Vitellogenin content in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in Flanders, Belgium

Short-term induction of vitellogenesis in the immature male yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) exposed to bisphenol A and 17β-estradiol

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a known environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical that is widely used in plastics manufacturing. BPA enters in the aquatic environment mainly through urban and industrial sewage effluents, thereby posing a potential threat to organisms living in these ecosystems. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of BPA on VTG production with direct (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyarylamide gel electrophoresis) and indirect (alkali-labile phosphate (ALP), total plasma calcium and protein) methods in immature male yellowfin seabream ( Acanthopagrus latus) as a marine fish model. Fish were randomly distributed into seven groups that were administered 1, 10, 50, and 100 µg g−1 week−1 of BPA and 2 µg g−1week−1 of 17β-estradiol (E2) over a period of 2 weeks. Solvent controls received olive oil, whereas controls were not injected. The fish were sampled on days 0, 7, and 14, and their blood plasma and liver were obtained. The results showed that the hepatosomatic index of all treated fish was elevated in comparison with controls. Direct and indirect indicators showed that fish VTG protein was induced by BPA and E2 exposure. The protein was found to have two bands with molecular weights around 210 and 190 KDa. ALP, total plasma calcium and protein levels were increased in dose- and time-dependent manners. The results of this study demonstrated that short-term exposure of yellowfin seabream to BPA induced adverse effects in the reproductive system of hermaphrodite fish.

Occurrence of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) in the environment and effect on exposed biota: a review

17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) is a synthetic hormone, which is a derivative of the natural hormone, estradiol (E2). EE2 is an orally bio-active estrogen, and is one of the most commonly used medications for humans as well as livestock and aquaculture activity. EE2 has become a widespread problem in the environment due to its high resistance to the process of degradation and its tendency to (i) absorb organic matter, (ii) accumulate in sediment and (iii) concentrate in biota. Numerous studies have reported the ability of EE2 to alter sex determination, delay sexual maturity, and decrease the secondary sexual characteristics of exposed organisms even at a low concentration (ng/L) by mimicking its natural analogue, 17β-estradiol (E2). Thus, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the science regarding EE2, the concentration levels in the environment (water, sediment and biota) and summarize the effects of this compound on exposed biota at various concentrations, stage life, sex, and species. The challenges in respect of EE2 include the extension of the limited database on the EE2 pollution profile in the environment, its fate and transport mechanism, as well as the exposure level of EE2 for better prediction and definition revision of EE2 toxicity end points, notably for the purpose of environmental risk assessment.

Vg mRNA induction in an endangered fish species (Anguilla anguilla) from the Loire estuary (France)

Estuarine zones are extremely fragile due to increasing stress from anthropogenic activities. Among those, the Loire estuary (France) is potentially exposed to various contaminants including Endocrine Disruptors Compounds (EDCs) able to impact the reproduction physiology of fish. The European eel (Anguilla anguilla), endangered fish species, is apparently not relevant, in its yellow stage, to monitor the effects of endocrine disruption. Despite this weakly responsiveness, this study aimed to investigate whether European eel from the Loire estuary may still be the subject of estrogenic disruption quantifying the hepatic Vg gene expression according to gender and sexual stage. Vitellogenin (Vg) appears as a valuable biomarker of EDCs, as well as for exposure and effects. Quantitative real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (q RT PCR) was used in this study to amplify responses of hepatic Vg transcripts. European eels were sampled in May 2009 (N=57) and November 2010 (during the downstream migration, N=10) in two sites of the Loire estuary with different ecological conditions and contamination pressures (upstream: Varades; downstream: Nantes). Reproductive (gender, sexual maturity stage) and biometric parameters of collected eels were determined. A laboratory exposure of silver male to steroid hormones (Testosterone (T), 11-KetoTestosterone (11-KT), Estradiol (E2)) was conducted in parallel to validate the q RT PCR approach on hepatic Vg mRNA. Results demonstrated the responsiveness of exposed silver male eels, since hepatic mRNA Vg induction was observed in E2 treated males compared to control specimens. In the field, results of female silver eels reflected large inter-individual differences in the activation of hepatic Vg at silvering. However, while only female silver eels should express hepatic Vg mRNA, quantifiable levels were also detected in a proportion of 38% of the other individuals sampled, normally not inclined to express it, those being undifferentiated eels, yellow females, yellow and silver males. According to each sexual stage, no difference of expression was observed between eels from the two sampling sites. Histological results as well as low Vg mRNA levels detected do not permit a conclusion as to a potential effect of endocrine disruption.

