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Amundin M, Carlström J, Thomas L, Carlén I, Teilmann J, Tougaard J, Loisa O, Kyhn LA, Sveegaard S, Burt ML, Pawliczka I, Koza R, Arciszewski B, Galatius A, Laaksonlaita J, MacAuley J, Wright AJ, Gallus A, Dähne M, Acevedo‐Gutiérrez A, Benke H, Koblitz J, Tregenza N, Wennerberg D, Brundiers K, Kosecka M, Tiberi Ljungqvist C, Jussi I, Jabbusch M, Lyytinen S, Šaškov A, Blankett P. Estimating the abundance of the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena) population using passive acoustic monitoring. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8554. [PMID: 35222950 PMCID: PMC8858216 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowing the abundance of a population is a crucial component to assess its conservation status and develop effective conservation plans. For most cetaceans, abundance estimation is difficult given their cryptic and mobile nature, especially when the population is small and has a transnational distribution. In the Baltic Sea, the number of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) has collapsed since the mid-20th century and the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and HELCOM; however, its abundance remains unknown. Here, one of the largest ever passive acoustic monitoring studies was carried out by eight Baltic Sea nations to estimate the abundance of the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise for the first time. By logging porpoise echolocation signals at 298 stations during May 2011-April 2013, calibrating the loggers' spatial detection performance at sea, and measuring the click rate of tagged individuals, we estimated an abundance of 71-1105 individuals (95% CI, point estimate 491) during May-October within the population's proposed management border. The small abundance estimate strongly supports that the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise is facing an extremely high risk of extinction, and highlights the need for immediate and efficient conservation actions through international cooperation. It also provides a starting point in monitoring the trend of the population abundance to evaluate the effectiveness of management measures and determine its interactions with the larger neighboring Belt Sea population. Further, we offer evidence that design-based passive acoustic monitoring can generate reliable estimates of the abundance of rare and cryptic animal populations across large spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Carlström
- AquaBiota Water ResearchStockholmSweden
- Present address:
Department of Environmental Research and MonitoringSwedish Museum of Natural HistoryStockholmSweden
| | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Ida Carlén
- AquaBiota Water ResearchStockholmSweden
- Present address:
Department of ZoologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Jakob Tougaard
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Olli Loisa
- Turku University of Applied SciencesTurkuFinland
| | - Line A. Kyhn
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Signe Sveegaard
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - M. Louise Burt
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Iwona Pawliczka
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
| | - Radomil Koza
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
| | - Bartlomiej Arciszewski
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
| | - Anders Galatius
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | | | - Jamie MacAuley
- School of BiologyBute BuildingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
- Present address:
Department of Biology ‐ ZoophysiologyAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Andrew J. Wright
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
- Present address:
Fisheries and Oceans CanadaMaritimes, DartmouthNova ScotiaCanada
| | | | | | | | | | - Jens Koblitz
- German Oceanographic MuseumStralsundGermany
- Present address:
Max Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorKonstanzGermany
- Present address:
Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective BehaviourUniversity of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Present address:
Department of BiologyUniversity of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | | | - Daniel Wennerberg
- Kolmarden Wildlife ParkKolmårdenSweden
- Present address:
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Core ServicesNorrköpingSweden
| | | | - Monika Kosecka
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
- Present address:
Scottish Association for Marine ScienceUniversity of Highlands and IslandsObanUK
| | - Cinthia Tiberi Ljungqvist
- Kolmarden Wildlife ParkKolmårdenSweden
- Present address:
County Administrative Board of StockholmStockholmSweden
| | - Ivar Jussi
- ProMare NPOVintriku Saula küla, Kose valdHarjumaaEstonia
| | | | | | - Aleksej Šaškov
- Marine Research instituteKlaipėda UniversityKlaipėdaLithuania
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Fishbein A, Hammock BD, Serhan CN, Panigrahy D. Carcinogenesis: Failure of resolution of inflammation? Pharmacol Ther 2021; 218:107670. [PMID: 32891711 PMCID: PMC7470770 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation in the tumor microenvironment is a hallmark of cancer and is recognized as a key characteristic of carcinogens. However, the failure of resolution of inflammation in cancer is only recently being understood. Products of arachidonic acid and related fatty acid metabolism called eicosanoids, including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins, and epoxyeicosanoids, critically regulate inflammation, as well as its resolution. The resolution of inflammation is now appreciated to be an active biochemical process regulated by endogenous specialized pro-resolving lipid autacoid mediators which combat infections and stimulate tissue repair/regeneration. Environmental and chemical human carcinogens, including aflatoxins, asbestos, nitrosamines, alcohol, and tobacco, induce tumor-promoting inflammation and can disrupt the resolution of inflammation contributing to a devastating global cancer burden. While mechanisms of carcinogenesis have focused on