1
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Traber MG. Deciphering the enigma of the function of alpha-tocopherol as a vitamin. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 221:64-74. [PMID: 38754744 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
α-Tocopherol (α-T) is a vitamin, but the reasons for the α-T requirement are controversial. Given that α-T deficiency was first identified in embryos, we studied to the premier model of vertebrate embryo development, the zebrafish embryo. We developed an α-T-deficient diet for zebrafish and used fish consuming this diet to produce α-T deficient (E-) embryos. We showed that α-T deficiency causes increased lipid peroxidation, leading to metabolic dysregulation that impacts both biochemical and morphological changes at very early stages in development. These changes occur at an early developmental window, which takes place prior to an analogous time to when a human knows she is pregnant. We found that α-T limits the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation and protects metabolic pathways and integrated gene expression networks that control embryonic development. Importantly, not only is α-T critical during early development, but the neurodevelopmental process is highly dependent on α-T trafficking by the α-T transfer protein (TTPa). Data from both gene expression and evaluation of the metabolome in E- embryos suggest that the activity of the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is dysregulated-mTOR is a master regulatory mechanism, which controls both metabolism and neurodevelopment. Our findings suggest that TTPa is needed not only for regulation of plasma α-T in adults but is a key regulator during embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maret G Traber
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, 97330, OR, USA.
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2
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Di Chiacchio IM, Paiva IM, de Abreu DJM, Carvalho EEN, Martínez PJ, Carvalho SM, Mulero V, Murgas LDS. Bee pollen as a dietary supplement for fish: Effect on the reproductive performance of zebrafish and the immunological response of their offspring. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 119:300-307. [PMID: 34656757 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bee pollen, a natural resource collected by bees, is rich in many nutrients, therefore it may represent a useful dietary supplement. Different uses of bee pollen are proposed due to its beneficial health properties, which includes the capacity to improve animal performance and promote immunostimulation. Animal nutrition can directly affect adults and their offspring, and larval stage is a critical moment for fish due to high mortality related to immune challenges. Thus, the present study attempted to evaluate the effects of adding bee pollen to a zebrafish diet, specifically, analyzing the effects on reproduction and immunity transference to descendants. Zebrafish adults received control diets based on commercial flakes and live food Artemia sp. nauplii or bee pollen-supplemented diets, administered three times a day, at the same time. The animals received the diets over 60 d, and throughout this period, they were tested for: egg production per female, total number of eggs, embryo viability rate, larval survival rate after exposure to spring viremia of carp virus and to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and larval neutrophil recruitment after tail wounding. Bee pollen supplementation failed to improve egg production and embryo viability, and was unable to substitute flakes in zebrafish breeders. Instead, the offspring of breeders fed with bee pollen supplemented diets showed longer survival upon virus exposure and higher neutrophil migration to wounds. These results indicate that bee pollen can influence vertical immunity through important mechanisms related to offspring immunity in the early stages, when larval immune system is not fully developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela M Di Chiacchio
- Biotério Central, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Lavras, UFLA, 3037, Lavras, MG, 37200-900, Brazil; Departmento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain.
| | - Isadora M Paiva
- Laboratório de Genética Animal e Humana, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Danilo J M de Abreu
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Lavras, UFLA, 3037, Lavras, MG, 37200-900, Brazil.
| | - Elisângela E N Carvalho
- Departamento de Ciência dos Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Lavras, UFLA, 3037, Lavras, MG, 37200-900, Brazil.
| | - Pedro J Martínez
- Departmento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain.
| | - Stephan M Carvalho
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, UFLA, 3037, Lavras, MG, 37200-900, Brazil.
| | - Victoriano Mulero
- Departmento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain.
| | - Luis David S Murgas
- Biotério Central, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Lavras, UFLA, 3037, Lavras, MG, 37200-900, Brazil.
