1
|
Ke T, Santamaria A, Junior FB, Rocha JBT, Bowman AB, Aschner M. Methylmercury exposure-induced reproductive effects are mediated by dopamine in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2022; 93:107120. [PMID: 35987454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2022.107120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a neurotoxicant that exists in the natural environment, which level can be greatly increased because of human activity. MeHg exposures have the risk of being detrimental to the development of the nervous system. Studies on MeHg toxicity have largely focused on the mechanisms of its neurotoxicity following developmental exposures. Additionally, reproductive toxicity of developmental MeHg exposures has been noted in rodent models. The model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a self-fertilizing animal which has a short lifespan around 20 days. Most C. elegans are hermaphrodites that can generate both sperm and oocytes. To investigate the effects of developmental MeHg exposures on the reproduction in C. elegans, larvae stage 1 worms were exposed to MeHg (0, 0.01 or 0.05 μM) for 24 h. The laid eggs and oocytes were compared during each day at adult stages for 6 days. We showed that MeHg exposure significantly induced an increased number of eggs in day 1 adults without an effect on the timing of egg laying or the total number of eggs or oocytes over the 6-day period. The expression of dat-1 and cat-2 and dopamine levels were increased in worms exposed to MeHg. Supplementation with 100 μM dopamine recapitulated the effect of MeHg on the number of eggs present in day 1 adults. Furthermore, the effect of MeHg on the number of eggs was abrogated in the cat-2 mutant worms CB1112. The number of oocytes in the 6-day adult stages was decreased by MeHg in the dat-1 mutant RM2702. MeHg exposures did not change the mating rate or the number of offspring from mating. Combined, these novel findings show that developmental exposure to low levels of MeHg has limited effects on the reproduction in C. elegans. Furthermore, our data support a modulatory role of dopamine in MeHg-induced effects on reproduction in this model system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ke
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fernando Barbosa Junior
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - João B T Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, United States
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mittal K, Ewald J, Basu N. Transcriptomic Points of Departure Calculated from Rainbow Trout Gill, Liver, and Gut Cell Lines Exposed to Methylmercury and Fluoxetine. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1982-1992. [PMID: 35622055 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ethical and resource limitation concerns are pushing chemicals management to develop alternatives to animal testing strategies. The objective of our study was to determine whether transcriptomic point of departure (tPOD) values could be derived from studies that followed Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test No. 249 (rainbow trout gill cell line), as well as from studies on trout liver and gut cells. Gill, liver, and gut cell lines were exposed to methylmercury and fluoxetine. Concentrations causing 50% cytotoxicity (LC50) were derived, the whole transcriptome was sequenced, and gene tPOD and pathway benchmark dose (BMD) values were derived from transcriptomic dose-response analysis. Differences in LC50 and transcriptomic responses across the cell lines were noted. For methylmercury, the tPODmode values were 14.5, 20.5, and 17.8 ppb for the gill, liver, and gut cells, respectively. The most sensitive pathway (pathway BMDs in parentheses) was ferroptosis in the gill (3.1 ppb) and liver (3.5 ppb), and glutathione metabolism in the gut (6.6 ppb). For fluoxetine, the tPODmode values were 109.4, 108.4, and 97.4 ppb for the gill, liver, and gut cells, respectively. The most sensitive pathway was neurotrophin signaling in the gill (147 ppb) and dopaminergic signaling in the gut (86.3 ppb). For both chemicals, the gene tPOD and pathway BMD values were lower than cytotoxic concentrations in vitro, and within 10-fold below the in vivo LC50s. By bringing together transcriptomics and dose-response analysis with an OECD test method in three cell lines, the results help to establish an in vitro method yielding tPOD values that are hypothesized to be protective of in vivo concentrations associated with adverse outcomes, and also give insights into mechanisms of action. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1982-1992. © 2022 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krittika Mittal
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Ewald
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
He Y, Zhu R, Cai Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Pan S, Schneider RJ, Zhang Y. Transcriptomics and protein biomarkers reveal the detoxifying mechanisms of UV radiation for nebivolol toward zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos/larvae. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 249:106241. [PMID: 35868139 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nebivolol (NEB), a β-blocker frequently used to treat cardiovascular diseases, has been widely detected in aquatic environments, and can be degraded under exposure to UV radiation, leading to the formation of certain transformation products (UV-TPs). Thus, the toxic effects of NEB and its UV-TPs on aquatic organisms are of great importance for aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, the degradation pathway of NEB under UV radiation was investigated. Subsequently, zebrafish embryos/larvae were used to assess the median lethal concentration (LC50) of NEB, and to clarify the sub-lethal effects of NEB and its UV-TPs for the first time. It was found that UV radiation could reduce the toxic effects of NEB on the early development of zebrafish. Transcriptomic analysis identified the top 20 enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways in zebrafish larvae exposed to NEB, most of which were associated with the antioxidant, nervous, and immune systems. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the pathways were reduced after UV radiation. Furthermore, the analysis of protein biomarkers, including CAT and GST (antioxidant response), AChE and ACh (neurotoxicity), CRP and LYS (immune response), revealed that NEB exposure reduced the activity of these biomarkers, whereas UV radiation could alleviate the effects. The present study provides initial insights into the mechanisms underlying toxic effects of NEB and the detoxification effects of UV radiation on the early development of zebrafish. It highlights the necessity of considering the toxicity of UV-TPs when evaluating the toxicity of emerging pollutants in aquatic systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yide He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China.
