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Pedro S, Dietz R, Sonne C, Rosing-Asvid A, Hansen M, McKinney MA. Are vitamins A and E associated with persistent organic pollutants and fatty acids in the blubber of highly contaminated killer whales (Orcinus orca) from Greenland? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108602. [PMID: 31398560 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We quantified blubber concentrations of vitamins A (retinol) and E (α-tocopherol) and evaluated associations with persistent organic pollutants (ΣPOPs) in 14 highly-contaminated killer whales (Orcinus orca) sampled in Greenland from 2012 to 2014. We considered the influence of blubber depth, sex/age class and diet (based on biomass % of major fatty acids) in these relationships. Blubber concentrations of vitamin A averaged 34.1 ± 4.7 μg g-1 wet weight (ww) and vitamin E averaged 35.6 ± 4.4 μg g-1 ww. Although overall vitamin A concentrations did not vary between inner (closer to the muscle) and outer (closer to the skin) blubber layer or between sub-adults and adult females, concentrations in the outer layer of sub-adults were lower compared to the outer layer of adult females (p = 0.03). Outer layer may therefore reflect age accumulation of vitamin A, while in the more active inner layer, age effects might be masked by metabolic needs such as lactation. Neither diet nor ΣPOPs affected vitamin A variation, suggesting this vitamin is highly regulated in the body. Given the high exposures in these killer whales, vitamin A might not be a sensitive biomarker for POPs adverse effects. Vitamin E concentrations were significantly higher in inner compared to outer layer (p < 0.001), likely associated with blubber composition, suggesting that biopsies may not fully represent vitamin E concentrations in blubber. Age-accumulation of vitamin E also occurred with higher concentrations in adult females compared to sub-adults, independent of blubber depth (p < 0.01). Diet, ΣPOPs, and an interaction between these two variables significantly affected vitamin E variation in inner blubber, explaining 91% of this variation. The negative relationship between ΣPOPs (especially Σdichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and Σchlordanes in outer layers) and vitamin E was observed only in killer whales with a diet poorer in polyunsaturated fatty acids, suggested that killer whales feeding more consistently on marine mammals in Arctic environments over a fish-based diet, may be at higher risk of POP-induced disruption in vitamin E homeostasis. Considering diet is therefore important to understand the potential effects of elevated contaminant exposures on levels of certain essential nutrients, i.e., vitamin E, in killer whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pedro
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - R Dietz
- Department of Biosciences, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - C Sonne
- Department of Biosciences, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - A Rosing-Asvid
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, DK-3900, Greenland
| | - M Hansen
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - M A McKinney
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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Ball HC, Londraville RL, Prokop JW, George JC, Suydam RS, Vinyard C, Thewissen JGM, Duff RJ. Beyond thermoregulation: metabolic function of cetacean blubber in migrating bowhead and beluga whales. J Comp Physiol B 2017; 187:235-252. [PMID: 27573204 PMCID: PMC5535305 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-016-1029-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The processes of lipid deposition and utilization, via the gene leptin (Lep), are poorly understood in taxa with varying degrees of adipose storage. This study examines how these systems may have adapted in marine aquatic environments inhabited by cetaceans. Bowhead (Balaena mysticetus) and beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are ideal study animals-they possess large subcutaneous adipose stores (blubber) and undergo bi-annual migrations concurrent with variations in food availability. To answer long-standing questions regarding how (or if) energy and lipid utilization adapted to aquatic stressors, we quantified variations in gene transcripts critical to lipid metabolism related to season, age, and blubber depth. We predicted leptin tertiary structure conservation and assessed inter-specific variations in Lep transcript numbers between bowheads and other mammals. Our study is the first to identify seasonal and age-related variations in Lep and lipolysis in these cetaceans. While Lep transcripts and protein oscillate with season in adult bowheads reminiscent of hibernating mammals, transcript levels reach up to 10 times higher in bowheads than any other mammal. Data from immature bowheads are consistent with the hypothesis that short baleen inhibits efficient feeding. Lipolysis transcripts also indicate young Fall bowheads and those sampled during Spring months limit energy utilization. These novel data from rarely examined species expand the existing knowledge and offer unique insight into how the regulation of Lep and lipolysis has adapted to permit seasonal deposition and maintain vital blubber stores.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Ball
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, 305 Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH, 44325, USA.
