Transcriptional regulation of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase from Venerupis philippinarum in response to pathogen and contaminants challenge

Combinatorial accumulation, stress response, detoxification and synaptic transmission effects of cadmium and selenium in clams Ruditapes philippinarum

This study investigated the toxicological effects and mechanisms of cadmium (Cd) (5 and 50 μg/L) and selenium (Se) (3 and 30 μg/L) at environmentally relevant concentrations on the gills and digestive glands of clams Ruditapes philippinarum. Results indicated that Cd and Se could tissue-specifically impact osmoregulation, energy metabolism, and synaptic transmission in the gills and digestive glands of clams. After exposure to 50 μg/L Cd, the digestive glands of clams up-regulated the expression of methionine-gamma-lyase and metallothionein for detoxification. Clam digestive glands exposed to 3 μg/L Se up-regulated the expression of catalase and glutathione peroxidase to alleviate oxidative stress, and down-regulated the expression of selenide-water dikinase to reduce the conversion of inorganic Se. Additionally, the interaction mode between Cd and Se largely depended on their molar ratio, with a ratio of 11.71 (50 μg/L Cd + 3 μg/L Se) demonstrated to be particularly harmful, as manifested by significantly more lesions, oxidative stress, and detoxification demand in clams than those exposed to Cd or Se alone. Collectively, this study revealed the complex interaction patterns and mechanisms of Cd and Se on clams, providing a reference for exploring their single and combined toxicity.

Antioxidant Defence in Labeo rohita to Biotic and Abiotic Stress: Insight from mRNA Expression, Molecular Characterization and Recombinant Protein-Based ELISA of Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, CuZn Superoxide Dismutase, and Glutathione S-Transferase

Fish possess numerous enzymatic antioxidant systems as part of their innate immunity. These systems have been poorly studied in Labeo rohita (rohu). The present study characterized and investigated the role of antioxidant genes in the defence mechanisms against two types of stressors, including infection and ammonia stress. Four key genes associated with antioxidant activity-catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and CuZn superoxide dismutase were successfully cloned and sequenced. These genes were found to be expressed in different tissues and developmental stages of rohu. The expression levels of these antioxidant genes in the liver and anterior kidney tissues of rohu juveniles were modulated in response to bacterial infection (Aeromonas hydrophila), parasite infection (Argulus siamensis), poly I:C stimulation and ammonia stress. Additionally, the recombinant proteins derived from these genes exhibited significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These proteins also demonstrated a protective effect against A. hydrophila infection in rohu and had an immunomodulatory role. Furthermore, indirect ELISA assay systems were developed to measure these protein levels in healthy as well as A. hydrophila and ammonia-induced rohu serum. Overall, this study characterized and emphasised the importance of the antioxidant mechanism in rohu's defence against oxidative damage and microbial diseases.

Heat shock proteins and metal ions - Reaction or interaction?

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are part of the cell's molecular chaperone system responsible for the proper folding (or refolding) of proteins. They are expressed in cells of a wide variety of organisms, from bacteria and fungi to humans. While some HSPs require metal ions for proper functioning, others are expressed as a response of the organism to either essential or toxic metal ions. Their presence can influence the occurrence of cellular processes, even those as significant as programmed cell death. The development of research methods and structural modeling has enabled increasingly accurate recognition of new HSP functions, including their role in maintaining metal ion homeostasis. Current investigations on the expression of HSPs in response to heavy metal ions include not only the direct effect of these ions on the cell but also analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the increased production of HSPs with increasing ROS concentration. This minireview contains information about the direct and indirect interactions of heat shock proteins with metal ions, both those of biological importance and heavy metals.

The hypoxia adaptation of small mammals to plateau and underground burrow conditions

Oxygen is one of the important substances for the survival of most life systems on the earth, and plateau and underground burrow systems are two typical hypoxic environments. Small mammals living in hypoxic environments have evolved different adaptation strategies, which include increased oxygen delivery, metabolic regulation of physiological responses and other physiological responses that change tissue oxygen utilization. Multi-omics predictions have also shown that these animals have evolved different adaptations to extreme environments. In particular, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and erythropoietin (EPO), which have specific functions in the control of O2 delivery, have evolved adaptively in small mammals in hypoxic environments. Naked mole-rats and blind mole-rats are typical hypoxic model animals as they have some resistance to cancer. This review primarily summarizes the main living environment of hypoxia tolerant small mammals, as well as the changes of phenotype, physiochemical characteristics and gene expression mode of their long-term living in hypoxia environment.

