pacific Ocean, they were high enough in a few seals to potentially affect their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Ylitalo
- United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA 98112, USA.
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36
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Levin M, Morsey B, De Guise S. Modulation of the respiratory burst by organochlorine mixtures in marine mammals, humans, and mice. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2007; 70:73-83. [PMID: 17162500 DOI: 10.1080/15287390600754979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The effects of organochlorines (OC) on the immune systems of marine mammals and humans are poorly understood. One important innate immune function of peripheral blood neutrophils and monocytes is the respiratory burst, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) used to kill engulfed microorganisms. The present study characterized the immunomodulatory potential for mixtures of OCs, compared to that of individual OCs, on the respiratory burst in several marine mammals, humans, and B6C3F1 mice. The effects of three non-coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (138, 153, 180), one coplanar PCB (169), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) and all possible mixtures were tested upon in vitro exposure for 1 h, and their effects on the generation of a respiratory burst were measured by flow cytometry. The final concentration for each congener, alone or in a mixture, was 5 ppm for PCBs and 0.05 ppb for TCDD. Both significant enhancement and suppression of the respiratory burst occurred in all species tested, but the pattern was different between species and cell types (neutrophils vs. monocytes). Both coplanar and non-coplanar OCs were involved in the modulation of the respiratory burst. Regression analysis was not able to elucidate which OCs were involved in modulating the responses, highlighting the difficulty of developing models to predict the immunotoxic effects attributed to OC mixtures. The traditional mouse model and toxic equivalency (TEQ) approach both failed to consistently predict the toxicity of OCs in all species tested, questioning their applicability in the risk assessment process for all species. Elucidating the relative sensitivities to the immunomodulatory effects of OC mixtures between different species may have important implications for risk assessment as well as conservation and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA.
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Hall AJ, Hugunin K, Deaville R, Law RJ, Allchin CR, Jepson PD. The risk of infection from polychlorinated biphenyl exposure in the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena): a case-control approach. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2006; 114:704-11. [PMID: 16675424 PMCID: PMC1459923 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine whether the risk of mortality from infectious disease in harbor porpoise in U.K. waters increased with high exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), using a case-control study design. This is the first time that data from a long-term marine mammal strandings scheme have been used to estimate any increase in risk. The exposure odds ratio (OR) from a logistic regression model with infectious disease deaths as cases and physical trauma deaths as controls, after controlling for the effect of confounding factors, was 1.048 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-1.07]. To further adjust for the difference in energetic status between cases and controls and account for the negative relationship between PCBs (sum of 25 chlorobiphenyl congeners) and blubber mass, we also "standardized" the blubber PCBs to an optimal blubber mass. This lowered the OR to 1.02 (95% CI, 1.00-1.03). Thus, for each 1 mg/kg increase in blubber PCBs, the average increase in risk of infectious disease mortality was 2%. A doubling of risk occurred at approximately 45 mg/kg lipid. In this study, we have endeavored to avoid selection bias by using controls that died of physical trauma as representative of the exposure prevalence in the population that gave rise to the cases. In addition, we controlled for the effect of variation in energetic status among the cases and controls. However, as with case-control studies in human and veterinary epidemiology, unforeseen misclassification errors may result in biased risk estimates in either direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom.
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