Spatial trends of organochlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Atlantic Anguillid eels

The bioaccumulation of lipophilic contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) can result in a reduction in fitness and spawner quality in eels and may be a factor in Anguillid sp. population declines. Contaminant concentrations in eels have been studied extensively in Europe, but data for American eels are severely lacking. Concentrations of PCBs, OCPs, and PBDEs were determined in American eel from eastern Canada and New York, USA, along with European eel from Belgium. Principal component analysis revealed that eels captured in the St. Lawrence estuary were a mixture of upstream migrants from the St. Lawrence River watershed, and fish captured in local tributaries. Contaminant concentrations were dependent on origin, related to the local environment, and were lower than historic values. In Canada, concentrations of OCPs and PCBs in eel tissues were below the Canadian human consumption guidelines for contaminants in fish, indicating that the current risk to consumers is low. However, concentrations of PCBs, total DDT, and mirex in eels from L. Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence R. were above Great Lakes guidelines for the protection of piscivorous predators. Concentrations of penta-BDE homologs exceeded the Canadian guideline for environmental quality in over half of the eels in this study, but concentrations of the other homolog groups were below the guideline.

Induction of vitellogenin synthesis in immature male yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) exposed to 4-nonylphenol and 17β-estradiol

In the present study, the effects of xenoestrogen 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) and 17β-estradiol (E2) on the synthesis of vitellogenin (VTG) in immature male yellowfin seabream (Acanthoparus latus) were assessed to determine the potential use of this species as a biological model for studying endocrine disrupters in the Musa estuary in southern seawaters of Iran. A total number of 104 fish were injected by 10, 50, 100, 150 and 200 µg g(-) (1) week(-) (1) of 4-NP and 2 µg g(-) (1) week(-) (1) of E2, and their blood plasma was obtained for biochemical analysis on days 0, 7 and 14. The hepatosomatic index (HSI) of each fish was also recorded at each sampling time. The results showed that 4-NP significantly induced VTG synthesis in A. latus, which was detected by gel electrophoresis as two major protein bands (∼210 and 191 KDa). The induction of VTG was also determined indirectly by measuring the alkali-labile phosphate, total plasma calcium and protein. All of these VTG indicators significantly increased in the plasma of 4-NP- and E2-treated fish. Meanwhile, a significant dose-dependent increase was observed in HSI, indicating the activation of hepatic VTG production in 4-NP- and E2-injected fish. Furthermore, the plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations significantly increased in 4-NP-treated fish, presumably reflecting a situation of hepatic tissue damage due to 4-NP toxicity. Based on the results, it is suggested that A. latus could be used successfully as a model species for future studies of endocrine disrupting contaminants in the Musa estuary.

The lack of endocrine disrupting effects in catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from a DDT sprayed area

The exposure and response of the catfish, Clarias gariepinus, was studied in male specimens collected in the vicinity of a DDT spraying programme to control malaria. Two sites were situated in the DDT sprayed areas and one site upstream from exposed areas, used as a reference site. The collected specimens were analysed for DDT bioaccumulation and the extent of associated effects. The concentration of all DDT metabolites including p,p'-and o,p'-forms of DDT, DDE and DDD, were measured in the adipose tissue, whilst the effects were measured using a range of biomarkers. This included assessing the effectiveness of plasma calcium, magnesium, zinc and alkali-labile phosphates (ALPs) as indirect measures of vitellogenin (VTG). Gonad condition was determined by calculating the gonadosomatic index (GSI) for each individual and comparing it with the gonad mass that were adjusted with Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The presence of intersex in gonads was identified and the overall body condition determined using the condition factor (CF). Overall, none of the biomarkers showed significant change in the presence of high levels of DDT nor lindane, dieldrin and endosulfan II. Subtle responses in the plasma concentrations of calcium, ALP and gonad condition were evident in the catfish where DDT concentrations were highest, whilst no effects related to intersex and body condition were evident. Overall this study highlighted the tolerance of C. gariepinus to DDT contamination, the practical implications of using biomarkers in developing countries, and the need for further research into developing biomarkers for much needed biomonitoring programmes in areas where malarial control programmes continue to use DDT.