Antioxidant response to severe hypoxia in Brandt's vole Lasiopodomys brandtii

The antioxidant defense system is essential for animals to cope with homeostasis disruption and overcome oxidative stress caused by adverse environmental conditions such as hypoxia. However, our understanding of how this system works in subterranean rodents remains limited. In this study, Brandt's vole Lasiopodomys brandtii was exposed to normoxia (21% O₂ ) or hypoxia (mild or severe hypoxia: 10% or 5% O₂ ) for 6 h. Changes in key enzymes of the classic enzymatic antioxidant system at both mRNA and enzyme activity levels, and tissue antioxidant levels of the low-molecular-weight antioxidant system were determined in brain, liver, and kidney. Transcript levels of the upstream regulator NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were also measured. We found that the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant enzyme genes in L. brandtii were relatively conserved in response to hypoxia in most tissues and genes tested, except in the liver. Hepatic Nrf2, Cu/Zn SOD, GPx1, and GPx3 levels were significantly upregulated in response to mild hypoxia, whereas Mn SOD level decreased significantly in severe hypoxia. Unmatched with changes at the RNA level, constitutively high and relatively stable antioxidant enzyme activities were maintained throughout. For the low-molecular-weight antioxidant system, an abrupt increase of cerebral ascorbic acid (AA) levels in hypoxia indicated a tissue-specific antioxidant response. Although hypoxia did not cause significant oxidative damage in most tissues tested, the significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (GPX and GR) and increase in lipid peroxidation in the kidney suggest that prolonged hypoxia may pose a critical threat to this species.

Tissue-Biased and Species-Specific Regulation of Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) Genes in Scallops Exposed to Toxic Dinoflagellates

Marine bivalves could accumulate paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) produced by toxic microalgae, which might induce oxidative stress. Glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) are key enzymes functioning in the antioxidant defense, whereas our understanding of their roles in PST challenge in bivalves is limited. Herein, through genome-wide screening, we identified nine (CfGPx) and eight (PyGPx) GPx genes in Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri) and Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis), respectively, and revealed the expansion of GPx3 sub-family in both species. RNA-Seq analysis revealed high expression of scallop GPx3s after D stage larva during early development, and in adult hepatopancreas. However, in scallops exposed to PST-producing dinoflagellates, no GPx was significantly induced in the hepatopancreas. In scallop kidneys where PSTs were transformed to higher toxic analogs, most CfGPxs were up-regulated, with CfGPx3s being acutely and chronically induced by Alexandrium minutum and A. catenella exposure, respectively, but only one PyGPx from GPx3 subfamily was up-regulated by A. catenella exposure. Our results suggest the function of scallop GPxs in protecting kidneys against the oxidative stresses by PST accumulation or transformation. The tissue-, species-, and toxin-dependent expression pattern of scallop GPxs also implied their functional diversity in response to toxin exposure.

Transcriptome analysis of acute exposure of the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is an increasingly important environmental pollutant, which has been detected almost everywhere in the environment. Despite the widespread presence of PFOS, much less notice is taken of its toxicology effects on marine bivalves. Thus, the transcriptome response to PFOS treatment (nominal concentration of 20 mg/L) in hepatopancreas of a sentinel organism, Ruditapes philippinarum was examined. Compared with the control group, 32,149 unigenes were up-regulated and 26,958 unigenes down-regulated. Notably, significant gene expression changes were found in carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and protein biosynthesis, indicating the metabolic disruptions caused by PFOS in R. philippinarum. Additionally, numerous other differentially expressed genes were involved in immune system, antioxidant defense system and detoxification metabolism. In summary, transcriptome profiling of R. philippinarum after exposure to PFOS provided molecular support for our current understanding of the detrimental toxicity of PFOS on marine bivalves.

