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Esposito MC, Riva L, Russo GL, Punta C, Corsi I, Tosti E, Gallo A. Reproductive toxicity assessment of cellulose nanofibers, citric acid, and branched polyethylenimine in sea urchins: Eco-design of nanostructured cellulose sponge framework (Part B). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:123934. [PMID: 38588971 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
In the framework of a safe-by-design approach, we previously assessed the eco-safety of nanostructured cellulose sponge (CNS) leachate on sea urchin reproduction. It impaired gamete quality, gamete fertilization competence, and embryo development possibly due to the leaching of chemical additives used during the CNS synthesis process. To extend this observation and identify the component(s) that contribute to CNS ecotoxicity, in the present study, we individually screened the cytotoxic effects on sea urchin Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus gametes and embryos of the three main constituents of CNS, namely cellulose nanofibers, citric acid, and branched polyethylenimine. The study aimed to minimize any potential safety risk of these components and to obtain an eco-safe CNS. Among the three CNS constituents, branched polyethylenimine resulted in the most toxic agent. Indeed, it affected the physiology and fertilization competence of male and female gametes as well as embryo development in both sea urchin species. These results are consistent with those previously reported for CNS leachate. Moreover, the characterisation of CNS leachate confirmed the presence of detectable branched polyethylenimine in the conditioned seawater even though in a very limited amount. Altogether, these data indicate that the presence of branched polyethylenimine is a cause-effect associated with a significant risk in CNS formulations due to its leaching upon contact with seawater. Nevertheless, the suggested safety protocol consisting of consecutive leaching treatments and conditioning of CNS in seawater can successfully ameliorate the CNS ecotoxicity while maintaining the efficacy of its sorbent properties supporting potential environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Esposito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Riva
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano and INSTM Local Unit, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Russo
- Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - Carlo Punta
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano and INSTM Local Unit, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, via Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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Romdhani I, Gallo A, Venditti M, Abelouah MR, Varchetta R, Najahi H, Boukadida K, Boni R, Alla AA, Minucci S, Banni M. Unveiling the impact of environmental microplastics on mussel spermatozoa: First evidence of prothymosin-α detection in invertebrate's male gametes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132521. [PMID: 37717447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels, like many other marine invertebrates, employ external fertilization as a mating strategy, exposing their gametes to various contaminants upon release into seawater. Environmental microplastics (EMP) are prevalent marine pollutants that pose a significant threat to aquatic biota. In this regard, our study aimed to investigate the potential effects of exposing mussels' male gametes to increasing concentrations of EMP (1, 10, 50, and 100 μg/l) collected from a Mediterranean sandy beach. We focused on assessing gamete quality by analysing physiological parameters such as viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative status, and motility. Additionally, we evaluated DNA integrity and activation of apoptosis. Furthermore, our study aimed to detect the presence of the prothymosin-α (PTMA) protein, which has never been previously investigated in invertebrate spermatozoa. Our data revealed that exposure of mussel spermatozoa to EMPs altered their oxidative status and mitochondrial membrane potential, induced a decrease in motility, DNA integrity, and an increased apoptotic occurrence, leading to a decline in overall viability. The localization of PTMA into the head and flagellum of spermatozoa further supported its presence and susceptibility to the effects of microplastics. These findings raise concerns about the reproductive capacity of mussels under environmental microplastic pollution and highlight potential long-term threats to population sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilef Romdhani
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse,Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia; Department of Experimental Medicine, University Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, ViaSanta Maria di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, ViaSanta Maria di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse,Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia; Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Rita Varchetta
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Hana Najahi
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse,Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Khouloud Boukadida
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse,Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy; Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano, 10, 85100 Potenza, PZ, Italy
| | - Aicha Ait Alla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, ViaSanta Maria di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse,Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia.
