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Le Clercq LS, Kotzé A, Grobler JP, Dalton DL. Biological clocks as age estimation markers in animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1972-2011. [PMID: 37356823 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Various biological attributes associated with individual fitness in animals change predictably over the lifespan of an organism. Therefore, the study of animal ecology and the work of conservationists frequently relies upon the ability to assign animals to functionally relevant age classes to model population fitness. Several approaches have been applied to determining individual age and, while these methods have proved useful, they are not without limitations and often lack standardisation or are only applicable to specific species. For these reasons, scientists have explored the potential use of biological clocks towards creating a universal age-determination method. Two biological clocks, tooth layer annulation and otolith layering have found universal appeal. Both methods are highly invasive and most appropriate for post-mortem age-at-death estimation. More recently, attributes of cellular ageing previously explored in humans have been adapted to studying ageing in animals for the use of less-invasive molecular methods for determining age. Here, we review two such methods, assessment of methylation and telomere length, describing (i) what they are, (ii) how they change with age, and providing (iii) a summary and meta-analysis of studies that have explored their utility in animal age determination. We found that both attributes have been studied across multiple vertebrate classes, however, telomere studies were used before methylation studies and telomere length has been modelled in nearly twice as many studies. Telomere length studies included in the review often related changes to stress responses and illustrated that telomere length is sensitive to environmental and social stressors and, in the absence of repair mechanisms such as telomerase or alternative lengthening modes, lacks the ability to recover. Methylation studies, however, while also detecting sensitivity to stressors and toxins, illustrated the ability to recover from such stresses after a period of accelerated ageing, likely due to constitutive expression or reactivation of repair enzymes such as DNA methyl transferases. We also found that both studied attributes have parentally heritable features, but the mode of inheritance differs among taxa and may relate to heterogamy. Our meta-analysis included more than 40 species in common for methylation and telomere length, although both analyses included at least 60 age-estimation models. We found that methylation outperforms telomere length in terms of predictive power evidenced from effect sizes (more than double that observed for telomeres) and smaller prediction intervals. Both methods produced age correlation models using similar sample sizes and were able to classify individuals into young, middle, or old age classes with high accuracy. Our review and meta-analysis illustrate that both methods are well suited to studying age in animals and do not suffer significantly from variation due to differences in the lifespan of the species, genome size, karyotype, or tissue type but rather that quantitative method, patterns of inheritance, and environmental factors should be the main considerations. Thus, provided that complex factors affecting the measured trait can be accounted for, both methylation and telomere length are promising targets to develop as biomarkers for age determination in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Stéphane Le Clercq
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Antoinette Kotzé
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - J Paul Grobler
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Desiré Lee Dalton
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK
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Laine VN, Sepers B, Lindner M, Gawehns F, Ruuskanen S, van Oers K. An ecologist's guide for studying DNA methylation variation in wild vertebrates. Mol Ecol Resour 2023; 23:1488-1508. [PMID: 35466564 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The field of molecular biology is advancing fast with new powerful technologies, sequencing methods and analysis software being developed constantly. Commonly used tools originally developed for research on humans and model species are now regularly used in ecological and evolutionary research. There is also a growing interest in the causes and consequences of epigenetic variation in natural populations. Studying ecological epigenetics is currently challenging, especially for vertebrate systems, because of the required technical expertise, complications with analyses and interpretation, and limitations in acquiring sufficiently high sample sizes. Importantly, neglecting the limitations of the experimental setup, technology and analyses may affect the reliability and reproducibility, and the extent to which unbiased conclusions can be drawn from these studies. Here, we provide a practical guide for researchers aiming to study DNA methylation variation in wild vertebrates. We review the technical aspects of epigenetic research, concentrating on DNA methylation using bisulfite sequencing, discuss the limitations and possible pitfalls, and how to overcome them through rigid and reproducible data analysis. This review provides a solid foundation for the proper design of epigenetic studies, a clear roadmap on the best practices for correct data analysis and a realistic view on the limitations for studying ecological epigenetics in vertebrates. This review will help researchers studying the ecological and evolutionary implications of epigenetic variation in wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika N Laine
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bernice Sepers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie Lindner
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Chronobiology Unit, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fleur Gawehns
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Kees van Oers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Xia Z, Idowu I, Halldorson T, Lucas AM, Stein C, Kaur M, Tomy T, Marvin C, Thomas PJ, Hebert CE, Smith RA, Dwyer-Samuel F, Provencher JF, Tomy GT. Microbead beating extraction of avian eggs for polycyclic aromatic compounds. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 335:139059. [PMID: 37268236 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Due to their relatively high trophic position and importance as a food source for many communities in the circumpolar north, seabird eggs are an important matrix for monitoring contaminant levels. In fact, many countries, including Canada, have established long-term seabird egg contaminant monitoring programs, with oil related compounds a contaminant of emerging concern for seabirds in several regions. Current approaches to measuring many contaminant burdens in seabird eggs are time-consuming and often require large volumes of solvent. Here we propose an alternative approach, based on the principle of microbead beating tissue extraction using custom designed stainless-steel extraction tubes and lids, to measure a suite of 75 polycyclic aromatic compounds (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkyl-PAHs, halogenated-PAHs and some heterocyclic compounds) comprising a wide-range of chemical properties. Our method was conducted in strict accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines for method validation. Accuracies for our analytes generally ranged from 70 to 120%, and intra and inter-day repeatability for most analytes were <30%. Limits of detection/quantitation for the 75 target analytes were <0.2/0.6 ng g-1. The level of contamination in our method blanks was significantly smaller in our stainless-steel tubes/lids relative to commercially available high-density plastic alternatives. Overall, our method meets our data quality objectives and results in a notable reduction in sample processing times relative to current approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Xia
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2.
| | - Ifeoluwa Idowu
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2
| | - Thor Halldorson
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2
| | - Amica-Mariae Lucas
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2
| | - Claire Stein
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2
| | - Thane Tomy
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2
| | - Chris Marvin
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada, L7S 1A1
| | - Philippe J Thomas
- Wildlife Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1A 0H3
| | - Craig E Hebert
- Wildlife Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1A 0H3
| | - Reyd A Smith
- Carleton University, Department of Biology, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | | | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Wildlife Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1A 0H3
| | - Gregg T Tomy
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2.
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4
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van Oers K, van den Heuvel K, Sepers B. The Epigenetics of Animal Personality. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105194. [PMID: 37094740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Animal personality, consistent individual differences in behaviour, is an important concept for understanding how individuals vary in how they cope with environmental challenges. In order to understand the evolutionary significance of animal personality, it is crucial to understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation are hypothesised to play a major role in explaining variation in phenotypic changes in response to environmental alterations. Several characteristics of DNA methylation also align well with the concept of animal personality. In this review paper, we summarise the current literature on the role that molecular epigenetic mechanisms may have in explaining personality variation. We elaborate on the potential for epigenetic mechanisms to explain behavioural variation, behavioural development and temporal consistency in behaviour. We then suggest future routes for this emerging field and point to potential pitfalls that may be encountered. We conclude that a more inclusive approach is needed for studying the epigenetics of animal personality and that epigenetic mechanisms cannot be studied without considering the genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kees van Oers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands; Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Krista van den Heuvel
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands; Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bernice Sepers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands; Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Wageningen, the Netherlands
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5
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Lin W, Huang Z, Zhang W, Ren Y. Investigating the neurotoxicity of environmental pollutants using zebrafish as a model organism: A review and recommendations for future work. Neurotoxicology 2023; 94:235-244. [PMID: 36581008 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
With the continuous development of precise detection technology, more and more pollutants have been detected in the environment. Among them, neurotoxic pollutants have attracted extensive attention due to their serious threat to vertebrates, invertebrates, and the whole ecosystem. Compared with other model organisms, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become an important aquatic model to study the neurotoxicity of environmental pollutants because of their excellent molecular/physiological characteristics. At present, the research on the toxicity of environmental pollutants to the zebrafish nervous system focuses on morphology and behavior regulation, oxidative stress, gene expression, synthesis and release of neurotransmitters, and neuron development. However, studies on epigenetic toxicity, blood-brain barrier damage, and regulation of the brain-gut-microbiota axis still require further research at the molecular and signaling levels to clarify the toxic mechanisms of pollutants. This paper reviews the research on the toxic effects of pollutants in the environment (heavy metals and organic compounds) on the nervous system of zebrafish, summarizes and comments on the main research findings. The discussion of the problems, hot spots in the current research, and the prospects of the contents to be further studied are also included in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Lin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhishan Huang
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuan Ren
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, China; The Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Eco-Remediation of Guangdong Regular Higher Education Institutions, China.