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH, 44272, USA.
| | - R L Londraville
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, 305 Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - J W Prokop
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, 305 Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
- Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology, 601 Genome Way, Huntsville, AL, 35806, USA
| | - John C George
- North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management, P.O. Box 69, Barrow, AK, 99723, USA
| | - R S Suydam
- North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management, P.O. Box 69, Barrow, AK, 99723, USA
| | - C Vinyard
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH, 44272, USA
| | - J G M Thewissen
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH, 44272, USA
| | - R J Duff
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, 305 Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
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Suárez-Jiménez GM, López-Saiz CM, Ramírez-Guerra HE, Ezquerra-Brauer JM, Ruiz-Cruz S, Torres-Arreola W. Role of Endogenous and Exogenous Tocopherols in the Lipid Stability of Marine Oil Systems: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1968. [PMID: 27886145 PMCID: PMC5187768 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17121968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In marine organisms primarily intended for human consumption, the quality of the muscle and the extracted oils may be affected by lipid oxidation during storage, even at low temperatures. This has led to a search for alternatives to maintain quality. In this sense, antioxidant compounds have been used to prevent such lipid deterioration. Among the most used compounds are tocopherols, which, due to their natural origin, have become an excellent alternative to prevent or retard lipid oxidation and maintain the quality of marine products. Tocopherols as antioxidants have been studied both exogenously and endogenously. Exogenous tocopherols are often used by incorporating them into plastic packaging films or adding them directly to fish oil. It has been observed that exogenous tocopherols incorporated in low concentrations maintain the quality of both muscle and the extracted oils during food storage. However, it has been reported that tocopherols applied at higher concentrations act as a prooxidant molecule, probably because their reactions with singlet oxygen may generate free radicals and cause the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oils. However, when tocopherols are included in a fish diet (endogenous tocopherols), the antioxidant effect on the muscle lipids is more effective due to their incorporation into the membrane lipids, which can help extend the shelf life of seafood by reducing the lipid deterioration that occurs due to antioxidant synergy with other phenolic compounds used supplements in fish muscle. This review focuses on the most important studies in this field and highlights the potential of using tocopherols as antioxidants in marine oils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Miroslava Suárez-Jiménez
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencias Alimentarias, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, 85000 Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, México.
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, 83000 Hermosillo, Sonora, México.
| | - Carmen María López-Saiz
- Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad Estatal de Sonora, Unidad Académica Hermosillo, Ley Federal del Trabajo s/n, 83100 Hermosillo, Sonora, México.
| | - Hugo Enrique Ramírez-Guerra
- Departamento de Investigación y Posgrado en Alimentos, Universidad de Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, 83000 Hermosillo, Sonora, México.
| | - Josafat Marina Ezquerra-Brauer
- Departamento de Investigación y Posgrado en Alimentos, Universidad de Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, 83000 Hermosillo, Sonora, México.
| | - Saul Ruiz-Cruz
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencias Alimentarias, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, 85000 Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, México.
| | - Wilfrido Torres-Arreola
- Departamento de Investigación y Posgrado en Alimentos, Universidad de Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, 83000 Hermosillo, Sonora, México.
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Reiner JL, Becker PR, Gribble MO, Lynch JM, Moors AJ, Ness J, Peterson D, Pugh RS, Ragland T, Rimmer C, Rhoderick J, Schantz MM, Trevillian J, Kucklick JR. Organohalogen Contaminants and Vitamins in Northern Fur Seals (Callorhinus ursinus) Collected During Subsistence Hunts in Alaska. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:96-105. [PMID: 26142120 PMCID: PMC4817544 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0179-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
During native subsistence hunts from 1987 to 2007, blubber and liver samples from 50 subadult male northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) were collected on St. Paul Island, Alaska. Samples were analyzed for legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs), recently phased-out/current-use POPs, and vitamins. The legacy POPs measured from blubber samples included polychlorinated biphenyl congeners, DDT (and its metabolites), chlorobenzenes, chlordanes, and mirex. Recently phased-out/current-use POPs included in the blubber analysis were the flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and hexabromocyclododecanes. The chemical surfactants, perfluorinated alkyl acids, and vitamins A and E were assessed in the liver samples. Overall, concentrations of legacy POPs are similar to levels seen in seal samples from other areas of the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea. Statistically significant correlations were seen between compounds with similar functions (pesticides, flame retardants, vitamins). With sample collection spanning two decades, the temporal trends in the concentrations of POPs and vitamins were assessed. For these animals, the concentrations of the legacy POPs tend to decrease or stay the same with sampling year; however, the concentrations of the current-use POPs increased with sampling year. Vitamin concentrations tended to stay the same across the sampling years. With the population of northern fur seals from St. Paul Island on the decline, a detailed assessment of exposure to contaminants and the correlations with vitamins fills a critical gap for identifying potential population risk factors that might be associated with health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Reiner
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
| | - Paul R Becker
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Matthew O Gribble
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Jennifer M Lynch
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Amanda J Moors
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Jennifer Ness
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Danielle Peterson
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Rebecca S Pugh
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Tamika Ragland
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Catherine Rimmer
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA
| | - Jody Rhoderick
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Michele M Schantz
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA
| | - Jennifer Trevillian
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - John R Kucklick
