In vitro and in vivo comparisons of fish-specific CYP1A induction relative potency factors for selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Species-specific bioassays reveal spatial variation in chemical contamination of green sea turtles

The rapid increase of anthropogenic activity at shipping ports and surrounding coastal areas has been correlated with higher chemical contamination entering the surrounding marine environment. Chemical contaminants in marine environments can lead to significant health problems for green turtles (Chelonia mydas), especially when these contaminants accumulate in their foraging grounds. This study examined the exposure and toxicological effects of chemical contaminants on green turtle cells using a species-specific cell viability assay. Using the QuEChERs extraction, organic contaminants were extracted from 60 blood samples collected from green turtles in three foraging locations: Port Curtis, and two reefs (Heron Reef and Hoskyn-Fairfax Reefs) within the Capricorn Bunker Group of the outer Great Barrier Reef. Blood extracts were tested for cytotoxicity against primary green turtle fibroblast cells using an in vitro resazurin bioassay to assess cell viability. Extracts from Gladstone and Heron Reef indicated significant chemical contamination, at levels high enough to cause adverse health effects of green turtles. Very low toxicity values at the Hoskyn-Fairfax Reefs location indicate its potential to be established as a reference site for the southern Great Barrier Reef.

Perfluoroalkyl substances and immunotoxicity: An in vitro structure-activity relationship study in THP-1-derived monocytes and macrophages

Recently, PFASs toxicity for the human immune system has become a growing concern. However, there is currently limited information on PFASs immunotoxicity beyond PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA. Therefore, it is urgent to close the present knowledge gap by testing a wider range of compounds. In the present study, twelve compounds were tested for a relationship between the chain-length and headgroup of a PFAS and its cytotoxic for THP-1. As such, THP-1, either as monocytes or differentiated macrophages, were exposed to PFASs in a concentration range of 0-800 μM for either 3 or 24 h. After that, cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were assessed using MTT and DCFH assay, respectively. PFASs' cytotoxicity is dependent on both their chain-length and headgroups. Cell viability decreased with increasing chain-length, and FTOHs displayed markedly higher toxicity than PFCAs and PFSAs. PFASs were ranked based on their calculated Relative Potency Factor. The ranking for the cytotoxicity data on monocytes appears to be 6:2 FTOH ≫ PFNA > PFDA > PFOS > PFOA >4: 2 FTOH > PFHxS = PFHxA > PFBA. For macrophages, this ranking was as follows: 6:2 FTOH >4:2 FTOH > PFOS > PFDA > PFNA > PFOA > PFHxS. The results observed for the ROS generating potential differed as FTOHs generated no ROS. Here, the ranking in monocytes was PFOA > PFNA > PFOS > PFHxS > PFDA > PFHxA = PFBS = PFBA. The ranking for macrophages was PFNA > PFDA ≥ PFOA > PFOS > PFHxA > PFHxS > PFBA = PFBS. In conclusion, the carbon chain-length and functional headgroup of a PFAS are major determinants for their toxicity to THP-1 cells. Furthermore, our study demonstrates the most potent cytotoxic effect for FTOHs in vitro, which has not been observed before to the authors' knowledge.

Optimization of assay conditions to quantify ECOD activity in vivo in individual Daphnia magna. Assay performance evaluation with model CYP 450 inducers/inhibitors

Screening the activity of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) mixed function oxidase system in aquatic invertebrates received seldom applications in ecotoxicology due to low baseline enzymatic activities characteristic for these organisms. In this study, an existing in vivo spectrofluorometric assay method based on quantifying the cytochrome P450 mediated conversion of 7-ethocycoumarin (EtC) used as substrate to the product 7-hydroxycoumarin (HCm) called: ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD) activity, initially applicable on pooled samples of Daphnia magna, was optimized for use on individual organisms. Optimal assay conditions have been established for as small as 3- and 6 days old individuals, and the limits of spectrofluorometric detection of HCm excreted by daphnids in the incubation media were defined. The modified assay was tested by screening the modulation of ECOD activity in daphnids following 24 h exposure to β-naphthoflavone (β-NF, reference CYP450 inducer) and to prochloraz (PCZ), a potent CYP450 inhibitor. Maximal ECOD activity levels in daphnids were recorded following 2 hours of incubation to 200 nM EtC. The limit of spectrofluorometric detection of HCm in the incubation media was 6.25 nM, achieved by more than 80% of three days old daphnids and all six days old individuals. Exposure of daphnids to β-NF demonstrated a bell-shaped ECOD activity induction potential, while PCZ elicited partial (60%) inhibition of ECOD activity. This optimized in vivo ECOD activity assay may serve as a cost-effective tool to study the responsiveness of Phase-I metabolism in D. magna to toxic pressure and its applicability to other aquatic invertebrates is also worth for consideration.

Alternatives to Fish Acute Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Testing: Predictability of RTgill-W1 Cells and Fathead Minnow Embryos with Actual Wastewater Samples

Toxicity assays using fish cells and embryos continue to gain momentum as a more ethical and informative alternative to fish acute toxicity testing. The goal of our study was to test the accuracy of RTgill-W1 cells and the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos to predict actual whole effluent toxicity (WET) in the fathead minnow larvae. The three models were compared concurrently using samples of various origins and treatment types. Additionally, the toxicity of reference toxicants (Cd, Cu, NH3-N, 3,4-dichloraniline, and benzalkonium chloride) spiked into a nontoxic wastewater was compared. The toxicity of reference toxicants was tested in isosmotic and hypoosmotic exposure media in RTgill-W1 cells. Of the 28 wastewater samples, 14 induced a toxic response in fish larvae. Embryos predicted 11 of the 14 wastewater samples toxic to the larvae, whereas RTgill-W1 cells predicted the toxicity of all 14 toxic samples to the larvae. In addition, embryos and RTgill-W1 cells predicted toxicity in two and six additional samples, respectively, that were nontoxic to larvae. Exposures in hypoosmotic medium significantly increased sensitivity of RTgill-W1 cells to all reference toxicants, excluding benzalkonium chloride, compared to exposures in isosmotic medium and showed toxicity levels similar to that in larvae. Thus, hypoosmotic exposure medium should be considered for aquatic toxicity testing applications. Overall, both gill cell and embryo models predicted toxicity in the majority of wastewater samples toxic to larvae and demonstrated their applicability for regulatory WET testing.

Investigating the cytotoxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in HepG2 cells: A structure-activity relationship approach

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of man-made chemicals with currently over 4'700 compounds identified. While toxicological data are available for some of the legacy PFAS, such as PFOA and PFOS, a knowledge gap remains concerning both emerging and legacy PFAS' toxicity due to the diversity of the PFAS. Therefore, a better understanding of the PFAS structure-activity relationship may prove helpful. The present study investigated a potential structure-activity relationship between PFAS and hepatotoxicity. As such, the effects of thirteen PFAS with varying carbon chain-length and functional head-groups (in a concentration range of 0-800 µM) on the cell viability of HepG2 cells and intracellular reactive oxygen species formation have been tested using the MTT and DCFH assay, respectively. The exposure times were either 3 or 24 h. In addition, intracellular PFAS levels were determined in HepG2 after 24 h exposure. The present study demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of PFAS is dependent on their chain-length as cell viability decreased with increasing chain-length at both exposure times. Calculated Relative Potency Factors (RPF), based on the TC₅₀ values, were used for a tentative ranking of PFAS regarding their hepatotoxicity: PFNA ˃ PFDA ˃ PFOS ≥ PFOA ˃ PFHxS ˃ PFBS ˃˃ PFHpA = PFHxA = PFBA = PFPrA = 6:2 FTOH = 4:2 = FTOH = 3:1 FTOH. Similar results were observed regarding intracellular reactive oxygen species generation at both exposure times, with a tentative ranking of: PFNA ˃ PFOS ˃ PFOA ≥ PFDA ˃ PFHxS ˃ PFBS ˃ PFBA ˃ PFHpA ≥ PFHxA ˃ PFPrA ˃ 6:2 FTOH = 4:2 FTOH = 3:1 FTOH. Moreover, a concentration-dependent reactive oxygen species generation has been observed for all PFSAs and PFCAs, but not for the FTOHs. In conclusion, the carbon chain-length and functional head-group of a PFAS determine their in vitro toxicity for the two toxicological endpoints assessed in the present study. Moreover, no effects were observed for the tested FTOHs. As such, the present study established a potential structure-activity relationship that opens the possibility of developing a predictive model to help with the risk assessment of PFAS in the future.