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6
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Belcher SM, Guillette MP, Robb F, Rock KD. Comparative assessment of blood mercury in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from Coastal North Carolina and Florida. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:1137-1146. [PMID: 35918620 PMCID: PMC9463099 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02573-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a widespread and harmful persistent pollutant of aquatic ecosystems. Except for the northern most populations of American alligators (Alligator Mississippiensis) found in North Carolina, the potential adverse health impacts of Hg on ecosystems and humans consuming alligator meat have been studied for over three decades. Now that alligators are being recreationally hunted and consumed across their range, it is especially important to monitor toxic contaminant levels to best understand possible adverse impacts of exposures on alligator populations and human health. In this study, we determined blood Hg concentrations in American alligators from an urbanized site in Wilmington, NC, a nearby site at Lake Waccamaw, NC, and a site on the St Johns River in Florida. Median blood total Hg (tHg) concentrations were particularly high at Lake Waccamaw (526 ng/g, range 152-946 ng/g), resulting in median muscle concentrations (0.48 mg/kg, range 0.13-0.88 mg/kg) well above US EPA screening values for fish consumption. Median concentrations at the Wilmington site (69 ng/g, range 22-336 ng/g) were generally low, and Hg concentrations from the St Johns River site (143 ng/g, range 54-244 ng/g) were comparable to those reported in previous studies. Analysis of relationships between tHg concentrations and a panel of blood chemistry biomarkers found only modest concentration-dependent impact on biomarkers of renal function. The results of this study reveal that local environmental factors greatly impact Hg bioaccumulation in alligators, findings that reaffirm local contaminant biomonitoring in alligator populations will be critical for affective management and determination of guidelines for safe consumption of harvested alligators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Matthew P Guillette
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Frank Robb
- Environmental Education, Awareness, Research, Support & Services, Titusville, FL, USA
| | - Kylie D Rock
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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7
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Famurewa AC, Renu K, Eladl MA, Chakraborty R, Myakala H, El-Sherbiny M, Elsherbini DMA, Vellingiri B, Madhyastha H, Ramesh Wanjari U, Goutam Mukherjee A, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A. Hesperidin and hesperetin against heavy metal toxicity: Insight on the molecular mechanism of mitigation. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112914. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Mayne B, Mustin W, Baboolal V, Casella F, Ballorain K, Barret M, Vanderklift MA, Tucker AD, Korbie D, Jarman S, Berry O. Age prediction of green turtles with an epigenetic clock. Mol Ecol Resour 2022; 22:2275-2284. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Mayne
- Environomics Future Science Platform Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Walter Mustin
- Cayman Turtle Conservation and Education Centre Grand Cayman KY1‐1301 Cayman Islands
| | - Vandanaa Baboolal
- Cayman Turtle Conservation and Education Centre Grand Cayman KY1‐1301 Cayman Islands
| | - Francesca Casella
- Cayman Turtle Conservation and Education Centre Grand Cayman KY1‐1301 Cayman Islands
| | - Katia Ballorain
- Centre d'Etude et de Découverte des Tortues Marines (CEDTM) 19 Cité des Frangipaniers 97424 Piton Saint‐Leu, La Réunion France
| | - Mathieu Barret
- Kélonia l’observatoire des tortues marines 46 Rue Général de Gaulle 97436 Saint‐Leu, La Réunion France
| | - Mathew A. Vanderklift
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Anton D. Tucker
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Marine Science Program Kensington Western Australia Australia
| | - Darren Korbie
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Simon Jarman
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Oliver Berry
- Environomics Future Science Platform Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Crawley Western Australia Australia
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Heydenrych MJ, Saunders BJ, Bunce M, Jarman SN. Epigenetic Measurement of Key Vertebrate Population Biology Parameters. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.617376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The age, sex, and sexual maturity of individual animals are key parameters in assessing wild populations and informing conservation management strategies. These parameters represent the reproductive potential of a population and can indicate recovery rates or vulnerabilities. Natural populations of wild animals are difficult to study; logistically, economically, and due to the impacts of invasive biomonitoring. Genetic and epigenetic analyses offer a low impact, low cost, and information-rich alternative. As epigenetic mechanisms are intrinsically linked with both biological aging and reproductive processes, DNA methylation can be used as a suitable biomarker for population biology study. This review assesses published research utilizing DNA methylation analysis in relation to three key population parameters: age, sex, and sexual maturity. We review studies on wild vertebrates that investigate epigenetic age relationships, with successful age estimation assays designed for mammals, birds, and fish. For both determination of sex and identification of sexual maturity, very little has been explored regarding DNA methylation-based assays. Related research, however, confirms the links between DNA methylation and these processes. Future development of age estimation assays for underrepresented and key conservation taxa is suggested, as is the experimental development and design of DNA methylation-based assays for both sex and sexual maturity identification, further expanding the genomics toolkit for population biology studies.
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Intergenerational Patterns of DNA Methylation in Procambarus clarkii Following Exposure to Genotoxicants: A Conjugation in Past Simple or Past Continuous? TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9110271. [PMID: 34822662 PMCID: PMC8618669 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9110271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epigenome is susceptible to modulation by environmental pressures—namely, through alterations in global DNA methylation, impacting the organism condition and, ultimately, reverberating on the phenotype of the subsequent generations. Hence, an intergenerational study was conducted, aiming to clarify the influence of genotoxicants on global DNA methylation of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii. Two subsequent generations were exposed to the herbicide penoxsulam (Px; 23 µg·L−1) and to the genotoxicant model ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS; 5 mg·L−1). Px did not induce changes in DNA methylation of adult crayfish (F0). However, the hypomethylation occurring in unexposed F1 juveniles demonstrated that the history of exposure per se can modulate epigenome. In F1 descendants of the Px-exposed group, methylome (hypermethylated) was more affected in males than in females. EMS-induced hypomethylation in adult females (F0), also showed gender specificity. In addition, hypomethylation was also observed in the unexposed F1 crayfish, indicating an intergenerational epigenetic effect. The modulatory role of past exposure to penoxsulam or to EMS also showed a dependency on the crayfish developmental stage. Overall, this research revealed that indirect experiences (events occurring in a predecessor generation) can have an impact even greater than direct experiences (present events) on the epigenetic dynamics.
