1
|
Grunst AS, Grunst ML, Fort J. Contaminant-by-environment interactive effects on animal behavior in the context of global change: Evidence from avian behavioral ecotoxicology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:163169. [PMID: 37003321 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The potential for chemical contaminant exposure to interact with other stressors to affect animal behavioral responses to environmental variability is of mounting concern in the context of anthropogenic environmental change. We systematically reviewed the avian literature to evaluate evidence for contaminant-by-environment interactive effects on animal behavior, as birds are prominent models in behavioral ecotoxicology and global change research. We found that only 17 of 156 (10.9 %) avian behavioral ecotoxicological studies have explored contaminant-by-environment interactions. However, 13 (76.5 %) have found evidence for interactive effects, suggesting that contaminant-by-environment interactive effects on behavior are understudied but important. We draw on our review to develop a conceptual framework to understand such interactive effects from a behavioral reaction norm perspective. Our framework highlights four patterns in reaction norm shapes that can underlie contaminant-by-environment interactive effects on behavior, termed exacerbation, inhibition, mitigation and convergence. First, contamination can render individuals unable to maintain critical behaviors across gradients in additional stressors, exacerbating behavioral change (reaction norms steeper) and generating synergy. Second, contamination can inhibit behavioral adjustment to other stressors, antagonizing behavioral plasticity (reaction norms shallower). Third, a second stressor can mitigate (antagonize) toxicological effects of contamination, causing steeper reaction norms in highly contaminated individuals, with improvement of performance upon exposure to additional stress. Fourth, contamination can limit behavioral plasticity in response to permissive conditions, such that performance of more and less contaminated individuals converges under more stressful conditions. Diverse mechanisms might underlie such shape differences in reaction norms, including combined effects of contaminants and other stressors on endocrinology, energy balance, sensory systems, and physiological and cognitive limits. To encourage more research, we outline how the types of contaminant-by-environment interactive effects proposed in our framework might operate across multiple behavioral domains. We conclude by leveraging our review and framework to suggest priorities for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Grunst
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, FR-17000 La Rochelle, France.
| | - Melissa L Grunst
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, FR-17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, FR-17000 La Rochelle, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Luttbeg B, Grindstaff JL. Optimal hormonal regulation when stressor cues are imperfect. Horm Behav 2022; 144:105227. [PMID: 35780563 PMCID: PMC10153792 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The endocrine system uses information about the environment and the individual's state to regulate circulating concentrations of hormones, and then those hormones, through receptor binding, cause changes in the phenotype. How quickly individuals can up- and down-regulate their hormones can affect baseline and elevated hormone levels and presumably affects how successfully individuals can cope with a varying environment. To respond to environmental change, individuals first need to perceive and process cues about the state of the environment. Individuals may receive imperfect cues about the environment due to perceptual errors, variation in cues, or inexperience with novel stressors. In this paper we use a mathematical model to ask how these imperfect cues should affect how individuals regulate their glucocorticoid concentrations. We find imperfect cues can lead to changes in hormone regulation with individuals generally having higher baseline and lower elevated hormone levels as environmental cues become less reliable. Informational constraints and physiological constraints appear to have generally additive effects, with informational constraints having less of an impact as physiological constraints increase. Our results highlight the different means by which imperfect information can affect hormone regulation. We find that mistakes caused by imperfect cues are commonly responsible for changes in average hormone levels, but imperfect cues also cause individuals to be slower and less certain in their updated estimates of the environmental state, which affects hormone regulation. We also demonstrate the separate effects of false positive and false negative cues and how these are shaped by the relative fitness consequences of baseline and stress-induced hormone levels. Our model shows how given our assumptions imperfect stressor cues should affect endocrine flexibility and regulation, and we hope provides a piece for future conversations and models of endocrine regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barney Luttbeg
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States.