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
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Ball HC, Stavarz M, Oldaker J, Usip S, Londraville RL, George JC, Thewissen JG, Duff RJ. Seasonal and Ontogenetic Variation in Subcutaneous Adipose Of the Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2015; 298:1416-23. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hope C. Ball
- Department of Biology; The University of Akron; Akron Ohio
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology; Northeast Ohio Medical University; Rootstown Ohio
| | | | | | - Sharon Usip
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology; Northeast Ohio Medical University; Rootstown Ohio
| | | | - John C. George
- North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management; Barrow Alaska
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Plevnik Kapun A, Salobir J, Levart A, Tavčar Kalcher G, Nemec Svete A, Kotnik T. Vitamin E supplementation in canine atopic dermatitis: improvement of clinical signs and effects on oxidative stress markers. Vet Rec 2014; 175:560. [PMID: 25205675 DOI: 10.1136/vr.102547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Low levels of plasma vitamin E concentrations were found in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). The present study was aimed at determining the effect of an eight-week vitamin E supplementation on clinical response (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-03) scores and pruritus intensity) in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Levels of oxidative stress markers (plasma malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, plasma and skin vitamin E concentrations) were also determined. Twenty-nine dogs with CAD were included in the study. Fourteen received vitamin E (8.1 IU/kg once daily, orally) and 15 received mineral oil as placebo (orally). All dogs were treated with antihistamine fexofenadine. Levels of oxidative stress markers (with the exception of skin vitamin E), CADESI-03 and pruritus intensity were determined at the beginning, then every two weeks. Skin vitamin E was determined at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Significantly higher plasma levels of vitamin E and TAC were observed in the vitamin E group than in the placebo group. CADESI-03 scores determined throughout the treatment in the vitamin E group were significantly lower than in the placebo group. The findings of this study support the supplementation of vitamin E in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Salobir
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
| | - A Levart
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
| | - G Tavčar Kalcher
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Hygiene and Pathology of Animal Nutrition, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A Nemec Svete
- Clinic for Surgery and Small Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - T Kotnik
- Clinic for Surgery and Small Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Kellar NM, Keliher J, Trego ML, Catelani KN, Hanns C, George JCC, Rosa C. Variation of bowhead whale progesterone concentrations across demographic groups and sample matrices. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2013. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Desforges JPW, Ross PS, Dangerfield N, Palace VP, Whiticar M, Loseto LL. Vitamin A and E profiles as biomarkers of PCB exposure in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the western Canadian Arctic. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 142-143:317-328. [PMID: 24077185 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2013.08.004] [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: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the utility of vitamin A and E profiles as biomarkers of contaminant exposure in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas; n=66) harvested by the Inuvialuit in the Beaufort Sea. Blubber was an important repository for these vitamins, accounting for 76.8±2.6% of the total body store of vitamin A, and 98.5±0.4% of total vitamin E. While the free alcohol form of vitamin A (retinol) appeared highly regulated, the vitamin A esters were influenced by several biological factors including age, body condition and length. Vitamin E concentrations in liver and blubber were related to age, condition, length and feeding ecology, as described δ(15)N and δ(13)C. Despite the influence of these factors, collective results from univariate statistics, best fit multiple regressions, and principal component analysis (PCA) identified polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as important determinants of vitamin concentrations and profiles in beluga tissues. Blubber PCB concentrations best explained variation of the first principal component in a PCA of hepatic vitamins (r(2)=0.13, p=0.014), and regression models found that vitamin A concentrations were negatively correlated with PCB levels in liver (esters: r(2)=0.19, p=0.001), but positively in plasma (retinol: r(2)=0.20, p=0.06) and blubber (retinol: r(2)=0.22, p=0.001, esters: r(2)=0.43, p<0.001). Our analyses provide a basis to propose an integrated toxicity reference value for disruption of vitamin A and E profiles in beluga of 1.6 mg/kg lw PCBs. This disruption of vitamin profiles by moderate levels of PCBs in an arctic cetacean highlights the global reach and impact of these legacy chemicals decades after their peak use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre W Desforges
- University of Victoria, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, Canada V8P 5C2; Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, 9860 West Saanich Road, P.O. Box 6000, Sidney, BC, Canada V8L 4B2
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Plevnik Kapun A, Salobir J, Levart A, Tavčar Kalcher G, Nemec Svete A, Kotnik T. Plasma and skin vitamin E concentrations in canine atopic dermatitis. Vet Q 2013; 33:2-6. [PMID: 23323961 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2012.758395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered homeostasis of vitamin E has been demonstrated in human atopic dermatitis. Data on plasma and skin vitamin E concentrations in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) are not available. OBJECTIVE To determine vitamin E concentrations in plasma and skin of atopic dogs. ANIMALS AND METHODS Vitamin E concentrations in plasma and full-thickness skin biopsies of 15 atopic dogs were related to CAD extent and severity index (CADESI-03) scores and compared to the equivalent concentrations in 17 healthy dogs. Statistically significant differences of measured parameters between the two groups were determined by the nonparametric Mann Whitney U test and correlations between CADESI-03 scores and vitamin E concentrations were evaluated by the Spearman rank test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Plasma concentrations of vitamin E were significantly lower in atopic dogs than in healthy dogs, with median values of 29.8 and 52.9 μmol/L, respectively. Skin vitamin E values did not differ significantly between patients and healthy controls. The median concentration of skin vitamin E in atopic dogs was higher than that in healthy dogs. No significant correlations were found between CADESI-03 score and plasma vitamin E or skin vitamin E concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Significantly lower plasma vitamin E concentrations in atopic dogs than in healthy controls indicate altered homeostasis of vitamin E in CAD. CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Further investigation into vitamin E supplementation in CAD is warranted.