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Bertucci EM, Mason MW, Rhodes OE, Parrott BB. Exposure to ionizing radiation disrupts normal epigenetic aging in Japanese medaka. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:22752-22771. [PMID: 34644261 PMCID: PMC8544305 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alterations to the epigenome are a hallmark of biological aging and age-dependent patterning of the DNA methylome ("epigenetic aging") can be modeled to produce epigenetic age predictors. Rates of epigenetic aging vary amongst individuals and correlate to the onset of age-related disease and all-cause mortality. Yet, the origins of epigenetic-to-chronological age discordance are not empirically resolved. Here, we investigate the relationship between aging, DNA methylation, and environmental exposures in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). We find age-associated DNA methylation patterning enriched in genomic regions of low CpG density and that, similar to mammals, most age-related changes occur during early life. We construct an epigenetic clock capable of predicting chronological age with a mean error of 61.1 days (~8.4% of average lifespan). To test the role of environmental factors in driving epigenetic age variation, we exposed medaka to chronic, environmentally relevant doses of ionizing radiation. Because most organisms share an evolutionary history with ionizing radiation, we hypothesized that exposure would reveal fundamental insights into environment-by-epigenetic aging interactions. Radiation exposure disrupted epigenetic aging by accelerating and decelerating normal age-associated patterning and was most pronounced in cytosines that were moderately associated with age. These findings empirically demonstrate the role of DNA methylation in integrating environmental factors into aging trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Bertucci
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Marilyn W. Mason
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Olin E. Rhodes
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Benjamin B. Parrott
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
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Weyde KVF, Olsen AK, Duale N, Kamstra JH, Skogheim TS, Caspersen IH, Engel SM, Biele G, Xia Y, Meltzer HM, Aase H, Villanger GD. Gestational blood levels of toxic metal and essential element mixtures and associations with global DNA methylation in pregnant women and their infants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147621. [PMID: 34000534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women and their fetuses are exposed to multiple toxic metals that together with variations in essential element levels may alter epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between gestational levels of toxic metals and essential elements and mixtures thereof, with global DNA methylation levels in pregnant women and their newborn children. METHODS Using 631 mother-child pairs from a prospective birth cohort (The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study), we measured maternal blood concentration (gestation week ~18) of five toxic metals and seven essential elements. We investigated associations as individual exposures and two-way interactions, using elastic net regression, and total mixture, using quantile g-computation, with blood levels of 5-methylcytocine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in mothers during pregnancy and their newborn children (cord blood). Multiple testing was adjusted for using the Benjamini and Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) approach. RESULTS The most sensitive marker of DNA methylation appeared to be 5mC levels. In pregnant mothers, elastic net regression indicated associations between 5mC and selenium and lead (non-linear), while in newborns results indicated relationships between maternal selenium, cobalt (non-linear) and mercury and 5mC, as well as copper (non-linear) and 5hmC levels. Several possible two-way interactions were identified (e.g. arsenic and mercury, and selenium and maternal smoking in newborns). None of these findings met the FDR threshold for multiple testing. No net effect was observed in the joint (mixture) exposure-approach using quantile g-computation. CONCLUSION We identified few associations between gestational levels of several toxic metals and essential elements and global DNA methylation in pregnant mothers and their newborn children. As DNA methylation dysregulation might be a key mechanism in disease development and thus of high importance for public health, our results should be considered as important candidates to investigate in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nur Duale
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jorke H Kamstra
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Stephanie M Engel
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Guido Biele
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Heidi Aase
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Dos Santos RL, de Sousa Correia JM, Dos Santos EM. Freshwater aquatic reptiles (Testudines and Crocodylia) as biomonitor models in assessing environmental contamination by inorganic elements and the main analytical techniques used: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:498. [PMID: 34287720 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09212-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the general lack of studies that use reptiles as bioindicators, the value of freshwater turtles and crocodilians in ecotoxicology has been proven, due to their importance as sentinel species. The aim of this study was to compile information on the use of freshwater turtles and crocodilians as environmental biomonitors of inorganic element contamination. We searched for articles in databases using specific keywords. A total of 104 studies published between the years 1970 and 2020 were collected. We noted a general increase in the number of studies involving turtles and crocodilians during the study time period. The Order Testudines were the subjects of 46% of the analysed publications, and the Order Crocodylia accounted for 54%. Within these studies, we counted 39 species (turtles n = 29 and crocodilians n = 10). Forty chemical elements were evaluated in the analysed articles, of which the majority represented non-essential elements (Hg, Cd, Pb). Although internal organs constituted the main biological matrix chosen for each group (37%), we observed an increase in the use of non-destructive matrices in both groups (scale, blood, tail muscle, carapace). The majority of analysed studies used HNO3 for the sample decomposition, with the majority of analyses being performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (53%). Mainly blank controls (19%), analyte recovery (18%) and replicates (18%) were used as methods of validating analytical procedures. Furthermore, the studies used certified reference materials, which measure the accuracy of the methods used. We conclude that the increase in the use of aquatic reptiles in environmental monitoring research is mainly due to their ability to reveal integrated changes in ecosystems, aiding in environmental public policy decision-making and effective management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayssa Lima Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação, Av. Gregório Ferraz Nogueira, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Serra Talhada, PE, Brazil.
| | | | - Ednilza Maranhão Dos Santos
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Manoel de Medeiros, Recife, PE, Brazil
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14
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Oliveira VCS, Viana PF, Gross MC, Feldberg E, Da Silveira R, de Bello Cioffi M, Bertollo LAC, Schneider CH. Looking for genetic effects of polluted anthropized environments on Caiman crocodilus crocodilus (Reptilia, Crocodylia): A comparative genotoxic and chromosomal analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 209:111835. [PMID: 33383344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Amazon aquatic ecosystems have been modified by the human population growth, going through changes in their water bodies and aquatic biota. The spectacled alligator (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus) has a wide distribution and adaptability to several environments, even those polluted ones. This study aimed to investigate if a Caiman species living in urban streams of Manaus city (Amazonas State, Brazil) is affected by environmental pollution. For that, it was used classical and molecular cytogenetic procedures, in addition to micronucleus and comet assays. Although the karyotype macrostructure remains unaltered (2 n = 42 chromosomes; 24 t + 18 m/sm; NF = 60), the genotoxic analysis and the cytogenetic mapping of repetitive DNA sequences demonstrated that polluted environments alter the genome of the specimens, affecting both the chromosomal organization and the genetic material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Cristina Sales Oliveira
- Laboratório de Citogenética de Peixes, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil; Laboratório de Citogenômica Animal, Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Patrik Ferreira Viana
- Laboratório de Genética Animal, Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Maria Claudia Gross
- Parque Tecnológico Itaipu, Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eliana Feldberg
- Laboratório de Genética Animal, Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Ronis Da Silveira
- Laboratório de Zoologia Aplicada à Conservação, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Bello Cioffi
- Laboratório de Citogenética de Peixes, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Antonio Carlos Bertollo
- Laboratório de Citogenética de Peixes, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Schneider
- Centro Universitário Dinâmica das Cataratas, Faculdade Anglo Americano, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil
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15
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Bjørklund G, Pivina L, Dadar M, Semenova Y, Chirumbolo S, Aaseth J. Mercury Exposure, Epigenetic Alterations and Brain Tumorigenesis: A Possible Relationship? Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:6596-6610. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190930150159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The risk assessment of mercury (Hg), in both wildlife and humans, represents an increasing
challenge. Increased production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) is a known Hg-induced
toxic effect, which can be accentuated by other environmental pollutants and by complex interactions
between environmental and genetic factors. Some epidemiological and experimental studies
have investigated a possible correlation between brain tumors and heavy metals. Epigenetic modifications
in brain tumors include aberrant activation of genes, hypomethylation of specific genes,
changes in various histones, and CpG hypermethylation. Also, Hg can decrease the bioavailability
of selenium and induce the generation of reactive oxygen that plays important roles in different
pathological processes. Modification of of metals can induce excess ROS and cause lipid peroxidation,
alteration of proteins, and DNA damage. In this review, we highlight the possible relationship
between Hg exposure, epigenetic alterations, and brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
| | | | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
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16
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Bertucci EM, Mason MW, Camus AC, Rhodes OE, Parrott BB. Chronic low dose irradiation alters hepatic transcriptional profiles, but not global DNA methylation in medaka (Oryzias latipes). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 729:138680. [PMID: 32361431 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation (IR) resulting from both natural and anthropogenic sources is ubiquitous throughout the environment. Historically, studies on the biological impacts of radiation primarily focused on responses to acute doses of radiation, with little advancement in our understanding of environmentally relevant exposures. Epigenetic mechanisms are capable of mediating organismal responses to environmental stressors and DNA methylation plays important roles in gene regulation and promoting chromosomal stability. Here, we assess broad-scale transcriptional and epigenetic variation resulting from chronic exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation (LDIR; 5.78, 53.76, or 520.23 mGy/day) using Japanese medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) in a replicated mesocosm design. We observed significant changes to the hepatic transcriptome induced by a 3-month chronic exposure to IR, whereas global DNA methylation appeared largely unaffected. Our findings reveal a set of genes, including those involved in immune function, responding to environmentally relevant IR exposures, which do not appear to be mediated by a systemic global shift in DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Bertucci
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E. Green St., Athens 30602, GA, USA; Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken 29802, SC, USA.
| | - Marilyn W Mason
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken 29802, SC, USA.
| | - Alvin C Camus
- College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Pathology, University of Georgia, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens 30602, GA, USA.
| | - Olin E Rhodes
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E. Green St., Athens 30602, GA, USA; Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken 29802, SC, USA.
| | - Benjamin B Parrott
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E. Green St., Athens 30602, GA, USA; Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken 29802, SC, USA.