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3
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Head B, Traber MG. Expanding role of vitamin E in protection against metabolic dysregulation: Insights gained from model systems, especially the developing nervous system of zebrafish embryos. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 176:80-91. [PMID: 34555455 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses why the embryo requires vitamin E (VitE) and shows that its lack causes metabolic dysregulation and impacts morphological changes at very early stages in development, which occur prior to when a woman knows she is pregnant. VitE halts the chain reactions of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Metabolomic analyses indicate that thiols become depleted in E- embryos because LPO generates products that require compensation using limited amino acids and methyl donors that are also developmentally relevant. Thus, VitE protects metabolic networks and the integrated gene expression networks that control development. VitE is critical especially for neurodevelopment, which is dependent on trafficking by the α-tocopherol transfer protein (TTPa). VitE-deficient (E-) zebrafish embryos initially appear normal, but by 12 and 24 h post-fertilization (hpf) E- embryos are developmentally abnormal with expression of pax2a and sox10 mis-localized in the midbrain-hindbrain boundary, neural crest cells and throughout the spinal neurons. These patterning defects indicate cells that are especially in need of VitE-protection. They precede obvious morphological abnormalities (cranial-facial malformation, pericardial edema, yolksac edema, skewed body-axis) and impaired behavioral responses to locomotor activity tests. The TTPA gene (ttpa) is expressed at the leading edges of the brain ventricle border. Ttpa knockdown using morpholinos is 100% lethal by 24 hpf, while E- embryo brains are often over- or under-inflated at 24 hpf. Further, E- embryos prior to 24 hpf have increased expression of genes involved in glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, and decreased expression of genes involved in anabolic pathways and transcription. Combined data from both gene expression and the metabolome in E- embryos at 24 hpf suggest that the activity of the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is decreased, which may impact both metabolism and neurodevelopment. Further evaluation of VitE deficiency in neurogenesis and its subsequent impact on learning and behavior is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Head
- Linus Pauling Institute, Corvallis, OR, USA; Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Maret G Traber
- Linus Pauling Institute, Corvallis, OR, USA; School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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4
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Vitamin E Deficiency Disrupts Gene Expression Networks during Zebrafish Development. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020468. [PMID: 33573233 PMCID: PMC7912379 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin E (VitE) is essential for vertebrate embryogenesis, but the mechanisms involved remain unknown. To study embryonic development, we fed zebrafish adults (>55 days) either VitE sufficient (E+) or deficient (E–) diets for >80 days, then the fish were spawned to generate E+ and E– embryos. To evaluate the transcriptional basis of the metabolic and phenotypic outcomes, E+ and E– embryos at 12, 18 and 24 h post-fertilization (hpf) were subjected to gene expression profiling by RNASeq. Hierarchical clustering, over-representation analyses and gene set enrichment analyses were performed with differentially expressed genes. E– embryos experienced overall disruption to gene expression associated with gene transcription, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, intracellular signaling and the formation of embryonic structures. mTOR was apparently a major controller of these changes. Thus, embryonic VitE deficiency results in genetic and transcriptional dysregulation as early as 12 hpf, leading to metabolic dysfunction and ultimately lethal outcomes.
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5
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Brenes-Soto A, Tye M, Esmail MY. The Role of Feed in Aquatic Laboratory Animal Nutrition and the Potential Impact on Animal Models and Study Reproducibility. ILAR J 2020; 60:197-215. [PMID: 33094819 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Feed plays a central role in the physiological development of terrestrial and aquatic animals. Historically, the feeding practice of aquatic research species derived from aquaculture, farmed, or ornamental trades. These diets are highly variable, with limited quality control, and have been typically selected to provide the fastest growth or highest fecundity. These variations of quality and composition of diets may affect animal/colony health and can introduce confounding experimental variables into animal-based studies that impact research reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Brenes-Soto
- Department of Animal Science, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marc Tye
- Zebrafish Core Facility, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Michael Y Esmail
- Tufts Comparative Medicine Services, Tufts University Health Science Campus, Boston, Massachusetts
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6
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Žák J, Dyková I, Reichard M. Good performance of turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) on pelleted diet as a step towards husbandry standardization. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8986. [PMID: 32488062 PMCID: PMC7265286 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65930-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary alteration is one of the most universally effective aging interventions, making its standardization a fundamental need for model organisms in aging. In this dietetic study we address the current lack of standardized formulated diet for turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri – a promising model organism. We first demonstrated that N. furzeri can be fully weaned at the onset of puberty onto a commercially available pelleted diet as the sole nutrition when kept in social tanks. We then compared nine somatic and six reproductive parameters between fish fed a typical laboratory diet - frozen chironomid larvae (bloodworms) and fish weaned from bloodworms to BioMar pellets. Both dietary groups had comparable somatic and reproductive performance. There was no difference between diet groups in adult body size, specific growth rate, condition or extent of hepatocellular vacuolation. Fish fed a pelleted diet had higher juvenile body mass and more visceral fat. Pellet-fed males had lower liver mass and possessed a lipid type of hepatocellular vacuolation instead of the prevailing glycogen-like vacuolation in the bloodworm-fed group. No considerable effect was found on reproductive parameters. The negligible differences between dietary groups and good acceptance of pellets indicate their suitability as a useful starting point for the development of standardized diet for Nothobranchius furzeri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Žák
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Viničná 7, 122 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Dyková
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, 611 37, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Reichard
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic.
