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Hydeskov HB, Arnemo JM, Lloyd Mills C, Gentle LK, Uzal A. A Global Systematic Review of Lead (Pb) Exposure and its Health Effects in Wild Mammals. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:285-297. [PMID: 38345465 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a toxic nonessential metal, known mainly for causing poisoning of humans and wild birds. However, little is known about Pb exposure and its associated health effects in wild mammals. We conducted a global systematic literature review to identify peer-reviewed studies published on Pb exposure in wild mammalian species and the health effects they identified. In total, 183 studies, conducted in 35 countries and published over 62 yr (1961-2022), were included in the review. Only 6% (11/183) of the studies were conducted in developing countries. Although 153 mammalian species were studied, most studies focused on species that are easy to access (i.e., hunted species and small mammals that are easy to trap). Therefore, carnivores and scavengers were less frequently studied than herbivores and omnivores. Despite all studies reporting Pb concentrations, only 45 (25%) studies investigated health effects and, of these 45 studies, only 28 (62%) found any health effect in 57 species. All health effects were negative and ranged from subclinical effects to fatality. Methodologies of Pb sampling and quantification and reporting of results varied widely across the studies, making both Pb concentrations and health effects difficult to compare and evaluate. Thus, there is a need for more research on Pb exposure and its health effects on wild mammals, especially as carnivores and scavengers could be used as sentinels for ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle B Hydeskov
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK
| | - Jon M Arnemo
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, Anne Evenstads Vei 80, 2480 Koppang, Norway
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skogsmarksgränd, 90736 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Chris Lloyd Mills
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Louise K Gentle
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK
| | - Antonio Uzal
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK
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Coelho N, Camarinho R, Garcia P, Rodrigues AS. Histological evidence of hypothyroidism in mice chronically exposed to conventional farming. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 106:104387. [PMID: 38364936 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104387] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Worldwide, disorders of the thyroid gland are a growing concern; such can be caused by exposure to contaminants, including agrochemicals used in conventional agriculture, which act as endocrine disruptors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether or not exposure to an environment with conventional agriculture leads to thyroid disruption. Mus musculus were used as bioindicator species, captured in two sites: a farm where conventional agriculture is practiced, and a place without agriculture. Thyroid histomorphometric and morphologic data were analyzed. The impacts of the agricultural environment over the thyroid were revealed, as indications of hypothyroidism were observed in exposed mice: the area and volume of epithelial cells were much lower. Alterations in thyroid histomorphology were also observed: lower follicular sphericity, irregularly delimited epithelium and increased exfoliation into the colloid. These results highlight the need for transition from current conventional agricultural systems towards organic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Coelho
- FCT, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal.
| | - Ricardo Camarinho
- FCT, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal; IVAR, Institute of Volcanology and Risks Assessment, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Garcia
- FCT, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal; cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal.
| | - Armindo S Rodrigues
- FCT, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal; IVAR, Institute of Volcanology and Risks Assessment, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal.