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17
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Lawson AJ, Moore CT, Rainwater TR, Nilsen FM, Wilkinson PM, Lowers RH, Guillette LJ, McFadden KW, Jodice PGR. Nonlinear patterns in mercury bioaccumulation in American alligators are a function of predicted age. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 707:135103. [PMID: 31863991 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a widespread, naturally occurring contaminant that biomagnifies in wetlands due to the methylation of this element by sulfate-reducing bacteria. Species that feed at the top trophic level within wetlands are predicted to have higher mercury loads compared to species feeding at lower trophic levels and are therefore often used for mercury biomonitoring. However, mechanisms for mercury bioaccumulation in sentinel species are often poorly understood, due to a lack of long-term studies or an inability to differentiate between confounding variables. We examined mercury bioaccumulation patterns in the whole blood of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from a long-term mark-recapture study (1979-2017) in South Carolina, USA. Using a growth model and auxiliary information on predicted age at first capture, we differentiated between age- and size-related variation in mercury bioaccumulation, which are often confounded in alligators due to their determinate growth pattern. Contrary to predictions that the oldest or largest individuals were likely to have the highest mercury concentrations, our best-supported model indicated a peak in mercury concentration at 30-40 years of age, depending on the sex, and lower concentrations in the youngest and oldest animals. To evaluate the robustness of our findings, we re-analyzed data from a previously published study of mercury in alligators sampled at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Unlike the South Carolina data, the data from Florida contained minimal auxiliary information regarding age, yet the best supported model similarly indicated a peaked rather than increasing relationship between mercury and body size, a less-precise indicator of age. These findings highlight how long-term monitoring can differentiate between confounding variables (e.g., age and size) to better elucidate complex relationships between contaminant exposure and demographic factors in sentinel species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail J Lawson
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, 261 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - Clinton T Moore
- U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Thomas R Rainwater
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, 261 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, Georgetown, SC 29442, USA; Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, 1 Yawkey Way, Georgetown, SC 29440, USA.
| | - Frances M Nilsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | | | - Russell H Lowers
- Integrated Mission Support Service (IMSS), Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899, USA.
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - K W McFadden
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 261 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Patrick G R Jodice
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 261 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
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18
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Jeremias G, Gonçalves FJM, Pereira JL, Asselman J. Prospects for incorporation of epigenetic biomarkers in human health and environmental risk assessment of chemicals. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:822-846. [PMID: 32045110 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms have gained relevance in human health and environmental studies, due to their pivotal role in disease, gene × environment interactions and adaptation to environmental change and/or contamination. Epigenetic mechanisms are highly responsive to external stimuli and a wide range of chemicals has been shown to determine specific epigenetic patterns in several organisms. Furthermore, the mitotic/meiotic inheritance of such epigenetic marks as well as the resulting changes in gene expression and cell/organismal phenotypes has now been demonstrated. Therefore, epigenetic signatures are interesting candidates for linking environmental exposures to disease as well as informing on past exposures to stressors. Accordingly, epigenetic biomarkers could be useful tools in both prospective and retrospective risk assessment but epigenetic endpoints are currently not yet incorporated into risk assessments. Achieving a better understanding on this apparent impasse, as well as identifying routes to promote the application of epigenetic biomarkers within environmental risk assessment frameworks are the objectives of this review. We first compile evidence from human health studies supporting the use of epigenetic exposure-associated changes as reliable biomarkers of exposure. Then, specifically focusing on environmental science, we examine the potential and challenges of developing epigenetic biomarkers for environmental fields, and discuss useful organisms and appropriate sequencing techniques to foster their development in this context. Finally, we discuss the practical incorporation of epigenetic biomarkers in the environmental risk assessment of chemicals, highlighting critical data gaps and making key recommendations for future research within a regulatory context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Jeremias
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.,CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fernando J M Gonçalves
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.,CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.,CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jana Asselman
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Toxicology Unit - GhEnToxLab, Ghent University, 9000, Gent, Belgium
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19
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Nilsen FM, Rainwater TR, Wilkinson PM, Brunell AM, Lowers RH, Bowden JA, Guillette LJ, Long SE, Schock TB. Examining maternal and environmental transfer of mercury into American alligator eggs. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 189:110057. [PMID: 31835046 PMCID: PMC11005113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
American alligators are exposed to mercury (Hg) throughout their natural range and may maternally transfer Hg into their eggs. Wildlife species are highly sensitive to Hg toxicity during embryonic development and neonatal life, and information on Hg transfer into eggs is critical when attempting to understand the effects of Hg exposure on developing oviparous organisms. To examine Hg transfer in alligators, the objectives of the present study were to 1) determine Hg concentrations in yolk (embryonic and neonatal food source) from wild alligator eggs collected from three locations - Yawkey Wildlife Center SC (YWC), Lake Apopka FL (LA), and Lake Woodruff FL (LW); 2) examine the relationship between THg concentrations in wild alligator nest material and egg yolk at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL; 3) examine the Hg concentrations in wild maternal female alligators (blood) and the THg in corresponding egg yolks and embryos across three nesting seasons at a single location (YWC), and evaluate the relationship between nesting female THg concentrations (blood) and their estimated age and number of nesting years (YWC); and 4) assess the transfer of biologically-relevant Hg concentrations (based on Hg measured in maternal female blood) into embryos using an egg-dosing experiment. Mean total Hg (THg) concentrations observed at each site were 26.3 ng/g ± 11.0 ng/g (YWC), 8.8 ng/g ± 5.1 ng/g (LA), and 22.6 ng/g ± 6.3 ng/g (LW). No relationship was observed between THg in alligator nest material and corresponding yolk samples, nor between THg in maternal alligator blood and estimated age and number of nesting years of these animals. However, significant positive relationships were observed between THg in blood of nesting female alligators and THg in their corresponding egg yolk. We observed that 12.8% of the maternal blood THg is found in the corresponding egg yolk, and a highly significant correlation was observed between the two sample types (r = 0.66; p < 0.0001). The egg dosing experiment revealed that Hg did not transfer through the eggshell at developmental stage 19. Overall, this study provides new information regarding Hg transfer in American alligators which can improve biomonitoring efforts and may inform ecotoxicological investigations and population management programs in areas of high Hg contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Nilsen
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA; Medical University of South Carolina, Marine Bio-Medicine and Environmental Science Program, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Thomas R Rainwater
- Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, Georgetown, SC, USA; Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 1 Yawkey Way South, Georgetown, SC, USA.
| | - Phil M Wilkinson
- Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 1 Yawkey Way South, Georgetown, SC, USA
| | - Arnold M Brunell
- Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 601 W. Woodward Ave., Eustis, FL, USA.
| | | | - John A Bowden
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA; Current Address- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Marine Bio-Medicine and Environmental Science Program, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stephen E Long
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Tracey B Schock
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA.
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20
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Hoekstra LA, Schwartz TS, Sparkman AM, Miller DAW, Bronikowski AM. The untapped potential of reptile biodiversity for understanding how and why animals age. Funct Ecol 2020; 34:38-54. [PMID: 32921868 PMCID: PMC7480806 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
1. The field of comparative aging biology has greatly expanded in the past 20 years. Longitudinal studies of populations of reptiles with a range of maximum lifespans have accumulated and been analyzed for evidence of mortality senescence and reproductive decline. While not as well represented in studies of amniote senescence, reptiles have been the subjects of many recent demographic and mechanistic studies of the biology of aging. 2. We review recent literature on reptile demographic senescence, mechanisms of senescence, and identify unanswered questions. Given the ecophysiological and demographic diversity of reptiles, what is the expected range of reptile senescence rates? Are known mechanisms of aging in reptiles consistent with canonical hallmarks of aging in model systems? What are the knowledge gaps in our understanding of reptile aging? 3. We find ample evidence of increasing mortality with advancing age in many reptiles. Testudines stand out as slower aging than other orders, but data on crocodilians and tuatara are sparse. Sex-specific analyses are generally not available. Studies of female reproduction suggest that reptiles are less likely to have reproductive decline with advancing age than mammals. 4. Reptiles share many physiological and molecular pathways of aging with mammals, birds, and laboratory model organisms. Adaptations related to stress physiology coupled with reptilian ectothermy suggest novel comparisons and contrasts that can be made with canonical aging phenotypes in mammals. These include stem cell and regeneration biology, homeostatic mechanisms, IIS/TOR signaling, and DNA repair. 5. To overcome challenges to the study of reptile aging, we recommend extending and expanding long-term monitoring of reptile populations, developing reptile cell lines to aid cellular biology, conducting more comparative studies of reptile morphology and physiology sampled along relevant life-history axes, and sequencing more reptile genomes for comparative genomics. Given the diversity of reptile life histories and adaptations, achieving these directives will likely greatly benefit all aging biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A Hoekstra
