AHH activity, tissue dose and DNA damage in different tissues of the scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

Influence of temperature changes on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system in the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians

In this study, we aimed to understand the effects of changes in temperature on biochemical and molecular responses associated with the antioxidant defense system in the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians. We measured the contents of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., glutathione S-transferase [GST], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and catalase [CAT]), and the regulation of stress-related genes (e.g., GST, SOD, CAT, and heat shock protein 70 [HSP70]). In addition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was examined in scallops exposed to different temperatures. A. irradians showed high levels of H2O2 and MDA in response to acute thermal stress (48 and 72 h of exposure). Temperature changes also led to a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression levels in A. irradians. Interestingly, the TAC increased in response to acute thermal stress (28 °C) for up to 12 h and decreased thereafter. The oxidative stress induced by high temperatures could not be alleviated by an increase in levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as GST, SOD, and CAT, resulting in high levels of H2O2 and MDA and low levels of TAC. In addition, significant changes (P < 0.05) in HSP70 levels were observed in response to changes in temperature, suggesting that HSP70 played an important role in the heat tolerance of A. irradians. In conclusion, A. irradians exhibits a greater degree of oxidative stress responses in high-temperature environments than that in low-temperature environments. Overall, these findings indicate that temperature changes lead to oxidative stress, resulting in cellular damage and activation of the antioxidant defense system in bay scallops. Further experiments are required to elucidate other antioxidants and fully understand the redox system in A. irradians.

The physiological response of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum and scallop Chlamys farreri to varied concentrations of microplastics exposure

Microplastics (MPs) pollution's impact on the marine ecosystem is widely recognized. This study compared the effects of polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) on two bivalve species, Ruditapes philippinarum (clam) and Chlamys farreri (scallop), at two particle concentrations (10 and 1000 μg/L). MPs were found in the digestive glands and gills of both species. Although clearance rates showed no significant changes, exposure to different MPs caused oxidative stress, energy disruption, and lipid metabolism disorders in both clam and scallop. Histopathological damage was observed in gills and digestive glands. IBR values indicated increasing toxicity with concentration, with PET being more toxic than PE. WOE model suggested increasing hazard with concentration, highlighting higher PET toxicity on clam digestive glands. In contrast, PE hazard increased in gills, showing different species responses. R. philippinarum exhibited higher sensitivity to MPs than C. farreri, providing insights for assessing ecological risk under realistic conditions and stress conditions.

Effects of Benzo[a]pyrene on Food Metabolism and Reproductive Endocrine and Ovarian Development in Female Scallop Chlamys farreri at Different Reproductive Stages

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with the most carcinogenic effects of all the PAHs, has multiple toxic effects on marine bivalves. We investigated the interference mechanism of B[a]P on food metabolism (sugars, proteins, and sugars), and on reproductive endocrine and ovarian development in female scallops (Chlamys farreri). Scallops were exposed to different concentrations of B[a]P concentrations of 0, 0.38, 3.8, and 38 μg/L throughout gonadal development. Total cholesterol and triglyceride contents in the digestive glands were increased, and their synthesis genes were upregulated. The plasma glucose contents decreased with the inhibition of glycogen synthesis genes and the induction of glycolysis genes in the digestive gland. The results showed that B[a]P had endocrine-disrupting effects on scallops, that it negatively affected genes related to ovarian cell proliferation, sex differentiation, and egg development, and that it caused damage to ovarian tissue. Our findings supplement the information on B[a]P disruption in gonadal development of marine bivalves. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-14. © 2023 SETAC.

Bioaccumulation, Detoxification, and Biological Macromolecular Damage of Benzo[a]pyrene in Exposure in Tissues and Subcellular Fractions of Scallop Chlamys farreri

Because of the persistence and high toxicity of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), the bioaccumulation and detoxification mechanisms of B[a]P have been studied extensively at the tissue level; but the data at the subcellular level in bivalves have not been reported. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of B[a]P exposure on bioaccumulation, detoxification, and biomacromolecular damage in gills, digestive glands, and their subcellular fractions of the scallop Chlamys farreri. The subcellular fraction contains cytoplasm, mitochondria, microsome, nucleus, cell membrane, and overall organelle. The results demonstrated that B[a]P accumulation showed a clear time-dose effect. Based on the time-dependent accumulation of B[a]P in subcellular fractions, we speculated that the intracellular migration order of B[a]P was cell membrane, organelle, and nucleus in turn. Considering the difference of B[a]P accumulation may be related to B[a]P metabolism, we have further confirmed that the activities of B[a]P metabolizing enzymes in scallop tissues and subcellular fractions were significantly tempted by B[a]P (p < 0.05), including 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (increased), glutathione-S-transferase (GST; decreased), and superoxide dismutase (increased). First, GST was detected in bivalve cytoplasm and microsome. Second, B[a]P exposure also caused biomacromolecules damage. The results demonstrated that mitochondria and microsome were more vulnerable to lipid peroxidation than cell membrane and nucleus. Taken together, the present study fills some of the gaps in our knowledge of the bioaccumulation and detoxification mechanisms of C. farreri exposed to B[a]P in subcellular fractions and deeply explores the transportation and the main metabolic and damage sites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cells, which helped us to comprehensively understand the toxic mechanism of PAHs on bivalves. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2353-2364. © 2022 SETAC.

Damages to biological macromolecules in gonadal subcellular fractions of scallop Chlamys farreri following benzo[a]pyrene exposure: Contribution to inhibiting gonadal development and reducing fertility

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compound in marine ecosystem, has great potential for chronic toxicity to marine animals. It is becoming increasingly apparent that reproductive system is the major target of B[a]P, but the adverse effects of B[a]P on subcellular fractions in bivalve gonads have not been elucidated. Scallops Chlamys farreri are used as the experimental species since they are sensitive to environmental pollutants. This study was conducted to investigate how B[a]P affected the gonadal subcellular fractions, including plasma membrane, nucleus, mitochondria and microsome in scallops, and whether subcellular damages were related to reproductive toxicity. The results showed that mature gametes' counts were significantly decreased in B[a]P-treated scallops. Three biological macromolecules (viz., DNA, lipids and proteins) in gonadal subcellular fractions obtained by differential centrifugation suffered damages, including DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation in B[a]P treatment groups. Interestingly, mitochondria and microsome were more vulnerable to lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation than plasma membrane and nucleus, meanwhile males were more susceptible to DNA damage than females under B[a]P exposure. In addition, histological analysis showed that B[a]P delayed gonadal development in C. farreri. To summarize, our results indicated that B[a]P caused damages to biological macromolecules in gonadal subcellular fractions and then induced damages to gonadal tissues of C. farreri, which further inhibited gonadal development and ultimately leaded to reduction in fertility. This study firstly reports the impacts of PAHs on subcellular fractions in bivalves and their relationship with reproductive toxicity. Moreover, exposure of reproductive scallops to B[a]P leads to defects in reproduction, raising concerns on the possible long-term consequences of PAHs for natural populations of bivalves.