Physical Evidence of Oil Uptake and Toxicity Assessment of Amphiphilic Grafted Nanoparticles Used as Oil Dispersants

Herein, we report the toxicity evaluation of a new prototype dispersant system, silicon dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with (3-glycidoxypropyl)triethoxysilane (GPS) and grafted poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly[oligo(ethylene glycol)methyl methacrylate mono-methyl ether] (NP-PCL-POEGMA). This serves as a follow up of our previous study where grafted silicon dioxide NPs functionalized with GPS and grafted hyperbranched poly(glycidol) (NP-HPG) were evaluated for reducing the toxicity in embryo, juvenile, and adult fish populations. In this study, the NP-HPG sample is used as a baseline to compare against the new NP-PCL-POEGMA samples. The relative size was established for three NP-PCL-POEGMA samples via cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. A quantitative mortality study determined that these NPs are non-toxic to embryo populations. An ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase assay was performed on these NP-PCL-POEGMA samples to test for reduced cytochrome P450 1A after the embryos were exposed to the water-accommodated fraction of crude oil. Overall, these NP-PCL-POEGMA NPs better protected the embryo populations than the previous NP-HPG sample (using a protein activity end point), showing a trend in the right direction for prototype dispersants to replace the commercially utilized Corexit.

Salmo trutta is more sensitive than Oncorhynchus mykiss to early-life stage exposure to retene

Salmonids are known to be among the most sensitive fish to dioxin-like compounds (DLCs), but very little is known about the sensitivity of the brown trout (Salmo trutta), which has declined and is endangered in several countries of Europe and Western Asia. We investigated the sensitivity of brown trout larvae to a widespread dioxin-like PAH, retene (3.2 to 320 μg.L^-1), compared to the larvae of a salmonid commonly used in toxicology studies, the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Mortality, growth, cyp1a induction and the occurrence of deformities were measured after 15 days of exposure. Brown trout larvae showed a significantly higher mortality at 320 μg.L^-1 compared to rainbow trout larvae. While the occurrence of deformities was only significantly increased at 320 μg.L^-1 for the rainbow trout, brown trout larvae displayed pericardial edemas and hemorrhages already at 10 or 100 μg.L^-1. cyp1a induction was increased significantly already at ≥3.2 μg.L^-1 for the brown trout, versus ≥32 μg.L^-1 for the rainbow trout. Least square regression analysis of the concentration-response relationships suggested that S. trutta larvae were at least 2 times more sensitive than O. mykiss larvae for cyp1a induction. The present study suggests that S. trutta larvae are more sensitive than O. mykiss larvae to a potent DLC, retene. As it is possible that S. trutta populations have declined partly because of pollution by DLCs, we recommend generating more data regarding the sensitivity of threatened fish populations, in order to ensure better risk assessment.

Behavioral and hypothalamic transcriptome analyses reveal sex-specific responses to phenanthrene exposure in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)

Environmental concentrations of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon phenanthrene can become elevated with petroleum processing, industrial activities, and urban run-off into waterbodies. However, mechanisms related to its neurotoxicity in fish are not fully described. Here, we exposed adult fathead minnows (FHM) to an average measured concentration of 202 μg phenanthrene/L over a 47-d period. Behaviors of male and female FHM were assessed using a novel aquarium test. Phenanthrene exposed females displayed equilibrium loss, while phenanthrene exposed males spent less time in the aquarium bottom, suggesting phenanthrene reduced anxiety-related behavior. To elucidate putative mechanisms underlying behaviors, we determined the hypothalamic transcriptome profile, a critical integration centre for the regulation of behaviors. There were 1075 hypothalamic transcripts differentially expressed between males and females (sex-specific) while 15 transcripts were phenanthrene-specific. Thus, sex of the animal was more pervasive at influencing the transcriptome compared to phenanthrene and this may partially explain the divergent behavioral responses between sexes. Transcripts altered by phenanthrene included palmitoylated 3 membrane protein, plectin 1,ATP synthase membrane subunit c, and mitochondrial ribosomal protein S11. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed less than 5% of the gene networks perturbed by phenanthrene were shared between males and females, thus phenanthrene altered the hypothalamic transcriptome in a sex-specific manner. Gene networks shared between both sexes and associated with phenanthrene-induced neurotoxicity included processes related to mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction, epinephrine/norepinephrine release, and glutamate biosynthesis pathways. Such energy deficits and neurotransmitter disruptions are hypothesized to lead to behavioral deficits in fish. This study provides mechanistic insights into phenanthrene-induced neurotoxicity and how it may relate to changes in fish behaviors.

Exposure and Recovery from Environmentally Relevant Levels of Waterborne Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Deepwater Horizon Oil: Effects on the Gulf Toadfish Stress Axis

There is evidence that the combination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) released in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill impairs the glucocorticoid stress response of vertebrates in the Gulf of Mexico, but the mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized that inhibition of cortisol release may be due to 1) overstimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-inter-renal (HPI) axis, or 2) an inhibition of cortisol biosynthesis through PAH activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Using a flow-through system, Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) were continuously exposed to control conditions or one of 3 environmentally relevant concentrations of PAHs from Deepwater Horizon oil (∑PAH₅₀  = 0-3 μg L^-1 ) for up to 7 d. One group of toadfish was then exposed to a recovery period for up to 7 d. No changes in corticotrophin-releasing factor mRNA expression, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or pituitary mass suggested that overstimulation of the HPI axis was not a factor. The AhR activation was measured by an elevation of cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A) mRNA expression within the HPI axis in fish exposed to high PAH concentrations; however, CYP1A was no longer induced after 3 d of recovery in any of the tissues. At 7 d of recovery, there was an impairment of cortisol release in response to an additional simulated predator chase that does not appear to be due to changes in the mRNA expression of the kidney steroidogenic pathway proteins steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage, and 11β-hydroxylase. Future analyses are needed to determine whether the stress response impairment is due to cholesterol availability and/or down-regulation of the melanocortin 2 receptor. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1062-1074. © 2020 SETAC.

Alkylated phenanthrene distributions in black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) and biotransformation into hydroxylated metabolites after intragastric administration

Marine organisms such as fish are at risk of exposure to petrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) released in oil spills. PAH toxicities are affected by the rates of PAH biotransformation and elimination in fish tissues, but little information on these rates is available. In this study, the biotransformation and tissue distribution of methylated phenanthrenes-typical petrogenic PAHs found after oil spills-in black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) were investigated. Two groups of fish were used. Each fish in one group was given a single intragastric dose of 3-methylphenanthrene, and each fish in the other group was given a single intragastric dose of 3,6-dimethylphenanthrene. The fish were allowed to recover in purified sea water for 196 h. Methylated phenanthrenes were detected in only blood and liver for 24 h after dosing, but the concentrations decreased over time and > 98% had been eliminated by the end of the study. Four mono-hydroxylated metabolites of 3,6-dimethylphenanthrene and six mono-hydroxylated metabolites of 3-methylphenanthrene were tentatively identified for the first time from tandem mass spectrometry analyses of fish bile. The concentrations of these metabolites in bile remained constant for 192 h, suggesting that the metabolites could be used as biomarkers of rockfish exposure to petrogenic PAHs.

Effects of Benzo[a]pyrene, Cortisol, and 17ß-Estradiol on Liver Microsomal EROD Activity of Anguilla anguilla: An In Vitro Approach

Fish liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity is widely used as biomarker of exposure to chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It is known that endocrine system plays a major role in fish stress mechanism. Despite the considerable scientific information about steroid hormone’s response, namely cortisol and 17ß-estradiol (E2), to stress situations, little is known about the influence of these hormones on enzymes involved on the biotransformation process. Thus, this study aimed to assess the in vitro effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) (0.1, 0.3, 0.9, and 2.7 µM) and of two steroid hormones (cortisol and 17ß-estradiol) in a physiologically relevant concentration (5.997 ng/mL), alone or in combination, on Anguilla anguilla liver microsomal EROD activity, previously induced by 4 mg/kg β-naphthoflavone intraperitoneal injection. Hepatic microsomes in vitro exposure to the tested B[a]P concentrations induced a dose response inhibition of EROD activity, whereas exposure to cortisol significantly induced the activity of this enzyme. The steroid hormones were able to decrease the inhibitory effects of B[a]P on microsomal EROD activity, thus revealing a protective effect of these hormones over enzyme activity inhibited by contaminants.