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50010, USA
| | - Tonia S Schwartz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA
| | - Amanda M Sparkman
- Department of Biology, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California, 93108, USA
| | - David A W Miller
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Anne M Bronikowski
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50010, USA
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21
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Martín-Del-Campo R, Bárcenas-Ibarra A, Lund G, Rodríguez-Ríos D, Yong-Villalobos L, García-Hernández J, García-Gasca A. Mercury Concentration, DNA Methylation, and Mitochondrial DNA Damage in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Embryos With Schistosomus Reflexus Syndrome. Vet Pathol 2019; 56:940-949. [PMID: 31434549 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819868649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomus reflexus syndrome (SR) is a rare and lethal congenital malformation that has been reported in the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Mexico. Although the etiology remains unclear, it is presumed to be genetic. Since embryonic development in sea turtles largely depends on environmental conditions, we investigated whether sea turtle total mercury content participates in the etiology of SR. Given that several toxins are known to affect both DNA methylation and/or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, we also probed for associations of these parameters to SR and mercury exposure. We measured the levels of each variable in malformed olive ridley sea turtle embryos (either with SR or other non-SR malformations) and embryos without malformations. Malformed embryos (with or without SR) showed higher mercury concentrations compared to normal embryos, while only embryos with SR showed higher levels of methylation compared to embryos without malformations and those with other malformations. Furthermore, we uncovered a positive correlation between mercury concentrations and DNA methylation in SR embryos. With respect to mtDNA copy number, no differences were detected across experimental groups. Because of sample size limitations, this study is an initial attempt to understand the association of environmental toxins (such as mercury) and epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation) in the etiology of SR in sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Martín-Del-Campo
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Annelisse Bárcenas-Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Gertrud Lund
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, CINVESTAV (GL, DRR), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Dalia Rodríguez-Ríos
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, CINVESTAV (GL, DRR), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Lenin Yong-Villalobos
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio)/Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, CINVESTAV, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Jaqueline García-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Alejandra García-Gasca
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
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22
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Nilsen FM, Bowden JA, Rainwater TR, Brunell AM, Kassim BL, Wilkinson PM, Guillette LJ, Long SE, Schock TB. Examining toxic trace element exposure in American alligators. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 128:324-334. [PMID: 31078001 PMCID: PMC6857802 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Toxic trace element exposure occurs through release of the ubiquitous and naturally occurring elements arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). The unique environmental conditions of the wetland ecosystems along the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States lead to the accumulation of Hg which is greater than in most other ecosystems in the country. There are also point sources of As, Cd, and Pb in this region. To effectively monitor trace element concentrations, and consequently the potential human exposure, accessible local sentinel species are needed. In this study, concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Hg and six other trace elements (Al, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo) were examined in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from seven wetland sites in South Carolina and Florida and assessed for their utility as a sentinel species for human trace element exposure. Alligators were chosen as a potential sentinel as they share a common exposure with the local human population through their aquatic diet, and they are directly consumed commercially and through recreation hunting in this region. Sex was significantly related to the concentration of Zn, Mo, and Al, but not As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Se, or Cu. Site specific differences in element concentrations were observed for As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Se, Zn, and Mo. Size/age was significantly related to the element Hg and Pb concentrations observed. The observed concentration ranges for the four toxic elements, As (6-156 ng/g), Cd (0.3-1.3 ng/g), Pb (3-4872 ng/g), and Hg (39-2765 ng/g), were comparable to those previously reported in diverse human populations. In this region alligators are hunted recreationally and consumed by the local community, making them a vehicle of direct human toxic element exposure. We propose that the similarity in As, Cd, Pb, and Hg concentrations between alligators observed in this study and humans underscores how alligators can serve as a useful sentinel species for toxic element exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Nilsen
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA; Medical University of South Carolina, Marine Bio-medicine and Environmental Science Program, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - John A Bowden
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Thomas R Rainwater
- Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, Georgetown, SC, USA; Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 1 Yawkey Way South, Georgetown, SC, USA
| | - Arnold M Brunell
- Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Eustis, FL, USA.
| | - Brittany L Kassim
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Phil M Wilkinson
- Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, Georgetown, SC, USA
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Marine Bio-medicine and Environmental Science Program, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stephen E Long
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Tracey B Schock
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Sargsyan A, Simonyan A, Hovhannisyan G, Arakelyan M, Aroutiounian R. Application of the comet assay, micronucleus test and global DNA methylation analysis in Darevskia lizards as a sentinel organism for genotoxic monitoring of soil pollution. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2019; 842:117-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Marrugo-Negrete J, Durango-Hernández J, Calao-Ramos C, Urango-Cárdenas I, Díez S. Mercury levels and genotoxic effect in caimans from tropical ecosystems impacted by gold mining. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 664:899-907. [PMID: 30769313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
One of the most representative predator species in tropical ecosystems is caiman that can provide relevant information about the impact of mercury (Hg) associated with artisanal and small-scale gold mining. To evaluate the degree to which adverse effects are likely to occur in Caiman crocodilus, total Hg (THg) concentrations in different tissues and DNA damage in erythrocytes were determined. Samples of claws, scutes, and blood were taken from 65 specimens in sites impacted by upstream gold mining, and in a crocodile breeding center as control site, located in a floodplain in northern Colombia. In all the sites, the highest THg among tissues was in the following order: claws >> scutes > blood. High concentrations of THg were found in the different tissues of the specimens captured in areas impacted by mining activities, with mean values in claws (1100 ng/g ww), caudal scutes (490 ng/g ww), and blood (65 ng/g ww), and statistically significant differences compared to those of the control site (p < 0.05). THg in scutes from impacted sites are 15-fold higher than in control, whereas for claws and blood are 8 times higher, and a high significant correlation with THg was found in all the tissues. The comet assay reveals significant differences in the DNA damage in the exposed reptiles compared to the controls (p < 0.01). In sum, C. crocodilus from La Mojana floodplain presents a high ecological risk given its genotypic susceptibility to Hg levels present in its habitat, which could possibly influence vital functions such as reproduction of the species and the ecological niche that it represents within the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clelia Calao-Ramos
- Universidad de Córdoba, Carrera 6 No. 76-103, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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25
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Xiong J, Yuan BF, Feng YQ. Mass Spectrometry for Investigating the Effects of Toxic Metals on Nucleic Acid Modifications. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:808-819. [PMID: 30920205 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of toxic metals in industry and agriculture leads to their wide distribution in the environment, which raises critical concerns over their toxic effects on human health. Many toxic metals are reported to be mildly mutagenic or non-mutagenic, indicating that genetic-based mechanisms may not be primarily responsible for toxic metal-induced carcinogenesis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that exposure to toxic metals can alter epigenetic modifications, which may lead to the dysregulation of gene expression and disease susceptibility. It is now becoming clear that a full understanding of the effects of toxic metals on cellular toxicity and carcinogenesis will need to consider both genetic- and epigenetic-based mechanisms. Uncovering the effects of toxic metals on epigenetic modifications in nucleic acids relies on the detection and quantification of these modifications. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based methods for deciphering epigenetic modifications have substantially advanced over the past decade, and they are now becoming widely used and essential tools for evaluating the effects of toxic metals on nucleic acid modifications. This Review provides an overview of MS-based methods for analysis of nucleic acid modifications. In addition, we also review recent advances in understanding the effects of exposure to toxic metals on nucleic acid modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , P.R. China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , P.R. China
| | - Yu-Qi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , P.R. China
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26