Benzo[a]pyrene exposure disrupts steroidogenesis and impairs spermatogenesis in diverse reproductive stages of male scallop (Chlamys farreri)

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a model compound of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon known to impair reproductive functions of vertebrates, while the data is scarce in marine invertebrates. To investigate the toxic effects of BaP on invertebrates reproduction, we exposed male scallop (Chlamys farreri) to BaP (0, 0.38 and 3.8 μg/L) throughout three stages of reproductive cycle (early gametogenesis stage, late gametogenesis stage and ripe stage). The results demonstrated that BaP decreased the gonadosomatic index and mature sperms counts in a dose-dependent manner. Significant changes in sex hormones contents and increased 17β-estradiol/testosterone ratio suggested that BaP produced the estrogenic endocrine effects in male scallops. In support of this view, we confirmed that BaP significantly altered transcripts of genes along the upstream PKA and PKC mediated signaling pathway like fshr, lhcgr, adcy, PKA, PKC, PLC and NR5A2. Subsequently, the expressions of genes encoding downstream steroidogenic enzymes (e.g., 3β-HSD, CYP17 and 17β-HSD) were impacted, which corresponded well with hormonal alterations. In addition, BaP suppressed transcriptions of spermatogenesis-related genes, including ccnd2, SCP3, NRF1 and AQP9. Due to different functional demands, these transcript profiles involved in spermatogenesis exhibited a stage-specific expression pattern. Furthermore, histopathological analysis determined that BaP significantly inhibited testicular development and maturation in male scallops. Overall, the present findings indicated that, playing as an estrogenic-like chemical, BaP could disrupt the steroidogenesis pathway, impair spermatogenesis and caused histological damages, thereby inducing reproductive toxicities with dose- and stage-specific effects in male scallops. And the adverse outcomes might threaten the stability of bivalve populations and destroy the function of marine ecosystems in the long term.

Study on the AhR signaling pathway and phase II detoxification metabolic enzymes isoforms in scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to single and mixtures of PAHs

This study aimed to investigate the detoxification metabolism responses in scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to phenanthrene (PHE), chrysene (CHR), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and PHE + CHR + B[a]P for 15 days under laboratory conditions. The mRNA expression levels of AhR signaling pathway (AhR, HSP90, XAP2 and ARNT), detoxification system (phase I: CYP1A1 and CYP1B1; phase II: SULTs, UGT and GSTs) and ATP-binding cassette transporters (phase 0: ABCB1 and phase III: ABCC1, ABCG2) in digestive glands of scallops exposed to PHE (0.7, 2.1 μg/L), CHR (0.7, 2.1 μg/L), B[a]P (0.7, 2.1 μg/L), and PHE + CHR + B[a]P (0.7 + 0.7 +0.7, 2.1 + 2.1 + 2.1 μg/L) were detected. In present study, key genes (AhR, HSP90, XAP2 and ARNT) of the AhR signaling pathway can be significantly induced by pollutants, suggesting that the AhR/ARNT signaling pathway plays a role directly or indirectly. AhR, HSP90 and ARNT reached the maximum value on day 6, which can be preliminarily understood as the synchronization of their functions. Besides, the results also indicated that different genes had specific response to different pollution exposure. CYP1B1, GST-2, GST-omega and GST-microsomal could be potional indexes to PHE, ARNT, GST-sigma 2 and GST-3 were sensitive to CHR exposure, HSP90, GST-theta and ABCG2 were considered as potional indexes to BaP while CYP1A1 and UGT were possible to be indexes for monitoring the mix exposure of these three PAHs. These findings in C. farreri suggested that phase II detoxification metabolic enzymes isoforms played an essential role in detoxification mechanisms and mRNA expression levels of specific SULTs, UGTs and GSTs were potentially to be ideal indexes in PAHs pollution research. In summary, this study provides more valuable information for the risk assessments of different rings of PAHs.

The Nrf2 molecule trigger antioxidant defense against acute benzo(a)pyrene exposure in the thick shell mussel Mytilus coruscus

The NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an ubiquitous, evolutionarily conserved transcription factor, acts as a major sensor of oxidative stress in cells. In the present study, a Nrf2 homolog was newly identified in the thick shell mussel Mytilus coruscus. Accordingly, its functional role in antioxidant defense in response to acute benzo(a)pyrene (Bap) exposure was assessed. The newly identified McNrf2 affiliated to traditional Nrf2 family through Blast, multiple alignment and phylogenetic analysis. After acute exposure to Bap, antioxidants including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathine reductase (GR) were significantly induced in gills and digestive glands at both mRNA and enzymatic levels, and the expression of McNrf2 mRNA was also up-regulated. The analysis of correlating the expression of McNrf2 and the mRNA levels of these antioxidant genes showed positive ties, indicating that Nrf2 was needed for protracted induction of such genes. Further, the recombinant McNrf2 was produced through pET-32a prokaryotic system. After 50 μg/L Bap exposure, ROS generation and LPO level in gills of Nrf2 over-expressed mussels significantly decreased compared to Nrf2 wild-type mussels, as well as reduced ROS production in digestive glands. Collectively, these results show that Nrf2 pathway can provide protection from oxidative stress triggered by Bap in the thick shell mussel.

Bioaccumulation and oxidative damage of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures in Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum

The aim of this study was to investigate the bioaccumulation and oxidative damage of Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, exposed to four selected mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; benzo (a) pyrene (BaP), benzo (a) anthracene (BaA), benzo (b) fluoranthene (BbF), and chrysene (Chr) in equal proportion. For this purpose, clams were exposed to PAHs (BaP:BbF:BaA:Chr = 1:1:1:1) at different concentrations (0.05, 0.5, and 5 μg/L) for 21 days, followed by a 15-day depuration period. All four PAHs accumulated in the gill, digestive gland, adductor muscle, and soft tissue of Manila clams, and all PAH treatment groups showed clear time and dose dependence. The decreasing order of bioaccumulation for the four PAHs in the exposure experiment was Chr > BaA > BaP > BbF. Moreover, the order of PAH bioaccumulation for the four tissues during the whole experiment was digestive gland > gill > soft tissues > adductor muscles. Although the initial concentrations of the four PAHs were the same, the final accumulated contents were different. Therefore, we also determined the detoxification processes of the four PAH mixtures in gills and digestive glands. The bioaccumulation of Chr was higher than the other three PAHs, probably because clams have a lower metabolic capacity for Chr than for BaP, BbF, and BaA. Exposure to PAH mixtures can result in oxidative damage, as indicated by the fact that DNA strand breaks, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and protein carbonyl (PC) were induced significantly (P < 0.05), except in the low-dose groups of PAHs, and different trends were detected with time of exposure. According to the correlation analysis, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, glutathione s-transferase, superoxide dismutase, DNA strand break, PC, and LPO in both the gill and digestive gland are potential early indicators of PAH mixtures. We investigated the accumulation rules of R. philippinarum exposed to the selected PAHs and screened the potential biomarkers. The results of our study provide important scientific information for the purpose of monitoring marine pollution.

Depuration of cadmium from Chlamys farreri by ZnSO4, EDTA-Na2 and sodium citrate in short time

In view of high content of cadmium (Cd) in Chlamys farreri, a commercial edible shellfish species, depurating Cd from Chlamys farreri is an important topic nowadays, especially in short time. Therefore, three kinds of additives were introduced into seawater respectively, i.e. ZnSO₄, EDTA-Na₂, sodium citrate, to depurate Cd from Chlamys farreri. The alteration of Cd content in separate organs was investigated under several treatments with high depuration efficiency. The results showed that Cd was depurated exceeding 20% within 12 h by the combination of 0.15 g/L sodium citrate, 0.28 g/L ZnSO₄, and 0.42 g/L EDTA-Na₂. No obvious increase of Cd was observed in the adductor muscles, while Cd decreased in the other part, so the reduction of Cd in the whole organism of Chlamys farreri may occur. Cd reduction was found in the following organs: the digestive gland, kidney, gill, and mantle. Furthermore, Cd migration to gonad from other tissues was noticed.