| | - Jennifer L Grindstaff
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Crowley-Perry M, Barberio AJ, Zeino J, Winston ER, Connaughton VP. Zebrafish Optomotor Response and Morphology Are Altered by Transient, Developmental Exposure to Bisphenol-A. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9020014. [PMID: 33918232 PMCID: PMC8167563 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen-specific endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are potent modulators of neural and visual development and common environmental contaminants. Using zebrafish, we examined the long-term impact of abnormal estrogenic signaling by testing the effects of acute, early exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA), a weak estrogen agonist, on later visually guided behaviors. Zebrafish aged 24 h postfertilization (hpf), 72 hpf, and 7 days postfertilization (dpf) were exposed to 0.001 μM or 0.1 μM BPA for 24 h, and then allowed to recover for 1 or 2 weeks. Morphology and optomotor responses (OMRs) were assessed after 1 and 2 weeks of recovery for 24 hpf and 72 hpf exposure groups; 7 dpf exposure groups were additionally assessed immediately after exposure. Increased notochord length was seen in 0.001 μM exposed larvae and decreased in 0.1 μM exposed larvae across all age groups. Positive OMR was significantly increased at 1 and 2 weeks post-exposure in larvae exposed to 0.1 μM BPA when they were 72 hpf or 7 dpf, while positive OMR was increased after 2 weeks of recovery in larvae exposed to 0.001 μM BPA at 72 hpf. A time-delayed increase in eye diameter occurred in both BPA treatment groups at 72 hpf exposure; while a transient increase occurred in 7 dpf larvae exposed to 0.1 μM BPA. Overall, short-term developmental exposure to environmentally relevant BPA levels caused concentration- and age-dependent effects on zebrafish visual anatomy and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla Crowley-Perry
- Department of Biology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (M.C.-P.); (A.J.B.); (J.Z.); (E.R.W.)
- Department of Chemistry, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Angelo J. Barberio
- Department of Biology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (M.C.-P.); (A.J.B.); (J.Z.); (E.R.W.)
| | - Jude Zeino
- Department of Biology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (M.C.-P.); (A.J.B.); (J.Z.); (E.R.W.)
| | - Erica R. Winston
- Department of Biology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (M.C.-P.); (A.J.B.); (J.Z.); (E.R.W.)
| | - Victoria P. Connaughton
- Department of Biology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (M.C.-P.); (A.J.B.); (J.Z.); (E.R.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-202-885-2188
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Azevedo A, Bailey L, Bandeira V, Fonseca C, Wauters J, Jewgenow K. Decreasing glucocorticoid levels towards the expansion front suggest ongoing expansion in a terrestrial mammal. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab050. [PMID: 34249365 PMCID: PMC8253928 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the causes of range expansions in abundant species can help predict future species distributions. During range expansions, animals are exposed to novel environments and are required to cope with new and unpredictable stressors. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are mediators of the hormonal and behavioural mechanisms allowing animals to cope with unpredictable changes in the environment and are therefore expected to differ between populations at expansion edge and the historic range. However, to date, very few studies have evaluated the relationship between GCs and range expansion. The Egyptian mongoose has been rapidly expanding its range in Portugal over the past 30 years. In this study, we applied an information theoretic approach to determine the most important spatial and environmental predictors of hair GCs (hGCs) in the population, after controlling for normal patterns of hGC variation in the species. We observed a decrease in hGC as distance from the historic range increased (i.e. closer to the expansion front). This distance term was present in all of the top models and had a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) that did not overlap with zero, strongly supporting its influence on hGC. We estimated a 0.031 pg/mg (95% CI: -0.057, -0.004) decrease in hGCs for each kilometre distance to the Tagus River, which was once the limit of the species' distribution. Our results indicate that the species' expansion is unlikely to be limited by mechanisms related to or mediated by the physiological stress response. The decrease in hGC levels towards the expansion edge coupled with limited evidence of a negative effect of human population density suggests that the species' northward expansion in Portugal could continue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Azevedo
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar - University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Corresponding author: Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Liam Bailey
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Bandeira
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- ForestWISE - Collaborative Laboratory for Integrated Forest and Fire Management, Quinta de Prados, Campus da UTAD 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Jella Wauters
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katarina Jewgenow
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gore AC, Krishnan K, Reilly MP. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Effects on neuroendocrine systems and the neurobiology of social behavior. Horm Behav 2019; 111:7-22. [PMID: 30476496 PMCID: PMC6527472 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A contribution to SBN/ICN special issue. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are pervasive in the environment. They are found in plastics and plasticizers (bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates), in industrial chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and include some pesticides and fungicides such as vinclozolin. These chemicals act on hormone receptors and their downstream signaling pathways, and can interfere with hormone synthesis, metabolism, and actions. Because the developing brain is particularly sensitive to endogenous hormones, disruptions by EDCs can change neural circuits that form during periods of brain organization. Here, we review the evidence that EDCs affect developing hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems, and change behavioral outcomes in juvenile, adolescent, and adult life in exposed individuals, and even in their descendants. Our focus is on social, communicative and sociosexual behaviors, as how an individual behaves with a same- or opposite-sex conspecific determines that individual's ability to exist in a community, be selected as a mate, and reproduce successfully.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Krittika Krishnan