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Khan F, Momtaz S, Abdollahi M. The relationship between mercury exposure and epigenetic alterations regarding human health, risk assessment and diagnostic strategies. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2019; 52:37-47. [PMID: 30732897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to the environmental toxicants poses a serious threat to human health. The extent of exposure and the development of diseases are interrelated with each other. Chronic exposure to mercury (Hg) increases the risk of developing serious human disorders from embryo to adulthood. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this review is to highlight the most common human disorders induced by Hg exposure on the basis of epigenetic mechanisms. A growing body of evidence shows that Hg exposure leads to alterations in the epigenetic markers. METHODS We performed an organized search of the available literature using PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Reaxys, EMBASE and Scopus databases. All the relevant citations, including research and review articles in English were evaluated. The search terms included mercury, Hg, epigenetics, epigenetic alterations, DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNAs (miRNAs), and risk assessment. RESULTS Data on human toxicity due to Hg exposure shows broad variations in terms of chemical nature, doses, and the rate of exposure. Hg consumption either via foods or environmental sources may create deleterious health effects on various physiological systems at least partially through an epigenetic mechanism. CONCLUSION Hg exposure could trigger epigenetic alterations, hence leading to various human disorders including reduced newborn cerebellum size, adverse behavioral outcomes, atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Similarly, in adults, occupational Hg exposure has been associated with an increased risk of autoimmunity. It has been revealed that miRNAs in the woman's cervix are a novel responder to maternal Hg exposure during pregnancy. Hg-induced epigenetic alterations analysis of kidney tissues showed a significant interruption in renal function. DNA methylation and histone post-translation modifications are predominant types of Hg epigenetic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazlullah Khan
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Momtaz
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran; Toxicology and Diseases Group, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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27
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Whitaker JM, Welsh AB, Hondorp DW, Boase JC, Merovich GT, Welsh S, Krueger C. Variation in DNA methylation is associated with migratory phenotypes of lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens in the St. Clair River, MI, USA. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 93:942-951. [PMID: 30246341 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens populations show a variety of movement patterns that are poorly understood. To compare two migratory phenotypes of A. fulvescens in the St. Clair River, MI, USA, multiple data types were analysed. Individual fish were classified into migratory phenotypes based on acoustic telemetry data collected 2012-2015. Acipenser fulvescens consistently showed movement from the St. Clair River upriver into Lake Huron or downriver into Lake St. Clair. The two migratory phenotypes were then compared for differences in morphometrics, genetics and epigenetics. Morphological differences based on linear measurements were not detected between phenotypes. Microsatellite data from 11 loci suggested one population with no genetic differentiation between migratory phenotypes. Our epigenetic results indicated that the migratory phenotypes are differentially methylated (P < 0.05), thus epigenetics may be associated with migratory differences in A. fulvescens. Only one restriction site was identified to be driving the differential methylation (P < 0.05). While little evidence at neutral loci occurred for genetic differentiation of A. fulvescens, DNA methylation may play a role in the observed movement pattern variation. When combined with microsatellite and morphometric analyses, our results suggested that different migratory patterns may reflect phenotypic plasticity, allowing A. fulvescens to acclimate to short-term environmental variability. Without an integrated approach, the role of epigenetics in the migratory phenotype of A. fulvescens may have been overlooked. Further characterization of migratory phenotypes could be important for management to conserve behavioural variation across the distribution of A. fulvescens and for design of stocking guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine M Whitaker
- School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Amy B Welsh
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Darryl W Hondorp
- U.S. Geological Survey - Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - James C Boase
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Alpena, Michigan
| | - George T Merovich
- Department of Environmental Science, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
| | - Stuart Welsh
- US Geological Survey, West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Charles Krueger
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, East Lansing, Michigan
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Chatterjee N, Gim J, Choi J. Epigenetic profiling to environmental stressors in model and non-model organisms: Ecotoxicology perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 33:e2018015-0. [PMID: 30286591 PMCID: PMC6182246 DOI: 10.5620/eht.e2018015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics, potentially heritable changes in genome function that occur without alterations to DNA sequence, is an important but understudied component of ecotoxicology studies. A wide spectrum of environmental challenge, such as temperature, stress, diet, toxic chemicals, are known to impact on epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Although the role of epigenetic factors in certain biological processes, such as tumourigenesis, has been heavily investigated, in ecotoxicology field, epigenetics still have attracted little attention. In ecotoxicology, potential role of epigenetics in multi- and transgenerational phenomenon to environmental stressors needs to be unrevealed. Natural variation in the epigenetic profiles of species in responses to environmental stressors, nature of dose-response relationships for epigenetic effects, and how to incorporate this information into ecological risk assessment should also require attentions. In this review, we presented the available information on epigenetics in ecotoxicological context. For this, we have conducted a systemic review on epigenetic profiling in response to environmental stressors, mostly chemical exposure, in model organisms, as well as, in ecotoxicologically relevant wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita Chatterjee
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dondaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwan Gim
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dondaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Choi
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dondaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
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29
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Cocci P, Mosconi G, Bracchetti L, Nalocca JM, Frapiccini E, Marini M, Caprioli G, Sagratini G, Palermo FA. Investigating the potential impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on gene biomarker expression and global DNA methylation in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Adriatic Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 619-620:49-57. [PMID: 29136534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are priority contaminants that bioaccumulate through the food webs and affect the biology of a variety of resident and migratory species, including sea turtles. Few studies have evaluated toxicological biomarkers of exposure to PAHs and PCBs in these animals. The present paper reports the results of an initial field study to quantify the association between plasma concentrations of PAHs/PCBs and whole blood cell expression of gene biomarkers in juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) rescued along the Italian coasts of the northern and central areas of the Adriatic Sea. While detectable levels of PAHs were found in all plasma samples examined, only three PCB congeners (PCB52, PCB95, and PCB149) were noted, with detection percentages ranging between 48% and 57%. A significant correlation was found between 3 of the 6 gene biomarkers assessed (HSP60, CYP1A and ERα) and plasma levels of some PAH congeners. In contrast, no significant association between PCB burden and gene expression was observed. The global DNA methylation levels were significantly and positively correlated with the concentrations of most of the PAHs and only one of the PCB congeners (PCB52). The relation between PAH concentration and gene expression in whole blood cells suggests that these genes may respond to environmental contaminant exposure and are promising candidates for the development of biomarkers for monitoring sea turtle exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cocci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Gilberto Mosconi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Luca Bracchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - John Mark Nalocca
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Emanuela Frapiccini
- Institute of Marine Sciences (CBR-ISMAR), National Research Council, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, 60125 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Mauro Marini
- Institute of Marine Sciences (CBR-ISMAR), National Research Council, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, 60125 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Giovanni Caprioli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Sant'Agostino 1, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Gianni Sagratini
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Sant'Agostino 1, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandro Palermo
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy.
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Nilsen FM, Dorsey JE, Lowers RH, Guillette LJ, Long SE, Bowden JA, Schock TB. Evaluating mercury concentrations and body condition in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR), Florida. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 607-608:1056-1064. [PMID: 28724244 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of mercury (Hg) are not well studied in free-ranging wildlife. Atmospheric deposition patterns of Hg have been studied in detail and have been modeled for both global and specific locations and often correlate to environmental impact. However, monitoring the impact of Hg deposition in wildlife is complicated due to local environmental conditions that can affect the transformation of atmospheric Hg to the biologically available forms (e.g., rainfall, humidity, pH, the ability of the environment to methylate Hg), as well as affect the accessibility to organisms for sampling. In this study, Hg concentrations in blood samples from a population of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR), FL, USA, over a seven-year period (2007 to 2014; n=174 individuals) were examined to assess Hg variation in the population, as well as the difference in Hg concentration as a function of health status. While most of this population is healthy, 18 individuals with low body mass indices (BMI, defined in this study) were captured throughout the sampling period. These alligators exhibited significantly elevated Hg concentrations compared to their age/sex/season matched counterparts with normal BMI, suggesting that health status should be taken into account when examining Hg concentrations and effects. Alligator blood Hg concentrations were related to the interaction of age/size, sex, and season. This study illustrates the value of a routinely monitored population of large predators in a unique coastal wetland ecosystem, and illuminates the value of long-term environmental exposure assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Nilsen
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Lab, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Stephen E Long
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Lab, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Lab, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Tracey B Schock
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Lab, Charleston, SC, USA
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31