Polystyrene microplastics increase uptake, elimination and cytotoxicity of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in the marine scallop Chlamys farreri

Microplastics are a growing problem in marine environments due to their ubiquitous occurrence and affinity for chemical pollutants. However, the influence of microplastics on the uptake, depuration and toxicity of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in marine organisms is unclear. We exposed the marine scallop Chlamys farreri to polystyrene microplastics (PS; 125 μg/L) combined with BDE-209 (10 and 100 μg/L) to determine their toxicokinetics, cellular toxicity and histopathological effects. The results showed that PS acted as both a carrier and a scavenger for the bioaccumulation of BDE-209. Importantly, the carrier role of PS was greater than scavenger one. PS increased the negative effect of BDE-209 (100 μg/L) on hemocyte phagocytosis, and ultrastructural changes in gills and digestive gland of scallops due to their carrier role for the bioaccumulation of BDE-209. However, PS did not increase the DNA damage of BDE-209 on the hemocytes. These findings are evidence of microplastics transferring adsorbed pollutants to marine organisms, and increasing their toxicity.

Effect of the Algicide Thiazolidinedione 49 on Immune Responses of Bay Scallop Argopecten Irradians

The thiazolidinedione 49 (TD₄₉) is an effective algaecide against harmful algae; however, its potential effects on the immune function of the edible bay scallop are unclear. Therefore, the present work studied the effects of TD₄₉ on the immune response in bay scallop by evaluating activities of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as nitric oxide (NO) levels, total protein content, and expression of immune genes (CTL-6, PGRP, PrxV, MT, and Cu/Zn-SOD) at 3–48 h post-exposure (hpe) to TD₄₉. The activities of ACP and ALP significantly increased in TD₄₉-treated groups at 3–24 hpe, whereas NO levels decreased significantly in 0.58 and 0.68 μM of TD₄₉ at 6–24 hpe, after which the level was similar to that in the untreated control. Moreover, SOD activity significantly increased in all three concentration groups at 3–6 hpe, while it decreased at 12 hpe in the 0.68 μM TD₄₉ treatment group. Notably, total protein content increased with TD₄₉ treatment at each time interval. The results revealed that variable effects on the expression of immune-related genes were observed after treatment with TD₄₉. The findings demonstrate that exposure of scallops to TD₄₉ changes immune responses and expression of immune-related genes. We hypothesize that TD₄₉ may disrupt immune system in bay scallop. The current investigation highlights the potential negative effects of using TD₄₉ as an algaecide on marine economic bivalves to control harmful algal blooms in marine environments.

Detoxification, Apoptosis, and Immune Transcriptomic Responses of the Gill Tissue of Bay Scallop Following Exposure to the Algicide Thiazolidinedione 49

Thiazolidinedione 49 (TD₄₉), a newly synthesized algicide, shows strong toxicity at low concentrations of 0.1-2.0 μM. However, its potential effects on non-target species at the transcript level were not investigated. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the gills of the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, were accessed after treatment with 0.68 μM TD₄₉ for up to 48 h. Following exposure, it was observed that 5214 genes were upregulated and 3497 were downregulated. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the apoptosis pathway was activated. The extrinsic apoptosis pathway was activated and the survival factors related pathway was suppressed. Furthermore, gene expressions related to ATP-binding cassette, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor, B cell lymphoma-2 family protein, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, NADPH2:quinone reductase, and superoxide dismutase were decreased. Conversely, gene expressions related to FAS-associated death domain protein, glutathione S-transferase, caspase 6, 8, cytochrome P450 1A1, and 2C8 were increased. These results comprehensively demonstrated the toxicity of the novel algicide TD₄₉, and should draw the attention of researchers to the importance of analyzing the potential impact of chemical compounds as algicides to control the proliferation of harmful algae, due to the secondary pollution caused by their application.

Application of a series of biomarkers in Scallop Chlamys farreri to assess the toxic effects after exposure to a priority hazardous and noxious substance (HNS)-Acrylonitrile

The antioxidant enzymes and detoxification parameters responses of the scallop Chlamys farreri to different degree of acrylonitrile (AN) were investigated. Accordingly, the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) at 96 h was 98.5 mg/L AN. Results from chronic toxicity test demonstrated that superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were stimulated in the highest two doses of AN (2.0 and 5.0 mg/L), but significantly inhibited in the highest concentration (5.0 mg/L) at the end of the exposure. The levels of DNA strand breaks, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl (PC) contents showed damage effects exposed AN at the highest two doses. Additionally, AN significantly induced the enzymatic activity of glutathione-s-transferase (GST), related mRNA expression levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and GST-pi; and no significant changes were found on CYP1A1 mRNA expression and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity. Our results indicated that P-gp and GST-pi mRNA expression in digestive glands of the scallop C. farreri may potentially be used in ecological risk assessment of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) contamination of marine.

Detoxification and Immune Transcriptomic Response of the Gill Tissue of Bay Scallop (Argopecten irradians) Following Exposure to the Algicide Palmitoleic Acid

Palmitoleic acid (PA) is an effective algicide against Alexandrium tamarense. However, the toxicological mechanism of PA exposure is unclear. The transcript abundance and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in gills of bay scallop were investigated following 80 mg/L PA exposure up to 48 h using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 deep-sequencing platform with the recommended read length of 100 bp. De novo assembly of paired-end reads yielded 62,099 unigenes; 5414 genes were identified as being significantly increased, and 4452 were decreased. Based on gene ontology classification and enrichment analysis, the ‘cellular process’, ‘metabolic process’, ‘response to stimulus’, and ‘catalytic process’ with particularly high functional enrichment were revealed. The DEGs, which are related to detoxification and immune responses, revealed that acid phosphatase, fibrinogen C domain-containing protein, cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein, glutathione reductase, ATP-binding cassette, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor, NADPH2:quinone reductase, and cytochrome P450 4F22, 4B1, and 2C8-related gene expression decreased. In contrast, some genes related to glutathione S-transferase, C-type lectin, superoxide dismutase, toll-like receptors, and cytochrome P450 2C14, 2U1, 3A24 and 4A2 increased. The results of current research will be a valuable resource for the investigation of gene expression stimulated by PA, and will help understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the scallops’ response to PA exposure.

Experimental exposure of blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) to high levels of benzo[a]pyrene and possible implications for human health

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are lipophilic compounds able to accumulate in the food chain. Mussels showed to bioaccumulate contaminants, such as PAHs, so that recurrent consumption of such contaminated food represents a risk for human health. This study was aimed to elucidate if acute exposure of Mediterranean blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), a bivalve of great economic importance in several countries, to a PAH, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), at doses able to induce cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) and pathological changes in mussel gills, can produce accumulation in soft tissue. We explored the cytotoxic effects (cell viability, DNA laddering, and glutathione levels) of in vitro exposure of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to organic extracts obtained from blue mussels previously exposed for 12 and 72h via water to B[a]P (0.5-1mg/L). In our experimental conditions, B[a]P induced CYP1A induction and morphological changes in mussel gills and a significant B[a]P accumulation in soft tissue. Conversely, exposing PBMCs to organic extracts obtained from contaminated mussels, resulted in a significant reduction of cell viability and cell glutathione content, and in an increase in DNA laddering. This confirms that consumption of mussels from B[a]P polluted waters might affect human health. Our data lead us to suggest that CYP1A activity in mussel gills may be useful (more than the amount of detected PAHs in the mussel edible tissue) as a marker in assessment of risk for health of consumers exposed to PAHs through ingestion of shellfish.