genotoxic activity to induce mutations, nongenotoxic mechanisms such as inflammation and oxidative stress promote genotoxicity, proliferation, and mutations. Moreover, carcinogens initiate oxidative stress to synergize with inflammation and DNA damage to fuel a vicious feedback loop of cell death, tissue damage, and carcinogenesis. In contrast, stimulation of resolution of inflammation may prevent carcinogenesis by clearance of cellular debris via macrophage phagocytosis and inhibition of an eicosanoid/cytokine storm of pro-inflammatory mediators. Controlling the host inflammatory response and its resolution in carcinogen-induced cancers will be critical to reducing carcinogen-induced morbidity and mortality. Here we review the recent evidence that stimulation of resolution of inflammation, including pro-resolution lipid mediators and soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors, may be a new chemopreventive approach to prevent carcinogen-induced cancer that should be evaluated in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fishbein
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Bruce D. Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Charles N. Serhan
- Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dipak Panigrahy
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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3
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Huang Y, Rajput IR, Sanganyado E, Yajing S, Yu F, Liang B, Liu W. Immune stimulation effect of PBDEs via prostaglandin pathway in pantropical spotted dolphin: An in vitro study. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 254:126717. [PMID: 32339795 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pantropical spotted dolphins are apex predators and have a long lifespan, which makes them susceptible to chemical pollutants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are associated with immunotoxicity in wildlife. However, the effects of PBDEs and their mechanism of immunotoxicity in dolphins is largely unknown. Previously, we established fibroblast cell lines obtained from pantropical spotted dolphins (PSD-LWHT) as an in vitro model for assessing the toxicological implications of chemical pollutants in dolphins. In this study, we used the novel immortalized fibroblast cell line to explore the potential immune stimulation effect of PBDEs via prostaglandins signaling pathways to better understand the immunotoxicity pathway of PBDEs in dolphins. BDE-47, -100, and -209 exposure generally resulted in an increase in inflammatory cytokine expression, PGE2 levels, and COX-2 gene expression but BDE-209 resulted in a suppression in IL-10 production. Both protein and mRNA expression of COX-2 and PTGES increased significantly following exposure to the PBDEs. The results suggested BDE-100 and -209 increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production via increased expression of COX-2 and PTGES expression. Only BDE-100 increased expression level of the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 while BDE-47 and BDE-209 decreased its expression. This probably explained why suppressive effect on the expression level of anti-inflammatory cytokines were only found in exposure with BDE-47 and BDE-209 rather than BDE-100. The results showed that PBDEs stimulate innate immune response by triggering PGE2-EPs-cAMP-cytokines signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Imran Rashid Rajput
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Department of Biotechnology, Lasbela Univesity of Agriculture Water and Marine Science, 89250, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Sun Yajing
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Bo Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China.
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China.
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Sonne C, Siebert U, Gonnsen K, Desforges JP, Eulaers I, Persson S, Roos A, Bäcklin BM, Kauhala K, Tange Olsen M, Harding KC, Treu G, Galatius A, Andersen-Ranberg E, Gross S, Lakemeyer J, Lehnert K, Lam SS, Peng W, Dietz R. Health effects from contaminant exposure in Baltic Sea birds and marine mammals: A review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 139:105725. [PMID: 32311628 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Here we review contaminant exposure and related health effects in six selected Baltic key species. Sentinel species included are common eider, white-tailed eagle, harbour porpoise, harbour seal, ringed seal and grey seal. The review represents the first attempt of summarizing available information and baseline data for these biomonitoring key species exposed to industrial hazardous substances focusing on anthropogenic persistent organic pollutants (POPs). There was only limited information available for white-tailed eagles and common eider while extensive information exist on POP exposure and health effects in the four marine mammal species. Here we report organ-tissue endpoints (pathologies) and multiple biomarkers used to evaluate health and exposure of key species to POPs, respectively, over the past several decades during which episodes of significant population declines have been reported. Our review shows that POP exposure affects the reproductive system and survival through immune suppression and endocrine disruption, which have led to population-level effects on seals and white-tailed eagles in the Baltic. It is notable that many legacy contaminants, which have been banned for decades, still appear to affect Baltic wildlife. With respect to common eiders, changes in food composition, quality and contaminant exposure seem to have population effects which need to be investigated further, especially during the incubation period where the birds fast. Since new industrial contaminants continuously leak into the environment, we recommend continued monitoring of them in sentinel species in the Baltic, identifying possible effects linked to climate change, and modelling of population level effects of contaminants and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Biomass Value-added Products, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou CN-450002, China.