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Tubbs CW, McDonough CE. Reproductive Impacts of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Wildlife Species: Implications for Conservation of Endangered Species. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2017; 6:287-304. [PMID: 29140722 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-030117-014547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife have proven valuable to our understanding of the potential effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health by contributing considerably to our understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of EDC exposure. But the threats EDCs present to populations of wildlife species themselves are significant, particularly for endangered species whose existence is vulnerable to any reproductive perturbation. However, few studies address the threats EDCs pose to endangered species owing to challenges associated with their study. Here, we highlight those barriers and review the available literature concerning EDC effects on endangered species. Drawing from other investigations into nonthreatened wildlife species, we highlight opportunities for new approaches to advance our understanding and potentially mitigate the effects of EDCs on endangered species to enhance their fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Tubbs
- San Diego Zoo Global, Institute for Conservation Research, Escondido, California 92027, USA;
| | - Caitlin E McDonough
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA;
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Shaw JLA, Judy JD, Kumar A, Bertsch P, Wang MB, Kirby JK. Incorporating Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance into Ecological Risk Assessment Frameworks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:9433-9445. [PMID: 28745897 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to environmental contaminants can induce heritable "transgenerational" modifications to organisms, potentially affecting future ecosystem health and functionality. Incorporating transgenerational epigenetic heritability into risk assessment procedures has been previously suggested. However, a critical review of existing literature yielded numerous studies claiming transgenerational impacts, with little compelling evidence. Therefore, contaminant-induced epigenetic inheritance may be less common than is reported in the literature. We identified a need for multigeneration epigenetic studies that extend beyond what could be deemed "direct exposure" to F1 and F2 gametes and also include subsequent multiple nonexposed generations to adequately evaluate transgenerational recovery times. Also, increased experimental replication is required to account for the highly variable nature of epigenetic responses and apparent irreproducibility of current studies. Further, epigenetic end points need to be correlated with observable detrimental organism changes before a need for risk management can be properly determined. We suggest that epigenetic-based contaminant studies include concentrations lower than current "EC10-20" or "Lowest Observable Effect Concentrations" for the organism's most sensitive phenotypic end point, as higher concentrations are likely already regulated. Finally, we propose a regulatory framework and optimal experimental design that enables transgenerational epigenetic effects to be assessed and incorporated into conventional ecotoxicological testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L A Shaw
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) , Land and Water, Environmental Contaminant Mitigation and Technologies Research Program, Waite Road, Urrbrae, Adelaide Australia , 5064
| | - Jonathan D Judy
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) , Land and Water, Environmental Contaminant Mitigation and Technologies Research Program, Waite Road, Urrbrae, Adelaide Australia , 5064
- University of Florida , Soil and Water Sciences Department, 1692 McCarthy Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) , Land and Water, Environmental Contaminant Mitigation and Technologies Research Program, Waite Road, Urrbrae, Adelaide Australia , 5064
| | - Paul Bertsch
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water , Brisbane, Queensland Australia , 4001
| | - Ming-Bo Wang
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) , Agriculture and Food Unit, Black Mountain, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia , 2601
| | - Jason K Kirby
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) , Land and Water, Environmental Contaminant Mitigation and Technologies Research Program, Waite Road, Urrbrae, Adelaide Australia , 5064
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Cardenas A, Rifas-Shiman SL, Godderis L, Duca RC, Navas-Acien A, Litonjua AA, DeMeo DL, Brennan KJ, Amarasiriwardena CJ, Hivert MF, Gillman MW, Oken E, Baccarelli AA. Prenatal Exposure to Mercury: Associations with Global DNA Methylation and Hydroxymethylation in Cord Blood and in Childhood. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:087022. [PMID: 28934725 PMCID: PMC5783674 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a global pollutant, and prenatal exposure is associated with adverse health effects. To date, no studies have evaluated the association between prenatal mercury exposure and DNA hydroxymethylation, an epigenetic modification important for tissue differentiation and embryonic development. OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the association between prenatal mercury exposure and offspring global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation at birth and test for persistence of the association in childhood. METHODS Within Project Viva, a U.S. prebirth cohort, we examined associations of maternal second trimester red blood cell mercury (RBC-Hg) concentrations with global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (%-5hmC) and 5-methylcytosine (%-5mC) DNA content in blood collected at birth (n=306), early childhood (n=68; 2.9 to 4.9 y), and midchildhood (n=260; 6.7 to 10.5 y). RESULTS Median prenatal RBC-Hg concentration was 3.23μg/g [interquartile range (IQR)=3.29]. At birth, median cord blood %-5mC, %-5hmC, and their ratio were 4.95%, 0.22%, and 24.37, respectively. The mean adjusted difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] of blood %-5hmC for a doubling in prenatal RBC-Hg concentration was -0.013% (-0.029, 0.002), -0.031% (-0.056, -0.006), and 0.005% (-0.007, 0.018) at birth, early, and midchildhood, respectively. The corresponding relative adjusted change in the genomic ratio of %-5mC to %-5hmC for a doubling in prenatal RBC-Hg concentration was 4.70% (0.04, 9.58), 22.42% (7.73, 39.11), and 0.73% (-4.18, 5.88) at birth, early, and midchildhood, respectively. No associations were present between prenatal maternal RBC-Hg and %-5mC at any time point. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal mercury exposure was associated with lower %-5hmC genomic content and a corresponding increase in the ratio of %-5mC to %-5hmC in cord blood. This association was persistent in early but not midchildhood blood. Our results demonstrate the potential malleability of epigenetic modifications associated with mercury exposure in utero. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1467.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Cardenas
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven, Belgium
- IDEWE , External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Radu-Corneliu Duca
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York, New York, USA
| | - Augusto A Litonjua
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kasey J Brennan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York, New York, USA
| | - Chitra J Amarasiriwardena
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York, USA
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew W Gillman
- Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health , Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York, New York, USA
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34
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De Paoli-Iseppi R, Deagle BE, McMahon CR, Hindell MA, Dickinson JL, Jarman SN. Measuring Animal Age with DNA Methylation: From Humans to Wild Animals. Front Genet 2017; 8:106. [PMID: 28878806 PMCID: PMC5572392 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) is a key mechanism for regulating gene expression in animals and levels are known to change with age. Recent studies have used DNAm changes as a biomarker to estimate chronological age in humans and these techniques are now also being applied to domestic and wild animals. Animal age is widely used to track ongoing changes in ecosystems, however chronological age information is often unavailable for wild animals. An ability to estimate age would lead to improved monitoring of (i) population trends and status and (ii) demographic properties such as age structure and reproductive performance. Recent studies have revealed new examples of DNAm age association in several new species increasing the potential for developing DNAm age biomarkers for a broad range of wild animals. Emerging technologies for measuring DNAm will also enhance our ability to study age-related DNAm changes and to develop new molecular age biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo De Paoli-Iseppi
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of TasmaniaHobart, TAS, Australia.,Australian Antarctic DivisionHobart, TAS, Australia
| | | | | | - Mark A Hindell
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of TasmaniaHobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Joanne L Dickinson
- Cancer, Genetics and Immunology Group, Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchHobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Simon N Jarman
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin UniversityPerth, WA, Australia.,CSIRO Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, University of Western AustraliaPerth, WA, Australia
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Nilsen FM, Kassim BL, Delaney JP, Lange TR, Brunell AM, Guillette LJ, Long SE, Schock TB. Trace element biodistribution in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 181:343-351. [PMID: 28456036 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.04.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Routine monitoring of contaminant levels in wildlife is important for understanding chemical exposure and ultimately the link to ecosystem and human health. This is particularly important when the monitored species is recreationally hunted for human consumption. In the southeastern United States, recreational alligator harvesting takes place annually and in locations that are known to be contaminated with environmental pollutants. In this study, we investigated the biodistribution of trace elements in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) from five sites in Florida, USA. These sites are locations where annual recreational alligator harvesting is permitted and two of the sites are identified as having high mercury contamination with human consumption advisories in effect. We utilized routinely collected monitoring samples (blood and scute), a commonly consumed tissue (muscle), and a classically analyzed tissue for environmental contaminants (liver) to demonstrate how the trace elements were distributed within the American alligator. We describe elemental tissue compartmentalization in an apex predator and investigate if noninvasive samples (blood and scute) can be used to estimate muscle tissue concentrations for a subset of elements measured. We found significant correlations for Hg, Rb, Se, Zn and Pb between noninvasive samples and consumed tissue and also found that Hg was the only trace metal of concern for this population of alligators. This study fills a gap in trace elemental analysis for reptilian apex predators in contaminated environments. Additionally, comprehensive elemental analysis of routinely collected samples can inform biomonitoring efforts and consumption advisories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Nilsen
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC 29425-6190, USA.
| | - Brittany L Kassim
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - J Patrick Delaney
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 601 W. Woodward Ave, Eustis, FL 32726, USA.
| | - Ted R Lange
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 601 W. Woodward Ave, Eustis, FL 32726, USA.
| | - Arnold M Brunell
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 601 W. Woodward Ave, Eustis, FL 32726, USA.
