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Kumar S, O'Connor W, Islam R, Leusch FDL, Melvin SD, MacFarlane GR. Exploring the co-exposure effects of environmentally relevant microplastics and an estrogenic mixture on the metabolome of the Sydney rock oyster. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142501. [PMID: 38825244 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
In aquatic environments the concurrent exposure of molluscs to microplastics (MPs) and estrogens is common, as these pollutants are frequently released by wastewater treatment plants into estuaries. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the independent and co-exposure impacts of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EEDCs) at environmentally relevant concentrations on polar metabolites and morphological parameters of the Sydney rock oyster. A seven-day acute exposure revealed no discernible differences in morphology; however, significant variations in polar metabolites were observed across oyster tissues. The altered metabolites were mostly amino acids, carbohydrates and intermediates of the Kreb's cycle. The perturbation of metabolites were tissue and sex-specific. All treatments generally showed an increase of metabolites relative to controls - a possible stimulatory and/or a potential hormetic response. The presence of MPs impeded the exposure of adsorbed and free EEDCs potentially due to the selective feeding behaviour of oysters to microplastics, favouring algae over similar-sized PE-MPs, and the formation of an eco/bio-corona involving faeces, pseudo-faeces, natural organic matter, and algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sazal Kumar
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW 2316, Australia
| | - Rafiquel Islam
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Steve D Melvin
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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2
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Russo T, Coppola F, Paris D, De Marchi L, Meucci V, Motta A, Carbone M, Di Cosmo A, Soares AMVM, Pretti C, Mollo E, Freitas R, Polese G. Exploring toxicological interactions in a changing sea: The case of the alkaloids caffeine and caulerpin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169190. [PMID: 38092204 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The bisindolic alkaloid caulerpin (CAU) is a bioactive compound isolated from green algae of the genus Caulerpa that are highly invasive in the Mediterranean Sea. On the other side, the purine alkaloid caffeine (CAF) is one of the most globally consumed psychoactive substances and a widespread anthropogenic water pollutant. Both compounds display a large panel of biological properties and are well known to accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms and, in certain circumstances, co-occur in the human diet. On this premise, the present study aimed to investigate possible synergistic interactions between CAU and CAF by using the bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis as a model organism. Mussels were exposed to CAF via medium while they were fed with food enriched with CAU. After treatments, biochemical analysis confirmed the toxic potential of CAF, with increased AChE activity and lipid peroxidation. Also, histopathological alterations were observed in the gills and digestive tubules. The NMR-based metabolomics analysis detected higher levels of free amino acids under CAF treatments. Conversely, the food administration of CAU did not affect the above toxicological biomarkers. In addition, we did not observe any cumulative effect between CAF and CAU toward increased cellular damage and neurotoxicity. On the other hand, a possible action of CAU in decreasing CAF toxicity could be hypothesized based on our results. This hypothesis is supported by the activity of CAU as an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). PPARs mediate xenobiotic detoxification via cytochromes P450, which is involved in CAF metabolism. Overall, the results obtained not only rule out any cumulative adverse effects of CAF and CAU but also encourage further research to evaluate the possible use of CAU, a compound easily obtained through the valorization of biomass from invasive species, as a food additive to improve the clearance of xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Russo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Coppola
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Debora Paris
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Lucia De Marchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122 San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Valentina Meucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122 San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Andrea Motta
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Marianna Carbone
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Anna Di Cosmo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122 San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Ernesto Mollo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Gianluca Polese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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3
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Leite C, Russo T, Cuccaro A, Pinto J, Polese G, Soares AMVM, Pretti C, Pereira E, Freitas R. Can temperature rise change the impacts induced by e-waste on adults and sperm of Mytilus galloprovincialis? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166085. [PMID: 37549702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, it is of utmost importance to consider climate change factors, such as ocean warming, since the risk of negative impacts derived from increased surface water temperature is predicted to be high to the biodiversity. The need for renewable energy technologies, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, has led to the increasing use of rare earth elements (REEs). Dysprosium (Dy) is widely used in magnets, motors, electrical vehicles, and nuclear reactors, being considered a critical REE to technology due to its economic importance and high supply risk. However, the increasing use of this element contributes to the enrichment of anthropogenic REEs in aquatic systems. Nevertheless, the information on the potential toxicity of Dy is limited. Moreover, the effects of pollutants can be amplified when combined with climate change factors. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of Dy (10 μg/L) in the species Mytilus galloprovincialis under actual (17 °C) and predicted warming conditions (21 °C). The Dy concentration in contaminated mussels was similar between temperatures, probably due to the detoxification capacity in individuals under these treatments. The combined stressors affected the redox balance, but higher impacts were caused by Dy and warming acting alone. In terms of cellular damage, although Dy acting alone was prejudicial to mussels, warming and both stressors acting together induced higher levels of LPO and PC. The histopathological effects of Dy in the digestive tubules were independent of the temperature tested. Regarding effects on sperm, only warming induced cellular damage, while both stressors, alone and together, impaired sperm movement. Overall, this study highlights that warming might influence the effects induced by Dy, but greater impacts were caused by the element. Eventually, the tested stressors may have consequences on mussels' reproduction capacity as well as their growth, abundance, and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Leite