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San-Jose LM, Granado-Lorencio F, Fitze PS. Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and Carotenoids in Male Common Lizard Tissues. HERPETOLOGICA 2012. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-11-00029.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Letcher RJ, Bustnes JO, Dietz R, Jenssen BM, Jørgensen EH, Sonne C, Verreault J, Vijayan MM, Gabrielsen GW. Exposure and effects assessment of persistent organohalogen contaminants in arctic wildlife and fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:2995-3043. [PMID: 19910021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 477] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 10/08/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) encompass an array of anthropogenic organic and elemental substances and their degradation and metabolic byproducts that have been found in the tissues of exposed animals, especially POPs categorized as organohalogen contaminants (OHCs). OHCs have been of concern in the circumpolar arctic for decades. For example, as a consequence of bioaccumulation and in some cases biomagnification of legacy (e.g., chlorinated PCBs, DDTs and CHLs) and emerging (e.g., brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and in particular polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA) found in Arctic biota and humans. Of high concern are the potential biological effects of these contaminants in exposed Arctic wildlife and fish. As concluded in the last review in 2004 for the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) on the effects of POPs in Arctic wildlife, prior to 1997, biological effects data were minimal and insufficient at any level of biological organization. The present review summarizes recent studies on biological effects in relation to OHC exposure, and attempts to assess known tissue/body compartment concentration data in the context of possible threshold levels of effects to evaluate the risks. This review concentrates mainly on post-2002, new OHC effects data in Arctic wildlife and fish, and is largely based on recently available effects data for populations of several top trophic level species, including seabirds (e.g., glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus)), polar bears (Ursus maritimus), polar (Arctic) fox (Vulpes lagopus), and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), as well as semi-captive studies on sled dogs (Canis familiaris). Regardless, there remains a dearth of data on true contaminant exposure, cause-effect relationships with respect to these contaminant exposures in Arctic wildlife and fish. Indications of exposure effects are largely based on correlations between biomarker endpoints (e.g., biochemical processes related to the immune and endocrine system, pathological changes in tissues and reproduction and development) and tissue residue levels of OHCs (e.g., PCBs, DDTs, CHLs, PBDEs and in a few cases perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs)). Some exceptions include semi-field studies on comparative contaminant effects of control and exposed cohorts of captive Greenland sled dogs, and performance studies mimicking environmentally relevant PCB concentrations in Arctic charr. Recent tissue concentrations in several arctic marine mammal species and populations exceed a general threshold level of concern of 1 part-per-million (ppm), but a clear evidence of a POP/OHC-related stress in these populations remains to be confirmed. There remains minimal evidence that OHCs are having widespread effects on the health of Arctic organisms, with the possible exception of East Greenland and Svalbard polar bears and Svalbard glaucous gulls. However, the true (if any real) effects of POPs in Arctic wildlife have to be put into the context of other environmental, ecological and physiological stressors (both anthropogenic and natural) that render an overall complex picture. For instance, seasonal changes in food intake and corresponding cycles of fattening and emaciation seen in Arctic animals can modify contaminant tissue distribution and toxicokinetics (contaminant deposition, metabolism and depuration). Also, other factors, including impact of climate change (seasonal ice and temperature changes, and connection to food web changes, nutrition, etc. in exposed biota), disease, species invasion and the connection to disease resistance will impact toxicant exposure. Overall, further research and better understanding of POP/OHC impact on animal performance in Arctic biota are recommended. Regardless, it could be argued that Arctic wildlife and fish at the highest potential risk of POP/OHC exposure and mediated effects are East Greenland, Svalbard and (West and South) Hudson Bay polar bears, Alaskan and Northern Norway killer whales, several species of gulls and other seabirds from the Svalbard area, Northern Norway, East Greenland, the Kara Sea and/or the Canadian central high Arctic, East Greenland ringed seal and a few populations of Arctic charr and Greenland shark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Letcher
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology, Branch, Environment Canada, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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