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany.
| | - Katharina Gonnsen
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany.
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Sara Persson
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Frescativägen 40, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Anna Roos
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Frescativägen 40, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Britt-Marie Bäcklin
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Frescativägen 40, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kaarina Kauhala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Luke. Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 A, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.
| | - Morten Tange Olsen
- Evolutionary Genomics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Karin C Harding
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, 25 SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Gabriele Treu
- German Environment Agency, Section Chemicals, Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany.
| | - Anders Galatius
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Emilie Andersen-Ranberg
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health, Dyrlægevej 16, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Stephanie Gross
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany.
| | - Jan Lakemeyer
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany.
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany.
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Biomass Value-added Products, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou CN-450002, China; Pyrolysis Technology Research Group, Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (Akuatrop) & Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (Bio-D Tropika), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, MY-21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Wanxi Peng
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Biomass Value-added Products, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou CN-450002, China
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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5
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Becker DJ, Albery GF, Kessler MK, Lunn TJ, Falvo CA, Czirják GÁ, Martin LB, Plowright RK. Macroimmunology: The drivers and consequences of spatial patterns in wildlife immune defence. J Anim Ecol 2020; 89:972-995. [PMID: 31856309 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence and intensity of parasites in wild hosts varies across space and is a key determinant of infection risk in humans, domestic animals and threatened wildlife. Because the immune system serves as the primary barrier to infection, replication and transmission following exposure, we here consider the environmental drivers of immunity. Spatial variation in parasite pressure, abiotic and biotic conditions, and anthropogenic factors can all shape immunity across spatial scales. Identifying the most important spatial drivers of immunity could help pre-empt infectious disease risks, especially in the context of how large-scale factors such as urbanization affect defence by changing environmental conditions. We provide a synthesis of how to apply macroecological approaches to the study of ecoimmunology (i.e. macroimmunology). We first review spatial factors that could generate spatial variation in defence, highlighting the need for large-scale studies that can differentiate competing environmental predictors of immunity and detailing contexts where this approach might be favoured over small-scale experimental studies. We next conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess the frequency of spatial studies and to classify them according to taxa, immune measures, spatial replication and extent, and statistical methods. We review 210 ecoimmunology studies sampling multiple host populations. We show that whereas spatial approaches are relatively common, spatial replication is generally low and unlikely to provide sufficient environmental variation or power to differentiate competing spatial hypotheses. We also highlight statistical biases in macroimmunology, in that few studies characterize and account for spatial dependence statistically, potentially affecting inferences for the relationships between environmental conditions and immune defence. We use these findings to describe tools from geostatistics and spatial modelling that can improve inference about the associations between environmental and immunological variation. In particular, we emphasize exploratory tools that can guide spatial sampling and highlight the need for greater use of mixed-effects models that account for spatial variability while also allowing researchers to account for both individual- and habitat-level covariates. We finally discuss future research priorities for macroimmunology, including focusing on latitudinal gradients, range expansions and urbanization as being especially amenable to large-scale spatial approaches. Methodologically, we highlight critical opportunities posed by assessing spatial variation in host tolerance, using metagenomics to quantify spatial variation in parasite pressure, coupling large-scale field studies with small-scale field experiments and longitudinal approaches, and applying statistical tools from macroecology and meta-analysis to identify generalizable spatial patterns. Such work will facilitate scaling ecoimmunology from individual- to habitat-level insights about the drivers of immune defence and help predict where environmental change may most alter infectious disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Becker
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Tamika J Lunn
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caylee A Falvo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lynn B Martin
- Department of Global and Planetary Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Raina K Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
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6