Toxicity assessment of a novel oil dispersant based on silica nanoparticles using Fathead minnow

Oil spill accidents are a major concern for aquatic organisms. In recent history, the Deepwater Horizon blowout spilled 500 million liters of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Corexit 9500A was used to disperse the oil since it was the method approved at that time, despite safety concerns about its use. A better solution is necessary for dispersing oil from spills that reduces the toxicity to exposed aquatic organisms. To address this challenge, novel engineered nanoparticles were designed using silica cores grafted with hyperbranched poly(glycidol) branches. Because the silica core and polymers are known to be biocompatible, we hypothesized that these particles are nontoxic to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and would decrease their exposure to oil polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Fathead minnow embryos, juveniles and adult stages were exposed to the particles alone or in combination with a water-accommodated fraction of oil. Acute toxicity of nanoparticles to fish was tested by measuring mortality. Sub-lethal effects were also measured including gene expression of cytochrome P450 1a (cyp1a) mRNA and heart rate in embryos. In addition, a mixture of particles plus the water-accommodated fraction was directly introduced to adult female fathead minnows by gavage. Three different nanoparticle concentrations were used (2, 10, and 50 mg/L) in either artificial fresh water or the water-accommodated fraction of the oil. In addition, nanoparticle-free controls were carried out in the two solutions. No significant mortality was observed for any age group or nanoparticle concentration, suggesting the safety of the nanoparticles. In the presence of the water-accommodated fraction alone, juvenile and adult fathead minnows responded by increasing expression of cyp1a. The addition of nanoparticles to the water-accommodated fraction reduced cyp1a gene expression in treatments. Heart rate was also restored to normal parameters in embryos co-exposed to nanoparticles and to the water-accommodated fraction. Measurement of polyaromatic hydrocarbons confirmed their presence in the tested solutions and the reduction of available PAH in WAF treated with the nanoparticles. Our findings suggest the engineered nanoparticles may be protecting the fish by sequestering polyaromatic hydrocarbons from oil, measured indirectly by the induction of cypa1 mRNAs. Furthermore, chemical analysis showed a reduction in PAH content in the water accommodated fraction with the presence of nanoparticles.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the Canadian environment: Exposure and effects on wildlife

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are ubiquitous in the environment. Wildlife (including fish) are chronically exposed to PACs through air, water, sediment, soil, and/or dietary routes. Exposures are highest near industrial or urban sites, such as aluminum smelters and oil sands mines, or near natural sources such as forest fires. This review assesses the exposure and toxicity of PACs to wildlife, with a focus on the Canadian environment. Most published field studies measured PAC concentrations in tissues of invertebrates, fish, and birds, with fewer studies of amphibians and mammals. In general, PAC concentrations measured in Canadian wildlife tissues were under the benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) guideline for human consumption. Health effects of PAC exposure include embryotoxicity, deformities, cardiotoxicity, DNA damage, changes to DNA methylation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and impaired reproduction. Much of the toxicity of PACs can be attributed to their bioavailability, and the extent to which certain PACs are transformed into more toxic metabolites by cytochrome P450 enzymes. As most mechanistic studies are limited to individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly BaP, research on other PACs and PAC-containing complex mixtures is required to understand the environmental significance of PAC exposure and toxicity. Additional work on responses to PACs in amphibians, reptiles, and semi-aquatic mammals, and development of molecular markers for early detection of biological responses to PACs would provide a stronger biological and ecological justification for regulating PAC emissions to protect Canadian wildlife.

Toxicity characterization of surface sediments from a Mediterranean coastal lagoon

The occurrence of bioactive compounds and contaminant-associated effects was assessed by means of in vivo and in vitro assays using different extractable fractions of surface sediments from a contaminated coastal lagoon (Mar Menor, SE Spain). Sediment elutriates and clean seawater, previously exposed to whole sediment, were used for assessing the in vivo toxicity on embryo development of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Agonist and antagonist activities relating to estrogen and androgen receptors and agonist activities on aryl hydrocarbon receptor (expressed as ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activities) were investigated in sediment extracts by using HER-Luc, AR-EcoScreenTM and fibroblast-like RTG-2 cell lines. Embryotoxicity effects were greater for sediment elutriates than those incubated in sediment-water interphase, implying that diffusion of bioactive chemicals can occur from sediments to sea water column, favoured by sediment disturbance events. In vitro results show the occurrence in extracts of compounds with estrogen antagonism, androgen antagonism and dioxin-like activities. Multidimensional scaling analysis classified the sampling sites into four sub-clusters according to their chemical-physical and biological similarities, relating in vitro bioactivity with the total organic carbon and known organic chemical load, with particular reference to total sum of PAHs, PCB 180, p,p-DDE and terbuthylazine. Overall, results pointed to the presence of unknown or unanalyzed biologically-active compounds in the sediments, mostly associated with the extracted polar fraction of the Mar Menor lagoon sediments. Our findings provide relevant information to be considered for the environmental management of contaminated coastal lagoons.

Differences in biomarker and behavioral responses to native and chemically dispersed crude and refined fossil oils in zebrafish early life stages

Petroleum products including crude oils and refined distillates are unique environmental pollutants consisting of thousands of compounds with varying physical-chemical properties and resulting toxicity for aquatic biota. Hence, for a reliable risk assessment individual petroleum product toxicity profiles are needed. Furthermore, the influence of oil spill response strategies like the application of chemical dispersants has to be implemented. The present study addressed the toxicity of water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) of two different oil types on fish early life stages on different biological organization levels in the laboratory model species Danio rerio. Experiments with a 3^rd generation dispersant used in loading rated resembling the exposure in experiments with chemically dispersed oils were included, enabling a direct comparability of results. This approach is of high importance as especially the investigation of dispersant toxicity in relevant exposure concentrations is rather scarce. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different WAFs shortly after and up to 120 hour post fertilization (hpf). Besides phenotypic effects including edema and spine deformations, reduced responses to dark stimuli, increased CYP1A activity and marginal AChE inhibition were observed in sublethal effect concentrations. Both oil types had varying strength of toxicity, which did not correlate with corresponding chemical analysis of target PAHs. Chemically dispersed oils induced stronger acute toxicity in zebrafish embryos compared to native (initial) oil exposure, which was further reflected by very low exposure concentrations for biomarker endpoints. Based on a comparison to the dispersant alone, a higher toxicity of dispersed oils was related to a combination of dispersant toxicity and an elevated crude oil compound bioavailability, due to dispersion-related partitioning kinetics. In contrast to LEWAF and CEWAF neither typical morphological effects nor mechanism-specific toxicity were observed for the dispersant alone, indicating narcosis as the responsible cause of effects.

Physiological disturbances in juvenile sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) exposed to the water-soluble fraction of diluted bitumen

Current and proposed transcontinental pipelines for the transport of diluted bitumen (dilbit) from the Canadian oil sands traverse the coastal watersheds of British Columbia, habitat essential to Pacific salmonids. To determine the potential risks posed to these keystone species, juvenile sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka; 1+ parr) were acutely (24-96 h) or subchronically (21-42 d) exposed to 4 concentrations of the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of unweathered Cold Lake Blend dilbit (initial total PAC concentrations: 0, 13.7, 34.7 and 124.5 μg/L) in a flow-through system. Dilbit effects on iono-osmoregulation, the physiological stress response, and the immune system were assessed by both biochemical and functional assays. Hydrocarbon bioavailability was evidenced by a significant induction of liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in exposed fish. Acute and subchronic exposure significantly reduced gill Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and resulted in lower plasma osmolality, Cl^-, and Na⁺ concentrations. Acute exposure to dilbit resulted in a classic physiological stress response, however at 21 d of exposure, plasma cortisol remained elevated while other measured parameters had returned to baseline values. A compromised immune system was demonstrated by a 29.5 % higher mortality in fish challenged with Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum following dilbit exposure compared to unexposed controls. Exposure of juvenile salmonids to the WSF of dilbit (at TPAC concentrations at the ppb level) resulted in sublethal effects that included a classic physiological stress response, and alterations in iono-osmoregulatory homeostasis and immunological performance.

Screening toxicological effects of different contaminants using hepatic homogenates-based ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase in vitro

In this paper, we demonstrated the potential of an in vitro method of liver homogenate-based ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) to determine the toxicological effects of multiple kinds of contaminants. We evaluated the in vitro impact of nine pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and three polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). There were different responses of EROD to these contaminants. The response of EROD to PhACs was quite complex, exhibiting both induction and inhibition effects. PAHs and PCBs elicited a strong inhibitory response on EROD activity at high concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. PAHs showed more inhibitory effects as the number of benzene rings increased. Our in vitro bioassay seems to be a potential method for toxicological screening of multiple types of contaminants.