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3
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Electrophysiology and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Approaches for Evaluating Gamete and Embryo Functionality in Animals and Humans. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111685. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review has examined two of the techniques most used by our research group for evaluating gamete and embryo functionality in animal species, ranging from marine invertebrates to humans. Electrophysiology has given access to fundamental information on some mechanisms underpinning the biology of reproduction. This technique demonstrates the involvement of ion channels in multiple physiological mechanisms, the achievement of homeostasis conditions, and the triggering of profound metabolic modifications, often functioning as amplification signals of cellular communication. Fluorescence spectrometry using fluorescent probes to mark specific cell structures allows detailed information to be obtained on the functional characteristics of the cell populations examined. The simple and rapid execution of this methodology allowed us to establish a panel helpful in elucidating functional features in living cells in a simultaneous and multi-parameter way in order to acquire overall drafting of gamete and embryo functionality.
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Gallo A, Esposito MC, Boni R, Tosti E. Oocyte quality assessment in marine invertebrates: a novel approach by fluorescence spectroscopy. Biol Res 2022; 55:34. [DOI: 10.1186/s40659-022-00403-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The assessment of oocyte quality is, nowadays, a major challenge in aquaculture, oocyte cryopreservation, and environmental science. Oocyte quality is a determining factor in fertilization and embryo development; however, there is still a lack of rapid and sensitive cellular markers for its assessment. Currently, its estimation is predominantly based on morphological analysis, which is subjective and does not consistently reflect the developmental competence of the oocytes. Despite several recent studies investigating molecular markers related to oocyte quality, methods currently available for their determination pose various technical challenges and limitations. In this study, we developed a novel approach based on fluorescence spectroscopy to assess different intrinsic physiological parameters that can be employed to evaluate egg quality in marine invertebrates that are widely used as animal models such as sea urchins and mussels.
Results
Different physiological parameters, such as viability, mitochondrial activity, intracellular ROS levels, plasma membrane lipid peroxidation, and intracellular pH, for egg quality evaluation have been successfully assessed in sea urchins and mussels by using specific fluorescent dyes and detecting the fluorescent signals in eggs through fluorescence spectroscopy.
Conclusions
Based on our findings, we propose these physiological markers as useful predictors of egg quality in marine invertebrates; they can be estimated rapidly, selectively, and sensitively by employing this novel approach, which, due to the speed of analysis, the low cost, and easy use can be considered a powerful analytical tool for the egg quality assessment.
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Marçal R, Pacheco M, Guilherme S. DNA of crayfish spermatozoa as a target of waterborne pesticides - An ex vivo approach as a tool to short-term spermiotoxicity screening. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 400:123300. [PMID: 32947705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The spermiotoxic properties of aquatic contaminants might be the cause of low fertilization rate and decreased prolificacy, affecting the success of the impacted populations. The genotoxic potential of pesticides in spermatozoa as an undesirable effect on non-target organisms, namely aquatic invertebrates with external fertilization, emerges as a key question in ecogenotoxicological research. Thus, this study aimed to clarify if DNA integrity of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) spermatozoa is affected by waterborne pesticides at environmentally relevant concentrations. By adopting an ex vivo approach, six pesticides were addressed in a short-term assay: herbicides glyphosate (9 and 90 μg L-1) and penoxsulam (2.3 and 23 μg L-1); insecticides dimethoate (2.4 and 24 μg L-1) and imidacloprid (13.1 and 131 μg L-1); fungicides pyrimethanil (2.2 and 22 μg L-1) and imazalil (16 and 160 μg L-1). Genotoxicity was observed in higher concentrations of glyphosate, penoxsulam, dimethoate, pyrimethanil, and imazalil. Imidacloprid was the only pesticide that did not cause non-specific DNA damage, although displaying pro-oxidant properties. Overall, the present study demonstrated the suitability of the ex vivo approach on spermiotoxicity screening, highlighting the potential ecological impact of pesticides on non-target species, such as P. clarkii, compromising sperm DNA integrity and, subsequently, the population success.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Marçal
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - M Pacheco