| | - Rongwen Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Yujie Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Yiqun Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Shunlong Pan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Rudolf J Schneider
- BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Richard-Willstaetter -Str. 11, Berlin D-12489, Germany
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lu X, Deng DF, Huang F, Casu F, Kraco E, Newton RJ, Zohn M, Teh SJ, Watson AM, Shepherd B, Ma Y, Dawood MA, Rios Mendoza LM. Chronic exposure to high-density polyethylene microplastic through feeding alters the nutrient metabolism of juvenile yellow perch ( Perca flavescens). ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2022; 9:143-158. [PMID: 35573095 PMCID: PMC9079722 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are emergent contaminants threatening aquatic organisms including aquacultured fish. This study investigated the effects of high-density polyethylene (HDPE, 100 to 125 μm) on yellow perch (Perca flavescens) based on integrative evaluation including growth performance, nutritional status, nutrient metabolism, fish health, and gut microbial community. Five test diets (0, 1, 2, 4, or 8 g HDPE/100 g diet) containing 41% protein and 10.5% lipid were fed to juvenile perch (average body weight, 25.9 ± 0.2 g; n = 15) at a feeding rate of 1.5% to 2.0% body weight daily. The feeding trial was conducted in a flow-through water system for 9 wk with 3 tanks per treatment and 15 yellow perch per tank. No mortality or HDPE accumulation in the fish was found in any treatments. Weight gain and condition factor of fish were not significantly impacted by HDPE (P > 0.05). Compared to the control group, fish fed the 8% HDPE diet had significantly decreased levels of protein and ash (P < 0.05). In response to the increasing levels of HDPE exposure, the hepatosomatic index value, hepatocyte size, and liver glycogen level were increased, but lipid content was reduced in the liver tissues. Compared to the control treatment, fish fed the 8% HDPE diet had significant accumulations of total bile acids and different metabolism pathways such as bile acid biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, and carnitine synthesis. Significant enterocyte necrosis was documented in the foregut of fish fed the 2% or 8% HDPE diet; and significant cell sloughing was observed in the midgut and hindgut of fish fed the 8% HDPE diet. Fish fed the 2% HDPE diet harbored different microbiota communities compared to the control fish. This study demonstrates that HDPE ranging from 100 to 125 μm in feed can be evacuated by yellow perch with no impact on growth. However, dietary exposure to HDPE decreased whole fish nutrition quality, altered nutrient metabolism and the intestinal histopathology as well as microbiota community of yellow perch. The results indicate that extended exposure may pose a risk to fish health and jeopardize the nutrition quality of aquacultured end product. This hypothesis remains to be investigated further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Lu
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Dong-Fang Deng
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Fei Huang
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Fabio Casu
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Emma Kraco
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Ryan J. Newton
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Merry Zohn
- USDA/ARS/School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Swee J. Teh
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Aaron M. Watson
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Brian Shepherd
- USDA/ARS/School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Ying Ma
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Mahmound A.O. Dawood
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Lorena M. Rios Mendoza
- Department of Natural Sciences, Marine Resources Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Superior, WI, 54880, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abdelsattar AS, Dawoud A, Helal MA. Interaction of nanoparticles with biological macromolecules: a review of molecular docking studies. Nanotoxicology 2020; 15:66-95. [PMID: 33283572 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2020.1842537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The high frequency of using engineered nanoparticles in various medical applications entails a deep understanding of their interaction with biological macromolecules. Molecular docking simulation is now widely used to study the binding of different types of nanoparticles with proteins and nucleic acids. This helps not only in understanding the mechanism of their biological action but also in predicting any potential toxicity. In this review, the computational techniques used in studying the nanoparticles interaction with biological macromolecules are covered. Then, a comprehensive overview of the docking studies performed on various types of nanoparticles will be offered. The implication of these predicted interactions in the biological activity and/or toxicity is also discussed for each type of nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah S Abdelsattar
- Center for X-Ray and Determination of Structure of Matter, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Helal