Response of a novel selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase from thick shell mussel Mytilus coruscus exposed to lipopolysaccharide, copper and benzo[α]pyrene

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) plays an important antioxidant role in cellular defense against environmental stress. In the present study, a novel selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase termed McSeGPx firstly identified in thick shell mussel Mytilus coruscus. McSeGPx consists of 197 amino acid residues, characterized with one selenocysteine residue encoded by an opal stop codon TGA, one selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) in the 3' untranslated region (UTR), two active site motifs and one signature sequence motif. McSeGPx transcripts were constitutively expressed in all examined tissues, and were significantly induced in gills and digestive glands with the stimulations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), copper (Cu) and benzo[α]pyrene (B[α]P). Additionally, rough increases in McSeGPx activity were detected in both tissues under the challenge of LPS, Cu and B[α]P. Collectively, these results suggested that McSeGPx affiliate to selenocysteine dependent GPx (SeGPx) family and might play an important role in mediating the environmental stressors and antioxidant response in M. coruscus.

Effect of nitrite exposure on the antioxidant enzymes and glutathione system in the liver of bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis

Nitrite (NO₂^-) can cause oxidative stress in aquatic animal when it accumulates in the organism, resulting in different toxic effects on fish. In the present study, we investigated the effects of nitrite exposure on the antioxidant enzymes and glutathione system in the liver of Bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis). Fish [Initial average weight: (180.05 ± 0.092) g] were exposed to 48.634 mg/L nitrite for 96 h, and a subsequent 96 h for the recovery test. Fish livers were collected to assay antioxidant enzymes activity, hepatic structure and expression of genes after 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h of exposure and12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h of recovery. The results showed that the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) increased significantly in the early stages of nitrite exposure. The study also showed that nitrite significantly up-regulated the mRNA levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) after 6, 48, and 72 h of exposure respectively. Nitrite also increased the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and the activity of catalase (CAT). Nitrite was observed to reduce the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of glutathione (GSH). In the recovery test, GSH and the GSSG recovered but did not return to pre-stress levels. The results suggested that the glutathione system played important roles in nitrite-induced oxidative stress in fish. The bighead carp responds to oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of GSH-Px, GST, GR and up-regulating the expression level of GSH-Px, GST, GR, a whilst simultaneously maintaining the dynamic balance of GSH/GSSG. CAT was also indispensable. They could reduce the degree of lipid peroxidation, and ultimately protect the body from oxidative damage.

Identification and characterization of two selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase 1 isoforms from Larimichthys crocea

Glutathione peroxidases, a vital family of antioxidant enzymes in oxybiotic organisms, are involved in anti-pathogen immune response. In this study, two complete selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase 1 cDNAs (designated as LcGPx1a and LcGPx1b) were obtained from the large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The full-length sequence of LcGPx1a was 917 bp with a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 52 bp, a 3'-UTR of 289 bp, and an open reading frame of 576 bp encoding 191 amino acid (aa) polypeptides. The cDNA of LcGPx1b was composed of 884 bp with a 5'-UTR of 59 bp, a 3'-UTR of 258 bp, and an open reading frame of 567 bp encoding 188 aa polypeptides. The conserved selenocysteine insertion sequence was detected in the 3'-UTR of both isoforms, which can classify types I and II. Protein sequence analysis revealed that both isoforms included a selenocysteine encoded by an opal codon (TGA) and formed the functioning tetrad site with glutamine, tryptophan, and asparagine. Three conservative motifs, including one active site motif ("GKVVLIENVASLUGTT") and two signature site motifs ("LVILGVPCNQFGHQENC" and "V(A/S)WNFEKFLI"), were conserved both in sequence and location. Multiple alignments revealed that they exhibited a high level of identities with GPx1 from other organisms, especially in the abovementioned conserved amino acid sequence motifs. Tissue expression analysis indicated that LcGPx1a and LcGPx1b had a wide distribution in nine tissues with various abundances. The transcript level of LcGPx1a was not significantly different among the nine tissues, whereas that of LcGPx1b was higher in the kidney and head kidney than in the other tissues. After Vibrio parahaemolyticus stimulation, the expression levels of LcGPx1a and LcGPx1b were unanimously altered in the liver, spleen, kidney, and head kidney but with different magnitudes and response time. LcGPx1a and LcGPx1b showed distinct expression trends in the liver, where LcGPx1b was induced and LcGPx1a was depressed in response to pathogen infection. These results indicate that LcGPx1a and LcGPx1b display functional diversities and play crucial roles in mediating the immune response of fish.