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - S Guilherme
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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Gallo A, Esposito MC, Cuccaro A, Buia MC, Tarallo A, Monfrecola V, Tosti E, Boni R. Adult exposure to acidified seawater influences sperm physiology in Mytilus galloprovincialis: Laboratory and in situ transplant experiments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:115063. [PMID: 32806401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing increase of CO2 in the atmosphere is inducing a progressive lowering of marine water pH that is predicted to decrease to 7.8 by the end of this century. In marine environment, physical perturbation may affect reproduction, which is crucial for species' survival and strictly depends on gamete quality. The effects of seawater acidification (SWAc) on gamete quality of broadcast spawning marine invertebrates result largely from experiments of gamete exposure while the SWAc impact in response to adult exposure is poorly investigated. Performing microcosm and in field experiments at a naturally acidified site, we investigated the effects of adult SWAc exposure on sperm quality parameters underlying fertilization in Mytilus galloprovincialis. These animals were exposed to pH 7.8 over 21 days and collected at different times to analyze sperm parameters as concentration, motility, viability, morphology, oxidative status, intra- and extra-cellular pH and mitochondrial membrane potential. Results obtained in the two experimental approaches were slightly different. Under field conditions, we found an increase in total sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane potential on days 7 and 14 from the start of SWAc exposure whereas, in microcosm, SWAc group showed an increase of total motility on day 14. In addition, sperm morphology and intracellular pH were affected in both experimental approaches; whereas oxidative stress was detected only in spermatozoa collected from mussels under natural SWAc. The overall analysis suggests that, in mussels, SWAc toxic mechanism in spermatozoa does not involve oxidative stress. This study represents the first report on mussel sperm quality impairment after adult SWAc exposure, which may affect fertilization success with negative ecological and economic consequences; it also indicates that, although naturally acidified areas represent ideal natural laboratories for investigating the impact of ocean acidification, microcosm experiments are necessary for examining action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Esposito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Cuccaro
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Buia
- Center of Villa Dohrn Ischia - Benthic Ecology, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, P.ta S. Pietro, Ischia, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Tarallo
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Monfrecola
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
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7
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Gallo A, Boni R, Buia MC, Monfrecola V, Esposito MC, Tosti E. Ocean acidification impact on ascidian Ciona robusta spermatozoa: New evidence for stress resilience. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 697:134100. [PMID: 31476502 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rising atmospheric CO2 is causing a progressive decrease of seawater pH, termed ocean acidification. Predicting its impact on marine invertebrate reproduction is essential to anticipate the consequences of future climate change on species fitness and survival. Ocean acidification may affect reproductive success either in terms of gamete or progeny quality threating species survival. Despite an increasing number of studies focusing on the effects of ocean acidification on the early life history of marine organisms, very few have investigated the effects on invertebrate gamete quality. In this study, we set up two experimental approaches simulating the ocean conditions predicted for the end of this century, in situ transplant experiments at a naturally acidified volcanic vent area along the Ischia island coast and microcosm experiments, to evaluate the short-term effects of the predicted near-future levels of ocean acidification on sperm quality of the ascidian Ciona robusta after parental exposure. In the first days of exposure to acidified conditions, we detected alteration of sperm motility, morphology and physiology, followed by a rapid recovery of physiological conditions that provide a new evidence of resilience of ascidian spermatozoa in response to ocean acidification. Overall, the short-term tolerance to adverse conditions opens a new scenario on the marine species capacity to continue to reproduce and persist in changing oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Buia
- Center of Villa Dohrn Ischia - Benthic Ecology, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, P.ta S. Pietro, Ischia, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Monfrecola
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Esposito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy.