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt.,Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen H, Feng W, Chen K, Qiu X, Xu H, Mao G, Zhao T, Ding Y, Wu X. Transcriptomic analysis reveals potential mechanisms of toxicity in a combined exposure to dibutyl phthalate and diisobutyl phthalate in zebrafish (Danio rerio) ovary. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 216:105290. [PMID: 31518775 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Phthalate esters (PAEs), which are notable plasticizers, can be prolific contaminants in aquatic environments, and have been shown to induce reproductive toxicity. However, the studies concerning their toxicity towards aquatic species are based on individual chemicals, and the combined toxicity of PAEs to aquatic organisms remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the potential toxicity mechanisms associated with combined exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) in adult female zebrafish ovaries. Zebrafish were exposed to DBP, DiBP and their mixtures for 30 days, and their effects on ovarian histology, plasma sex hormones and ovarian transcriptomics were investigated. Plasma estradiol (E2) levels were significantly decreased by 38.9% in the DBP-1133 exposure group and 41.0% in the DiBP-1038 exposure group. The percentage of late/mature oocytes was also significantly decreased by 17.3% under DBP-1133 exposure and 16.2% under DiBP-1038 exposure, while that under combined exposure was not significantly affected. Nevertheless, transcriptome sequencing revealed 2564 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in zebrafish ovaries after exposure to the mixtures. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were involved in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, GnRH, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, oocyte meiosis and steroid hormone biosynthesis signaling pathways. These results revealed that combined exposure exerts potential reproductive toxicity at the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Feng
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Chen
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuchun Qiu
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai Xu
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhao
- School of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangyang Ding
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nielsen KM, Zhang Y, Curran TE, Magnuson JT, Venables BJ, Durrer KE, Allen MS, Roberts AP. Alterations to the Intestinal Microbiome and Metabolome of Pimephales promelas and Mus musculus Following Exposure to Dietary Methylmercury. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:8774-8784. [PMID: 29943971 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a global contaminant, which may be microbially transformed into methylmercury (MeHg), which bioaccumulates. This results in potentially toxic body burdens in high trophic level organisms in aquatic ecosystems and maternal transfer to offspring. We previously demonstrated effects on developing fish including hyperactivity, altered time-to-hatch, reduced survival, and dysregulation of the dopaminergic system. A link between gut microbiota and central nervous system function in teleosts has been established with implications for behavior. We sequenced gut microbiomes of fathead minnows exposed to dietary MeHg to determine microbiome effects. Dietary exposures were repeated with adult CD-1 mice. Metabolomics was used to screen for metabolome changes in mouse brain and larval fish, and results indicate effects on lipid metabolism and neurotransmission, supported by microbiome data. Findings suggest environmentally relevant exposure scenarios may cause xenobiotic-mediated dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, contributing to neurotoxicity. Furthermore, small-bodied teleosts may be a useful model species for studying certain types of neurodegenerative diseases, in lieu of higher vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Nielsen
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute , University of North Texas , 1155 Union Circle , Denton , Texas 76203 , United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics , University of North Texas Health Science Center , 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd. , Fort Worth , Texas 76107 , United States
| | - Thomas E Curran
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute , University of North Texas , 1155 Union Circle , Denton , Texas 76203 , United States
| | - Jason T Magnuson
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute , University of North Texas , 1155 Union Circle , Denton , Texas 76203 , United States
| | - Barney J Venables
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute , University of North Texas , 1155 Union Circle , Denton , Texas 76203 , United States
| | - Katherine E Durrer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics , University of North Texas Health Science Center , 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd. , Fort Worth , Texas 76107 , United States
| | - Michael S Allen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics , University of North Texas Health Science Center , 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd. , Fort Worth , Texas 76107 , United States
| | - Aaron P Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute , University of North Texas , 1155 Union Circle , Denton , Texas 76203 , United States
| |
Collapse
|