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Lehnert K, Siebert U, Reißmann K, Bruhn R, McLachlan MS, Müller G, van Elk CE, Ciurkiewicz M, Baumgärtner W, Beineke A. Cytokine expression and lymphocyte proliferative capacity in diseased harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) - Biomarkers for health assessment in wildlife cetaceans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 247:783-791. [PMID: 30721869 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.079] [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: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the North and Baltic Seas are exposed to anthropogenic influences including acoustic stress and environmental contaminants. In order to evaluate immune responses in healthy and diseased harbor porpoise cells, cytokine expression analyses and lymphocyte proliferation assays, together with toxicological analyses were performed in stranded and bycaught animals as well as in animals kept in permanent human care. Severely diseased harbor porpoises showed a reduced proliferative capacity of peripheral blood lymphocytes together with diminished transcription of transforming growth factor-β and tumor necrosis factor-α compared to healthy controls. Toxicological analyses revealed accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in harbor porpoise blood samples. Correlation analyses between blood organochlorine levels and immune parameters revealed no direct effects of xenobiotics upon lymphocyte proliferation or cytokine transcription, respectively. Results reveal an impaired function of peripheral blood leukocytes in severely diseased harbor porpoises, indicating immune exhaustion and increased disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Büsum, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Büsum, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael S McLachlan
- Baltic Sea Research Institute, Rostock, Germany; Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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7
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Chen YP, Zheng YJ, Liu Q, Ellison AM, Zhao Y, Ma QY. PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) pose a risk to captive giant pandas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 226:174-181. [PMID: 28431316 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Qinling subspecies of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis), is highly endangered; fewer than 350 individuals still inhabit Qinling Mountains. Previous research revealed captive pandas were exposed to bromine, so we hypothesized that captive pandas were exposed to and affected by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). To test this hypothesis, we tested blood and feces of captive and wild pandas, their drinking water, food (bamboo leaves) from SWARC (Shaanxi Wild Animal Research Center)and FNNR (Foping National Nature Reserve) and supplemental feedstuff given to captive panda at SWARC. We found 13 congeners of PBDEs in fecal samples, of which BDE47, BDE66, BDE71, BDE99, and BDE154 were the dominant, total PBDE concentration in feces of captive pandas was 255% higher than in wild pandas. We found nine PBDEs congeners in blood samples: BDE153 and BDE183 were the predominant congers. PBDEs in blood from captive pandas were significantly higher than in wild pandas. The total concentration of PBDEs were 5473 and 4835 (pg.g) in Fargesia qinlingensis, were 2192 and 1414 (pg.g) in Bashannia fargesii (2192, 1414 pg g), 0.066, 0.038 (pg/ml) in drinking water, and 28.8 (pg.g) in supplemental feedstuff for captive and wild pandas, which indicate that the PBDEs came from its bamboo feed, especially from Bashannia fargesii. Our results demonstrate that BDE99 and BDE47 could be threatening the pandas' health especially for captive panda and there are potential health risks from PBDEs for pandas. In the short term, this risk may be ameliorated by strict control of food quality. In the long term, however, reducing air, water and soil contamination so as to improve environmental quality can best reduce these risks to meet the international standard such as Stockholm Convention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Chen
- SKLLQG (State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology), Institute of Earth Environment, CAS, Xi'an 710075, China; College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Ying-Juan Zheng
- SKLLQG (State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology), Institute of Earth Environment, CAS, Xi'an 710075, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- SKLLQG (State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology), Institute of Earth Environment, CAS, Xi'an 710075, China
| | - Aaron M Ellison
- Harvard University, Harvard Forest, Petersham, MA 01368, USA
| | - Yan Zhao
- SKLLQG (State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology), Institute of Earth Environment, CAS, Xi'an 710075, China
| | - Qing-Yi Ma
- Shaanxi Wild Animal Research Center, Zhouzhi, Xi'an 710402, China
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8
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Mitra T, Gerner W, Kidane FA, Wernsdorf P, Hess M, Saalmüller A, Liebhart D. Vaccination against histomonosis limits pronounced changes of B cells and T-cell subsets in turkeys and chickens. Vaccine 2017; 35:4184-4196. [PMID: 28662952 PMCID: PMC5604733 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis is the causative agent of histomonosis in gallinaceous birds. In turkeys, the disease can result in high mortality due to severe inflammation and necrosis in caecum and liver, whereas in chickens the disease is less severe. Recently, experimental vaccination was shown to protect chickens and turkeys against histomonosis but dynamics in the cellular immune response are not yet demonstrated. In the present work, different groups of birds of both species were vaccinated with attenuated, and/or infected with virulent histomonads. Flow cytometry was applied at different days post inoculation to analyse the absolute number of T-cell subsets and B cells in caecum, liver, spleen and blood, in order to monitor changes in these major lymphocyte subsets. In addition, in chicken samples total white blood cells were investigated. Infected turkeys showed a significant decrease of T cells in the caecum within one week post infection compared to control birds, whereas vaccination showed delayed changes. The challenge of vaccinated turkeys led to a significant increase of all investigated lymphocytes in the blood already at 4 DPI, indicating an effective and fast recall response of the primed immune system. In the caecum of chickens, changes of B cells, CD4+ and CD8α+ T cells were much less pronounced than in turkeys, however, mostly caused by virulent histomonads. Analyses of whole blood in non-vaccinated but infected chickens revealed increasing numbers of monocytes/macrophages on all sampling days, whereas a decrease of heterophils was observed directly after challenge, suggesting recruitment of this cell population to the local site of infection. Our results showed that virulent histomonads caused more severe changes in the distribution of lymphocyte subsets in turkeys compared to chickens. Moreover, vaccination with attenuated histomonads resulted in less pronounced alterations in both species, even after challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taniya Mitra
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilhelm Gerner
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Fana Alem Kidane
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia Wernsdorf
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Armin Saalmüller
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieter Liebhart
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria.