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7
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Williams MB, Watts SA. Current basis and future directions of zebrafish nutrigenomics. GENES AND NUTRITION 2019; 14:34. [PMID: 31890052 PMCID: PMC6935144 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-019-0658-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review investigates the current state of nutrigenomics in the zebrafish animal models. The zebrafish animal model has been used extensively in the study of disease onset and progression and associated molecular changes. In this review, we provide a synopsis of nutrigenomics using the zebrafish animal model. Obesity and dyslipidemia studies describe the genomics of dietary-induced obesity in relation to high-fat/high-calorie diets. Inflammation and cardiovascular studies describe dietary effects on the expression of acute inflammatory markers and resulting chronic inflammatory issues including atherosclerosis. We also evaluated the genomic response to bioactive dietary compounds associated with metabolic disorders. Carbohydrate metabolism and β-cell function studies describe the impacts of high-carbohydrate dietary challenges on nutritional programming. We also report tumorigenesis in relation to dietary carcinogen exposure studies that can result in permanent genomic changes. Vitamin and mineral deficiency studies demonstrate transgenerational genomic impacts of micronutrients in the diet and temporal expression changes. Circadian rhythm studies describe the relation between metabolism and natural temporal cycles of gene expression that impacts health. Bone formation studies describe the role of dietary composition that influences bone reabsorption regulation. Finally, this review provides future directions in the use of the zebrafish model for nutrigenomic and nutrigenetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Williams
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Stephen A Watts
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
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8
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Fowler LA, Williams MB, Dennis-Cornelius LN, Farmer S, Barry RJ, Powell ML, Watts SA. Influence of Commercial and Laboratory Diets on Growth, Body Composition, and Reproduction in the Zebrafish Danio rerio. Zebrafish 2019; 16:508-521. [PMID: 31381491 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2019.1742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The value of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism continues to expand. In developing the model, current feeding practice in zebrafish laboratories includes the use of commercially available diets. In this study, we compared outcomes in growth, body composition, and reproduction among zebrafish fed five highly utilized commercial diets and one formulated chemically defined reference diet. Wild-type zebrafish larvae were raised on live feed until 21 days postfertilization and then fed diets for 16 weeks. All fish received a daily ration of >5% of body weight (adjusted biweekly). Growth varied among diets throughout the feeding trial, and at study termination (week 16), significant differences among diets were observed for terminal weight gain, body condition index, body fat deposition, and reproductive outcomes. In addition, the proportion of viable embryos produced from females fed the formulated reference diet was high relative to the commercial diets. These data suggest that metabolic profiles, most likely reflecting nutrient/energy availability, utilization, and allocation, vary relative to diet in zebrafish. Undefined differences in metabolic profiles could result in erroneous predictions of health outcomes and make comparisons among laboratories more challenging. We recommend that dietary standards should be defined for zebrafish to support their common utility in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Adele Fowler
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michael B Williams
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Susan Farmer
- Animal Resources Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - R Jeff Barry
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mickie L Powell
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Stephen A Watts
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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9
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Kim HK, Han SN. Vitamin E: Regulatory role on gene and protein expression and metabolomics profiles. IUBMB Life 2019; 71:442-455. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Kyeong Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition; The Catholic University of Korea; Bucheon South Korea
| | - Sung Nim Han
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology; Seoul National University; Seoul South Korea
- Research Institute of Human Ecology, Seoul National University; Seoul South Korea
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10
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Hamm JT, Ceger P, Allen D, Stout M, Maull EA, Baker G, Zmarowski A, Padilla S, Perkins E, Planchart A, Stedman D, Tal T, Tanguay RL, Volz DC, Wilbanks MS, Walker NJ. Characterizing sources of variability in zebrafish embryo screening protocols. ALTEX 2018; 36:103-120. [PMID: 30415271 PMCID: PMC10424490 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1804162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for fast, efficient, and cost-effective hazard identification and characterization of chemical hazards. This need is generating increased interest in the use of zebrafish embryos as both a screening tool and an alternative to mammalian test methods. A Collaborative Workshop on Aquatic Models and 21st Century Toxicology identified the lack of appropriate and consistent testing protocols as a challenge to the broader application of the zebrafish embryo model. The National Toxicology Program established the Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology (SEAZIT) initiative to address the lack of consistent testing guidelines and identify sources of variability for zebrafish-based assays. This report summarizes initial SEAZIT information-gathering efforts. Investigators in academic, government, and industry laboratories