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tania Russo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessia Cuccaro
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", 57128 Livorno, Italy
| | - João Pinto
- Department of Chemistry & LAQV-REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Gianluca Polese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", 57128 Livorno, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry & LAQV-REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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4
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Cruz P, Cuccaro A, Pretti C, He Y, Soares AMVM, Freitas R. Comparative subcellular responses to pharmaceutical exposures in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: An in vitro study. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 104:104314. [PMID: 37979633 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) have raised concerns in the last decade due to their increased consumption and inadequate elimination during discharge, resulting in their introduction into water systems and potential significant threats to non-target organisms. However, few studies have investigated the sublethal impacts of PhAC exposure on marine invertebrates. Thus, the present study aimed to assess tissue-specific responses in Mytilus galloprovincialis to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), salicylic acid (SA), and caffeine (CAF) (4.0 mg/L, 4.0 mg/L and 2.0 μg/L, respectively). Short-term in vitro exposures with mussel digestive gland and gill tissues were conducted and biochemical responses related to antioxidant and detoxification capacity, cellular damage and neurotoxicity were assessed. The present results clearly showed significant differences in tissue sensitivity and biochemical responses to the contaminants tested. This study highlights the suitability of filter-feeder species as valuable model organisms for studying the sublethal effects of unintended environmental exposures to PhACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Cruz
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Alessia Cuccaro
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Sea Studies, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado (PI), 56122, Italy
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado (PI), 56122, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", Livorno 57128, Italy
| | - Yide He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Sea Studies, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Sea Studies, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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5
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Morais T, Moleiro P, Leite C, Coppola F, Pinto J, Henriques B, Soares AMVM, Pereira E, Freitas R. Ecotoxicological impacts of metals in single and co-exposure on mussels: Comparison of observable and predicted results. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163165. [PMID: 37003315 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Used in high-tech and everyday products, mercury (Hg), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni) are known to be persistent and potentially toxic elements that pose a serious threat to the most vulnerable ecosystems. Despite being on the Priority Hazardous Substances List, existing studies have only assessed the individual toxicity of Co, Ni and Hg in aquatic organisms, with a focus on the latter, ignoring potential synergistic effects that may occur in real-world contamination scenarios. The present study evaluated the responses of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, recognized as a good bioindicator of pollution, after exposure to Hg (25 μg/L), Co (200 μg/L) and Ni (200 μg/L) individually, and to the mixture of the three metals at the same concentration. The exposure lasted 28 days at 17 ± 1 °C, after which metal accumulation and a set of biomarkers related to organisms' metabolic capacity and oxidative status were measured. The results showed that the mussels could accumulate metals in both single- and co-exposure conditions (bioconcentration factors between 115 and 808) and that exposure to metals induced the activation of antioxidant enzymes. Although Hg concentration in organisms in the mixture decreased significantly compared to single exposure (9.4 ± 0.8 vs 21 ± 0.7 mg/kg), the negative effects increased in the mixture of the three elements, resulting in depletion of energy reserves, activation of antioxidants and detoxification enzymes, and cellular damage, with a hormesis response pattern. This study underscores the importance of risk assessment studies that include the effects of the combination of pollutants and demonstrates the limitations of applying models to predict metal mixture toxicity, especially when a hormesis response is given by the organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Morais
- Departamento de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Moleiro
- Departamento de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carla Leite
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Francesca Coppola
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Pinto
- Departamento de Química & LAQV-REQUIMTE, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Henriques
- Departamento de Química & LAQV-REQUIMTE, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Departamento de Química & LAQV-REQUIMTE, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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6