Multi-biomarker approach in the scallop Chlamys farreri to assess PAHs pollution in Qingdao coastal areas of China

A multi-biomarker approach was conducted in the scallop Chlamys farreri from three sites, denoted here as S1, S2, and S3, in Qingdao coastal areas of China in March, June, September and December 2014 to assess pollution from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and to select appropriate biomarkers. A suite of biological responses of the gills and digestive glands of the scallops was assayed, including: (i) phase I detoxification enzymes of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), epoxide hydrolase (EH), and dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DD) and phase II detoxification enzymes of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and sulfotransferase (SULT); (ii) antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); (iii) oxidative damage parameters: lipid peroxidation (LPO) expressed by malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, protein carbonylation (PC) and DNA damage (F value); and (iv) the metabolism-related genes of EH, DD, GST, SULT and SOD. Simultaneously, the concentrations of total PAHs along with 16 types of PAHs previously identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and environmental parameters, including temperature and salinity together with pH, were measured. Using Principle Component Analysis (PCA), it was revealed that S2 was the most PAH-contaminated site, while S1 was identified as the least PAH-polluted site, which was consistent with the results utilizing the Biomarker Response Index (BRI); in other words, the biological health status of S2 was worse than S1 and S3. Moreover, the most suitable biomarkers to assess PAH pollution in Qingdao coastal areas proved to be DD mRNA expression and the F value in both the gills and digestive glands for the total PAHs, DD activity and PC contents or PC and MDA contents in the gills or digestive glands for 5 + 6 rings PAHs and DD mRNA expression in both the gills and digestive glands for 2 + 3 rings and 4 rings PAHs. Moreover, this study highlighted the possible use of the scallop Chlamys farreri for studying contamination due to PAHs and provided valuable information on environmental assessment.

A multi-biomarker approach in scallop Chlamys farreri to assess the impact of contaminants in Qingdao coastal area of China

A multi-biomarker approach was carried out to classify the environmental quality and the adverse effects of contaminants on scallop Chlamys farreri. The scallops were collected from three sampling stations in Qingdao coastal area of China in March, May, August and October of 2015. A suite of environmental factors and biomarkers, including temperature, salinity, pH, the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and metals (Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As) in seawater and soft tissue, mRNA expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), uridine-diphosphate-glucuronyl-transferase (UGT), sulfotransferase (SULT), metallothionein (MT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl (PC) contents and DNA strand breaks, were measured in the gill and digestive gland. The results showed that S2 was the most polluted while S1 was identified the least polluted. Despite the differentiation of pollution levels and environmental parameters the selected biomarkers responded efficiently to contaminants. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that EROD for PAHs, AhR for TBBPA, MT for Cr, Pb and Mn, LPO and PC for Zn were the effective biomarkers respectively. This study demonstrated that the application of multi-biomarker approach in conjunction with the traditional analysis of environmental parameters and contaminants provided valuable information in environmental risk assessment.

Are CuO nanoparticles effects on hemocytes of the marine scallop (Chlamys farreri) caused by particles and/or corresponding released ions?

Manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) have become emerging pollutants and attracted extensive concern about their potential effects on the marine environment. However, the contribution of particles and their corresponding released ions to the overall toxicity of CuO NPs is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the toxicological effects of CuO NPs and their corresponding released ions on the hemocytes of Chlamys farreri. Both copper species induced membrane damage, and increased lysosome contents in hemocytes. Based on the integrated biomarker responses method, the relative contributions of particles (NP_particle) and dissolved ions (NP_ion) to the toxicity of CuO NPs after 2h of exposure were 62.07% and 37.93%, respectively, indicating that the particles rather than the dissolved ions were the dominant source of NP toxicity. Transmission/scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the greater histopathological effects exerted by particles than Cu ions. Higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by NP_particle than by NP_ion suggested that the intracellular ROS production might be responsible for the NP toxicity. Our findings suggest that particles effects play a key role in risk assessment of CuO NPs on the marine ecosystem.

Effects of TiO2 nanoparticles at predicted environmental relevant concentration on the marine scallop Chlamys farreri: An integrated biomarker approach

Manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) have caused extensive concern about their toxic effects on the marine environment. However, the chronic toxicity of NPs at predicted environmental relevant concentration on the marine organisms is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and histopathological effects of TiO₂ NPs at predicted environmental relevant concentration (1mg/L) to marine scallop Chlamys farreri. The results showed that TiO₂ NPs caused obviously oxidative damage on the scallops as evidenced by the significantly elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. The increased acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activities reflected neurotoxicity of TiO₂ NPs. The histopathological analysis revealed alterations in the gill and digestive gland, such as dysplastic and necrosis. Additionally, integrated biomarker response (IBR) values indicated that TiO₂ NPs can cause strong toxic effects on the scallop. These results suggested that predicted environmental relevant TiO₂ NPs can cause adverse effects on scallops and IBR analysis can be used as an effective approach for risk assessment of NPs on the marine organisms.

The detoxification responses, damage effects and bioaccumulation in the scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to single and mixtures of benzo[a]pyrene and chrysene

This study aimed to investigate the detoxification responses, damage effects and biotransformation in scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (0.1, 1μg/L), chrysene (CHR) (0.1, 1μg/L) and BaP+CHR (0.1+0.1, 1+1μg/L) for 15days. Results demonstrated that BaP and CHR concentration (BaP<CHR) in tissues increased rapidly in a time and dose effect. The mRNA expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), CYP1B1, multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) were induced especially in the mixtures of BaP and CHR. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) mRNA expression was significantly elevated at days 1, 10 and 15. Detoxification enzymes of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), uridine-diphosphate-glucuronyl-transferase (UGT) and sulfotransferase (SULT) were significantly induced and then became stable gradually while glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was inhibited in the mixtures of BaP and CHR at days 10 and 15. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were all stimulated especially in the mixtures of BaP and CHR. The levels of DNA strand breaks, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl (PC) contents showed damage effects exposed BaP and CHR. All the results indicated that BaP and CHR have similar induced effect and a majority of the biomarkers pointed to a more toxic effect when BaP and CHR were mixed. These will provide a solid foundation for the study of PAHs detoxification mechanism in bivalves and valuable information for marine pollution monitoring.

Toxic effects in juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicas (Selenka) exposure to benzo[a]pyrene

To understand the physiological response of sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicas, were exposed to different concentration of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), and the growth, survival, antioxidant enzyme (SOD and T-AOC) activities were tested. Meanwhile, the quantitative real-time PCR technology was utilized to quantize the expression of immune related genes (i.e. innate immune genes, HSP genes and anti-oxidative genes). In our result, the SOD activity and T-AOC activity were induced at lower level of B[a]P (0.03 μg/L), however, a reduction of SOD activity and T-AOC activity were observed at relatively high B[a]P concentration (3 and 9 μg/L) for A. japonicas. Furthermore, the distinct expression patterns of selected immune-related genes were detected among different concentrations, and a general trend of down-regulation was observed at higher concentration. Especially, lysozyme almost showed the highest down-regulation at all concentrations, followed by NOS. Collectively, the growth, survival and expression signatures of immune related genes reflected an overall suppression of innate immunity in sea cucumber following exposure. Future functional studies should be carried out to characterize the detailed roles of immune genes and their related responses under B[a]P toxicity. Additionally, better understanding of the molecular indicators governing the healthy status under environmental toxicity would facilitate a healthy and sustainable culture program.