Transcriptomic responses of Perna viridis embryo to Benzo(a)pyrene exposure elucidated by RNA sequencing

The green mussel Perna viridis is an ideal biomonitor to evaluate marine environmental pollution. Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), which is well known for the mutagenic and carcinogenic characteristics. However, the toxicological effects of BaP on Perna viridis embryo are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the embryo transcriptomic profile of Perna viridis treated with BaP via digital gene expression analysis. A total of 92,362,742 reads were produced from two groups (control and BaP exposure) by whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were used on all genes to determine the biological functions and processes. Genes involved in various molecular pathways of toxicological effects were enriched further. The differential expression genes (DEGs) were related to stress response, infectious disease and innate immunity. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) measured expressional levels of six genes confirmed through the DGE analysis. This study reveals that RNA-seq for transcriptome profiling of P. viridis embryo can better understand the embryo toxic effects of BaP. Furthermore, it also suggests that RNA-seq is a superior tool for generating novel and valuable information for revealing the toxic effects caused by BaP at transcriptional level.

Transcriptional response of four C1q domain containing protein (C1qDC) genes from Venerupis philippinarum exposed to the water soluble fraction of No.0 diesel oil

As pattern recognitionreceptors, the C1q-domain-containing (C1qDC) proteins play an important role in the pathogen recognition and complement pathway activation. In the present study, four novel C1q domain containing proteins (designated as VpC1qDC1, VpC1qDC2, VpC1qDC3 and VpC1qDC4) were cloned and characterized from clam Venerupis philippinarum. The four VpC1qDCs all possessed the conserved features critical for the fundamental structure and function of the C1q family. The four VpC1qDCs genes showed differential response profiles after exposure to the water soluble fraction of No.0 diesel oil (WSFD). More notably, VpC1qDC1 and VpC1qDC3 were more sensitive to low concentration of WSFD, as their mRNA level changed by higher magnitudes. In addition, VpC1qDC2 and VpC1qDC4 displayed notable increases with larger amplitude to high concentration of WSFD. All these results suggested that the transcriptional response of VpC1qDCs genes were probably a protective mechanism of the cell to oils pollution. The diverse expression patterns of VpC1qDCs demonstrated that VpC1qDC1 and VpC1qDC3 were sensitive responders to environmental stress in V. philippinarum.

Response of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase in the freshwater bivalve Anodonta woodiana exposed to 2,4-dichlorophenol,2,4,6-trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol

2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP), and pentachlorophenol (PCP) pose a health risk to aquatic organism and humans, and are recognized as persistent priority pollutants. Selenium dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx) belongs to the family of selenoprotein, which acts mainly as an antioxidant role in the cellular defense system. In the current study, a Se-GPx full length cDNA was cloned from Anodonta woodiana and named as AwSeGPx. It had a characteristic codon at 165TGA167 that corresponds to selenocysteine(Sec) amino acid as U44. The full length cDNA consists of 870 bp, an open reading frame (ORF) of 585 bp encoded a polypeptide of 195 amino in which conserved domain (68LGFPCNQF75) and a glutathione peroxide-1 GPx active site (32GKVILVENVASLUGTT47) were observed. Additionally, the eukaryotic selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) was conserved in the 3'UTR. The AwSeGPx amino acid sequence exhibited a high similarity with that of other Se-GPx. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that AwSeGPx mRNA had a widely distribution, but the highest level was observed in hepatopancreas. AwSeGPx mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in hepatopancreas, gill and hemocytes after 2,4-DCP, 2,4,6-TCP and PCP exposure. Under similar environment, clams A. woodiana showed a more sensitive to PCP than that of 2,4-DCP and 2,4,6-TCP. These results indicate that AwSeGPx plays a protective role in eliminating oxidative stress derived from 2,4-DCP, 2,4,6-TCP and PCP treatment.