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC 29425-6190, USA
| | - Stephen E Long
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - Tracey B Schock
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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Bangma JT, Bowden JA, Brunell AM, Christie I, Finnell B, Guillette MP, Jones M, Lowers RH, Rainwater TR, Reiner JL, Wilkinson PM, Guillette LJ. Perfluorinated alkyl acids in plasma of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from Florida and South Carolina. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:917-925. [PMID: 27543836 PMCID: PMC5494598 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to quantitate 15 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in 125 adult American alligators at 12 sites across the southeastern United States. Of those 15 PFAAs, 9 were detected in 65% to 100% of samples: perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), perfluorododecanoic acid, perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTriA), perfluorotetradecanoic acid, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Males (across all sites) showed significantly higher concentrations of 4 PFAAs: PFOS (p = 0.01), PFDA (p = 0.0003), PFUnA (p = 0.021), and PFTriA (p = 0.021). Concentrations of PFOS, PFHxS, and PFDA in plasma were significantly different among the sites in each sex. Alligators at both Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (FL, USA) and Kiawah Nature Conservancy (SC, USA) exhibited some of the highest PFOS concentrations (medians of 99.5 ng/g and 55.8 ng/g, respectively) in plasma measured to date in a crocodilian species. A number of positive correlations between PFAAs and snout-vent length were observed in both sexes, suggesting that PFAA body burdens increase with increasing size. In addition, several significant correlations among PFAAs in alligator plasma may suggest conserved sources of PFAAs at each site throughout the greater study area. The present study is the first to report PFAAs in American alligators, to reveal potential PFAA hot spots in Florida and South Carolina, and to provide a contaminant of concern when assessing anthropogenic impacts on ecosystem health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:917-925. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline T. Bangma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - John A. Bowden
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Arnold M. Brunell
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Eustis, Florida, USA
| | - Ian Christie
- Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Matthew P. Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Martin Jones
- Department of Mathematics, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Russell H. Lowers
- Integrated Mission Support Service, Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, Florida, USA
| | - Thomas R. Rainwater
- Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, Georgetown, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica L. Reiner
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Address correspondence to
| | | | - Louis J. Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Asselman J, De Coninck DI, Beert E, Janssen CR, Orsini L, Pfrender ME, Decaestecker E, De Schamphelaere KA. Bisulfite Sequencing with Daphnia Highlights a Role for Epigenetics in Regulating Stress Response to Microcystis through Preferential Differential Methylation of Serine and Threonine Amino Acids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:924-931. [PMID: 27983812 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the influence that environmental stressors may have on genome-wide methylation patterns, and to what extent epigenetics may be involved in environmental stress response. Yet, studies of methylation patterns under stress could provide crucial insights on stress response and toxicity pathways. Here, we focus on genome-wide methylation patterns in the microcrustacean Daphnia magna, a model organism in ecotoxicology and risk assessment, exposed to the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. Bisulfite sequencing of exposed and control animals highlighted differential methylation patterns in Daphnia upon exposure to Microcystis primarily in exonic regions. These patterns are enriched for serine/threonine amino acid codons and genes related to protein synthesis, transport and degradation. Furthermore, we observed that genes with differential methylation corresponded well with genes susceptible to alternative splicing in response to Microcystis stress. Overall, our results suggest a complex mechanistic response in Daphnia characterized by interactions between DNA methylation and gene regulation mechanisms. These results underscore that DNA methylation is modulated by environmental stress and can also be an integral part of the toxicity response in our study species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Asselman
- Laboratory for Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology (GhEnToxLab), Ghent University , Ghent, B-9000, Belgium
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Dieter Im De Coninck
- Laboratory for Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology (GhEnToxLab), Ghent University , Ghent, B-9000, Belgium
| | - Eline Beert
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biology, KU Leuven-Kulak , Kortrijk, B-8500, Belgium
| | - Colin R Janssen
- Laboratory for Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology (GhEnToxLab), Ghent University , Ghent, B-9000, Belgium
| | - Luisa Orsini
- Environmental Genomics Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham , Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Michael E Pfrender
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
- Environmental Change Initiative, University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Ellen Decaestecker
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biology, KU Leuven-Kulak , Kortrijk, B-8500, Belgium
| | - Karel Ac De Schamphelaere
- Laboratory for Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology (GhEnToxLab), Ghent University , Ghent, B-9000, Belgium
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Rees AF, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Barata PCR, Bjorndal KA, Bolten AB, Bourjea J, Broderick AC, Campbell LM, Cardona L, Carreras C, Casale P, Ceriani SA, Dutton PH, Eguchi T, Formia A, Fuentes MMPB, Fuller WJ, Girondot M, Godfrey MH, Hamann M, Hart KM, Hays GC, Hochscheid S, Kaska Y, Jensen MP, Mangel JC, Mortimer JA, Naro-Maciel E, Ng CKY, Nichols WJ, Phillott AD, Reina RD, Revuelta O, Schofield G, Seminoff JA, Shanker K, Tomás J, van de Merwe JP, Van Houtan KS, Vander Zanden HB, Wallace BP, Wedemeyer-Strombel KR, Work TM, Godley BJ. Are we working towards global research priorities for management and conservation of sea turtles? ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2016. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Rivera SJ, Pacheco LF, Achá D, Molina CI, Miranda-Chumacero G. Low total mercury in Caiman yacare (Alligatoridae) as compared to carnivorous, and non-carnivorous fish consumed by Amazonian indigenous communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 218:366-371. [PMID: 27427172 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury contamination in the River Beni basin is an important health risk factor, primarily for indigenous communities that live along the river. Among them are the Tacana, living in their original territory with sustainable use of their natural resources, consuming fish, Caiman yacare, and other riverine resources as their main source of protein. To assess mercury exposure to Tacana people, total mercury (THg) was evaluated in the muscle of seven commercial fish, and Caiman yacare (yacare caiman) during 2007 and 2008. THg was extracted by acid digestion and concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean mercury concentrations in C. yacare was 0.21 ± 0.22 μg g-1Hg w.w. (wet weight), which is lower than expected given its high trophic level, and its long life-span. It is possible that mercury in C. yacare is accumulated in other organs, not included in this study; but it is also possible that physiological mechanisms are involved that help caimans get rid of ingested mercury, or simply that C. yacare's diverse diet reduces THg accumulation. Carnivorous fishes (Pygocentrus nattereri, Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum, Zungaro zungaro, Plagioscion squamosissimus, and Leiarius marmoratus) had the highest total mercury concentrations, ranging from 0.35 to 1.27 μg g-1Hg w.w. moreover, most were above the limit recommended by WHO (0.5 μg g-1Hg w.w.); except for Leiarius marmuratus, which presented a mean of 0.353 ± 0.322 μg g-1Hg w.w. The two non-carnivorous fish species (Prochilodus nigricans, and Piaractus brachypomus) present mean concentrations of 0.099 ± 0.027, and 0.041 ± 0.019 μg g-1Hg w.w., respectively. Finally, recommendations on the consumption habits of Tacana communities are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Rivera
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Greater Madidi-Tambopata Landscape Conservation Program, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - L F Pacheco
- Colección Boliviana de Fauna, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, P.O. Box 10077, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - D Achá
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, P.O. Box 10077, La Paz, Bolivia.
| | - C I Molina
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, P.O. Box 10077, La Paz, Bolivia; Instituto de Ecología, Unidad de Limnología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, P.O. Box 10077, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - G Miranda-Chumacero
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Greater Madidi-Tambopata Landscape Conservation Program, La Paz, Bolivia; Instituto de Ecología, Unidad de Limnología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, P.O. Box 10077, La Paz, Bolivia
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McCoy KA, Roark AM, Boggs ASP, Bowden JA, Cruze L, Edwards TM, Hamlin HJ, Cantu TM, McCoy JA, McNabb NA, Wenzel AG, Williams CE, Kohno S. Integrative and comparative reproductive biology: From alligators to xenobiotics. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 238:23-31. [PMID: 27013381 PMCID: PMC5497304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dr. Louis J. Guillette Jr. thought of himself as a reproductive biologist. However, his interest in reproductive biology transcended organ systems, life history stages, species, and environmental contexts. His integrative and collaborative nature led to diverse and fascinating research projects conducted all over the world. He doesn't leave us with a single legacy. Instead, he entrusts us with several. The purpose of this review is to highlight those legacies, in both breadth and diversity, and to illustrate Dr. Guillette's grand contributions to the field of reproductive biology. He has challenged the field to reconsider how we think about our data, championed development of novel and innovative techniques to measure endocrine function, helped define the field of endocrine disruption, and lead projects to characterize new endocrine disrupting chemicals. He significantly influenced our understanding of evolution, and took bold and important steps to translate all that he has learned into advances in human reproductive health. We hope that after reading this manuscript our audience will appreciate and continue Dr. Guillette's practice of open-minded and passionate collaboration to understand the basic mechanisms driving reproductive physiology and to ultimately apply those findings to protect and improve wildlife and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista A McCoy
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 278585, USA
| | - Alison M Roark
- Department of Biology, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA
| | - Ashley S P Boggs
- Environmental Chemical Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Environmental Chemical Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Lori Cruze
- Department of Biology, Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC 29303, USA
| | - Thea M Edwards
- Department of Biology, University of the South, Sewanee, TN 37383, USA
| | - Heather J Hamlin
- School of Marine Sciences, Aquaculture Research Institute, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Theresa M Cantu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Jessica A McCoy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Nicole A McNabb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; Graduate Program in Marine Biology, University of Charleston at College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Abby G Wenzel
- Environmental Chemical Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Cameron E Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; Graduate Program in Marine Biology, University of Charleston at College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Satomi Kohno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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