Variability in antioxidant/detoxification enzymes of Sinonovacula constricta exposed to benzo[a]pyrene and phenanthrene

The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxic effects induced by benzo[a]pyrene and phenanthrene. For this purpose, a study was performed on the clam exposed to 0.0, 0.5, 4.5μgL(-1) B(a)P and PHE for 15days using parameters of antioxidant defenses and oxidative stress. Antioxidant biomarkers including ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione and rylhydrocarbon hydroxylasein gills of Sinonovacula constricta, were analyzed after a 1-, 3-, 9- and 15-day exposure to seawater containing B(a)P and PHE. Integrated biomarker response was calculated by combining multiple biomarkers into a single value. The results showed that the activity of all antioxidant biomarkers was induced throughout the exposure period, and different patterns of variations were detected with exposure time. In addition, the study showed that the two concentrations used caused the activation of different general detoxification mechanisms, and the same concentration at different two PAH compounds induced different toxicity responses.

Toxic effects upon exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (chrysene) in scallop Chlamys farreri during the reproduction period

This study aims to investigate potential toxic effects of chrysene (CHR) on mature scallop Chlamys farreri during the reproduction period, using indicators of antioxidant defences and oxidative stress. Scallops were exposed to 0.2, 0.8 and 3.2μg/L waterborne CHR for 21 days, at day 10 scallops were induced to spawn. At days 1, 3, 6, 10, 11, 15 and 21, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PC) and DNA strand breaks in digestive glands were examined by separately analysing male and female scallops. During the pre-spawn period, Levels of enzymatic activities and oxidative stress were all induced by the exposure to CHR for females and males. GST activity presented a good time- and dose-dependent relationship only in males, and GSH content showed a dose-dependent manner in both sexes. During the post-spawn period, different trends were observed, while PC contents maintained growth in time- and dose-dependent manner. Overall, males were more sensitive than females to CHR exposure in enzyme activities, and correspondingly, females suffered from more serious oxidative damages. Both GSH and PC contents seemed to be potential biomarkers for PAH exposure. These results will offer the information on toxicity of CHR in this species, and ensure the influence of gender and reproductive status on PAH detoxification metabolism.

Exposure of Chlamys farreri to tetrabromobisphenol A: accumulation and multibiomarker responses

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is currently the most widely used brominated flame retardant (BFR). To date, the toxic effects of TBBPA remains poorly understood in aquatic organisms, especially in bivalves. The objective of this experiment was to examine bioaccumulation and multibiomarker responses in the scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to TBBPA under laboratory conditions. The results showed that TBBPA was rapidly accumulated in and then eliminated from the gill and digestive gland of the scallops. TBBPA exposure invoked alterations in the detoxification system and induced oxidant stress and biomacromolecule damages in the gill and digestive gland of C. farreri. Additionally, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, cytochrome b5 (Cyt b5) content, and DNA strand break had good correlations with TBBPA accumulation levels in the gill and digestive gland of C. farreri. Summarizing, these results enabled us to hypothesize several toxic mechanisms of TBBPA and select potential biomarkers for TBBPA pollution monitoring.

Bioaccumulation and detoxification responses in the scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is currently the most widely used brominated flame retardant (BFR). In this study, the bioaccumulation of TBBPA and its consequent detoxification responses were examined in the scallop Chlamys farreri over 10 days' exposure. Chemical analysis showed that C. farreri absorbed TBBPA rapidly and an approximate steady state was achieved within 6 days. The mRNA expression levels of three important genes involved in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway were down-regulated upon TBBPA exposure. Both CYP3A and CYP4 showed time-dependent responses to TBBPA exposure. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity and gene expression level, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activity were increased in time- and dose-dependent manners, confirming their role in the phase II metabolism of TBBPA. The TBBPA-elicited down-regulation of the P-glycoprotein (Pgp) gene was observed in all treatments. This study provides a preliminary basis for studying TBBPA detoxification mechanisms of marine bivalves.

Differential gene expression analysis of benzo(a)pyrene toxicity in the clam, Ruditapes philippinarum

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known for their carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic properties. Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) possesses the greatest carcinogenic potential among the various PAHs. In this study, digital gene expression (DGE) was performed to investigate the digestive gland transcriptome profile of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum exposed to BaP. A total of 10,508,312 and 11,414,297 clean reads were generated respectively, from control and BaP exposure DGE libraries. One hundred and forty-five differentially expressed genes were detected after comparing two libraries with 58 up-regulated and 87 down-regulated genes. GO annotation and KEGG pathway analyses were performed on all genes to understand their biological functions and processes. The results showed that numerous enriched differentially expressed genes are related to growth and development, antioxidant metabolism, apoptosis and detoxification metabolism. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to verify the expressed genes of DGE. Our results provide evidences that RNA-seq is a powerful tool for toxicology and capable of generating novel and valuable information at the transcriptome level for characterizing deleterious effects caused by BaP.

Environmentally relevant concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene affect steroid levels and affect gonad of male scallop Chlamys farreri

Sexually mature male Chlamys farreri were exposed to benzo[a]pyrene for 10 days at four concentrations at 0, 0.025, 0.5 and 10 μg/L. Fluctuations in sex steroids during the exposure period were observed, which indicated that sex steroids have a role in gamete development. Exposure to B[a]P altered levels of 17β-estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone. Furthermore, B[a]P treatments induced oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner on spermary of scallop and led to delayed development and damaged spermatid in germinal epithelium of spermary. Overall, B[a]P affected the steroid levels and induced gonadal toxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations.

The detoxification process, bioaccumulation and damage effect in juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei exposed to chrysene

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chrysene (CHR) on detoxification enzymes, bioaccumulation and effect of CHR on biomolecule damage in different organs of the juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. In this study, juvenile white shrimp L. vannamei were exposed to CHR for 21 days at four different concentrations as 0, 0.3, 2.1 and 14.7 μg/L. Results showed that CHR bioaccumulation increased rapidly at first then reached a plateau. The activities of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), epoxide hydrolase (EH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), sulfotransferase (SULT) and uridinediphosphate glucuronyltransferase (UGT) were induced and then became stable gradually. Moreover, 2.1 and 14.7 μg/L CHR treatments increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in gills and hepatopancreas, while total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and GSH/GSSG were suppressed after CHR exposure. Additionally, lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, protein carbonyl (PC) contents and DNA damage were induced throughout the exposure period, and different trends were detected with time of exposure. Overall, these novel findings of CHR bioaccumulation and resulted toxicity demonstrate that CHR could affect the physical status of L. vannamei. This study will form a solid basis for a realistic extrapolation scientific data for aquaculture water monitoring and food security.

Toxic effects upon exposure to benzo[a]pyrene in juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxic effects induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). In the present study, juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei were exposed to BaP for 21 days at four different concentrations as 0, 0.03, 0.3 and 3μg/L. Detoxification system parameters, transcription of metabolism-related genes, and damage indexes were investigated for screening. It showed mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in hepatopancreas were significantly induced at day 3 by 0.3 and 3μg/L BaP, and returned to the initial level afterwards. 7-Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), GST and SOD activities in gill and hepatopancreas were also induced by 0.3 and 3μg/L BaP, while T-AOC and GSH contents were reduced after BaP exposure. The study also showed that 0.3 and 3μg/L BaP caused damage effects, while 0.03μg/L BaP treatment did not exhibit any damage effects. Moreover, according to the correlation analysis results, we conclude that EROD activity, GST activity and GSH content in hepatopancreas can be used as defense biomarkers; DNA strand breaks, lipid peroxidation (LPO) level and protein carbonyl (PC) content in gill and hepatopancreas can be used as damage biomarkers; EROD activity, GST activity, GSH contents and damage effects of DNA strand breaks, LPO level and PC content in hepatopancreas can be used as combined biomarkers. These results will provide information not only on potential biomarkers that could be effectively applied to biomonitor aquatic environment to contamination, but also provide information on toxic effects of this specie.

