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Guo L, Zhang X, Luo D, Yu RQ, Xie Q, Wu Y. Population-level effects of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure on highly vulnerable Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins from their largest habitat. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117544. [PMID: 34119862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-related risks have been reported at the cellular, organ, and individual levels in some marine mammals, studies quantifying the PCB-associated population-level effects are limited. Here, we combined chemical analysis and individual-based model simulation to investigate the impact of PCBs on the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (sub)population from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). An annual PCB accumulation rate of 0.29 ± 0.07 mg/kg lipid per year was estimated based on the measured age-specific male data as males continue to accumulate PCBs throughout their lifetime, without depurating contaminant loads. Using the Taiwan Strait dolphin population with low PCBs as a baseline, we compare our model simulations in PRE population to estimate relative population impacts of PCBs and other stressors. When using the current vital rates of the PRE dolphins which have been affected by PCBs and other stressors (e.g., underwater noise, prey limitation, etc.), our simulations revealed a substantial decline (8.1%) in the annual population growth rate (λ) of PRE metapopulation compared to baseline over the next 100 years. At the estimated PCB accumulation rate, the PCB-mediated effects on calf survival and immunity would cause a slight decline (0.9%) in λ relative to baseline. Our findings suggest a relatively limited impact of PCBs on the long-term survival of PRE dolphins among all stressors. However, it should be noted that even under model simulations where dietary PCBs were eliminated, humpback dolphins would still need a long time to reduce their PCB burdens to a relatively "safe" level through biological cycling. Considering that the baseline vital rates might also have been affected by PCBs and other stressors, our results are considered relative rather than absolute. This study provides a starting point for quantifying population-level consequences of contaminant exposure on humpback dolphins, although more efforts are needed to perfect this type of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Guo
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Dingyu Luo
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Qiang Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China.
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Schmidt B, Sonne C, Nachtsheim D, Wohlsein P, Persson S, Dietz R, Siebert U. Liver histopathology of Baltic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) over three decades. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 145:106110. [PMID: 32937284 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106110] [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: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The liver plays an important role in the metabolism and elimination of endogenic and exogenic lipid-soluble compounds. Multiple studies have shown that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) lead to morphological changes in liver cells. The aim of the present study was therefore to analyse liver changes over time in Baltic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and to correlate these with historical PCB and DDT contaminations. A total of 191 liver samples were collected between 1981 and 2015 in the Gulf of Bothnia and northern Baltic Proper. Six histological features were evaluated, including portal mononuclear cell infiltration, random mononuclear cell infiltration, lipid granulomas, hepatocellular fat vacuoles, hepatic stellate cells and mild multifocal bile duct hyperplasia accompanied by portal fibrosis. Three of the six lesions showed a significant correlation with age. Furthermore, a positive correlation between portal mononuclear cell infiltration and mild multifocal bile duct hyperplasia was found. Additionally, lipid granulomas were significantly correlated with hepatic stellate cells. More importantly, hepatic stellate cells and mild multifocal bile duct hyperplasia were correlated with adipose tissue (blubber) concentrations of ƩPCB, measured in a subsample (n = 34) of all individuals. No correlation with lesions and ƩDDT concentrations were found. These results show that age is an important factor for the development of these liver lesions, but PCBs burden may be an influencing factor. This is in agreement with previous studies of marine mammals in the Baltic Sea as well as in the Arctic. We therefore conclude that not only age of the animals, but also exposure to PCBs should be taken into account when understanding and evaluating the current health status of Baltic grey seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Schmidt
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, D-25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Christian Sonne
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Dominik Nachtsheim
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, D-25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sara Persson
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rune Dietz
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, D-25761 Büsum, Germany; Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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Dominique M, Letcher RJ, Rutter A, Langlois VS. Comparative review of the distribution and burden of contaminants in the body of polar bears. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:32456-32466. [PMID: 32556983 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Historical (or legacy) contaminants, such as metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs; e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls) have been measured in circumpolar subpopulations of polar bears, especially from Hudson Bay, East Greenland, and Svalbard, but substantially less is currently known about new and/or emerging contaminants such as polychlorinated naphthalenes, current-use pesticides, organotins, and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is an apex Arctic predator that accumulates high levels of bioaccumulative POPs and mercury (Hg), but there is currently no comprehensive profiling of the present knowledge on contaminants in tissue and body compartments in polar bears. Based on current literature reports and data, and including archived museum samples (as far back as the 1300s) and up to 2018, the aim of this review is to utilize available data to examine the comparative distribution and burden of mainly lipophilic contaminants in kidney, liver, fat, and other body compartments, such as milk, blood, and brain. Highlight outcomes from this review include the following: (1) the kidneys are one of the most important tissue depots of contaminants in polar bears; (2) there is a critical lack of data concerning the presence of metals of concern (other than Hg); and (3) there currently are no data available on the concentrations of many newer and emerging contaminants, such as PACs, which is especially relevant given the increasing oil and gas development in regions, such as the Beaufort Sea (Canada). Additionally, given the vulnerability of polar bear populations worldwide, there is a need to develop non-invasive approaches to monitor contaminant exposure in polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Dominique
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Allison Rutter
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie S Langlois
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Ecotoxicogenomics and Endocrine Disruption, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), 490, rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada.