In vitro and in silico AHR assays for assessing the risk of heavy oil-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fish

In the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, marine fish in Kesennuma Bay, Japan, have been contaminated with heavy oil containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To estimate the risk of six PAHs (benzo[α]pyrene, dibenzothiophene, phenanthrene, 2,3,5-trimethylnaphthalene, acenaphthene, and 1-methylphenanthrene), which have been detected at high levels in the tissues of fish from Kesennuma Bay, we attempted to evaluate the effects of these PAHs on the fish aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. We initially measured PAH concentrations and cytochrome P4501A catalytic activities (EROD: ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and MROD: methoxyresorufin-O-demethylase) as markers of AHR activation in greenlings (Hexagrammos otakii) collected from Kesennuma Bay in 2014. The results showed that alkylated PAH concentrations and EROD/MROD activities were higher in sites close to the oil-spilled sites than in the control site, suggesting AHR activation by spilled alkylated PAHs. We then investigated AHR-mediated responses to these PAHs in the in vitro reporter gene assay system where red seabream (Pagrus major) AHR1 (rsAHR1) or rsAHR2 expression plasmids were transiently transfected into COS-7 cells. The in vitro assay showed rsAHR isoform-, PAH-, and dose-dependent transactivation potencies. The relative effective concentrations of benzo[α]pyrene, dibenzothiophene, phenanthrene, 2,3,5-trimethylnaphthalene, acenaphthene, and 1-methylphenanthrene that induce 20% of the maximum benzo[α]pyrene response (REC_20-BaP) for rsAHR1 activation were 0.052, 38, 79, 88, 270 nM, and no response, respectively, and those for rsAHR2 activation were 0.0049, 32, 53, 88, 60 nM, and no response, respectively. The results showed that the REC_20-BaP values of benzo[α]pyrene for both the rsAHR1 and rsAHR2 isoforms were lower than the concentrations (0.041-0.20 nM) detected in the muscle tissue of fish from Kesennuma Bay, while the REC_20-BaP values of other PAHs were higher than their tissue concentrations. In silico rsAHR homology modeling and subsequent ligand docking simulation analyses indicated that the rsAHR activation potencies of PAHs could be predicted from a rsAHR2 model. This study shows that in vitro and in silico rsAHR analyses may be a useful tool for assessing the risks to fish contaminated with PAHs.

Applicability of in vitro methods in evaluating the biotransformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish: Advances and challenges

The biotransformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the biochemical mechanisms involved in such process continue to be intensively studied in the fields of environmental science and toxicology. The investigation of PAH biotransformation in fish is fundamental to understand how piscine species cope with PAH exposure, as these compounds are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems and impact different levels of biological organization. New approaches are continuously developed in the field of ecotoxicology, allowing live animal testing to be combined with and, in some cases, replaced with novel in vitro systems. Many in vitro techniques have been developed and effectively applied in the investigation of the biochemical pathways driving the biotransformation of PAH in fish. In vitro experimentation has been fundamental in the advancement of not only understanding PAH-mediated toxicity, but also in highlighting suitable cell-based models for such investigations. Therefore, the present review highlights the value and applicability of in vitro systems for PAH biotransformation studies, and provides up-to-date information on the use of in vitro fish models in the evaluation of PAH biotransformation, common biomarkers, and challenges encountered when developing and applying such systems.

Interindividual variation in the cytochrome P4501A response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in herring gull embryo hepatocytes

Exposure to dioxin-like compounds is consistently associated with concentration-dependent induction of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) enzymes in primary cultures of avian hepatocytes. We have previously demonstrated that the median effective concentration (EC50) for induction of this response is predictive of in vivo sensitivity to dioxin-like compounds in birds. We investigated sources of interindividual variation in the CYP1A response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in wild herring gulls and considered how this variation may complicate dioxin sensitivity estimates based on the CYP1A bioassay. Concentration-dependent effects of TCDD on CYP1A mRNA expression were characterized in 55 hepatocyte cultures prepared from individual herring gull embryos. A large degree of variability was observed among the hepatocyte culture preparations. For example, 1) basal CYP1A4 and CYP1A5 mRNA expression varied by 20- and 126-fold, respectively, among individuals, and 2) exposure to TCDD induced CYP1A4 mRNA expression by 57-fold in the most responsive sample but did not significantly induce CYP1A4 mRNA expression above baseline values in 42% of hepatocyte culture preparations. Environmental and genetic factors contributing to the observed variability are discussed. Despite the large amount of interindividual variation, we conclude that reproducible EC50-based estimates of species sensitivity can be obtained from the CYP1A cell culture bioassay when samples are collected from relatively uncontaminated colonies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:660-670. © 2019 SETAC.

Contaminant accumulation and biological responses in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) caged at a capped waste disposal site in Kollevåg, Western Norway

The aim of this study was to assess whether fish in Kollevåg, a sheltered bay on the western coast of Norway, previously utilized as a waste disposal site, could be affected by environmental contaminants leaking from the waste. Farmed, juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were caged for six weeks at three different locations in Kollevåg bay and at one reference location. Sediments and cod samples (bile and liver) were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites, revealing a contamination gradient at the four stations. Furthermore, hepatosomatic index (HSI) and Fulton's condition factor (CF) were significantly lower in cod caged closest to the disposal site. Levels and activities of biomarker proteins, such as vitellogenin (Vtg), metallothionein (Mt), and biotransformation and oxidative stress enzymes, including cytochrome P450 1a and 3a (Cyp1a, Cyp3a), glutathione s-transferase (Gst) and catalase (Cat), were quantified in blood plasma and liver tissue. Hepatic Cat and Gst activities were significantly reduced in cod caged at the innermost stations in Kollevåg, indicating modulation of oxidative stress responses. However, these results contrasted with reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation. Significant increases in transcript levels were observed for genes involved in lipid metabolism (fasn and acly) in cod liver, while transcript levels of ovarian steroidogenic enzyme genes such as p450scc, cyp19, 3β-hsd and 20β-hsd showed significant station-dependent increases. Cyp1a and Vtg protein levels were however not significantly altered in cod caged in Kollevåg. Plasma levels of estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) were determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and showed elevated E2 levels, but only at the innermost station. We conclude that the bay of Kollevåg did not fullfill adequate environmental condition based on environmental quality standards (EQSs) for chemicals in coastal waters. Following a six weeks caging period, environmental contaminants accumulated in cod tissues and effects were observed on biomarker responses, especially those involved in reproductive processes in cod ovary.

Development of three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cultures of the continuous rainbow trout liver cell line RTL-W1

In vitro experimental systems based on continuous piscine cell lines can be used as an alternative to animal tests for obtaining qualitative and quantitative information on the possible fate and effect of chemicals in fish. However, their capability to reproduce complex metabolic processes and toxic responses as they occur in vivo is limited due to the lack of organ-specific tissue architecture and functions. Here we introduce a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro experimental system based on spheroidal aggregate cultures (spheroids) of the continuous rainbow trout liver cell line RTL-W1 and provide a first description of their structural and functional properties including growth, viability/longevity, metabolic activity, ultrastructure and cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) expression determined by bright-field, multi-photon fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy as well as RT-qPCR analysis. Our results show that RTL-W1 cells in 3D spheroids (ø ~ 150 µm) (including those in the interior) were viable, metabolically active and had higher basal and β-naphthoflavone-induced CYP1A expression levels than conventional 2D cell cultures. Furthermore, they displayed ultrastructural characteristics similar to differentiated hepatocytes. The available evidence suggests that 3D RTL-W1 spheroids may have enhanced hepatotypic functions and be a superior in vitro model to assess hepatic biotransformation, bioaccumulation and chronic toxicity compared to conventional cell monolayer cultures.

Morphological and molecular effects of two diluted bitumens on developing fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)

Canada has experienced a significant increase in the transport of diluted bitumen (dilbit), a predominant oil sands product that combines bitumen with diluents derived from oil-gas condensates and other proprietary compounds. The toxicity of dilbit to fish embryos, which are immobile and thus at a high risk of exposure to oil in the event of a spill, remains largely unknown for most species. This study assessed the toxicity of water accommodated fractions (WAF) and chemically enhanced water accommodated fractions (CEWAF) of two winter dilbit blends, Access Western Blend (AWB) and Cold Lake Blend (CLB), to fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos. The TPH-F EC50s for malformations were 834 and 1058 μg/L for AWB WAF and CEWAF, respectively, and 500 and 715 μg/L for CLB WAF and CEWAF, respectively. Levels of cyp1a mRNA increased up to 46- and 69-fold, respectively, reflecting increasing exposure to polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in AWB and CLB. Similarly, levels of gst mRNA were elevated up to 3.8-fold and 2.7-fold with increasing total concentrations of PACs in AWB and CLB, respectively. However, there were no significant changes in mRNA levels of p53, sod, cat, and gsr. These results suggest that the expression of cyp1a and gst may serve as biomarkers for dilbit exposure in fathead minnow, furthering our understanding of dilbit-responsive indicators of toxicity in fish species native to North America. This study is important as it utilizes the same exposure methodology to examine the toxicity of two commonly used Canadian dilbits, facilitating comparison of dilbit toxicity.