Accumulation and detoxification dynamics of microcystin-LR and antioxidant responses in male red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii

MC-LR is one of major microcystin isoforms with potent hepatotoxicity. In the present study, we aim to: 1) explore the dynamics of MC-LR accumulation and elimination in different tissues of male red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii; 2) reveal the mechanisms underlying hepatic antioxidation and detoxification. In the semi-static toxicity tests under the water temperature of 25±2°C, P. clarkii were exposed to 0.1, 1, 10 and 100μg/L MC-LR for 7days for accumulation and subsequently relocated to freshwater for another 7days to depurate MC-LR. MC-LR was measured in the hepatopancreas, intestine, abdominal muscle and gill by HPLC. The enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), content of glutathione (GSH), and transcripts of Mn-sod, cat, gpx1, Mu-gst, heat shock protein90 (hsp90), hsp70 and hsp60 in hepatopancreas were detected. The results showed that P. clarkii accumulated more MC-LR in intestine, and less in abdominal muscle and gill during accumulation period and eliminated the toxin more quickly in gill and abdominal muscle, and comparatively slowly in intestine during depuration period. The fast increase of SOD and CAT activities at early stage, subsequent decrease at later stage of accumulation period and then fast increase during depuration period were partially consistent with the transcriptional changes of their respective genes. GPx was activated by longer MC-LR exposure and gpx1 mRNA expression showed uncoordinated regulation pattern compared with its enzyme. Hsp genes were up-regulated when P. clarkii was exposed to MC-LR.

Oxidative stress, DNA damage and antioxidant enzyme activities in the pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) when exposed to hypoxia and reoxygenation

To evaluate the genotoxic and physiological effects of acute hypoxia on the pacific white shrimp (L. vannamei), shrimps were treated firstly with three dissolved oxygen levels 6.5 ppm (control), 3.0 ppm and 1.5 ppm for 24 h, respectively, and then reoxygenated (6.5 ppm) for 24 h. The changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidases (GPX) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and DNA damage in the tissues of gill, hepatopancreas and hemolymph were examined during the period of hypoxia and reoxygenation. The results indicated SOD activity, GPX activity, MDA concentration and DNA damage all increased basically compared with the control during the period of hypoxia except for MDA concentrations in the gill at 12 h and 24 h hypoxia (3.0 ppm), and these parameters were recovered to some degree during the period of reoxygenation. Moreover, the comet assays in the tissues of gill and hepatopancreas showed an obvious time- and dose-dependent response to hypoxia, which indicated comet assay in the two tissues could be used as sensitive biomarker to detect the occurrence of hypoxia. We conclude that acute hypoxia can induce oxidative stress, DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in the tissues of gill, hepatopancreas and hemolymph of L. vannamei and the DNA damage may come from hypoxia-induced oxidative stress.

Comparative investigations on the biological effects of As (III) and As (V) in clam Ruditapes philippinarum using multiple biomarkers

Inorganic arsenic is a known pollutant with two chemical forms, arsenite (As (III)) and arsenate (As (V)), in marine environment. Clam Ruditapes philippinarum is an important fishery species along the Bohai coast. In this study, the biological effects induced by the two arsenic chemical forms (arsenite and arsenate) were compared using multiple biochemical indices in the digestive glands of clam R. philippinarum. The production of reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolic responses exhibited that both As (III) and As (V) induced immune, oxidative and osmotic stresses in clam digestive glands. The differential metabolic biomarkers, histidine and taurine, indicated the differential responsive mechanisms in osmotic regulation in clam digestive glands. In addition, both arsenic treatments enhanced the anaerobiosis metabolism in clam digestive glands. Overall, this work illustrated that arsenite and arsenate induced similar biological effects in clams, which might be accounted for the biological transformation of arsenate to arsenite in clams.