Dietary accumulation of tetrabromobisphenol A and its effects on the scallop Chlamys farreri

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is currently the most widely-used brominated flame retardant (BFR) and has been proven to have a very high toxicity to aquatic organisms including bivalves. In this study, a laboratory experiment was conducted to obtain a better understanding of the role of algae food on the bioaccumulation of TBBPA and its effects on the suspension-feeding bivalve, the scallop, Chlamys farreri. Scallops were exposed to TBBPA via algae food alone or food+water for 10 days. Results showed that TBBPA was accumulated rapidly by scallops, reaching an approximate steady state in soft tissues within 3 days. The primary route of TBBPA accumulation was via the water, while dietary uptake was relatively minor. TBBPA exposure led to significant inhibition on microsomal cytochrome P450 and cytochrome b5 levels in gills and digestive gland, whereas GST activity and GSH level increased significantly, which indicated that TBBPA could be a suitable substrate to directly participate in phase II metabolism. TBBPA clearly induced the activity of SOD, suggesting the oxidant stress induced by TBBPA. This study suggests that dietary uptake was not the predominant uptake route for TBBPA in bivalves and also provides a preliminary basis for studying the detoxification and antioxidant responses of marine bivalves upon exposure to TBBPA.

Assessing PAHs pollution in Qingdao coastal area (China) by the combination of chemical and biochemical responses in scallops, Chlamys farreri

The PAHs concentrations in seawater and tissues from the scallop Chlamys farreri were detected in three sites in Qingdao, China in 2011. The PAHs concentrations in seawater ranged from 25.32 ng/L to 314.62 ng/L. There were significant differences (p<0.05) between the residual levels among scallop tissues. The highest concentrations of PAHs in seawater and tissues were found in S2. The ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity of the digestive gland and the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of the digestive gland and gill were sensitive to PAHs (p<0.05). This study integrated the PAHs concentrations in seawater, residual levels, the variation of biochemical response and the correlation coefficient analysis, and concluded that Qingdao is a medium PAH-contaminated area on a global scale. The highest PAHs were accumulated in the digestive gland followed by the gill, soft tissue and adductor muscle. The EROD activity of the digestive gland and the MDA contents of the digestive gland and gill could be applied to assess the PAHs pollution status in Qingdao, China.

Digital gene expression analysis of reproductive toxicity of benzo[a]pyrene in male scallop chlamys farreri

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and is studied widely for its strong toxicity and wide distribution. Although BaP pollution in marine environment is increasing, molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive toxicity of BaP in marine mollusks have been seldom systematically studied, especially in males. In this study, genes that regulated reproductive responses of Chlamys farreri under BaP stress were analyzed through digital gene expression (DGE) sequencing with testis tissues. A total of 12,485,055 and 14,454,127 clean reads were generated from control and BaP exposure DGE libraries, respectively. After comparing two libraries, 1051 differentially expressed genes were detected, with 223 up-regulated and 828 down-regulated genes. Gene ontology (GO) annotation and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed on all genes to understand their biological functions and processes. The results showed that numerous enriched, differentially expressed genes related to aromatic compound catabolic processes, spermatid development, microtubule-based movement, energy production and immune response. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to verify the expressed genes of DGE. The study generated data to show the overall reproductive transcription responses of male C. farreri under BaP stress, and it also can serve as the reference for future study of organic pollutions in aquatic mollusks.

Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70) and 90 (HSP90) and their expression analysis when exposed to benzo(a)pyrene in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum

HSP70 and HSP90 are the most important heat shock proteins (HSPs), which play the key roles in the cell as molecular chaperones and may involve in metabolic detoxification. The present research has obtained full-length cDNAs of genes HSP70 and HSP90 from the clam Ruditapes philippinarum and studied the transcriptional responses of the two genes when exposed to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). The full-length RpHSP70 cDNA was 2336bp containing a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 51bp, a 3' UTR of 335bp and an open reading frame (ORF) of 1950bp encoding 650 amino acid residues. The full-length RpHSP90 cDNA was 2839bp containing a 107-bp 5' UTR, a 554-bp 3' UTR and a 2178-bp ORF encoding 726 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequences of RpHSP70 and RpHSP90 shared the highest identity with the sequences of Paphia undulata, and the phylogenetic trees showed that the evolutions of RpHSP70 and RpHSP90 were almost in accord with the evolution of species. The RpHSP70 and RpHSP90 mRNA expressions were detected in all tested tissues in the adult clams (digestive gland, gill, adductor muscle and mantle) and the highest mRNA expression level was observed in the digestive gland compared to other tissues. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that mRNA expression levels of the clam RpHSP70, RpHSP90 and other xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) (AhR, DD, GST, GPx) in the digestive gland of R. philippinarum were induced by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and the absolute expression levels of these genes showed a temporal and dose-dependent response. The results suggested that RpHSP70 and RpHSP90 were involved in the metabolic detoxification of BaP in the clam R. philippinarum.

Deep sequencing of the scallop Chlamys farreri transcriptome response to tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) stress

Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) is currently the most widely used brominated flame retardant (BFR) and has been proven to have a very high toxicity to aquatic organisms including bivalves. However, molecular responses to TBBPA in bivalve remain largely unknown. Novel high-throughput deep sequencing technology has been a powerful tool for looking at molecular responses to toxicological stressors in organisms. Using Illumina's digital gene expression (DGE) system, we investigated TBBPA-induced transcriptome response in the digestive gland tissue of scallop Chlamys farreri. In total, 173 and 266 genes were identified as significantly up- or down-regulated, respectively. Functional analysis based on gene ontology (GO) classification system and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database revealed that TBBPA significantly altered the expression of genes involved in stress response, detoxification, antioxidation, and innate immunity which were extensively discussed. In particular, evidence for the endocrine disrupting effect of TBBPA on bivalve was first obtained in this study. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to ascertain the mRNA expression of several genes identified by the DGE analysis. The results of this study may serve as a basis for future research on molecular mechanism of toxic effects of TBBPA on marine bivalves.

Metabolites analysis, metabolic enzyme activities and bioaccumulation in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

A study was performed on clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) exposed to 0.03, 0.3 and 3μg/L benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) for 21 days. B[a]P metabolite contents, activities of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), epoxide hydrolase (EH), dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), sulfotransferase (SULT) and uridinediphosphate glucuronyltransferase (UGT) and B[a]P bioaccumulation were assayed in gills and digestive glands. Results showed that the order of B[a]P phase I metabolite contents was 9-hydroxy-B[a]P>B[a]P-1,6-dione>B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol, and the concentration of B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol sulfate conjugates was higher than that of B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol glucuronide conjugates. B[a]P accumulation and the activities of AHH, EROD, EH, DD, SULT and UGT increased first and then reached equilibrium. GST activity was induced first and then depressed. The concentration of B[a]P was far higher than that of its metabolites. Besides, there were no significant differences between enzyme activities in gills and those in digestive glands. These results provided information on B[a]P metabolic mechanism in bivalve and scientific data for pollution monitoring and food security.