Expression of cyp1a induced by benzo(A)pyrene and related biochemical and genotoxic biomarkers in the neotropical freshwater fish Prochilodus lineatus

The goal of this work was to design specific cyp1a primers for the fish Prochilodus lineatus to study the expression of this gene and its relation to the activity of biotransformation phase I enzyme (ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase - EROD) and genotoxic damage after 6 and 24 h of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) intraperitoneal injection. In comparison to fish injected only with canola oil (vehicle), the expression of cyp1a and EROD activity both in the liver and gills were significantly higher after 6 and 24 h of B(a)P injection. A significant increase in DNA damage was detected in liver and blood cells after 6 h of B(a)P injection and in the gill cells after both times, probably caused by intermediate metabolites of B(a)P. Thus, the expression of cyp1a and its relationship with the corresponding enzyme activity is a potential biomarker for evaluation P. lineatus exposure to organic compounds.

Potency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in chicken and Japanese quail embryos

Birds are receptors of concern for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), yet limited data describing the relative potency of PAH congeners are available for avian species. In the present study, we determined embryonic median lethal dose (LD50) values for 5 PAH congeners in chicken (Gallus gallus) and one PAH congener in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Graded concentrations of each test compound were injected into the air cell of chicken or quail eggs before incubation. Embryos were monitored through development (quail) or hatching (chicken). All PAHs tested caused dose-dependent increases in embryo mortality, but few other effects (e.g., weight changes, deformities) were observed. In chicken, windows of developmental sensitivity were identified between embryonic days 4 and 9 and between embryonic days 20 and 22. The rank order potency of benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF; 76 μg/kg) ≈ dibenz[ah]anthracene (83 μg/kg) > indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (325 μg/kg) > benzo[a]pyrene (461 μg/kg) > benz[a]anthracene (529 μg/kg) corresponded well with previous in vitro estimates in birds. Previously published ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase median effect concentrations from cultured chicken embryo hepatocytes were highly predictive of our LD50s (p < 0.001, r²  = 0.99). To explore differences in sensitivity between species, Japanese quail eggs were injected with BkF, the most potent PAH. We found that chicken and quail were nearly equally sensitive to BkF. The present results contribute to our developing understanding of variability in responses to PAHs among congeners and species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1556-1564. © 2018 SETAC.

Comparative live-imaging of in vivo EROD (ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase) induction in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos after exposure to PAHs and river sediment extracts

The measurement of EROD (ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase) activity to determine the induction of CYP1A after exposure to dioxin-like substances is a well-established biomarker in fish. For reasons of animal welfare and implementations of new chemicals regulations (REACh), in vivo methods using zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos have recently been developed to quantify CYP1A induction, which is visualized as mean intensity of the autofluorescent resorufin formed in living anaesthetized embryos. In the present study, concentration ranges of three PAHs (benzo[a]pyrene, β-naphthoflavone, benzo[k]fluoranthene) as examples of known CYP1A inducers as well as extracts of two well-characterized sediment samples of the lower Neckar river (Southern Germany) were used to determine the suitability of the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryo for the in vivo EROD assay. Data for zebrafish embryos were generated for comparison. Fathead minnow embryos were principally suitable to show in vivo EROD induction via live-imaging. Since in fathead minnow embryos both signal area and fluorescence intensities are lower than in zebrafish embryos, the induction potentials of the three model PAHs and the environmental samples proved to be species-dependent. Among the three PAHs tested, benzo[k]fluoranthene lead to the strongest EROD signal followed by β-naphthoflavone and benzo[a]pyrene in comparison to the positive control. Whereas benzo[k]fluoranthene and β-naphthoflavone showed a dose-response relationship for the EROD induction, benzo[a]pyrene failed to induce a significant signal in fathead minnow embryos. If compared to the model PAHs, the extracts of both sediments from the lower Neckar River induced stronger EROD signals in both fathead minnow and zebrafish embryos. Observations thus documented fathead minnow embryos to be as suitable for biomonitoring purposes as are zebrafish embryos.

Transepithelial transfer of phenanthrene, but not of benzo[a]pyrene, is inhibited by fatty acids in the proximal intestine of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The inclusion of vegetable oils in aquafeeds introduces contaminating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in salmonids. Since lipophilic PAHs solubilize in micelles composed of lipids, bile salts and fatty acids, dietary lipid composition can alter intestinal transepithelial PAH transfer. We studied the uptake of two PAHs, viz. benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and phenanthrene (PHE), in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intestine. We also investigated the effects of two fatty acids, viz. fish oil-derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and vegetable oil-derived oleic acid (18:1n-9) on intestinal uptake. Radiolabeled PAHs were solubilized in micelles composed of tritiated EPA and oleic acid, respectively, and administrated to intestinal segments mounted in Ussing chambers. In the absence of micelles, PHE accumulation was two times higher than BaP in the mucosal and serosal layers of proximal and distal intestine. Administration of PHE in micelles composed of oleic acid resulted in a 50% lower accumulation of PHE in the mucosal layers of the proximal intestine compared to EPA-composed micelles. Accumulation of EPA and oleic acid in the proximal intestinal mucosa correlated negatively with the transepithelial transfer of these fatty acids across the proximal intestinal epithelium. Transepithelial PHE transfer across the proximal intestine was reduced by 30% in co-exposure with EPA-composed micelles compared to 80% with oleic acid micelles. BaP was not transferred across the intestine. We conclude that the lipid composition of an aquafeed is an important determinant of PAH bioavailability. Therefore, lipid composition should be an important consideration in choosing vegetable oils as alternatives for fish oil in aquafeeds.

The impact of acute PAH exposure on the toadfish glucocorticoid stress response

The objective of the present study was to determine whether the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill impacted the stress response of teleost fish. The hypothesis was that intraperitoneal (IP) treatment with PAHs associated with the DWH oil spill or waterborne exposure to DWH oil high energy water-accommodated fraction (HEWAF) would result in the downregulation of the stress response of Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta, a benthic marine teleost fish that resides in the Gulf of Mexico. In vivo plasma cortisol levels and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-mediated cortisol secretion by in vitro isolated kidney tissue were measured. Toadfish at rest IP-treated with naphthalene had higher plasma cortisol compared to fluorene-treated and control fish; phenanthrene-treated fish tended to have higher plasma cortisol levels that fluorene-treated and controls. When subjected to an additional crowding stress, naphthalene and phenanthrene-treated fish were no longer able to mount a stress response compared to fluorene-treated and control fish, suggesting exhaustion of the stress response. Supporting this in vivo data, there tended to be less cortisol released by the kidney in vitro from naphthalene and phenanthrene-treated fish in response to ACTH compared to controls. In contrast, toadfish at rest exposed to 3% Slick A HEWAF did not have significantly different plasma cortisol levels compared to controls. But, exposed fish did have significantly less cortisol released by the kidney in vitro in response to ACTH. When toadfish were subjected to an additional stress, there were no significant differences in plasma cortisol or ACTH, suggesting the action of a secondary secretagogue to maintain plasma cortisol in vivo. Combined, these data suggest that in response to acute PAH exposure, there may be internalization or downregulation of the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) that mediates the action of ACTH.

In vivo EROD assays with the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as rapid screening tools for the detection of dioxin-like activity

The present study compares two alternative in vivo approaches for the measurement of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) following exposure to acetonic model sediment extracts: (1) the live-imaging EROD assay for the direct detection of EROD induction in individual livers via epifluorescence, and (2) the fish embryo EROD assay in subcellular fractions derived from entire zebrafish embryos after in vivo exposure. For toxicity assessment, each sediment extract was tested with the standard fish embryo test (FET). Upon completion of a functioning liver after 72h, the embryos gave a distinct fluorescent signal in the liver, and a corresponding EROD activity could be detected in the fish embryo EROD assay. The exposure time in the live-imaging EROD assay was reduced to 3h, which resulted in a stronger, less variable and more sensitive EROD response. Overall, the live-imaging and the fish embryo EROD assays showed the same tendencies and gave comparable results, e.g. a concentration-dependent increase in EROD activity at concentrations one order of magnitude below concentrations producing macroscopically visible abnormalities. At higher concentrations, however, a decrease of EROD activity was observed in either test. Both tests ranked the three model sediment extracts in the same order. Results indicate that both test systems complement each other and together provide a rapid and reliable in vivo tool to investigate the presence of dioxin-like substances in environmental samples.

The Toxicity to Fish Embryos of PAH in Crude and Refined Oils

Oil spills are a potential threat to the recruitment and production of fish. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), particularly 3-5-ringed alkyl PAH, are components of oil that cause chronic embryotoxicity. Toxicity is related to molecular size and octanol-water partition coefficients (Kow), indicating that water-lipid partitioning controls exposure and tissue dose. Nevertheless, more than 25% of the variation in toxicity among congeners is unexplained. Congeners with the same number of rings, alkyl carbon atoms, and Kow, but different molecular shapes, have markedly different toxicities, likely due to differences in interactions with cellular receptors. The potentiation and antagonism of metabolism and toxicity in PAH mixtures suggest that measured effect concentrations for individual PAH are conservative. Because mixture interactions are not well understood, total PAH concentrations >0.1 µg/L following oil spills should be considered hazardous.