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9
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Woolford L, Franklin C, Whap T, Loban F, Lanyon JM. Pathological findings in wild harvested dugongs Dugong dugon of central Torres Strait, Australia. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2015; 113:89-102. [PMID: 25751852 DOI: 10.3354/dao02825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The dugong Dugong dugon is classified as Vulnerable to extinction but may be endangered in some regions. Cause of death in stranded dugongs has not been determined in a large proportion of animals examined, with investigations hindered by limited information on dugong health and diseases, and paucity of knowledge of common or endemic pathological findings. Here we describe pathological findings in harvested dugongs from the relatively pristine area of central Torres Strait, and we characterise lesions attributable to drowning. Other recorded lesions were mild and predominated by host reaction to the presence of trematodes within the gastrointestinal tracts, liver and pancreas. Ascarid worm burdens were low in comparison to dugongs from developed coastlines. Hepatocellular lipofuscin and ferritin pigmentation were commonly observed, more pronounced in livers of older animals and concurrent with periportal and bridging fibrosis. Lesions attributable to drowning included incomplete collapse of lungs, dorsal or diffuse pulmonary congestion, mild intra-alveolar haemorrhage and oedema, mild interstitial oedema and rupture of peripheral alveolar septae with acute myofibre fragmentation and degeneration. No accumulation of foam or aspiration of water or particulate matter was observed, suggesting that dugongs 'dry drown'. Morphometric features of normal spleen are also presented. Characterisation of common pathological findings and those attributable to drowning in this species will aid in the interpretation of post mortem findings for the significant number of dugongs found deceased along urbanised coastlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Woolford
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia 5371, Australia
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10
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Lv QY, Wan B, Guo LH, Zhao L, Yang Y. In vitro immune toxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers on murine peritoneal macrophages: apoptosis and immune cell dysfunction. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 120:621-630. [PMID: 25462306 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used as flame retardants and are often detected in the environment, wildlife, and humans, presenting potential threats to ecosystem and human health. PBDEs can cause neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and endocrine disruption. However, data on PBDE immunotoxicity are limited, and the toxicity mechanisms remain largely unknown. Both immune cell death and dysfunction can modulate the responses of the immune system. This study examined the toxic effects of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) and decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) on the immune system by using peritoneal macrophages as the model. The macrophages were exposed to PBDEs, and cell death was determined through flow cytometry and immunochemical blot. The results showed that after 24h of exposure, BDE-47 (>5 μM) and BDE-209 (>20 μM) induced cell apoptosis, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and depleted glutathione. BDE-47 was more potent than BDE-209; the cytotoxic concentrations for BDE-47 and BDE-209 were determined to be 5 μM and 20 μM, respectively, during 24h of exposure. However, pretreatment with n-acetyl-l-cysteine (ROS scavenger) partially reversed the cytotoxic effects. Further gene expression analyses on Caspase-3,-8,-9, TNFR1, and Bax revealed that both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways were activated. More importantly, non-cytotoxic concentrations BDE-47 (<2 μM) and BDE-209 (<10 μM) could impair macrophage accessory cell function in a concentration-dependent manner, but no effects were observed on phagocytic responses. These revealed effects of PBDEs on macrophages may shed light on the toxicity mechanisms of PBDEs and suggest the necessity of evaluating cellular functionality during the risk assessment of PBDE immunotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yan Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
| | - Bin Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China.