Bioaccumulation and oxidative damage in juvenile scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene

The study is aimed at investigating the bioaccumulation and oxidative damage of juvenile scallops (Chlamys farreri) exposed to three selected PAHs: benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF) and chrysene (CHR). For this purpose, a study was performed on juvenile scallops exposed to BaP (0.01, 0.2 and 4μg/L), BbF (0.02, 0.2 and 2μg/L) and CHR (0.2, 0.8 and 3.2μg/L) for 21 days. Accumulations of these three PAHs in soft parts of scallops, except the 0.01μg/L BaP group and the 0.02μg/L BbF group, showed obvious time and dose dependence, and CHR accumulation was higher when compared to BaP and BbF. Oxidative damage indicators, including lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PC) and DNA strand breaks, were also measured in soft parts to assess effects of the selected PAHs. The results showed that the LPO levels, PC contents and DNA damage were induced significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01), except in the low level groups of BaP and BbF, and different trends were detected with time of exposure. According to the correlation analysis results, PC content in soft parts showed a good correlation with the target contaminant and seemed to be proposed as a potential early indicator of BaP, BbF and CHR. In addition the sequence of toxicity is BaP>BbF>CHR, judging by the level of induction of oxidative damage at 0.2μg/L levels. The results of this research are expected to contribute to the establishment of a good biochemical index of exposure to PAHs in laboratory experiments, which can be further useful in field studies.

Metabolic enzyme activities, metabolism-related genes expression and bioaccumulation in juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) on metabolic detoxification system and bioaccumulation of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. In this study, juvenile white shrimp L. vannamei were exposed for 21 days at four different concentrations of 0, 0.03, 0.3 and 3μg/L. Detoxification enzyme activities of phase I (aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), epoxide hydrolase (EH)) and phase II (glutathione-S-transferase (GST), sulfotransferase (SULT), uridine diphosphate glucuronyl transferase (UGT)) were determined, and results showed that all the detoxification enzyme activities increased in a dose-dependent manner except for the low BaP exposure. Transcription of genes was detected and measured by real-time RT-PCR. It showed that at day six BaP increased cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, GST, SULT visa aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, which suggests that they could be potential targets of BaP that disrupt the detoxification system. The consistency of their responses to BaP exposure implies that AhR action may be involved in invertebrate CYP regulation. Additionally, BaP bioaccumulation increased rapidly first and showed an incoming plateau. Besides, the enzyme activities and bioaccumulation in the hepatopancreas were higher than those in the gills. These results will not only provide information on BaP metabolic mechanism for this species, but also scientific data for pollution monitoring.

Response of detoxification gene mRNA expression and selection of molecular biomarkers in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) has a high carcinogenic potential. B[a]P concentrations and molecular biomarkers (mRNA expressions of Pgp, AhR, CYP4, CYP414A1, GST-pi, GST-S2, Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD) were assayed in gills and digestive glands of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum exposed to 0.03, 0.3 and 3 μg/L B[a]P for 21 days and then exposed to natural seawater for 15 days. Results showed that B[a]P was rapidly accumulated in and then eliminated from tissues of the clams. All gene mRNA expressions in the treated groups were induced significantly with the exception of CYP414A1 and Cu/Zn-SOD in the 0.03 μg/L B[a]P group. According to correlation analysis, mRNA expressions of AhR, GST-pi and Mn-SOD in gills and GST-pi in digestive glands had good correlations with B[a]P concentrations and could be used as molecular biomarkers of B[a]P exposure. This study investigated the molecular response of the genes mentioned above and selected useful molecular biomarkers for B[a]P pollution monitoring.

A physiologically based toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic model links the tissue distribution of benzo[a]pyrene and toxic effects in the scallop Chlamys farreri

A physiologically based toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic (PBTK-TD) model was developed for benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in scallop Chlamys farreri. The PBTK model structure consisted of gill, digestive gland, adductor muscle, hemolymph and other tissues. In TD modeling, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity assay, comet assay, protein carbonyl measurement and lipid peroxidation level determination in digestive gland were used as biomarkers to reflect toxic effects. We integrated B[a]P concentration and biomarkers by using sigmoid Emax model in digestive gland. The PBTK-TD model predicted the B[a]P concentrations within each organ compartment and the toxic effects in digestive gland. The results showed that the predicted and measured data in different organs were in good agreement and comet assay was considered as the best biomarker. This model would serve as a useful tool for pollution monitoring and food security.

Effects of benzo(a)pyrene on differentially expressed genes and haemocyte parameters of the clam Venerupis philippinarum

In this study a suppression subtractive hybridisation method was employed to identify differentially expressed genes of the clam Venerupis philippinarum exposed to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). Nineteen known transcripts and seven predicted proteins were found from the subtractive cDNA library of the clam, which could provide more sequence information for further study. Seven of the differentially expressed genes were selected for mRNA expression analysis. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression level of the selected cDNAs of clams was up-regulated to varying degrees by different concentration of BaP. They are suggested as potential molecular biomarkers for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution monitoring in aquatic ecosystems. In addition, haemocyte parameters were also measured, and a decrease of total haemocyte counts and suppression of antibacterial and bacteriolytic activities were detected in BaP-stressed clams. We suggest that the modulation of the expression of the selected genes caused by PAHs probably leads to the disturbance of the immune defense of the clam. Meanwhile, the adverse effects of PAHs on haemocyte parameters caused the suppression of the immune defense and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Therefore, it is inferred that PAHs pollutants could interact with components of the immune system and interferes with defense functions of the clam V. philippinarum.

Identification of a CYP3A-like gene and CYPs mRNA expression modulation following exposure to benzo[a]pyrene in the bivalve mollusk Chlamys farreri

In this study, we isolated a CYP3A-like gene from ovary of the scallop (Chlamys farreri). High levels of CYP3A-like gene expression occur in the digestive gland and gonad, which suggested their role in the metabolism of steroids and xenobiotics. Scallops were exposed to a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) for 10 days. The CYP4 and CYP3A-like gene can be up-regulated by B[a]P in a dose-dependent manner after 10 days exposure. But no induction of the CYP3A-like was observed in 10 μg/L B[a]P group. The CYP1A-like expression can only be induced by 0.025 μg/L B[a]P. 0.5 and 10 μg/L B[a]P caused significant DNA damage and 10 μg/L B[a]P can also lead to oxidative damage. These results demonstrate that the mollusk CYPs can be modulated by environmental pollutant, and the blocked induction of CYP3A-like and CYP1A-like expression probably results from the high genotoxicity and oxidative damage partly.

An investigation of endocrine disrupting effects and toxic mechanisms modulated by benzo[a]pyrene in female scallop Chlamys farreri

The purpose of this study was to investigate the endocrine disrupting effects induced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and explore the underlying mechanisms in mollusks. In this study, sexually mature female Chlamys farreri were exposed to benzo[a]pyrene for 10 days at four different concentrations as 0, 0.025, 0.5 and 10 μg/L. Sex steroids were identified and quantified by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) method and results showed that exposure to B[a]P exerts great suppression on 17β-estradiol, testosterone production and disrupts progesterone levels in ovary. Transcription of genes were detected and measured by real-time RT-PCR. It showed that at day 10 B[a]P inhibited 3 β-HSD, CYP17 and 17β-HSD mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, which suggests that they could be potential targets of B[a]P that disrupt steroidogenic machinery. Moreover, 0.025 μg/L B[a]P activated transcription of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT), CYP1A1 and estrogen receptor (ER), while 10 μg/L B[a]P suppressed all of them. The consistency of their responses to B[a]P exposure implies that AHR action may be involved in invertebrate CYP regulation and ER transcription despite of unknown mechanisms. Additionally, B[a]P exposure could induce ovarian impairment and developmental delay in C. farreri. Overall, sensitivity of C. farreri to endocrine disruption and toxicity suggests that C. farreri is a suitable species for study of endocrine-disrupting effects in marine invertebrates. This study will form a solid basis for a realistic extrapolation of endocrine disrupting effects across taxonomic groups and phyla.