that routinely use zebrafish embryos for chemical toxicity testing were asked about their husbandry practices and standard protocols. Information was collected about protocol components including zebrafish strains, feed, system water, disease surveillance, embryo exposure conditions, and endpoints. Literature was reviewed to assess issues raised by the investigators. Interviews revealed substantial variability across design parameters, data collected, and analysis procedures. The presence of the chorion and renewal of exposure media (static versus static-renewal) were identified as design parameters that could potentially influence study outcomes and should be investigated further with studies to determine chemical uptake from treatment solution into embryos. The information gathered in this effort provides a basis for future SEAZIT activities to promote more consistent practices among researchers using zebrafish embryos for toxicity evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon T Hamm
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Patricia Ceger
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David Allen
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Matt Stout
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Maull
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Greg Baker
- Battelle, Life Sciences Research, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Padilla
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward Perkins
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Antonio Planchart
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - Tamara Tal
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Robert L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - David C Volz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Mitch S Wilbanks
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Nigel J Walker
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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11
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Adam AC, Skjærven KH, Whatmore P, Moren M, Lie KK. Parental high dietary arachidonic acid levels modulated the hepatic transcriptome of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) progeny. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201278. [PMID: 30070994 PMCID: PMC6071982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disproportionate high intake of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the diet is considered as a major human health concern. The present study examines changes in the hepatic gene expression pattern of adult male zebrafish progeny associated with high levels of the n-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (ARA) in the parental diet. The parental generation (F0) was fed a diet which was either low (control) or high in ARA (high ARA). Progenies of both groups (F1) were given the control diet. No differences in body weight were found between the diet groups within adult stages of either F0 or F1 generation. Few differentially expressed genes were observed between the two dietary groups in the F0 in contrast to the F1 generation. Several links were found between the previous metabolic analysis of the parental fish and the gene expression analysis in their adult progeny. Main gene expression differences in the progeny were observed related to lipid and retinoid metabolism by PPARα/RXRα playing a central role in mediating changes to lipid and long-chain fatty acid metabolism. The enrichment of genes involved in β-oxidation observed in the progeny, corresponded to the increase in peroxisomal β-oxidative degradation of long-chain fatty acids in the parental fish metabolomics data. Similar links between the F0 and F1 generation were identified for the methionine cycle and transsulfuration pathway in the high ARA group. In addition, estrogen signalling was found to be affected by parental high dietary ARA levels, where gene expression was opposite directed in F1 compared to F0. This study shows that the dietary n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio can alter gene expression patterns in the adult progeny. Whether the effect is mediated by permanent epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression in developing gametes needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul Whatmore
- Institute of Marine Research, Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mari Moren
- Institute of Marine Research, Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
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12
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Tsang B, Zahid H, Ansari R, Lee RCY, Partap A, Gerlai R. Breeding Zebrafish: A Review of Different Methods and a Discussion on Standardization. Zebrafish 2017; 14:561-573. [PMID: 28873037 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a rapidly increasing number of scientific papers have been published that utilize zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an alternative model organism in the study of a wide range of biological phenomena from cancer to behavior. This is, in large part, due to the prolific nature, relative ease of maintenance, and sufficiently high genetic homology of zebrafish to humans. With the surge of zebrafish use in animal research, the variations in methodologies of breeding and husbandry of this species have also increased. Investigators usually focus on the development and implementation of rigorous laboratory control that is specific to their studies. We suggest that the same scrutiny and attention may be required for the methods of breeding and housing of zebrafish. This article reviews a variety of zebrafish husbandry and breeding techniques and conditions employed around the world. It discusses factors ranging from numerous aspects of rearing/housing conditions through the sex ratio of the breeding group to the composition of the diet of zebrafish that may vary across laboratories. It provides some feedback on the potential pros and cons of the different methods. It argues that there is a substantial need for systematic analysis of these methods, that is, the effects of environmental factors on zebrafish health and breeding. It also discusses the question as to whether some degree of standardization of these methods is needed to enhance cross-laboratory comparability of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Tsang