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Michael P Reilly
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gould CJ, Saldanha CJ, Connaughton VP. Acute exposure to 4-OH-A, not PCB 1254, alters brain aromatase activity but does not adversely affect growth in zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 68:133-140. [PMID: 30889543 PMCID: PMC6516860 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Acute developmental exposure to pharmaceuticals or environmental contaminants can have deleterious, long lasting effects. Many of these compounds are endocrine disruptors (EDCs) that target estrogen signaling, with effects on reproductive and non-reproductive tissues. We recently reported that zebrafish larvae transiently exposed to the pharmaceutical EDC 4-OH-A display visual deficits as adults. Here, we examine whether these long-term effects are due to compound-induced morphological and/or cellular changes. Zebrafish aged 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, or 7 days post-fertilization (larvae) or 3-4mos (adults) were exposed to either 4-OH-A or PCB1254 for 24 h. After that time, notochord length, eye diameter, inter-eye distance, and heart rate were measured from larvae; and aromatase (estrogen synthase) activity was measured in homogenates of adult brain tissue. In general, indices of larval growth and development were not altered by 24 h exposure to either compound. 4-OH-A potently inhibited aromatase activity, while PCB1254 did not, with inhibition continuing even after removal from treatment. These results support differential function of EDCs and indicate that developmental exposure to 4-OH-A causes sustained inhibition of aromatase, which could be associated with altered adult behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassie J Gould
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, DC, United States; Behavior, Cognition & Neuroscience Program, American University, Washington, DC, United States; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - Colin J Saldanha
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, DC, United States; Behavior, Cognition & Neuroscience Program, American University, Washington, DC, United States; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Victoria P Connaughton
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, DC, United States; Behavior, Cognition & Neuroscience Program, American University, Washington, DC, United States; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chinn SM, Monson DH, Tinker MT, Staedler MM, Crocker DE. Lactation and resource limitation affect stress responses, thyroid hormones, immune function, and antioxidant capacity of sea otters ( Enhydra lutris). Ecol Evol 2018; 8:8433-8447. [PMID: 30250713 PMCID: PMC6145021 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactation is the most energetically demanding stage of reproduction in female mammals. Increased energetic allocation toward current reproduction may result in fitness costs, although the mechanisms underlying these trade-offs are not well understood. Trade-offs during lactation may include reduced energetic allocation to cellular maintenance, immune response, and survival and may be influenced by resource limitation. As the smallest marine mammal, sea otters (Enhydra lutris) have the highest mass-specific metabolic rate necessitating substantial energetic requirements for survival. To provide the increased energy needed for lactation, female sea otters significantly increase foraging effort, especially during late-lactation. Caloric insufficiency during lactation is reflected in the high numbers of maternal deaths due to End-Lactation Syndrome in the California subpopulation. We investigated the effects of lactation and resource limitation on maternal stress responses, metabolic regulation, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in two subspecies of wild sea otters (northern: E. l. nereis and southern: E. l. kenyoni) within the California, Washington, and Alaska subpopulations. Lactation and resource limitation were associated with reduced glucocorticoid responses to acute capture stress. Corticosterone release was lower in lactating otters. Cortisol release was lower under resource limitation and suppression during lactation was only evident under resource limitation. Lactation and resource limitation were associated with alterations in thyroid hormones. Immune responses and total antioxidant capacity were not reduced by lactation or resource limitation. Southern sea otters exhibited higher concentrations of antioxidants, immunoglobulins, and thyroid hormones than northern sea otters. These data provide evidence for allocation trade-offs during reproduction and in response to nutrient limitation but suggest self-maintenance of immune function and antioxidant defenses despite energetic constraints. Income-breeding strategists may be especially vulnerable to the consequences of stress and modulation of thyroid function when food resources are insufficient to support successful reproduction and may come at a cost to survival, and thereby influence population trends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Chinn
- Department of BiologySonoma State UniversityRohnert ParkCalifornia
| | | | - M. Tim Tinker
- U.S. Geological SurveyWestern Ecological Research CenterLong Marine LaboratorySanta CruzCalifornia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lisovski S, Ramenofsky M, Wingfield JC. Defining the Degree of Seasonality and its Significance for Future Research. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 57:934-942. [PMID: 28662570 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonality describes cyclic and largely predictable fluctuations in the environment. Such variations in day length, temperature, rainfall, and resource availability are ubiquitous and can exert strong selection pressure on organisms to adapt to seasonal environments. However, seasonal variations exhibit large scale geographical divergences caused by a whole suite of factors such as solar radiation, ocean currents, extent of continents, and topography. Realizing these contributions in driving patterns of overall seasonality may help advance our understanding of the kinds of evolutionary adaptations we should expect at a global scale. Here, we introduce a new concept and provide the data describing the overall degree of seasonality, based on its two major components-amplitude and predictability. Using global terrestrial datasets on temperature, precipitation and primary productivity, we show that these important seasonal factors exhibit strong differences in their spatial patterns with notable asymmetries between the southern and the northern hemisphere. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that seasonality is highly diverse across latitudes as well as longitudinal gradients. This indicates that using a direct measure of seasonality and its components, amplitude and predictability, may yield a better understanding of how organisms are adapted to seasonal environments and provide support for predictions on the consequences of rapid environmental change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Lisovski