| | - Lixia Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
| | - Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
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11
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Brown TM, Ross PS, Reimer KJ, Veldhoen N, Dangerfield NJ, Fisk AT, Helbing CC. PCB related effects thresholds as derived through gene transcript profiles in locally contaminated ringed seals (Pusa hispida). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:12952-12961. [PMID: 25286162 DOI: 10.1021/es5032294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Causal evidence linking toxic injury to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure is typically confounded by the complexity of real-world contaminant mixtures to which aquatic wildlife are exposed. A local PCB "hotspot" on the Labrador coast provided a rare opportunity to evaluate the effects of PCBs on the health of a marine mammal as this chemical dominated their persistent organic pollutant (POP) burdens. The release of approximately 260 kg of PCBs by a military radar facility over a 30 year period (1970-2000) contaminated some local marine biota, including the ringed seal (Pusa hispida). The abundance profiles of eight health-related gene transcripts were evaluated in liver samples collected from 43 ringed seals in the affected area. The mRNA transcript levels of five gene targets, including aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), interleukin-1 β (Il1b), estrogen receptor α (Esr1), insulin like growth factor receptor 1 (Igf1), and glucocorticoid receptor α (Nr3c1) correlated with increasing levels of blubber PCBs. PCB threshold values calculated using best-fit hockey-stick regression models for these five genes averaged 1,680±206 ng/g lw, with the lowest, most conservative, being 1,370 ng/g lw for Il1b. Approximately 14% of the seals in the region exceeded this threshold. The dominance of PCBs in the seals studied enabled an assessment of the effects of this chemical on gene transcripts involved in regulating the health of a highly mobile predator, something that is rarely possible in the world of complex mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria , Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
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12
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Noël M, Loseto LL, Helbing CC, Veldhoen N, Dangerfield NJ, Ross PS. PCBs are associated with altered gene transcript profiles in arctic Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus leucas). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:2942-2951. [PMID: 24490950 DOI: 10.1021/es403217r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
High trophic level arctic beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are exposed to persistent organic pollutants (POP) originating primarily from southern latitudes. We collected samples from 43 male beluga harvested by Inuvialuit hunters (2008-2010) in the Beaufort Sea to evaluate the effects of POPs on the levels of 13 health-related gene transcripts using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Consistent with their role in detoxification, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) (r(2) = 0.18, p = 0.045 for 2008 and 2009) and cytochrome P450 1A1 (Cyp1a1) (r(2) = 0.20, p < 0.001 for 2008 and 2009; r(2) = 0.43, p = 0.049 for 2010) transcripts were positively correlated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the dominant POP in beluga. Principal Components Analysis distinguished between these two toxicology genes and 11 other genes primarily involved in growth, metabolism, and development. Factor 1 explained 56% of gene profiles, with these latter 11 gene transcripts displaying greater abundance in years coinciding with periods of low sea ice extent (2008 and 2010). δ(13)C results suggested a shift in feeding ecology and/or change in condition of these ice edge-associated beluga whales during these two years. While this provides insight into the legacy of PCBs in a remote environment, the possible impacts of a changing ice climate on the health of beluga underscores the need for long-term studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Noël
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria , Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
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13
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Lehnert K, Seibel H, Hasselmeier I, Wohlsein P, Iversen M, Nielsen NH, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Prenger-Berninghoff E, Siebert U. Increase in parasite burden and associated pathology in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in West Greenland. Polar Biol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-013-1433-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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14
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Goines PE, Ashwood P. Cytokine dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders (ASD): possible role of the environment. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2013; 36:67-81. [PMID: 22918031 PMCID: PMC3554862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2012.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental diseases that affect an alarming number of individuals. The etiological basis of ASD is unclear, and evidence suggests it involves both genetic and environmental factors. There are many reports of cytokine imbalances in ASD. These imbalances could have a pathogenic role, or they may be markers of underlying genetic and environmental influences. Cytokines act primarily as mediators of immunological activity but they also have significant interactions with the nervous system. They participate in normal neural development and function, and inappropriate activity can have a variety of neurological implications. It is therefore possible that cytokine dysregulation contributes directly to neural dysfunction in ASD. Further, cytokine profiles change dramatically in the face of infection, disease, and toxic exposures. Imbalances in cytokines may represent an immune response to environmental contributors to ASD. The following review is presented in two main parts. First, we discuss select cytokines implicated in ASD, including IL-1Β, IL-6, IL-4, IFN-γ, and TGF-Β, and focus on their role in the nervous system. Second, we explore several neurotoxic environmental factors that may be involved in the disorders, and focus on their immunological impacts. This review represents an emerging model that recognizes the importance of both genetic and environmental factors in ASD etiology. We propose that the immune system provides critical clues regarding the nature of the gene by environment interactions that underlie ASD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula E. Goines