Cold Lake Blend diluted bitumen toxicity to the early development of Japanese medaka

Diluted bitumen (dilbit) from Alberta oil sands (Canada) is transported across major continental watersheds, yet little is known about its toxicity to fish if spilled into aquatic environments. The toxicity of Cold Lake (CLB) dilbit was assessed for medaka embryos (Oryzias latipes) exposed to water accommodated fractions (WAF) and chemically-enhanced WAF (CEWAF) using Corexit^®EC9500A as dispersant. The effects of CLB toxicity were similar to conventional crude oils and Access Western Blend (AWB) dilbit. The prevalence of malformations and cyp1a mRNA synthesis in hatched fish increased monotonically with concentration during WAF and CEWAF treatments and provided a novel indicator of dilbit PAH toxicity. Apart from nfe2 (an antioxidant transcription factor), there were no statistically significant monotonic exposure-responses of ahr, arnt2, cat, sod, gpx, gst, gsr, g6pdh, p53, and hsp70 transcripts at total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (TPAH) concentrations bracketing EC50s for embryotoxicity (WAF ≅ 3 μg/L; CEWAF ≅ 0.1 μg/L TPAH). Based on measured TPAH concentrations in exposure test solutions, CLB dilbit was 6-10 fold more toxic to medaka than AWB during chronic exposures. Lack of direct monotonic gene transcription responses to increasing oil concentrations during exposures that were embryotoxic suggests that the capacity of the oxidative stress response is limited in earlier lifestages or that differences exist among species in mechanisms of toxicity. This study provides a comparative framework for identifying suitable biomarkers and toxicity methods for those fish species in sensitive lifestages at highest risk of Canadian oil sands dilbit exposure following a spill in the freshwater environment.

Comparative developmental toxicity of eight typical organic pollutants to red sea bream (Pagrosomus major) embryos and larvae

The red sea bream (Pagrosomus major) 48-h embryo-larval bioassay was used to assess and compare the developmental toxicities of eight typical organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organophosphorus pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and alkylphenol. Toxicological endpoints such as survival rates of P. major embryos or larvae and the rates of hatching and of malformation (oedema, condensed blood, spinal curvatures or eye abnormalities) were noted and described within 48 h of exposure. The LC₅₀, EC₅₀, no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) and lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC) were calculated, based on the dose-response relationship. The results showed that exposures to all of the selected organic pollutants except for methyl parathion produced acute toxic effects on P. major embryos and larvae, at different levels of exposure. The levels of acute toxicity of the eight typical organic pollutants for P. major embryos and larvae showed the following trend: benzo(a)pyrene > malathion > PCB 126 > pyrene > nonylphenol > phenanthrene > monocrotophos > methyl parathion. However, the larvae were more sensitive to these pollutants than embryos, according to the calculated LC₅₀, EC₅₀, NOEC and LOEC. This increased sensitivity of larvae could have resulted from losing the natural barrier function of the egg shell membrane. Benzo(a)pyrene, malathion, nonylphenol and monocrotophos delayed the development of P. major for both embryos and larvae, and decreased the hatching rate of the embryos. These results implied that the development of fish embryos and larvae could serve as potential biomarkers for evaluating organic contamination in the aquatic environment. The marine economic fish P. major was more sensitive to PAHs than the model fish, marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). The estimated safe concentrations (SCs) for marine economic fish, as determined in our research, could provide a reference for the formulation of water quality criteria.

Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress responses of silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles in CHSE-214 cells

The present study aimed at investigating cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with dithiocarbamate (Fe₃O₄ NPs) in Chinook salmon cells (CHSE-214) derived from Oncorhynchus tshawytscha embryos. A significant reduction in cell viability was evident in response to Fe₃O₄ NPs as revealed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay after 24 h of exposure. Out of the tested concentrations (10, 20, and 30 μg/ml), the highest concentration has shown significant decrease in the viability of cells after 24 h of exposure. Alterations in the morphology of CHSE-214 cells was also evident at 10 μg/ml concentration of Fe₃O₄ NPs after 24 h. Fe₃O₄ NPs elicited a significant dose-dependent reduction in total glutathione content (TGSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO), and protein carbonyl (PC) at highest concentration (30 μg/ml) after 24 h of exposure. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that Fe₃O₄ NPs have potential to induce cytotoxicity in CHSE-214 cells, which is likely to be mediated through reactive oxygen species generation and oxidative stress.

The current state and future directions of marine turtle toxicology research

Chemical contamination of marine turtles has been well documented in the literature, although information on the toxicological effects of these contaminants is poorly understood. This paper systematically and quantitatively presents the available marine turtle toxicological research (excluding oil chemicals and natural toxins) and the related fields of cell line establishment and biomarkers as indicators of exposure. Examination of the published literature identified a total of 49 papers on marine turtle toxicology, which were split into three categories: toxicity studies (n=33, 67%), cell line establishment (n=7, 14%), and publications using biomarkers (n=13, 27%). Toxicity studies were further broken down into four subcategories: those correlating contaminants with toxicological endpoints (n=16, 48%); in vitro exposure experiments (n=11, 33%); in vivo exposure experiments (n=5, 15%); and screening risk assessments using hazard quotients (n=3, 9%). In quantitatively assessing the literature, trends and gaps in this field of research were identified. This paper highlights the need for more marine turtle toxicology research on all species, particularly using high throughput and non-invasive in vitro assays developed for marine turtle cells, including investigations into further toxicological endpoints and mixture effects. This will provide more comprehensive species-specific assessment of the impacts of chemical contaminants on these threatened animals, and improve conservation and management strategies globally.

The effect of dietary lipid composition on the intestinal uptake and tissue distribution of benzo[a]pyrene and phenanthrene in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) across the intestine is suggested to occur in association with dietary lipids. Partial replacement of fish ingredients by vegetable ingredients in aquafeeds has led to increased levels of PAHs in marine farmed fish. We therefore investigated, intestinal uptake, tissue distribution and PAH metabolism after a single dose of (14)C-benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) or (14)C-phenanthrene (PHE) given to Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) acclimatized to a fish oil or vegetable oil based diet. Both BaP and PHE were absorbed along the intestine. Fish oil based feed increased BaP concentration in the pyloric caeca and that of PHE in the proximal intestine. In contrast, vegetable oil increased BaP concentrations in the distal intestine. Extraction of whole body autoradiograms removed PHE-associated radiolabeling almost completely from the intestinal mucosa, but not BaP-associated radiolabeling, indicating the presence of BaP metabolites bound to cellular macromolecules. This observation correlates with the increased cyp1a expression in the proximal intestine, distal intestine and liver in the BaP exposed group. Furthermore, BaP-induced cyp1a expression was higher in the distal intestine of salmon fed fish oil compared to the vegetable oil fed group. PHE had no significant effect on cyp1a expression in any of these tissues. We conclude that dietary lipid composition affects intestinal PAH uptake. Fish oil based feed increased intestinal PAH concentrations probably due to an enhanced solubility in micelles composed of fish oil fatty acids. Increased BaP accumulation in the distal intestine of vegetable oil fed fish seems to be associated with a reduced Cyp1a-mediated BaP metabolism.

Dietary vitamin A supplementation ameliorates the effects of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Several studies have reported on the interaction between vitamin A (VA) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-binding toxicants, including poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In aquaculture, the use of plant oils in novel aquafeeds can increase PAH levels while simultaneously lowering natural VA background levels, causing the need to supplement plant oil-based feeds with synthetic VA. To study dietary VA-PAH interactions, Atlantic salmon (initial weight 195±0.15g) were fed four identical plant-based diets that were supplemented with PAHs (100 and 10mgkg(-1) benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and phenanthrene (Phe), respectively) or VA (retinyl acetate 8721IUkg(-1)) separately or combined for 2.5 months in a 2×2 factorial design, with triplicate net-pens per diet. Dietary PAH significantly reduced hepatic VA storage, and VA-enriched diets restored hepatic VA. There was a significant PAH-VA interaction effect on hepatic BaP, but not Phe, accumulation, with reduced hepatic BaP concentrations in fish fed VA+PAH compared to fish fed PAH alone. Concurrently, PAH and VA significantly interacted in their effects on CYP1A phase I biotransformation as observed from increased ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, increased CYP1A protein concentration, and elevated transcription (cyp1a1 gene expression) in fish fed PAH+VA compared to PAH alone. Dietary VA supplementation alone had no significant effect on CYP1A phase I biotransformation. Metabolomic assessment showed that dietary VA caused a restoration of metabolic intermediates involved in energy metabolism that were affected by dietary PAH. Moreover, a PAH-induced growth inhibition was partially ameliorated by dietary VA supplementation. In conclusion, dietary VA interacted with PAH toxicity on the level of CYP1A-mediated detoxification, hepatic PAH accumulation, energy allocation, and growth.