Two variants of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase from the disk abalone Haliotis discus discus: Molecular characterization and immune responses to bacterial and viral stresses

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is an essential member of the antioxidant systems of living organisms and may be involved in immune defense against pathogenic invasion. In the current study, two selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidases (AbSeGPxs) that shared 54.3% identity were identified from the disk abalone Haliotis discus discus. The open reading frames (ORFs) of AbSeGPx-a and AbSeGPx-b coded for 222 and 220 amino acids, respectively, with a characteristic selenocysteine residue encoded by an opal stop codon (TGA). The conserved selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) element was predicted in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of both isoforms, and they were found to form two stem-loop structures. Amino acid comparison and phylogenetic studies revealed that the AbSeGPxs were closely related to those in other mollusk species and were evolutionarily distinct from those of other taxonomic groups. The SYBR Green qPCR was employed in investigating the transcripts of AbSeGPxs. The expression of AbSeGPxs mRNA was examined in different embryonic developmental stages and differential expression patterns for AbSeGPx-a and AbSeGPx-b were noted. Meanwhile, the highest expression of AbSeGPxs was detected in the hepatopancreas of healthy adult animals. Next, transcriptional levels were profiled in hemocytes of adults to determine the immune responses of AbSeGPxs to microbial infections. The results revealed the significant up-regulation of AbSeGPx-a in a time-dependent manner after bacterial (Listeria monocytogenes and Vibrio parahaemolyticus) and viral (viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus) infections. Consequently, these findings indicate that AbSeGPx-a and AbSeGPx-b might be involved in the embryonic development of disk abalone and the regulation of immune defense system of adult animals.

Multiple biomarkers of biological effects induced by cadmium in clam Ruditapes philippinarum

Cadmium (Cd) is a known heavy metal pollutant in the Bohai Sea. Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum is an important fishery species along the Bohai coast. In this study, the biological effects induced by two concentrations (20 and 200 μg/L) of Cd were characterized using multiple biochemical indices in the digestive glands of clam R. philippinarum. The total hemocyte counts, reactive oxygen species productions and antioxidant enzyme activities exhibited that Cd induced dose-dependent immune and oxidative stresses in clam digestive glands. Metabolic responses indicated that both Cd exposures caused immune stress marked by the elevated branched chain amino acids (valine, leucine and isoleucine), together with the disturbance in energy metabolism. The differential metabolic biomarkers related to osmotic stress, including homarine, betaine, tyrosine and phenylalanine, suggested the differential responsive mechanisms in clam digestive glands induced by Cd exposures. In addition, both Cd treatments enhanced the anaerobiosis metabolism in clam digestive glands via differential metabolic pathways.

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.

Spatial and temporal distribution and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface seawater from the Haikou Bay, China

Spatial and temporal distributions of 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in surface waters of Haikou Bay, China from October 2013 to September 2014. The total PAHs concentrations ranged from 420.2 to 2539.1 ng L(-1) with the average value of 1016.3±455.8 ng L(-1), which were predominated by low molecular weight PAHs (2- and 3-ring PAHs). Moreover, PAHs displayed spatial and temporal variations in the concentration and composition pattern. Source analysis based on isomer ratios indicated that the PAHs mostly originated from petroleum and combustion processes. An eco-toxicological risk assessment showed that the potential risk of individual PAHs had reached moderate to high levels and the total concentrations of PAHs had also reached a relatively high level compared with previous studies. This study offers important information on the pollution levels of 14 PAHs in the surface waters of Haikou Bay and recommends that prevention and control of PAHs pollution should be implemented in the region.