Temporal progression in migratory status and sexual maturation in European silver eels during downstream migration

The onset of downstream migration of European eels is accompanied by a cessation of feeding and the start of sexual maturation which stresses the link between metabolism and sexual maturation, also suggesting an important role for exercise. Exercise has been tested with eels in swim tunnels and was found to stimulate the onset of sexual maturation. In this study, we have investigated the interplay between migration and maturation in the field during the downstream migration of female silver eels. Temporal changes in migratory status and sexual maturation among silver eels of the upstream Rhine River system over 3 months of the migration season (August, September and October) were determined in biometrical parameters, plasma 17β-estradiol and calcium levels, oocyte histology and gonadal fat levels. Furthermore, the ecological relevant parameters age as determined by otolithometry and health aspects indicated by haematocrit, haemoglobin and swim-bladder parasite load were measured. Silver eels were estimated to be 14 years old. A strong temporal progression in migratory stage was shown over the months of downstream migration. Catches probably represented a mix of reproductive migrants and feeding migrants of which the ratio increased over time. Furthermore, this study confirmed our hypothesis linking the migratory stage to early maturation as indicated by enlargement of the eyes, oocyte growth and fat deposition in the oocytes, exactly the same changes as found induced by exercise but not ruling out environmental influences. Migrants show extensive fat uptake by the oocytes, probably stimulated by the swimming exercise. In addition, at least 83% of the silver eels in this spawning run may have suffered from negative effects of swim-bladder parasites on their swimming performance.

Assessment of seasonal and sex-related variability of biomarkers in carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) from Karakaya Dam Lake, Turkey

This study examines seasonal changes in the activities of selected biomarkers in carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) from Karakaya Dam Lake and evaluates the influence of gender and environmental factors on those activities. Physicochemical characteristics of water were evaluated in the lakewater. Fish were sampled on seasonal basis, and liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, plasma lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, and brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities were assayed. Plasma vitellogenin level and hepatosomatic index and condition factors were also determined. Strong seasonal variations were observed but there were no gender differences among selected markers. The highest vitellogenin level of male fish was detected as 606ng/mL which represents the estrogenicity of water in the lake in September 2005. In addition, the seasonal changes of some biomarkers such as EROD and AChE showed that the lake may be at risk of pollution by some xenobiotics arising from agricultural and/or industrial activities.

Swimming physiology of European silver eels (Anguilla anguilla L.): energetic costs and effects on sexual maturation and reproduction

The European eel migrates 5,000-6,000 km to the Sargasso Sea to reproduce. Because they venture into the ocean in a pre-pubertal state and reproduce after swimming for months, a strong interaction between swimming and sexual maturation is expected. Many swimming trials have been performed in 22 swim tunnels to elucidate their performance and the impact on maturation. European eels are able to swim long distances at a cost of 10-12 mg fat/km which is 4-6 times more efficient than salmonids. The total energy costs of reproduction correspond to 67% of the fat stores. During long distance swimming, the body composition stays the same showing that energy consumption calculations cannot be based on fat alone but need to be compensated for protein oxidation. The optimal swimming speed is 0.61-0.67 m s(-1), which is approximately 60% higher than the generally assumed cruise speed of 0.4 m s(-1) and implies that female eels may reach the Sargasso Sea within 3.5 months instead of the assumed 6 months. Swimming trials showed lipid deposition and oocyte growth, which are the first steps of sexual maturation. To investigate effects of oceanic migration on maturation, we simulated group-wise migration in a large swim-gutter with seawater. These trials showed suppressed gonadotropin expression and vitellogenesis in females, while in contrast continued sexual maturation was observed in silver males. The induction of lipid deposition in the oocytes and the inhibition of vitellogenesis by swimming in females suggest a natural sequence of events quite different from artificial maturation protocols.