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Canada
| | - Hifsa Zahid
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Canada
| | - Rida Ansari
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Canada
| | | | - Aman Partap
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Canada
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13
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Martins ML, Watral V, Rodrigues-Soares JP, Kent ML. A method for collecting eggs of Pseudocapillaria tomentosa (Nematoda: Capillariidae) from zebrafish Danio rerio and efficacy of heat and chlorine for killing the nematode's eggs. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2017; 40:169-182. [PMID: 27334246 PMCID: PMC5182181 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Pseudocapillaria tomentosa is a common pathogen of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in research facilities. We developed a method to collect and concentrate the nematode eggs using a modified sugar centrifugation method and documented their normal development. Embryonating stages with blastomere formation followed by elongation of the embryo prior to larva formation cumulated in developed larvae inside the eggs and hatching after 5-10 day. We then evaluated the efficacy of heat and chlorine to kill them based on a larva development assay. Eggs were exposed to 40, 50, 60 °C for 30 min and 1 h. Chlorine treatment was performed at 100, 250, 500, 1000, 3000 and 6000 ppm for 10 min. Samples exposed to 40 °C for 30 min or 1 h showed incidences of larvated eggs similar to controls. In contrast, no larvation occurred with eggs exposed to either 50 or 60 °C for 30 min or 1 h. Remarkably, in repeated assays, samples exposed to low doses of chlorine (100, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm for 10 min) showed significantly higher incidence of larvation than controls. Eggs treated with 3000 ppm for 10 min did not develop larvae, and no eggs were found after 6000 ppm treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- ML Martins
- AQUOS - Aquatic Organism Health Laboratory, Aquaculture Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Admar Gonzaga 1346, 88040-900, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
- Departments of Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, 97331, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - V Watral
- Departments of Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, 97331, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - JP Rodrigues-Soares
- AQUOS - Aquatic Organism Health Laboratory, Aquaculture Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Admar Gonzaga 1346, 88040-900, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - ML Kent
- Departments of Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, 97331, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Planchart A, Mattingly CJ, Allen D, Ceger P, Casey W, Hinton D, Kanungo J, Kullman SW, Tal T, Bondesson M, Burgess SM, Sullivan C, Kim C, Behl M, Padilla S, Reif DM, Tanguay RL, Hamm J. Advancing toxicology research using in vivo high throughput toxicology with small fish models. ALTEX 2016; 33:435-452. [PMID: 27328013 PMCID: PMC5270630 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1601281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Small freshwater fish models, especially zebrafish, offer advantages over traditional rodent models, including low maintenance and husbandry costs, high fecundity, genetic diversity, physiology similar to that of traditional biomedical models, and reduced animal welfare concerns. The Collaborative Workshop on Aquatic Models and 21st Century Toxicology was held at North Carolina State University on May 5-6, 2014, in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. Participants discussed the ways in which small fish are being used as models to screen toxicants and understand mechanisms of toxicity. Workshop participants agreed that the lack of standardized protocols is an impediment to broader acceptance of these models, whereas development of standardized protocols, validation, and subsequent regulatory acceptance would facilitate greater usage. Given the advantages and increasing application of small fish models, there was widespread interest in follow-up workshops to review and discuss developments in their use. In this article, we summarize the recommendations formulated by workshop participants to enhance the utility of small fish species in toxicology studies, as well as many of the advances in the field of toxicology that resulted from using small fish species, including advances in developmental toxicology, cardiovascular toxicology, neurotoxicology, and immunotoxicology. We alsoreview many emerging issues that will benefit from using small fish species, especially zebrafish, and new technologies that will enable using these organisms to yield results unprecedented in their information content to better understand how toxicants affect development and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Planchart
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Carolyn J. Mattingly
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David Allen
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Patricia Ceger
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Warren Casey
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David Hinton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jyotshna Kanungo
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Seth W. Kullman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Tamara Tal
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Maria Bondesson
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Con Sullivan
- Department of Molecular & Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Carol Kim
- Department of Molecular & Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Mamta Behl
- Division of National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David M. Reif
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Robert L. Tanguay
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Jon Hamm
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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15