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Gallo A, Manfra L, Boni R, Rotini A, Migliore L, Tosti E. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of CuO nanoparticles in sea urchin spermatozoa through oxidative stress. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 118:325-333. [PMID: 29960187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are extensively used in various industrial and commercial applications. Despite their wide application may lead to the contamination of marine ecosystem, their potential environmental effects remain to be determined. Toxicity assessment studies have primarily focused on investigating the effects of CuO NPs on fertilization success and embryo development of different sea urchin species while the impact on sperm quality have never been assessed. In this line, this study aims to assess the effects of CuO NPs on the spermatozoa of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. After sperm exposure to CuO NPs, biomarkers of sperm viability, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity as well as morphology were evaluated. Results showed that CuO NPs exposure decreased sperm viability, impaired mitochondrial activity and increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, CuO NPs exposure caused DNA damage and morphological alterations. Together with the antioxidant rescue experiments, these results suggest that oxidative stress is the main driver of CuO NP spermiotoxic effects. The mechanism of toxicity is here proposed: the spontaneous generation of ROS induced by CuO NPs and the disruption of the mitochondrial respiratory chain lead to production of ROS that, in turn, induce lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, and result in defective spermatozoa up to induce sperm cytotoxicity. Investigating the effects of CuO NPs on sea urchin spermatozoa, this study provides valuable insights into the mechanism of reproductive toxicity induced by CuO NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Loredana Manfra
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 75100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Alice Rotini
- Department of Biology, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
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Metabolic enhancers supporting 1-carbon cycle affect sperm functionality: an in vitro comparative study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11769. [PMID: 30082742 PMCID: PMC6079007 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30066-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm plasma membrane is a sensitive target to oxidative stress. The most representative reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers in the genital tract, hypotaurine and glutathione, require, for their synthesis, cysteine whose availability is associated with the 1-carbon cycle (1-CC). Human, bovine and ascidian spermatozoa were incubated with compounds supporting the 1-CC (Vitamin B6, Methylcobalamin, 5 Methyl Tetrahydrofolate, Zinc Bisglycinate and N-acetyl-cysteine) (TRT) and compared to the effects induced solely by N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). In control groups (CNTRL), spermatozoa were incubated with medium alone. After 90 and 180 minutes of incubation, the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) in TRT and NAC was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in CNTRL. At H2DCFDA evaluation, ROS production differed between species whereas, at 2-OH Ethidium, it significantly decreased in bovine TRT group. Intracellular pH (pHi) did not significantly vary in relation to treatment. In ascidian spermatozoa, the NAC supplementation decreased external pH, which in turn brought to a pHi lowering. Buffering seawater with NaHCO3 reversed the beneficial effects of N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation. In conclusion, both fully supporting the 1-CC and treatment with N-acetyl-cysteine alone improved kinetics, ΔΨM and ROS production in mammalian sperm demonstrating for the first time the direct in vitro effects of these compounds on sperm functionality.
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Della Torre C, Buttino I, Volpi Ghirardini A, Faimali M, Mugnai C, Libralato G. 7th Biannual ECOtoxicology MEeting (BECOME 2016) - Managing aquatic and terrestrial environments: An ecotoxicological perspective. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 156:223-224. [PMID: 29554607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Della Torre
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Isabella Buttino
- Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA, Piazzale dei Marmi 12, 57123 Livorno, Italy
| | - Annamaria Volpi Ghirardini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari Venice, Via Torino 152, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Marco Faimali
- Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council, Via de Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Cristian Mugnai
- Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA, Via V. Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia ed. 7, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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11
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Toxicity of marine pollutants on the ascidian oocyte physiology: an electrophysiological approach. ZYGOTE 2017; 26:14-23. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199417000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryIn marine animals with external fertilization, gametes are released into seawater where fertilization and embryo development occur. Consequently, pollutants introduced into the marine environment by human activities may affect gametes and embryos. These xenobiotics can alter cell physiology with consequent reduction of fertilization success. Here the adverse effects on the reproductive processes of the marine invertebrate Ciona intestinalis (ascidian) of different xenobiotics: lead, zinc, an organic tin compound and a phenylurea herbicide were evaluated. By using the electrophysiological technique of whole-cell voltage clamping, the effects of these compounds on the mature oocyte plasma membrane electrical properties and the electrical events of fertilization were tested by calculating the concentration that induced 50% normal larval formation (EC50). The results demonstrated that sodium currents in mature oocytes were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by all tested xenobiotics, with the lowest EC50 value for lead. In contrast, fertilization current frequencies were differently affected by zinc and organic tin compound. Toxicity tests on gametes demonstrated that sperm fertilizing capability and fertilization oocyte competence were not altered by xenobiotics, whereas fertilization was inhibited in zinc solution and underwent a reduction in organic tin compound solution (EC50 value of 1.7 µM). Furthermore, fertilized oocytes resulted in a low percentage of normal larvae with an EC50 value of 0.90 µM. This study shows that reproductive processes of ascidians are highly sensitive to xenobiotics suggesting that they may be considered a reliable biomarker and that ascidians are suitable model organisms to assess marine environmental quality.
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