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Parelho C, Rodrigues A, Barreto MDC, Cruz JV, Rasche F, Silva L, Garcia P. Bioaccumulation and potential ecotoxicological effects of trace metals along a management intensity gradient in volcanic pasturelands. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 273:128601. [PMID: 33070976 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The particularities of volcanic soils raise the need to better understand the link between soil agricultural management intensity and trace metal bioaccumulation. The Azores are a region characterized by volcanic soils, which were changed in different degrees according to the intensity of the agricultural practices. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential ecotoxicological effects of the trace metals present in volcanic pastureland soils along a gradient of management intensity (i.e., semi-natural, permanent and reseeded), using earthworms (Eisenia fetida) as biological indicators. For this purpose earthworms were exposed during 7, 14, 28 and 56 days to soils from the three types of pastures. At each exposure time, we quantified trace element bioaccumulation (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, U, V and Zn) and the activities of superoxide dismutase and acetylcholinesterase in earthworm tissues. Overall, the results showed that the type of pastureland management significantly increased the soil contents in trace metals: V, Co, Ni and Zn in semi-natural pasturelands; As, Cd and Hg in reseeded pasturelands; and, Rb and U in both permanent and reseeded pasturelands. The soil physicochemical properties observed in the reseeded pastureland systems (higher electric conductivity values associated with a moderately acid pH value) modulated the metal bioavailability, from soil to biota, leading to a greater Hg bioaccumulation in earthworm tissues. The long-term exposure (56 days) of earthworms to reseeded pastureland soil was associated with adverse biological effects (intensification of AChE activity and decrease of SOD activity), encompassing key processes such as neurotransmission and antioxidant defence mechanisms in resident soil biota (earthworms). This study point towards the increased importance of semi-natural and permanent pastureland management, over the intensive management (reseeded pasturelands), in favour of more sustainable ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Parelho
- CE3c, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, And Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - Armindo Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; IVAR, Institute of Volcanology and Risks Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - Maria do Carmo Barreto
- CE3c, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, And Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - J Virgílio Cruz
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; IVAR, Institute of Volcanology and Risks Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - Frank Rasche
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), 70593, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Luís Silva
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; CIBIO, Centro de Investigacão Em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo Dos Açores, Universidade Dos Açores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Garcia
- CE3c, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, And Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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Li B, He X, Zhao Y, Bai D, Li D, Zhou Z, Manglai D. Analysis of the miRNA transcriptome during testicular development and spermatogenesis of the Mongolian horse. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:582-593. [PMID: 32209208 DOI: 10.1071/rd19133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for testicular development and spermatogenesis. In order to further characterise these physiological processes, three immature and three mature testes of the Mongolian horse were collected and six libraries were established. Using small RNA sequencing technology, 531 mature miRNAs were identified, including 46 novel miRNAs without previously ascribed functions. Among the 531 miRNAs, 421 were expressed in both immature and mature libraries, 65 miRNAs were found solely in immature testis libraries and 45 miRNAs were found solely in mature testis libraries. Furthermore, among the miRNAs that were identified in both immature and mature libraries, 107 were significantly differentially expressed (corrected P value (padj)<0.05). Among the miRNAs that were only expressed in immature testes, two miRNAs were differentially expressed, whereas among the miRNAs that were only expressed in mature testes, nine miRNAs were differentially expressed. Comprehensive analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles predicted 107 miRNA-mRNA interaction sites. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the predicted target genes suggested roles of the differentially expressed miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis. These findings identify miRNAs as key factors in the development of the testes and spermatogenesis in the Mongolian horse, which may also help us to understand the mechanisms of fertility in related mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Xiaolong He
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Zhaojun RD.22, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Yiping Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Dongyi Bai
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Dandan Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Zhou
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Dugarjaviin Manglai
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China; and Corresponding author.
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Hurtado-Barroso S, Tresserra-Rimbau A, Vallverdú-Queralt A, Lamuela-Raventós RM. Organic food and the impact on human health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 59:704-714. [PMID: 29190113 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1394815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, the production and consumption of organic food have increased steadily worldwide, despite the lower productivity of organic crops. Indeed, the population attributes healthier properties to organic food. Although scientific evidence is still scarce, organic agriculture seems to contribute to maintaining an optimal health status and decreases the risk of developing chronic diseases. This may be due to the higher content of bioactive compounds and lower content of unhealthy substances such as cadmium and synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in organic foods of plant origin compared to conventional agricultural products. Thus, large long-term intervention studies are needed to determine whether an organic diet is healthier than a diet including conventionally grown food products. This review provides an update of the present knowledge of the impact of an organic versus a conventional food diet on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hurtado-Barroso
- a Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,b CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III , Spain.,c INSA-UB, Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute, University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Anna Tresserra-Rimbau
- a Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,b CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III , Spain.,c INSA-UB, Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute, University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Anna Vallverdú-Queralt
- a Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,b CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III , Spain
| | - Rosa María Lamuela-Raventós
- a Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,b CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III , Spain.,c INSA-UB, Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute, University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
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