The link between selenium binding protein from Sinonovacula constricta and environmental pollutions exposure

Selenium binding proteins (SeBPs) play a crucial role in controlling the oxidation/reduction in many physiological processes. Here we reported the isolation and characterization of a cDNA of SeBP gene from Sinonovacula constricta (denoted as ScSeBP). The full-length cDNA of ScSeBP was of 2345 bp, consisting of a 5'UTR of 246 bp, a 3' UTR of 626 bp, and a complete ORF of 1473 bp encoding a polypeptide with 491 amino acid residues. The predicted molecular mass of deduced amino acid of ScSeBP was 54.85 kDa and the theoretical pI was 6.44. Tissue distribution analysis of the ScSeBP revealed that the mRNA transcripts of ScSeBP were constitutively expressed in all examined tissues with the higher expressions in gill, gonad and the haemocytes. The temporal expression of ScSeBP in gill and haemocytes after B[α]P and heavy metals exposure were recorded by qPCR. B[α]P exposure at 0.5 and 5 mg L(-1) caused significant increase in mRNA expression of ScSeBP in haemocytes, but down-regulated ScSeBP mRNA expression in gill. Concerning heavy metals stresses, the suppressed expression patterns were detected in gill and haemocyte except lower concentration of PbCl2 exposure in haemocytes at 12 h. All our results indicated that ScSeBP was one of key effectors in mediating B[α]P and heavy metals exposure.

Application of the biomarker responses in scallop (Chlamys farreri) to assess metals and PAHs pollution in Jiaozhou Bay, China

Scallops (Chlamys farreri) were collected at three sites in the Jiaozhou Bay, China in April and July 2007. The responses of biomarkers were evaluated for assessment of physiological status of scallops and pollution in the areas. Compared with site S1, the activity of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase was induced notably (P < 0.05) and glutathione S-transferase activity was inhibited significantly (P < 0.05) in S2 and S3. The levels of DNA alkaline unwinding, DNA protein crosslinks, protein carbonyl and lipid peroxidation were tested and indicated the oxidative stress situation of scallops. There was significant difference of biomarker levels between sampling seasons (P < 0.05), and between digestive gland and gill (P < 0.05). The results provided the reference data for multiple-pollution assessment in the marine environment and indicated that tissue type and seasons affect biomarkers, therefore these factors should be taken into consideration when biomarkers are used for environmental assessment purposes.

Molecular cloning and characterization of estrogen receptor gene in the scallop Chlamys farreri: expression profiles in response to endocrine disrupting chemicals

In order to gain insights into the mechanism of sex steroid signaling in molluscs, the full-length cDNA of estrogen receptor (ER) was isolated and characterized from Chlamys farreri for the first time. The positions of cysteine residues and other residues around them that constitute the two zinc finger motifs and the P-box are conserved. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CfER is an ortholog of the other mollusk ERs. Tissue distribution analysis of the CfER mRNA revealed that the expression of ER mRNA was observed in various tissues, and highest in the gonad of males and females. C. farreri were exposed for 10 days to endocrine disrupting chemicals including Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)p) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (BDE-47). B(a)p exposure at 0.4 and 2 μg/L caused significant increase in mRNA expression of ER and VTG, but B(a)p at 10 μg/L down-regulated CfER and VTG mRNA expression compared to control. Varying increase of ER and VTG mRNA transcripts was resulted in by BDE-47 at 0.1, 1 and 10 μg/L. These results elucidate potential roles of CfER induced by xenobiotics in C. farreri and can be helpful for investigating the mechanism of sex steroid signaling in bivalve mollusks.

Environmental genotoxicity and cytotoxicity studies in mussels before and after an oil spill at the marine oil terminal in the Baltic Sea

Environmental genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects in the gills of mussels Mytilus edulis, from the Baltic Sea areas close to the Būtingė oil terminal (Lithuania) before and after accidental oil spill in 31 January 2008 were studied. Mussels from the oil spillage zones were collected in 12 days, in 3 and 6 months after the spill to determine the effects of the spill. Mussels sampled in 2006-2007 were used for the assessment of the background levels of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in the Būtingė oil terminal area. Comparison of the responses in M. edulis before and after the oil spill revealed significant elevation of frequencies of micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NB) and fragmented-apoptotic (FA) cells. Environmental genotoxicity and cytotoxicity levels in mussels from the Palanga site before the accident (in June 2007) served as a reference. Six months after the accident, in July 2008, 5.6-fold increase of MN, 2.9-fold elevation of NB, and 8.8-fold elevation of FA cells were observed in mussels from the same site.

Identification of a novel P450 gene belonging to the CYP4 family in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum, and analysis of basal- and benzo(a)pyrene-induced mRNA expression levels in selected tissues

A novel full-length cDNA encoding a CYP4 protein was initially cloned from the clam, Ruditapes philippinarum. The nucleotide sequence contained an open reading frame coding for 442 amino acids and the deduced amino acid sequence showed 42.6-49.1% identity with other species CYP4s. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the clam CYP4 was clustered within the CYP4s branch. The clam CYP4 mRNA expression was detected in gill, digestive gland, adductor muscle and mantle, and highest transcription level was observed in digestive gland compared to other tissues. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that there was no notable change in CYP4 mRNA expression in gill of R. philippinarum exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), while the mRNA expression was induced significantly in the digestive gland of the clam by 0.2 ppb (μgL(-1)) BaP (p<0.05). The results suggest that CYP4 of the clam may serve as a useful biomarker of marine environmental PAH pollution.

Molecular cloning of CYP4 and GSTpi homologues in the scallop Chlamys farreri and its expression in response to benzo[a]pyrene exposure

Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP) and glutathione s-transferases (GST) are essential components of cellular detoxification systems. In this study we cloned full-length cDNAs encoding CYP4 and GSTpi homologues from scallop Chlamys farreri. Both sequences were deposited in the GenBank with accession no. ACL80141 for CYP4 and ACL80138 for GSTpi. The sequence called Cf (C. farreri) CYP4 is constituted by an ORF of 1317 bp encoding for a protein of 50.8 kDa. The CfGSTpi is constituted by an ORF of 618 bp encoding for a protein of 23.9 kDa. The comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences with CYP4 and GSTpi from vertebrates showed high conservation of the residues and domains essential to the function of these two enzymes. CfCYP4 and CfGSTpi mRNA expression was detected in digestive gland, gill, mantle, mature female gonad and adductor. We then utilized the real-time PCR to study expression levels of the CfCYP4 and CfGSTpi gene in response to exposure of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (0.01 and 0.2 μg/L) for 10 days. The results showed that during the exposure to BaP, CfCYP4 was significantly decreased in the gill and digestive gland of scallops, and CfGSTpi was increased on day 3 until the end of exposure. The changes in CfGSTpi mRNA levels observed in scallops exposed to BaP indicated that GSTpi could play an important role in the detoxification of BaP.