The effects of CYP1A inhibition on alkyl-phenanthrene metabolism and embryotoxicity in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

Alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (alkyl-PAHs) are the predominant form of PAHs in crude oils, of which, 3-5 ring alkyl-PAH may cause dioxin-like toxicity to early life stages of fish. Retene (7-isopropyl-1-methylphenanthrene), a typical alkyl-phenanthrene compound, can be more toxic than phenanthrene, and the mechanism of retene toxicity is likely related to its rapid biotransformation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes to metabolites with a wide array of structures and potential toxicities. Here, we investigated how α-naphthoflavone (ANF), a cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) inhibitor, affected the embryotoxicity of retene and the role that CYP1A inhibition may play in the interactions. Marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) embryos were exposed, separately or together, to 200 μg/L retene with 0, 5, 10, 100, and 200 μg/L ANF for 14 days. The results showed that ANF significantly inhibited the induction of CYP1A activity by retene; however, ANF interacted with retene to induce significant developmental toxicity and genotoxicity at 10, 100, and 200 μg/L (p < 0.01). Tissue concentrations of retene and its metabolites and lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) activity also increased, whereas the inhibition of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and the alteration in metabolic profiles of retene were observed. The interactions of retene with ANF indicate that CYP1A inhibition was possibly act through different mechanisms to produce similar developmental effects and genotoxicity. Retene metabolites and altered metabolic profile were likely responsible for retene embryotoxicity to marine medaka. Therefore, elevated toxicity of alkyl-phenanthrene under CYP1A inhibitor suggested that the ecotoxicity of PAHs in coastal water may have underestimated the threat of PAHs to fish or ecosystem.

An overview of detection techniques for monitoring dioxin-like compounds: latest technique trends and their applications

Dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) are considered as persistent bioaccumulative toxicants with a number of continuing issues in the fields of ecotoxicology and bioassay.

In vitro assessment of endocrine disrupting potential of naphthenic Acid fractions derived from oil sands-influenced water

Oil sands-influenced process waters have been observed to cause reproductive effects and to induced CYP1A activity in fishes; however, little progress has been made in determining causative agents. Naphthenic acids (NAs) are the predominant organic compounds in process-affected waters, but due to the complexity of the mixture, it has been difficult to examine causal linkages in fishes. The aim of this study was to use in vitro assays specific to reproductive and CYP1A mechanisms to determine if specific acid extractable fractions of NAs obtained from oil sands-influenced water are active toward reproductive processes or interact with the Ah receptor responsible for CYP1A activity. NAs were extracted from aged oil sands-influenced waters by use of acid precipitation, and the mixture was fractionated into three acidic and one neutral fraction. The four fractions were examined for Ah receptor-mediated potency by use of the H4IIE-luc bioassay, effects on production of steroid hormones by use of the H295R steroidogenesis assay, and sex steroid receptor binding activity using the yeast estrogen screen and yeast androgen screen. The mixtures were characterized by high resolution mass spectrometry, (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance, and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy. The neutral fraction elicited Ah-receptor mediated activity after 24 h but not after 48 or 72 h. None of the fractions contained measurable levels of estrogen or androgen receptor agonists nor did they cause reductions in steroidogenesis. A number of fractions showed antiestrogenic or antiandrogenicity potency, with the neutral and main acidic fractions being the most potent. Neutral aromatic compounds are likely responsible for the CYP1A activity observed. Direct estrogenic, androgenic, or steroidogenic mechanisms are unlikely for NAs based on these results, but NAs act as potent antiandrogen or antiestrogens.

Potency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for induction of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in hepatocyte cultures from chicken, Pekin duck, and greater scaup

The potency of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for induction of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity was assessed in primary hepatocyte cultures prepared from chicken (Gallus domesticus), Pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), and greater scaup (Aythya marila). TCDD and 8 of the PAHs induced EROD activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Seven of these were previously shown to be acutely toxic to avian embryos, while the 10 congeners that did not produce an EROD response caused limited mortality. The rank order potency of the EROD-active congeners in all three species was as follows: TCDD>dibenz[ah]anthracene>benzo[k]fluoranthene>indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene>benzo[a]pyrene>chrysene≈benz[a]anthracene≈benz[ghi]perylene>benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-d]thiophene. Chicken hepatoctyes were more sensitive than duck hepatocytes to EROD induction by all test compounds, but the gap in species sensitivity was 100-fold for TCDD, and generally ≤10-fold for PAHs. This study is the first to use in vitro methods to rank the AHR-mediated potency of PAHs in birds. These data may be useful for assessing risks associated with exposure to PAHs in the environment.

Beta-naphthoflavone-inducedCYP1A expression in the guppy Jenynsia multidentata: Time-dependent response, anesthetic MS-222 effect and fin analysis

Cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) expression in fish is used as a biomarker of exposure to organic contaminants, such PAHs, PCBs and dioxins, in the aquatic environment. South American guppy fish Jenynsia multidentata were exposed to the prototypical aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist beta-naphthoflavone (BNF; 1μM) and the fins were biopsied to characterize different aspects of CYP1A induction. RTq-PCR was used to quantify CYP1A mRNA levels in fish tissues. CYP1A induction in the gill, liver and anal fin (gonopodium) occurred within the first hour of waterborne exposure to BNF and persisted throughout 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 96h compared to controls (DMSO vehicle; p<0.05). The organ-specific temporal pattern of induction was marked by mRNA levels consistently augment as duration of exposure increases and tend to a sustained induction from 24h to 96h for gill and liver (∼15-fold and ∼50-fold over control, respectively). In gonopodium, there was a maximum CYP1A mRNA level at 4h (∼34-fold over control). Basal CYP1A mRNA levels and its induction following BNF exposure were not affected by administration of a chemical anesthetic (fish immersion in 100mgl(-1) MS-222 for 2-5min) in the gill, liver, gonopodium, dorsal or tail fin (p<0.05). In an ex vivo assay, in which small pieces of biopsied fins were exposed to BNF for 4h, high CYP1A induction was observed in the tail and gonopodium (∼49-fold and ∼69-fold, respectively) but not in the dorsal fin compared to controls. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that a 1h waterborne exposure to an AHR agonist is sufficient to cause CYP1A induction in fish organs and fins. The present study added new information to the field regarding the use of MS-222 as an anesthetic on fish and the analysis of biopsied fins as an alternative non-lethalex vivo assay for evaluating the CYP1A biomarker in fish. This observation could be useful for planning fish toxicological bioassays and biomonitoring studies on the aquatic environments in South America.

Resistance to teratogenesis by F1 and F2 embryos of PAH-adapted Fundulus heteroclitus is strongly inherited despite reduced recalcitrance of the AHR pathway

Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) inhabiting the Atlantic Wood Superfund site on the Elizabeth River (Portsmouth, VA, USA) are exposed to a complex mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from former creosote operations, but are resistant to the acute toxicity and cardiac teratogenesis caused by PAHs. The resistance is associated with a dramatic recalcitrance to induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP1) metabolism enzymes following exposure to aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonists, along with an elevated antioxidant response and increased expression of several other xenobiotic metabolism and excretion enzymes. However, the heritability of the resistance in the absence of chemical stressors has been inconsistently demonstrated. Understanding the heritability of this resistance will help clarify the nature of population-level responses to chronic exposure to PAH mixtures and aid in identifying the important mechanistic components of resistance to aryl hydrocarbons. We compared the response of Atlantic Wood F1 and F2 embryos to benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-126), and a mixture of BkF and fluoranthene (Fl) to that of F1 embryos of reference site killifish. Resistance to cardiac teratogenesis and induction of CYP mRNA expression and CYP activity was determined. We found that both Atlantic Wood F1 and F2 embryos were highly resistance to cardiac teratogenesis. However, the resistance by Atlantic Wood F2 embryos to induction of CYP mRNA expression and enzyme activity was intermediate between that of Atlantic Wood F1 embryos and reference embryos. These results suggest that resistance to cardiac teratogenesis in Atlantic Wood fish is conferred by multiple factors, not all of which appear to be fully genetically heritable.