The occurrence of persistent chlorinated and brominated organic contaminants in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in Irish waters

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a relatively high lipid, long lived species capable of living in a variety of brackish, fresh and marine habitats. As such, eels can accumulate organic pollutants and have been incorporated into environmental monitoring programs as a suitable "bioindicator" species for the determination of the levels of organic contaminants within different water bodies. The global eel stock is now in decline and while the cause of the collapse remains unidentified, it is likely to include a combination of anthropogenic mortality in addition to environmental degradation. This study provides valuable data on a range of contaminants (PCDD/Fs, PCBs, OCPs, PBDEs, HBCD, TBBPA and PBBs) and extractable lipid levels in eel muscle tissue collected from five Irish catchments. Extractable lipid levels were lower in the yellow eels compared to those in the silver eels. These levels were similar to those reported elsewhere and it has been posited that a decline in the lipid content in yellow eels may have consequences for the future viability of the stock. With the exception of higher substituted dioxins (especially OCDD), in three samples collected from one catchment (Burrishoole) in the West of Ireland, POP levels in general were determined to be low in eels from Irish waters compared to those in other countries.

Swimming suppresses hepatic vitellogenesis in European female silver eels as shown by expression of the estrogen receptor 1, vitellogenin1 and vitellogenin2 in the liver

BACKGROUND

When European silver eels (Anguilla anguilla) venture into the Atlantic Ocean for their 6,000 km semelparous spawning run to the Sargasso Sea, they are still in a prepubertal stage. Further sexual development appears to be blocked by dopaminergic inhibition of hypothalamus and pituitary activity. Recently, we found that swimming for several weeks in freshwater stimulated the incorporation of fat droplets in the oocytes. So, it was hypothesized that long term swimming in seawater would release the inhibition further and would also stimulate the production of vitellogenin by the liver.

METHODS

For this study a swim-flume was constructed to allow simulated migration of migratory female silver eels for 3 months (1,420 km) in natural seawater at 20 degrees C. Primers were designed for polymerase chain reactions to measure the mRNA expression of estrogen receptor 1 (esr1), vitellogenin1 (vtg1) and vitellogenin2 (vtg2) genes in the liver of European female silver eels.

RESULTS

In comparison to resting eels, swimming eels showed a diminished expression of esr1, vtg1 and vtg2 in the liver. They also had lower plasma calcium (Ca; indicative of vitellogenin) levels in their blood. This showed that vitellogenesis is more strongly suppressed in swimming than in resting eels. However, when eels were subsequently stimulated by 3 weekly carp pituitary extract injections, the expression of the same genes and plasma levels of Ca strongly increased in both groups to similar levels, thus equalizing the initial differences between resting and swimming.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that vitellogenesis remains suppressed during resting and even more during swimming. The fact that swimming stimulates fat deposition in the oocytes but suppresses vitellogenesis indicates that these events are separated in nature and occur sequentially. Swimming-suppressed vitellogenesis may imply that in nature eels undergo vitellogenesis and final maturation near or at the spawning grounds.

Temporal expression of hepatic estrogen receptor 1, vitellogenin1 and vitellogenin2 in European silver eels