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Spagnoli ST, Sanders JL, Watral V, Kent ML. Pseudoloma neurophilia Infection Combined with Gamma Irradiation Causes Increased Mortality in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Compared to Infection or Irradiation Alone: New Implications for Studies Involving Immunosuppression. Zebrafish 2016; 13 Suppl 1:S107-14. [PMID: 27123755 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2015.1223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma irradiation is commonly used as a bone marrow suppressant in studies of the immune system and hematopoiesis, most commonly in mammals. With the rising utility and popularity of the zebrafish (Danio rerio), gamma irradiation is being used for similar studies in this species. Pseudoloma neurophilia, a microparasite and common contaminant of zebrafish facilities, generally produces subclinical disease. However, like other microsporidia, P. neurophilia is a disease of opportunity and can produce florid infections with high morbidity and mortality, secondary to stress or immune suppression. In this study, we exposed zebrafish to combinations of P. neurophilia infection and gamma irradiation to explore the interaction between this immunosuppressive experimental modality and a normally subclinical infection. Zebrafish infected with P. neurophilia and exposed to gamma irradiation exhibited higher mortality, increased parasite loads, and increased incidences of myositis and extraneural parasite infections than fish exposed either to P. neurophilia or gamma irradiation alone. This experiment highlights the devastating effects of opportunistic diseases on immunosuppressed individuals and should caution researchers utilizing immunosuppressive modalities to carefully monitor their stocks to ensure that their experimental animals are not infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Spagnoli
- 1 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Justin L Sanders
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Virginia Watral
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Michael L Kent
- 1 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon.,2 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
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16
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Kent ML, Watral VG, Kirchoff NS, Spagnoli ST, Sharpton TJ. Effects of Subclinical Mycobacterium chelonae Infections on Fecundity and Embryo Survival in Zebrafish. Zebrafish 2016; 13 Suppl 1:S88-95. [PMID: 27031171 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2015.1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacteriosis is the second most common infectious disease in zebrafish research colonies, and most often this is caused by Mycobacterium chelonae. The infection is characterized by multiple granulomas in the kidney, coelomic cavity, particularly the ovary. However, most fish still appear clinically normal. Developmental genetics remain a primary area of research with the zebrafish model, and hence, an important use of adult zebrafish is as brood fish to produce embryos. We investigated the effects of experimentally induced M. chelonae infections on fecundity. A total of 480 5D wild-type zebrafish were divided into four groups: controls, males infected, females infected, and both sexes. Exposed fish developed high prevalence of infection, including many females with ovarian infections. Fish were then first subjected to four separate group spawns with four replicate tanks/group. Then, a third of the fish were subjected to pairwise spawns, representing 20 pairs/group, and then the pairs were evaluated by histopathology. Overall, the group and pairwise spawns resulted numerous eggs and viable embryos. However, we found no statistical correlations between infection status and number of eggs or viability. In contrast to Egg Associated Inflammation and Fibroplasia, lesions in infected ovaries were more localized, with large regions of the ovary appearing normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Kent
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon.,2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Virginia G Watral
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Nicole S Kirchoff
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Sean T Spagnoli
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Thomas J Sharpton
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon.,3 Department of Statistics, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
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High-throughput characterization of chemical-associated embryonic behavioral changes predicts teratogenic outcomes. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:1459-70. [PMID: 26126630 PMCID: PMC4701642 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1554-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
New strategies are needed to address the data gap between the bioactivity of chemicals in the environment versus existing hazard information. We address whether a high-throughput screening (HTS) system using a vertebrate organism (embryonic zebrafish) can characterize chemical-elicited behavioral responses at an early, 24 hours post-fertilization (hpf) stage that predict teratogenic consequences at a later developmental stage. The system was used to generate full concentration–response behavioral profiles at 24 hpf across 1060 ToxCast™ chemicals. Detailed, morphological evaluation of all individuals was performed as experimental follow-up at 5 days post-fertilization (dpf). Chemicals eliciting behavioral responses were also mapped against external HTS in vitro results to identify specific molecular targets and neurosignalling pathways. We found that, as an integrative measure of normal development, significant alterations in movement highlighted active chemicals representing several modes of action. These early behavioral responses were predictive for 17 specific developmental abnormalities and mortality measured at 5 dpf, often at lower (i.e., more potent) concentrations than those at which morphological effects were observed. Therefore, this system can provide rapid characterization of chemical-elicited behavioral responses at an early developmental stage that are predictive of observable adverse effects later in life.
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