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Wu JP, Peng Y, Zhi H, Chen XY, Wu SK, Tao L, Zeng YH, Luo XJ, Mai BX. Contamination of organohalogen chemicals and hepatic steatosis in common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) breeding at a nature reserve near e-waste recycling sites in South China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 659:561-567. [PMID: 31096385 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Severe pollution of organohalogen compounds (OHCs) including PBDEs, PCBs and DDTs is demonstrated in e-waste recycling sites and metropolis in South China, but relatively little is known of their impacts on wildlife that inhabits nature reserves in this region, especially those located at the neighborhood areas of e-waste recycling sites. In the present study, PBDEs, PCBs and DDTs as well as liver histological changes were examined in common kingfisher breeding at a nature reserve (Shimentai National Nature Reserve, SNNR) near a notorious e-waste recycling site in South China. Mean ∑PBDEs (84.9 ng/g lipid weight), ∑PCBs (397 ng/g) and ∑TEQs (total toxic equivalent of coplanar PCBs, 2.68 ng/g) concentrations in kingfishers from SNNR were approximately 2-, 5-, and 4-fold higher than those detected in a reference population, respectively; suggesting contamination of the e-waste-derived OHCs in SNNR. Mean ∑DDTs concentration (2150 ng/g) in kingfishers from SNNR was also higher (~2-fold) than that from the reference samples. While ∑DDTs dominated the composition of the OHCs at both sampling sites, ∑PCBs was also important in kingfishers from SNNR, averaging 15% of ∑OHCs. Histological examination of the liver showed steatosis occurred in 60% of the kingfishers from SNNR. Birds with hepatic steatosis had significantly (p = 0.03) higher ∑TEQs than those without steatosis. Similar trends were also found for ∑PCBs and ∑DDTs, although it is not statistically significant. It therefore seems likely that the hepatic steatosis were associated with the relatively high body-burden of OHCs, although the possibility of other factors resulting in hepatic steatosis cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Ping Wu
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Water and Soil Pollution Control and Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Ying Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Hui Zhi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Chen
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Water and Soil Pollution Control and Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Si-Kang Wu
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Water and Soil Pollution Control and Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Lin Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yan-Hong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Bi-Xian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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Pavlova V, Grimm V, Dietz R, Sonne C, Vorkamp K, Rigét FF, Letcher RJ, Gustavson K, Desforges JP, Nabe-Nielsen J. Modeling Population-Level Consequences of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposure in East Greenland Polar Bears. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:143-54. [PMID: 26289812 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0203-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can cause endocrine disruption, cancer, immunosuppression, or reproductive failure in animals. We used an individual-based model to explore whether and how PCB-associated reproductive failure could affect the dynamics of a hypothetical polar bear (Ursus maritimus) population exposed to PCBs to the same degree as the East Greenland subpopulation. Dose-response data from experimental studies on a surrogate species, the mink (Mustela vision), were used in the absence of similar data for polar bears. Two alternative types of reproductive failure in relation to maternal sum-PCB concentrations were considered: increased abortion rate and increased cub mortality. We found that the quantitative impact of PCB-induced reproductive failure on population growth rate depended largely on the actual type of reproductive failure involved. Critical potencies of the dose-response relationship for decreasing the population growth rate were established for both modeled types of reproductive failure. Comparing the model predictions of the age-dependent trend of sum-PCBs concentrations in females with actual field measurements from East Greenland indicated that it was unlikely that PCB exposure caused a high incidence of abortions in the subpopulation. However, on the basis of this analysis, it could not be excluded that PCB exposure contributes to higher cub mortality. Our results highlight the necessity for further research on the possible influence of PCBs on polar bear reproduction regarding their physiological pathway. This includes determining the exact cause of reproductive failure, i.e., in utero exposure versus lactational exposure of offspring; the timing of offspring death; and establishing the most relevant reference metrics for the dose-response relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Pavlova