Because European silver eels have never been caught during or after their 6000-km reproductive migration to the Sargasso Sea, all existing knowledge on their sexual maturation comes from hormonal stimulation. Silver eels that start their oceanic migration are still immature with pre-vitellogenic oocytes. Hence we assumed that vitellogenesis should start with the expression of the estrogen receptor in the liver before the circulating 17beta-estradiol (E2) can have any effect. In this study we followed the hepatic vitellogenesis upon 4 weekly injections with carp pituitary extracts (CPE). New molecular primers for the expression of the estrogen receptor 1 (esr1), vitellogenin1 (vtg1) and vitellogenin2 (vtg2) in the liver were developed. Sequences of vtg2 and esr1 were not previously described in Anguilla anguilla. All eels showed weekly increase of the eye size and pectoral fin length, which are signs of early maturation. The same occurred with the gonadosomatic index, the oocyte stage and diameter, and number of deposited fat droplets. Early vitellogenesis appeared as a 3-step process (1) E2-levels and esr1 expression were significantly increased already after one injection, (2) vtg1 and vtg2 expression were significantly increased after one and two injections, respectively, and (3) vtg1 and vtg2 expression increased further after three and four injections. Then also plasma calcium (corresponds with plasma vitellogenin) increased and yolk globuli appeared in the oocytes. These results show that esr1 is the first of the three genes examined that is expressed during the onset of hepatic vitellogenesis. Furthermore, ovarian vitellogenesis (appearance of yolk globuli in oocytes) occurs 1-2 weeks later than the onset of hepatic vitellogenesis.

The effects of contaminants in European eel: a review

European eel (Anguilla anguilla (L.)) stocks are in decline in most of their geographical distribution and their status is considered below safe biological limits. Recently, there is an increasing awareness that spawner quality might be an essential element in the decline of the species since pollution by bioaccumulating chemical substances may have a large impact on the reproduction success of the eel. This review gives an overview of the literature on the effects of contaminants on the European eel and on the consequences on the biology and fitness of the eel in order to document the role of pollution in its decline. A variety of contaminants have been found to affect the eel. These contaminants may cause disturbance of the immune system, the reproduction system, the nervous system and the endocrine system and effects were reported on several levels of biological organization, from subcellular, organ, individual up to even population level. More extensive research is needed in order to evaluate how pollutants are detrimental to eel populations. Getting a comprehensive overview of the quality (including contamination levels, biomarker responses, lipid content and condition) of the silver eel population all over Europe seems to be an essential and urgent objective for the European eel management.

Vitellogenin assay by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay as a biomarker of endocrine disruptor chemicals pollution

Research is ongoing to develop screening and testing programmes for endocrine disrupting effects of new chemicals and in the focus of this development are the fish test species common carp (Cyprinus carpio). In this study we have developed quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for VTS in common carp. The working range of the ELISA was 11.25 to 2000 ng mL(-1) (75-25% specific binding/maximum antibody binding [B/B0]) with a 50% B/B0 intra- and interassay variation of 3.9% (n=10) and 12.5% (n=30), respectively. This ELISA is capable of detecting VTG as low as 6 ng mL(-1) and can accurately detect VTG in even 10 microL of plasma. The ELISA was applied to measurement of VTG production by male carp (Cyprinous carpio, Cyprinidae) fish exposure to ethynylestradiol. The results showed that the amount of VTG produced in plasma of exposed fish increased in logaritmic order comparing to the control group and the ELISA described here could be used as an indicator of water pollution to estrogenic pollutants.

A field survey of metal binding to metallothionein and other cytosolic ligands in liver of eels using an on-line isotope dilution method in combination with size exclusion (SE) high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS)

The effect of metal exposure on the accumulation and cytosolic speciation of metals in livers of wild populations of European eel with special emphasis on metallothioneins (MT) was studied. Four sampling sites in Flanders showing different degrees of heavy metal contamination were selected for this purpose. An on-line isotope dilution method in combination with size exclusion (SE) high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS) was used to study the cytosolic speciation of the metals. The distribution of the metals Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn among cytosolic fractions displayed strong differences. The cytosolic concentration of Cd, Ni and Pb increased proportionally with the total liver levels. However, the cytosolic concentrations of Cu and Zn only increased above a certain liver tissue threshold level. Cd, Cu and Zn, but not Pb and Ni, were largely associated with the MT pool in correspondence with the environmental exposure and liver tissue concentrations. Most of the Pb and Ni and a considerable fraction of Cu and Zn, but not Cd, were associated to High Molecular Weight (HMW) fractions. The relative importance of the Cu and Zn in the HMW fraction decreased with increasing contamination levels while the MT pool became progressively more important. The close relationship between the cytosolic metal load and the total MT levels or the metals bound on the MT pool indicates that the metals, rather than other stress factors, are the major factor determining MT induction.