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Rodrigues JA, Silva M, Araújo R, Madureira L, Soares AMVM, Freitas R, Gil AM. The influence of temperature rise on the metabolic response of Ruditapes philippinarum clams to 17-α-ethinylestradiol. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162898. [PMID: 36934939 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Untargeted Nuclear Magnetic Resonance metabolomics was employed to study the effects of warming conditions (17-21 °C) and exposure to 17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on the polar metabolome of Ruditapes philippinarum clams, to identify metabolic markers for monitoring/prediction of deviant environmental conditions. Warming alone triggered changes in alanine/aspartate/glutamate, aromatic amino acids, taurine/hypotaurine and homarine/trigonelline pathways, as well as in energy metabolism, suggesting osmoregulatory adaptations and glycolytic/tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activation, possibly accompanied to some extent by gluconeogenesis to preserve glycogen reserves. At 17 °C, the lowest EE2 concentration (5 ng/L) specifically engaged branched-chain and aromatic amino acids to activate the glycolysis/TCA cycle. Notably, a partial metabolic recovery was observed at 25 ng/L, whereas higher EE2 concentrations (125 and 625 ng/L) again induced significant metabolic disturbances. These included enhanced glycogen biosynthesis and increased lipid reserves, sustained by low-level glutathione-based antioxidative mechanisms that seemed active. At 21 °C, response to EE2 was notably weak at low/intermediate concentrations, becoming particularly significant at the highest EE2 concentration (625 ng/L), suggesting higher protection capacity of Ruditapes philippinarum clams under warming conditions. At 625 ng/L, disturbances in alanine/aspartate/glutamate and taurine/hypotaurine metabolisms were observed, with no evidence of enhanced carbohydrate/protein catabolism. This low energy function profile was accompanied by marked antioxidative mechanisms and choline compounds modulation for cell membrane protection/repair. These results help monitor clams´ response to temperature rise and EE2 exposure, paving the way for future effective guidance and prediction of environmental damaging effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- João A Rodrigues
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mónica Silva
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Araújo
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Leonor Madureira
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana M Gil
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Rodrigues JA, Bispo DSC, Silva MG, Araújo R, Soares AMVM, Freitas R, Gil AM. Impact of Sea Warming and 17-α-Ethinylestradiol Exposure on the Lipid Metabolism of Ruditapes philippinarum Clams. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119485. [PMID: 37298436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reports on an NMR metabolomics study of lipophilic extracts of Ruditapes philippinarum clams exposed to the hormonal contaminant 17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), at 17 °C and 21 °C. The results reveal that exposure at 17 °C triggers a weak response at low EE2 concentrations, suggestive of a slight increase in membrane rigidity, followed by lipid metabolic stability at higher EE2 concentrations. On the other hand, at 21 °C, lipid metabolism begins to respond at 125 ng/L EE2, with antioxidant docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) helping to tackle high-oxidative-stress conditions, in tandem with enhanced storage of triglycerides. Exposure to 625 ng/L EE2 (highest concentration) enhances phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels, their direct intercorrelation suggesting PUFA incorporation in new membrane phospholipids. This should lead to increased membrane fluidity, probably aided by a decrease in cholesterol. PUFA levels, considered a measure of membrane fluidity, were strongly (and positively) correlated to intracellular glycine levels, thus identifying glycine as the main osmolyte entering the cells under high stress. Membrane fluidity also seems to elicit the loss of taurine. This work contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of response of R. philippinarum clams to EE2 in tandem with warming while unveiling novel potential markers of stress mitigation, namely high levels of PtdCho, PUFAs (or PtdCho/glycerophosphocholine and PtdCho/acetylcholine ratios) and linoleic acid and low PUFA/glycine ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- João A Rodrigues
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniela S C Bispo
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mónica G Silva
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Araújo
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana M Gil
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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8
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Cunha M, Silva MG, De Marchi L, Morgado RG, Esteves VI, Meucci V, Battaglia F, Soares AM, Pretti C, Freitas R. Toxic effects of a mixture of pharmaceuticals in Mytilus galloprovincialis: The case of 17α-ethinylestradiol and salicylic acid. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121070. [PMID: 36641066 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The impact of pharmaceuticals on marine invertebrates has been a topic of rising concern, with an increasing number of studies regarding the impacts on bivalves. However, very few investigated the toxicity of mixtures of pharmaceuticals. This knowledge gap was investigated in the present study, where the toxicity of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and salicylic acid (SA) mixture was evaluated. To this end, Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels were chronically subjected to both pharmaceuticals, acting alone and in combination, and the effects at the cellular level were measured. The Independent Action (IA) model was performed aiming to compare obtained with predicted responses. The integrated biomarker response (IBR) index was used to assess the overall biochemical response given by mussels. The results obtained revealed that the most stressful condition was caused by the combined effect of EE2 and SA, with the highest metabolic capacity, antioxidant (catalase activity) and biotransformation (carboxylesterases activity) activation and cellular damage in organisms exposed to the mixture of both drugs in comparison to responses observed when each drug was acting alone. Predicted responses obtained from the IA model indicate that caution should be paid as frequent deviations to observed responses were found. This study highlights the need for future studies considering the mixture of pollutants, mimicking the actual environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cunha
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mónica G Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lucia De Marchi
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), 57128, Livorno, Italy
| | - Rui G Morgado
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Valdemar I Esteves