Genomic and physiological responses to strong selective pressure during late organogenesis: few gene expression changes found despite striking morphological differences

Background

Adaptations to a new environment, such as a polluted one, often involve large modifications of the existing phenotypes. Changes in gene expression and regulation during critical developmental stages may explain these phenotypic changes. Embryos from a population of the teleost fish, Fundulus heteroclitus, inhabiting a clean estuary do not survive when exposed to sediment extract from a site highly contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) while embryos derived from a population inhabiting a PAH polluted estuary are remarkably resistant to the polluted sediment extract. We exposed embryos from these two populations to surrogate model PAHs and analyzed changes in gene expression, morphology, and cardiac physiology in order to better understand sensitivity and adaptive resistance mechanisms mediating PAH exposure during development.

Results

The synergistic effects of two model PAHs, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist (β-naphthoflavone) and a cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) inhibitor (α-naphthoflavone), caused significant developmental delays, impaired cardiac function, severe morphological alterations and failure to hatch, leading to the deaths of reference embryos; resistant embryos were mostly unaffected. Unexpectedly, patterns of gene expression among normal and moderately deformed embryos were similar, and only severely deformed embryos showed a contrasting pattern of gene expression. Given the drastic morphological differences between reference and resistant embryos, a surprisingly low percentage of genes, 2.24% of 6,754 analyzed, show statistically significant differences in transcript levels during late organogenesis between the two embryo populations.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates important contrasts in responses between reference and resistant natural embryo populations to synergistic effects of surrogate model PAHs that may be important in adaptive mechanisms mediating PAH effects during fish embryo development. These results suggest that statistically significant changes in gene expression of relatively few genes contribute to the phenotypic changes and large morphological differences exhibited by reference and resistant populations upon exposure to PAH pollutants. By correlating cardiac physiology and morphology with changes in gene expression patterns of reference and resistant embryos, we provide additional evidence for acquired resistance among embryos whose parents live at heavily contaminated sites.

Simulation of a Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spill in the marine environment: lethal and sublethal effects of acrylonitrile to the European seabass

Despite the extensive maritime transportation of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS), there is a current lack of knowledge on the effects posed by HNS spills on the marine biota. Among the HNS identified as priority, acrylonitrile was selected to conduct ecotoxicological assays. We assessed the acute and subletal effects of acrylonitrile in seabass, followed by a recovery phase to simulate the conditions of a spill incident. The work aimed at testing a broad range of biological responses induced by acrylonitrile. Sublethal exposure to the highest two doses increased the fish mortality rate (8.3% and 25% mortality in 0.75 and 2 mg L(-1) acrylonitrile concentrations), whereas no mortality were observed in control and 0.15 mg L(-1) treatments. Additionally, important alterations at sub-individual level were observed. Acrylonitrile significantly induced the activities of Catalase- CAT and Glutathione S-Transferase - GST; and the levels of DNA damage were significantly increased. Conversely, Superoxide Dismutase- SOD - activity was found to be significantly inhibited and no effects were found on Lipid Peroxidation- LPO and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase - EROD - activity. Following a 7d recovery period, the levels of CAT, GST and EROD fell to levels at or below those in the control. In the 2 mg L(-1) group, SOD remained at the levels found during exposure phase. This study has gathered essential information on the acute and subletal toxicity of acrylonitrile to seabass. It also demonstrated that 7d recovery allowed a return of most endpoints to background levels. These data will be useful to assist relevant bodies in preparedness and response to HNS spills.

Compound- and mixture-specific differences in resistance to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and PCB-126 among Fundulus heteroclitus subpopulations throughout the Elizabeth River estuary (Virginia, USA)

Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) inhabiting the Atlantic Wood Industries Superfund Site (Elizabeth River, Portsmouth, VA, USA) are resistant to the acute toxicity and cardiac teratogenesis caused by high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from creosote. The resistance is linked to down regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway. We investigated the association between CYP1 activity, as a marker of potential AHR pathway suppression, and contaminant resistance in killifish subpopulations from sites throughout the estuary that varied significantly in PAH contamination level. Adult killifish and sediments were collected from seven sites across approximately 13.7 km in river length within the estuary and from a nearby reference site. Sediment PAH levels were determined using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Embryos obtained via manual spawning were exposed to individual AHR agonists and PAH mixtures 24 h post fertilization (hpf); CYP1 activity was determined by in ovo ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD) at 96 hpf, and cardiac deformity severity was scored at 144 hpf. The total PAH levels measured among the sites varied from approximately 200 to 125,000 ng/g dry sediment. Overall, the resistance to teratogenesis was strongest in the subpopulations from sites in or closest to the major PAH contamination sites, but even embryos from less-contaminated sites within the Elizabeth River demonstrated at least partial resistance to many challenges. Surprisingly, all of the subpopulations tested were highly resistant to PCB-126 (3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl). However, the degree of CYP1 activity response varied significantly among subpopulations and did not always correlate strongly with resistance to teratogenesis; some subpopulations resisted the cardiac teratogenesis caused by the challenges at doses that still elicited strong EROD induction. Our results suggest that there is variation in the adaptive phenotype exhibited by laboratory-spawned embryos from killifish subpopulations throughout the estuary. Furthermore, the results show that contaminants have affected killifish subpopulations throughout the estuary, even in sites with lower levels of PAHs.

Occurrence of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs in soil and comparison with CYP1A response in PLHC-1 cell line

The responsiveness of CYP1A (gene transcription and EROD enzyme activity) in the cell line Poeciliopsis lucida hepatoma (PLHC-1) upon exposure to extracts of contaminated soil samples was investigated and compared to levels of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs including non-ortho obtained by GC/MS analysis. Soil samples A and B were collected in sites A and B. Two fractions, not purified (np) and purified (p), were obtained from each sample and analyzed for PCDD/PCDF and PCB content by GC/MS; in parallel they were tested for 24 h with PLHC-1. CYP1A response was investigated at gene (RT-qPCR) level and as 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) enzyme activity. Chem-TEQs and Bio-TEQs were then calculated. ∑TEQ calculated for PCDD/Fs and PCBs was 0.081 pg/g and 20.32 pg/g for samples A and B, respectively. PLHC-1 showed less up-regulation of cyp1a gene on exposure to the two purified fractions (Ap 2.1-fold and Bp 1.8-fold) than to non-purified fractions (up to 15-fold for Anp and 13-fold for Bnp). EROD was also induced 2.38- and 9.44-fold in the two purified fractions (Ap and Bp) compared to model inducer 2,3,7,8-TCDD, and up to 16.03-fold for non-purified Anp and 33.79-fold for Bnp. The combination of CYP1A response, obtained in a PLHC-1 cell-based bioassay, with contaminant residue analysis provided a better description of the presence and toxicity of dioxin-like compounds in an environmental matrix.

The role of cytochrome P4501A activity inhibition in three- to five-ringed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons embryotoxicity of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

The mode of action of PAHs that causes fish developmental malformations is unclear. The embryotoxicity of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) was investigated after individual exposure to three- to five-ring PAHs Phe, Py, and BaP or co-exposure with α-ANF for 18 days. We found that the relationships between EROD induction and developmental deformities of embryos showed a various pattern under different exposure scenarios of Phe, Py, and BaP, which suggested possibly different modes of action in determining the developmental toxicities. As for co-exposure scenarios of each PAH combined with ANF, it showed potentially synergistic effects. The inhibited CYP1A mediated enzyme activity by ANF after co-exposure did not effectively alleviate developmental toxicity of embryo. It showed potentially synergistic effects after co-exposure of marine fish embryos to CYP1A inhibitors and PAH-type CYP1A inducers. Heart deformities in the early life stages of marine medaka were recommended as a biomarker for indicating the extent of PAH pollution.

Effect-directed analysis of municipal landfill soil reveals novel developmental toxicants in the zebrafish Danio rerio

Effect-directed analysis (EDA) is an approach used to identify (unknown) contaminants in complex samples which cause toxicity, using a combination of biology and chemistry. The goal of this work was to apply EDA to identify developmental toxicants in soil samples collected from a former municipal landfill site. Soil samples were extracted, fractionated, and tested for developmental effects with an embryotoxicity assay in the zebrafish Danio rerio. Gas chromatograph mass selective detection (GC-MSD) chemical screening was used to reveal candidate developmental toxicants in fractions showing effects. In a parallel study, liquid chromatography-hybrid linear ion trap Orbitrap mass spectrometry was also applied to one polar subfraction (Hoogenboom et al. J. Chromatogr. A2009, 1216, 510-519). EDA resulted in the identification of a number of previously unknown developmental toxicants, which were confirmed to be present in soil by GC-MS. These included 11H-benzo[b]fluorene, 9-methylacridine, 4-azapyrene, and 2-phenylquinoline, as well as one known developmental toxicant (retene). This work revealed the presence of novel contaminants in the environment that may affect vertebrate development, which are not subject to monitoring or regulation under current soil quality assessment guidelines.