Vitellogenin as a biomarker of exposure to estrogenic compounds in aquatic invertebrates: a review

Vitellogenins (Vg) are the major precursor of the egg-yolk proteins, vitellins (Vn), which provide energy reserves for embryonic development in oviparous organisms. In mature females, Vg are generally synthesised in response to endogenous estrogens, such as 17beta-estradiol (E2), released into the bloodstream and then stored in developing oocytes. In males, the Vg gene, although present, is normally silent. However, it may be activated by (xeno)-estrogens. These substances belong to a large and heterogeneous group of environmental contaminants capable of altering endocrine functions in organisms. For this reason, they are named endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Natural steroidal estrogens [E2, estrone (E1), estriol (E3)] and synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and household products (surfactants) are estrogenic compounds widespread in aquatic ecosystems. The main sources of contamination mostly stem (or originate) from municipal and industrial effluents, agricultural practices, livestock wastes and sewage treatment plants (STP). Recently, Vg induction, mainly in males and immature females, has been proposed as a useful biomarker to assess estrogenic contamination in aquatic environments. Indeed, estrogenicity of individual chemicals and mixtures has extensively been evaluated, in both laboratory and field studies, albeit mostly in fish. In contrast, limited attention has centred on evaluating xenoestrogen effects in aquatic invertebrates, probably owing to limited knowledge of their endocrinology. This review focuses on a brief description of xenoestrogens and their occurrence in aquatic environments, and on Vg induction in aquatic invertebrates in response to both experimental and environmental exposure to estrogenic compounds. Results of recent field and laboratory studies are presented. In addition, new perspectives about the use of Vg induction as a biomarker of exposure to estrogenic compounds are also discussed.

Spatial variations and temporal trends between 1994 and 2005 in polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals in European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) in Flanders, Belgium

In Flanders, the northern region of Belgium, European yellow eel muscle tissue was used as an indicator of environmental and potential human dietary exposure by hazardous chemicals of surface waters and sediments. Between 1994 and 2005, over 2800 eel captured at 365 stations were analysed for PCBs, pesticides and heavy metals. Contamination of eel in Flanders fell within the range of reported concentrations in other watersheds of Western Europe. A spatial analysis of the data demonstrated that the variation in pollutant concentration tended towards higher values. This was especially evident for PCBs, lindane, endrin, dieldrin and DDE. The concentration of almost all banned substances decreased significantly during the study period.

Probabilistic approach to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure through eel consumption in recreational fishermenvs. the general population

Concentrations of the sum of the seven indicator PCBs (Sigma7 iPCBs) measured in non-commercial European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) in Flanders are high: in 80% of all sampled localities, the Belgian PCB standard for fish was exceeded. The objective of this study was to assess the intake of the Sigma7 iPCBs through consumption of eel by recreational fishermen and to compare it to the intake of a background population. The median estimated intake for recreational fishermen varied between 18.4 and 237.6 ng iPCBs kg(-1) bw day(-1), depending on the consumption scenario, while the estimated intake of the background population (consumers only) was 4.3 ng iPCBs kg(-1) bw day(-1). Since the levels of intake via eel for two intake scenarios were, respectively, 50 and 25 times higher than the intake of the background population, the body burden (BB) might be proportionally higher and reach levels of toxicological relevance. The intake of the seven iPCBs via consumption of self-caught eel in Flanders is at a level to cause serious concern. The Flemish catch-and-release obligation for eel, established in 2002, should be maintained and supervised (more) carefully.

The use of biomarkers in biomonitoring: a 2-tier approach assessing the level of pollutant-induced stress syndrome in sentinel organisms

The paper outlines a 2-tier approach for wide-scale biomonitoring programmes. To obtain a high level of standardization, we suggest the use of caged organisms (mussels or fish). An "early warning", highly sensitive, low-cost biomarker is employed in tier 1 (i.e. lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) and survival rate, a marker for highly polluted sites). Tier 2 is used only for animals sampled at sites in which LMS changes are evident and there is no mortality, with a complete battery of biomarkers assessing the levels of pollutant-induced stress syndrome. Possible approaches for integrating biomarker data in a synthetic index are discussed, along with our proposal to use a recently developed Expert System. The latter system allows a correct selection of biomarkers at different levels of biological organisation (molecular/cellular/tissue/organism) taking into account trends in pollutant-induced biomarker changes (increasing, decreasing, bell-shape). A selection of biomarkers of stress, genotoxicity and exposure usually employed in biomonitoring programmes is presented, together with a brief overview of new biomolecular approaches.