- Chemistry Department & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Valentina Meucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122, San Piero a Grado (PI), Italy
| | - Federica Battaglia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122, San Piero a Grado (PI), Italy
| | - Amadeu Mvm Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), 57128, Livorno, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122, San Piero a Grado (PI), Italy
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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9
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Pretti C, Aretini P, Lessi F, Freitas R, Barata C, De Marchi L, Cuccaro A, Oliva M, Meucci V, Baratti M. Gene expression and biochemical patterns in the digestive gland of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) exposed to 17α-ethinylestradiol. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 254:106376. [PMID: 36566548 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are a class of chemicals that can spread throughout the environment and may cause adverse biological and ecological effects. While there are many different classes of CECs, one of the most well documented in the aquatic environment are pharmaceutical drugs, such as natural and synthetic estrogens. In particular, the widespread presence of the synthetic estrogen 17 α-Ethinylestradiol (EE2) in water may lead to bioaccumulation in sediment and biota. EE2 is the primary component in contraceptive pills, and is a derivative of the natural hormone estradiol (E2). In this study, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was exposed to EE2 in a semi-static and time-dependent experiment, for a total exposure period of 28 days. Biochemical and transcriptomics analyses were performed on mussel digestive glands after exposure for 14 (T14) and 28 (T28) days. Metabolic and DNA impairments, as well as activation of antioxidant and biotransformation enzymes activation, were detected in T28 exposed mussels. RNA-Seq analysis showed significant differential expression of 160 (T14 compared to controls), 33 (T28 compared to controls) and 79 (T14 compared to T28) genes. Signs of stress after EE2 treatment included up-regulation of gene/proteins involved with immune function, lipid transport, and metabolic and antibacterial properties. This study elucidates the underlying mechanisms of EE2 in a filter feeding organisms to elucidate the effects of this human pharmaceutical on aquatic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Pretti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Livornese (lato monte), 56122 San Piero a Grado, Pisa (Italy); Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Viale N.Sauro 4, 57128 Livorno (Italy).
| | - Paolo Aretini
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza ONLUS, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Pisa (Italy)
| | - Francesca Lessi
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza ONLUS, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Pisa (Italy)
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro (Portugal)
| | - Carlos Barata
- Department of Environmental Chemistry IDAEA-CSIC Jordi Girona 18 08034 Barcelona (Spain)
| | - Lucia De Marchi
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Viale N.Sauro 4, 57128 Livorno (Italy)
| | - Alessia Cuccaro
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro (Portugal)
| | - Matteo Oliva
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Viale N.Sauro 4, 57128 Livorno (Italy)
| | - Valentina Meucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Livornese (lato monte), 56122 San Piero a Grado, Pisa (Italy)
| | - Mariella Baratti
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, IBBR-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze (Italy)
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Bordalo D, Cuccaro A, De Marchi L, Soares AMVM, Meucci V, Battaglia F, Pretti C, Freitas R. In vitro spermiotoxicity and in vivo adults' biochemical pattern after exposure of the Mediterranean mussel to the sunscreen avobenzone. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 312:119987. [PMID: 35995291 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Avobenzone (AVO) is one of the most frequent ultraviolet (UV) filters in personal care products (PCPs). The Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is a bioindicator often used for ecotoxicological research. Since UV filters reach higher peaks during summer in aquatic bodies, coincident with mussels' spawning period, and bivalves are sessile, both male gametes and adults of this species were used in this experiment. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess how AVO affects M. galloprovincialis at different biological levels. In vitro experiments on sperms (30 min-exposure) and in vivo experiments on adults (28 days-exposure) were carried out at 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 μg/L of AVO concentrations. The oxidative and physiological status together with genotoxicity in exposed sperms were assessed. Several biochemical parameters related to enzymatic antioxidant defences, biotransformation enzymes, cell membrane damage, energy reserves, and neurotoxicity were evaluated in adult mussels. Results of in vitro sperm exposure to AVO showed significant overproduction of superoxide anions and DNA damages in all treatments and decrease in sperm viability at 1.0 and 10.0 μg/L. AVO exposure also led to complete inhibition of motility of sperms at the highest concentration, while a significant increase of curvilinear velocity and decrease of wobble occurred at 1.0 μg/L. In vivo exposed adults exhibited a significant decrease in metabolic capacity at 0.1 μg/L, a significant increase in the total protein content and enzymatic turnover as superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defence) at 10 μg/L. This study revealed an ecological concern related to the high sensitivity of sperms respectively to adults under environmentally relevant concentrations of AVO, underpinning an hypothesis of male reproductive function impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Bordalo
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Alessia Cuccaro
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lucia De Marchi
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci", 57128, Livorno, Italy
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Valentina Meucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122, San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Federica Battaglia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122, San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci", 57128, Livorno, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56122, San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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