- University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Molecular Biosciences
| | - Paul Ashwood
- University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
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Yap X, Deaville R, Perkins MW, Penrose R, Law RJ, Jepson PD. Investigating links between polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and thymic involution and thymic cysts in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:2168-2176. [PMID: 22917837 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The associations between polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure and involution of lymphoid tissue and development of epithelial-lined cysts in the thymus of UK-stranded harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) (n=170) were tested. Percentage of thymic lymphoid tissue (%TLT) was histologically quantified. Multiple regression analyses (n=169) demonstrated significant positive correlation between %TLT and nutritional status (p<0.001) and significant negative association between %TLT and onset of sexual maturity (p<0.001). However, in a subgroup of porpoises with total PCB levels above a proposed threshold of toxicity (>17mg/kg lipid weight) (n=109), the negative association between %TLT (as dependent variable) and summed blubber concentrations of 25 chlorobiphenyl congeners (∑25CBs) remained significant (p<0.01) along with nutritional status (p<0.001) and onset of sexual maturity (p<0.001). These results suggest PCB-induced immuno suppression may be occurring in harbour porpoises in UK waters but only at concentrations that exceed proposed toxicity thresholds for marine mammals. In contrast, development of thymic cysts appears predominantly age-related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinli Yap
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, NW1 4RY London, UK
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16
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Suzuki S, Konnai S, Okagawa T, Githaka NW, Kariuki E, Gakuya F, Kanduma E, Shirai T, Ikebuchi R, Ikenaka Y, Ishizuka M, Murata S, Ohashi K. Molecular cloning and characterization of Th1 and Th2 cytokines of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Int J Immunogenet 2011; 39:170-82. [PMID: 22117600 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-313x.2011.01062.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) has been implicated as the reservoir of several bovine infectious agents. However, there is insufficient information on the protective immune responses in the African buffalo, particularly in infected animals. In this study, we analysed Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ, and Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. The cloned cDNA of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ contained an open reading frame of 468, 501, 408 and 540 nucleotides, encoding polypeptides of 155, 166, 135 and 179 amino acids, respectively. Nucleotide sequence homology of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-4 was more than 98% between the African buffalo and cattle, which resulted in identical polypeptides. Meanwhile, IL-10 gene of African buffalo and cattle had 95% homology in nucleotide sequence, corresponding to thirteen amino acid residues substitution. Cysteine residues and potential glycosylation sites were conserved within the family Bovinae. Phylogenetic analyses including cytokines of the African buffalo placed them within a cluster comprised mainly of species belonging to the order Artiodactyla, including cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goat, pig and artiodactyl wildlife. A deeper understanding of the structure of these cytokines will shed light on their protective role in the disease-resistant African buffalo in comparison with other closely related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Suzuki
- Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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17
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Mazzariol S, Di Guardo G, Petrella A, Marsili L, Fossi CM, Leonzio C, Zizzo N, Vizzini S, Gaspari S, Pavan G, Podestà M, Garibaldi F, Ferrante M, Copat C, Traversa D, Marcer F, Airoldi S, Frantzis A, Quirós YDB, Cozzi B, Fernández A. Sometimes sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) cannot find their way back to the high seas: a multidisciplinary study on a mass stranding. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19417. [PMID: 21673789 PMCID: PMC3097202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mass strandings of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) remain peculiar and rather unexplained events, which rarely occur in the Mediterranean Sea. Solar cycles and related changes in the geomagnetic field, variations in water temperature and weather conditions, coast geographical features and human activities have been proposed as possible causes. In December 2009, a pod of seven male sperm whales stranded along the Adriatic coast of Southern Italy. This is the sixth instance from 1555 in this basin. Methodology/Principal Findings Complete necropsies were performed on three whales whose bodies were in good condition, carrying out on sampled tissues histopathology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and screening of veins looking for gas emboli. Furthermore, samples for age determination, genetic studies, gastric content evaluation, stable isotopes and toxicology were taken from all the seven specimens. The animals were part of the same group and determined by genetic and photo-identification to be part of the Mediterranean population. Causes of death did not include biological agents, or the “gas and fat embolic syndrome”, associated with direct sonar exposure. Environmental pollutant tissue concentrations were relatively high, in particular organochlorinated xenobiotics. Gastric content and morphologic tissue examinations showed a prolonged starvation, which likely caused, at its turn, the mobilization of lipophilic contaminants from the adipose tissue. Chemical compounds subsequently entered the blood circulation and may have impaired immune and nervous functions. Conclusions/Significance A multi-factorial cause underlying this sperm whales' mass stranding is proposed herein based upon the results of postmortem investigations as well as of the detailed analyses of the geographical and historical background. The seven sperm whales took the same “wrong way” into the Adriatic Sea, a potentially dangerous trap for Mediterranean sperm whales. Seismic surveys should be also regarded as potential co-factors, even if no evidence of direct impact has been detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Mazzariol
- Department of Public Health, Comparative Pathology and Veterinary Hygiene, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy.