Toxicological evaluation of two pedigrees of clam Ruditapes philippinarum as bioindicators of heavy metal contaminants using metabolomics

Heavy metal pollution has been of great concern in the Bohai marine environment. Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum has been used as a bioindicator in marine toxicology. In this study, NMR-based metabolomics was used to ascertain whether there were significant biological differences between two dominant pedigrees (White and Zebra) of clam and evaluate the suitability of two pedigrees for marine environmental toxicology, together with antioxidant enzymatic analysis. Our results indicated that there were significant biological differences between White and Zebra clams based on the metabolic profiles and antioxidant enzyme activities. In details, the metabolic profiles showed higher levels of amino acids and succinate in Zebra clam digestive glands and higher levels of ATP in White clam digestive glands, respectively. The superoxide dismutase activities in control White and Zebra clam samples were significantly different. Additionally, White clam was more sensitive to Cd based on the significant accumulation of Cd, antioxidant enzymatic alterations and sensitive metabolic changes. Overall, we concluded that White clam could be a preferable bioindicator for marine environmental toxicology.

Biochemical and pathological studies on peroxidases -an updated review

Peroxidases represent a family of isoenzymes actively involved in oxidizing reactive oxygen species, innate immunity, hormone biosynthesis and pathogenesis of several diseases. Different types of peroxidases have organ, tissues, cellular and sub-cellular level of specificities in their function. Different diseases lead to varied expressions of peroxidases based on several mechanisms proposed. Several researches are going on to understand its deficiency, over-expression and malfunction in relation with different diseases. Some common diseases of mankind like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes directly or indirectly involve the role of peroxidases. So the status of peroxidase levels may also function as a marker of different diseases. Although many types of diseases in human beings have a strong correlation with tissue specific peroxidases, the clear role of these oxido-reductases is not yet fully understood. Here we are focusing on the role of peroxidases in relations with different diseases occurring due to oxidative stress.

Sensitivity of Larvae and Adult and the Immunologic Characteristics ofLitopenaeus vannameiunder the Acute Hypoxia

Litopenaeus vannameiis one of the most commercially important species of shrimp in the world. In this study, we performed acute hypoxia tests withLitopenaeus vannameito estimate 12 h median lethal concentration (LC50) values at different life stages. The results indicated that the 12 h LC50values were significantly different in different life stages of shrimp(P<0.05). The maximum value of 12 h LC50was 2.113 mg L−1for mysis III, and the minimum value was 0.535 mg L−1for adult shrimp with an average total length of 6 cm. The study also determined the hemocyanin concentration (HC) and the total hemocyte counts (THC) in the conditions of hypoxia and reoxygenation. These results showed that the THC decreased and the HC increased under hypoxia, and the THC increased and the HC decreased in the condition of reoxygenation. These results can provide fundamental information for shrimp farming and seedling and also can guide the breeding selection, as well as being very helpful to better understand the hypoxia stress mechanism of shrimp.

Differential response of two ferritin subunit genes (VpFer1 and VpFer2) from Venerupis philippinarum following pathogen and heavy metals challenge

As a principal extracellular iron storage molecule, ferritin plays an important role in the iron-withholding strategy of innate immunity and detoxification system. In this study, we cloned and characterized another ferritin from Venerupis philippinarum (designated as VpFer2), in addition to one previously reported (VpFer1). VpFer2 possessed all the conserved features critical for the fundamental structure and function of ferritin H subunit. VpFer1 and VpFer2 mRNA were both found to be most abundantly expressed in hepatopancreas. Vibrio challenge could significantly up-regulate the mRNA expression of VpFers, and VpFer2 showed more sensitive to Vibrio anguillarum infection. For heavy metals exposure, the expression level of VpFer1 was significantly induced by Cd at 48 h, but kept relatively constant after exposure to Cu. With regards to VpFer2, the expression level dropped significantly at 24 h, then began to increase to the peak value at 48 h under Cd exposure, while Cu exposure constantly depressed the expression level of VpFer2 throughout the time course. Similarly, VpFer2 seemed to be more sensitive to heavy metals exposure than VpFer1 as its mRNA level changed by higher magnitudes. All these results suggested that VpFers may be important proteins involved in host immune defense and heavy metals detoxification. The diverse expression patterns of VpFers demonstrated that VpFer2 was an early and sensitive responder to environmental stress in V. philippinarum.