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Maulbeerallee 2, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jacob Nabe-Nielsen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Earnshaw MR, Jones KC, Sweetman AJ. A first European scale multimedia fate modelling of BDE-209 from 1970 to 2020. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 74:71-81. [PMID: 25454222 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The European Variant Berkeley Trent (EVn-BETR) multimedia fugacity model is used to test the validity of previously derived emission estimates and predict environmental concentrations of the main decabromodiphenyl ether congener, BDE-209. The results are presented here and compared with measured environmental data from the literature. Future multimedia concentration trends are predicted using three emission scenarios (Low, Realistic and High) in the dynamic unsteady state mode covering the period 1970-2020. The spatial and temporal distributions of emissions are evaluated. It is predicted that BDE-209 atmospheric concentrations peaked in 2004 and will decline to negligible levels by 2025. Freshwater concentrations should have peaked in 2011, one year after the emissions peak with sediment concentrations peaking in 2013. Predicted atmospheric concentrations are in good agreement with measured data for the Realistic (best estimate of emissions) and High (worst case scenario) emission scenarios. The Low emission scenario consistently underestimates measured data. The German unilateral ban on the use of DecaBDE in the textile industry is simulated in an additional scenario, the effects of which are mainly observed within Germany with only a small effect on the surrounding areas. Overall, the EVn-BTER model predicts atmospheric concentrations reasonably well, within a factor of 5 and 1.2 for the Realistic and High emission scenarios respectively, providing partial validation for the original emission estimate. Total mean MEC:PEC shows the High emission scenario predicts the best fit between air, freshwater and sediment data. An alternative spatial distribution of emissions is tested, based on higher consumption in EBFRIP member states, resulting in improved agreement between MECs and PECs in comparison with the Uniform spatial distribution based on population density. Despite good agreement between modelled and measured point data, more long-term monitoring datasets are needed to compare predicted trends in concentration to determine the rate of change of POPs within the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Earnshaw
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin C Jones
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Andy J Sweetman
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom.
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Horai S, Yanagi K, Kaname T, Yamamoto M, Watanabe I, Ogura G, Abe S, Tanabe S, Furukawa T. Establishment of a primary hepatocyte culture from the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) and distribution of mercury in liver tissue. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2014; 23:1681-1689. [PMID: 25142347 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1307-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study established a primary hepatocyte culture for the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus). To determine the suitable medium for growing the primary hepatic cells of this species, we compared the condition of cells cultured in three media that are frequently used for mammalian cell culture: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium, RPMI-1640, and William's E. Of these, William's E medium was best suited for culturing the hepatic cells of this species. Using periodic acid-Schiff staining and ultrastructural observations, we demonstrated the cells collected from mongoose livers were hepatocytes. To evaluate the distribution of mercury (Hg) in the liver tissue, we carried out autometallography staining. Most of the Hg compounds were found in the central region of hepatic lobules. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which plays a role inxenobiotic metabolism, lipid/cholesterol metabolism, and the digestion and detoxification of lipophilic substances is grown in this area. This suggested that Hg colocalized with smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The results of the present study could be useful to identify the detoxification systems of wildlife with high Hg content in the body, and to evaluate the susceptibility of wildlife to Hg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawako Horai
- Department of Regional Environment, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyamacho-Minami, Tottori, 680-8551, Japan,
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Lazarus M, Sekovanić A, Reljić S, Kusak J, Kovačić J, Orct T, Jurasović J, Huber Đ. Selenium in brown bears (Ursus arctos) from Croatia: Relation to cadmium and mercury. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2014; 49:1392-1401. [PMID: 25072771 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2014.928497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Muscle (n = 111), liver (n = 111), and kidney cortex (n = 101) samples from brown bears (Ursus arctos) were collected in the 2009 and 2010 hunting seasons in Croatia and analysed for selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), and total mercury (Hg). The aim was to assess the levels of these elements according to age, sex, and season of collection, and to investigate possible Se/Cd and Se/Hg interactions. Median Se concentrations were 0.139 μg/g in muscle, 0.409 μg/g in liver and 1.75 μg/g wet mass in kidney cortex. Median Cd and Hg were 0.0078 and 0.0018 μg/g in muscle, 1.09 and 0.031 μg/g in liver, and 16.5 and 0.206 μg/g wet mass in the renal cortex, respectively. Se/Cd molar ratios were less than 1 in the kidney cortex, and close to or above 1 in liver and muscle, respectively. Toxic Cd and Hg correlated with Se in all of the studied tissues. Sex differences were found for all three elements (except Se in liver), with females having higher tissue concentration than males. Only Cd showed age-dependence. Bear samples collected in fall had higher Se in muscles, and Hg in muscles and liver compared to samples collected in spring. Element concentrations in brown bear tissues were within the range of previously reported studies. Bear meat is considered a rich source of Se, safe for consumption with regard to its Cd and Hg content. According to the molar ratio and correlation results, we assume that Se binding is not the primary detoxification pathway for Cd and Hg in brown bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Lazarus
- a Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health , Zagreb , Croatia
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