Determination of alkali-labile phosphoprotein phosphorus from fish plasma using the Tb(3+)-tiron complex as a fluorescence probe

A sensitive method based on the fluorescence quenching effect of the Tb(3+)-Tiron complex is proposed for the determination of alkali-labile phosphoprotein phosphorus (ALP) released from fish plasma. The detection limit was 5.4 ng/ml (S/N = 2), and the relative standard deviation of the quenching effect (6 replicates) was 4.6%. The results obtained by the proposed method were in good agreement with those obtained by the colorimetric assay. The advantages of the present method are its relatively simple detection procedure, the lack of toxic organic solvents, and high sensitivity.

Endocrine disruptors in marine organisms: approaches and perspectives

Organic pollutants exhibiting endocrine disrupting activity (Endocrine Disruptors--EDs) are prevalent over a wide range in the aquatic ecosystems; most EDs are resistant to environmental degradation and are considered ubiquitous contaminants. The actual potency of EDs is low compared to that of natural hormones, but environmental concentrations may still be sufficiently high to produce detrimental biological effects. Most information on the biological effects and mechanisms of action of EDs has been focused on vertebrates. Here we summarize recent progress in studies on selected aspects of endocrine disruption in marine organisms that are still poorly understood and that certainly deserve further research in the near future. This review, divided in four sections, focuses mainly on invertebrates (effects of EDs and mechanisms of action) and presents data on top predators (large pelagic fish and cetaceans), a group of vertebrates that are particularly at risk due to their position in the food chain. The first section deals with basic pathways of steroid biosynthesis and metabolism as a target for endocrine disruption in invertebrates. In the second section, data on the effects and alternative mechanisms of action of estrogenic compounds in mussel immunocytes are presented, addressing to the importance of investigating full range responses to estrogenic chemicals in ecologically relevant invertebrate species. In the third section we review the potential use of vitellogenin (Vtg)-like proteins as a biomarker of endocrine disruption in marine bivalve molluscs, used worldwide as sentinels in marine biomonitoring programmes. Finally, we summarize the results of a recent survey on ED accumulation and effects on marine fish and mammals, utilizing both classical biomarkers of endocrine disruption in vertebrates and non-lethal techniques, such as non-destructive biomarkers, indicating the toxicological risk for top predator species in the Mediterranean. Overall, the reviewed data underline the potential to identify specific types of responses to specific groups of chemicals such as EDs in order to develop suitable biomarkers that could be useful as diagnostic tools for endocrine disruption in marine invertebrates and vertebrates.

Vitellogenic effects of 17beta-estradiol in male Chinese loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)

Male Chinese loaches (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) were exposed to 17beta-estradiol (E2) in the ambient water at nominal concentrations of 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 mug/L continuously for 8 weeks using a semi-static system. The gonadosomatic index (GSI), total plasma protein, total plasma calcium, magnesium and zinc, and plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) were determined as test endpoints. Our results indicate no significant changes in the GSI between exposed and control groups (P<0.05). All exposure concentrations of E2 dramatically induced the production of Vtg within 7 days. The vitellogenic response of male loach was time- and dose-dependent. At higher concentrations of E2 (5 and 10 microg/L), total plasma protein, total plasma calcium, and total plasma magnesium presented a significant time- and dose-dependent increase, and the three parameters were significantly correlated with plasma Vtg. We conclude that Chinese loaches are sensitive to estrogenic compounds and may be chosen as potential sentinel species in field and laboratory studies. In addition, total plasma protein, total plasma calcium, and total plasma magnesium can be used as indirect indicators to predict Vtg levels in estrogenized Chinese loach.