The response profiles of HSPA12A and TCTP from Mytilus galloprovincialis to pathogen and cadmium challenge

Heat shock 70 kDa protein 12A (HSPA12A) is an atypical member of HSP70 family, and the translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a novel HSP with chaperone-like activity. They are both involved in protecting organisms against various stressors. In the present study, the cDNAs of HSPA12A and TCTP (called MgHSPA12A and MgTCTP) were identified from Mytilus galloprovincialis by RACE approaches. The full-length cDNA of MgHSPA12A and MgTCTP encoded a peptide of 491 and 171 amino acids, respectively. Real-time PCR was employed to analyze the tissue distribution and temporal expression of these two genes after bacterial challenge and cadmium (Cd) exposure. It was found that the transcripts of MgHSPA12A and MgTCTP were dominantly expressed in gonad and muscle, respectively. The expression level of MgTCTP at 48 h post Vibrio anguillarum challenge was detected to be significantly up-regulated in hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). As concerned to Cd exposure, 2.0-fold increase of MgHSPA12A expression compared to that of the control was observed at 48 h in 5 μg/L Cd(2+)-treated group, while the expression levels of MgTCTP were significantly decreased after exposed to both 5 and 50 μg/L Cd(2+) for 24 h and 96 h. These results suggested the potential involvement of MgHSPA12A and MgTCTP in the mediation of the immune responses and environmental stress in mussels.

A sigma-class glutathione S-transferase from Solen grandis that responded to microorganism glycan and organic contaminants

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a superfamily of antioxidant enzymes, which play crucial roles in detoxification and protection of tissues from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, a sigma-class GST was identified from razor clam Solen grandis (designated as SgGST-S1), and its expression patterns, both in tissues and toward microorganism glycan as well as organic contaminants stimulation, were then characterized. The full-length cDNA of SgGST-S1 was of 1291 bp, containing a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 27 bp, and a 3' UTR of 619 bp with a poly (A) tail. The open reading frame (ORF) was of 645 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 214 amino acids with the predicted molecular weight of 24.8 kDa, which shared 47% identity with GST from Ruditapes philippinarum. The analysis of conserved domain and phylogenetic relationship strongly suggested that SgGST-S1 was a member of sigma-class GST. The mRNA of SgGST-S1 was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues of healthy razor clam, including mantle, gill, gonad, hemocytes, muscle, and hepatopancreas, and it was highly expressed in hepatopancreas. The mRNA expression of SgGST-S1 in hemocytes was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01) after razor clam was stimulated by peptidoglycan (PGN) or β-1, 3-glucan, but not LPS. In addition, the SgGST-S1 transcript level was also significantly (P < 0.01) induced by exposure of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) or Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE). All the results indicated that SgGST-S1 might serve as an antioxidant enzyme involving in the detoxification cause by both microorganism glycan and organic contaminants.

Expression profiles of seven glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes from Venerupis philippinarum exposed to heavy metals and benzo[a]pyrene

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are phase II enzymes that facilitate the detoxification of xenobiotics, and also play important roles in antioxidant defense. In this study, we reported the cloning and molecular characteristics of seven genes of the GST family (VpGSTS1, VpGSTS2, VpGSTS3, VpGSTO, VpGSTMi, VpGSTM and VpGSTR) from Venerupis philippinarum together with mRNA tissue distribution patterns and temporal expression profiles in response to cadmium, copper and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) exposures. The deduced amino acid sequences of VpGSTs showed high similarities to counterparts of other species that clustered into the same clades in the phylogenetic analysis. At basal levels of tissue expression, most VpGSTs were highly expressed in hepatopancreas compared with other tissues. All VpGSTs showed differential response profiles depending on the concentrations of various toxicants and exposure times. More notably, the expressions of VpGSTS2 and VpGSTS3 transcripts were significantly up-regulated in hepatopancreas from Cu and B[a]P-exposed animals, indicating that these two sigma VpGSTs were highly sensitive to Cu and B[a]P exposure. However, the expressions of VpGSTM and VpGSTR were significantly induced by Cu or B[a]P exposure, respectively. These findings suggested the role of VpGSTS2, VpGSTS3, VpGSTM and VpGSTR in defense against oxidative stress and highlighted their potential as biomarkers to Cu or B[a]P exposure.