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18
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Seibel H, Stimmer L, Siebert U, Beineke A. Immunohistochemical characterization of selected cell markers for the detection of hematopoietic cells in formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded lymphoid tissues of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2010; 137:305-9. [PMID: 20566219 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2010.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
To facilitate a detailed investigation of pinniped lymphoid organs, 30 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) as well as eight polyclonal antibodies (pAb) of different species specificities directed against cell antigens of the hematopoietic system were tested for immunohistochemical cross-reactivity on formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded tissues of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and a walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). Six monoclonal and eight polyclonal antibodies showed specific immunoreactivities. Lymphocytes were immunolabeled by an anti-CD3 pAb, anti-Foxp3 mAb and anti-CD79 alpha mAb, while plasma cell subpopulations were recognized by anti-IgA pAb, anti-IgG pAb and anti-IgM pAb as well as by anti-kappa- and anti-lambda light chain pAb. Cells of the histiocytic lineage were recognized by lysozyme-, myeloid/histiocyte antigen-, and CD68-specific markers. Furthermore, dendritic cell-like cells were detected by an anti-S100 protein pAb. The MHC class II antigen was labeled on the majority of immune cells of the harbor seal and walrus using a bovine mAb. Mast cells were stained by an anti-mast cell tryptase mAb. Thus, using these antibodies from various species, it is now possible to determine phenotypical changes in lymphoid organs and detect different leukocyte subsets involved in inflammatory responses in archived tissue samples of these pinniped species.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Seibel
- Research and Technology Center Westcoast, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Hafentörn 1, 25761 Büsum, Germany
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Son HY, Lee S, Tak EN, Cho HS, Shin HI, Kim SH, Yang JH. Perfluorooctanoic acid alters T lymphocyte phenotypes and cytokine expression in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2009; 24:580-8. [PMID: 19051282 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been used in commercial applications and detected in environmental matrices. This study focuses on whether PFOA affects the function of immune organs (spleen and thymus). Male ICR mice were exposed to 0, 2, 10, 50, and 250 ppm of PFOA in drinking water for 21 days. PFOA differently altered T lymphocyte populations. In the spleen, all doses of PFOA decreased CD8(+) lymphocytes; CD4(+) lymphocytes were increased by 50 and 250 ppm of PFOA. Exposure to 250 ppm of PFOA increased CD8(+) lymphocytes in the thymus. In the histopathological evaluation, the spleen of 250 ppm PFOA-treated groups revealed the increase of lymphoid hyperplasia of white pulp without significant alteration of red pulp. The thymus of 250 ppm PFOA-treated group showed decreased thickness of the cortex and medulla, but lymphoid cells were more densely arranged. PFOA elevated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6) in the spleen, and proto-oncogene, c-myc, in the spleen and thymus. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that PFOA has an immunomodulatory effect by altering T lymphocyte phenotypes and gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Young Son
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyungpook National University Medical School, Daegu 700-422, Republic of Korea
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20
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Beineke A, Siebert U, Wohlsein P, Baumgärtner W. Immunology of whales and dolphins. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2009; 133:81-94. [PMID: 19700205 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2009] [Revised: 05/08/2009] [Accepted: 06/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The increasing disease susceptibility in different whale and dolphin populations has led to speculation about a possible negative influence of environmental contaminants on the immune system and therefore on the health status of marine mammals. Despite current efforts in the immunology of marine mammals several aspects of immune functions in aquatic mammals remain unknown. However, assays for evaluating cellular immune responses, such as lymphocyte proliferation, respiratory burst as well as phagocytic and cytotoxic activity of leukocytes and humoral immune responses have been established for different cetacean species. Additionally, immunological and molecular techniques enable the detection and quantification of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in lymphoid cells during inflammation or immune responses, respectively. Different T and B cell subsets as well as antigen-presenting cells can be detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Despite great homologies between marine and terrestrial mammal lymphoid organs, some unique anatomical structures, particularly the complex lymphoepithelial laryngeal glands in cetaceans represent an adaptation to the marine environment. Additionally, physiological changes, such as age-related thymic atrophy and cystic degeneration of the "anal tonsil" of whales have to be taken into account when investigating these lymphoid structures. Systemic morbillivirus infections lead to fatalities in cetaceans associated with generalized lymphoid depletion. Similarly, chronic diseases and starvation are associated with a loss of functional lymphoid cells and decreased resistance against opportunistic infections. There is growing evidence for an immunotoxic effect of different environmental contaminants in whales and dolphins, as demonstrated in field studies. Furthermore, immunomodulatory properties of different persistent xenobiotics have been confirmed in cetacean lymphoid cells in vitro as well as in animal models in vivo. However, species-specific differences of the immune system and detoxification of xenobiotics between cetaceans and laboratory rodents have to be considered when interpreting these toxicological data for risk assessment in whales and dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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