- University of California, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, Davis, California, CA 95616, USA
| | - Marilyn Ramenofsky
- University of California, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, Davis, California, CA 95616, USA
| | - John C Wingfield
- University of California, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, Davis, California, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wingfield JC, Wacker DW, Bentley GE, Tsutsui K. Brain-Derived Steroids, Behavior and Endocrine Conflicts Across Life History Stages in Birds: A Perspective. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:270. [PMID: 29967590 PMCID: PMC6015890 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological steroids were traditionally thought to be synthesized exclusively by the adrenal glands and gonads. Recent decades have seen the discovery of neurosteroid production that acts locally within the central nervous system to affect physiology and behavior. These actions include, for example, regulation of aggressive behavior, such as territoriality, and locomotor movement associated with migration. Important questions then arose as to how and why neurosteroid production evolved and why similar steroids of peripheral origin do not always fulfill these central roles? Investigations of free-living vertebrates suggest that synthesis and action of bioactive steroids within the brain may have evolved to regulate expression of specific behavior in different life history stages. Synthesis and secretion of these hormones from peripheral glands is broadcast throughout the organism via the blood stream. While widespread, general actions of steroids released into the blood might be relevant for regulation of morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits in one life history stage, such hormonal release may not be appropriate in other stages. Specific and localized production of bioactive steroids in the brain, but not released into the periphery, could be a way to avoid such conflicts. Two examples are highlighted. First, we compare the control of territorial aggression of songbirds in the breeding season under the influence of gonadal steroids with autumnal (non-breeding) territoriality regulated by sex steroid production in the brain either from circulating precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone or local central production of sex steroids de novo from cholesterol. Second, we outline the production of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone within the brain that appears to affect locomotor behavior in several contexts. Local production of these steroids in the brain may provide specific regulation of behavioral traits throughout the year and independently of life history stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C. Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: John C. Wingfield,
| | - Douglas W. Wacker
- Division of Biological Sciences, School of STEM, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA, United States
| | - George E. Bentley
- Department of Integrative Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Franceschini MD, Evers DC, Kenow KP, Meyer MW, Pokras M, Romero LM. Mercury correlates with altered corticosterone but not testosterone or estradiol concentrations in common loons. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 142:348-354. [PMID: 28437726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.04.030] [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: 11/12/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the relation between environmental mercury exposure and corticosterone concentrations in free-living adult common loons (Gavia immer). We determined blood and feather mercury concentrations and compared them to testosterone, estradiol, and stress-induced plasma corticosterone concentrations. Although neither testosterone nor estradiol correlated with Hg levels, there was a robust positive relation between blood Hg and stress-induced corticosterone concentrations in males, but not in females. The lack of an effect in females may have been due to overall less contamination in females. There were no significant correlations between feather Hg and stress-induced corticosterone in either sex. To help determine whether Hg had a causal effect on corticosterone, we investigated the impact of experimental Hg intake on the corticosterone stress response in captive juvenile loons. Juveniles were subjected to three different feeding regimes: 0, 0.4 and 1.2μg Hg (as MeHgCL)/g wet weight (ww) fish. We then measured baseline and 30min post-solitary confinement stressor corticosterone concentrations. The Hg fed chicks exhibited a decreased ability to mount a stress response. From these data, we conclude that Hg contamination does appear to alter the corticosterone response to stress, but not in a consistent predictable pattern. Regardless of the direction of change, however, exposure to mercury contamination and the resulting impact on the corticosterone stress response in common loons may substantially impact health, fitness and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME 04103, USA
| | - Kevin P Kenow
- US Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI 54603, USA
| | - Michael W Meyer
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501, USA
| | - Mark Pokras
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME 04103, USA; Wildlife Clinic, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - L Michael Romero
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Langenhof MR, Komdeur J, Oldehinkel AJ. Effects of parenting quality on adolescents' personality resemblance to their parents. The TRAILS study. J Adolesc 2016; 51:163-75. [PMID: 27400032 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study considers the development of resemblance between 741 adolescents and their biological parents, across six NEO-PI-R personality traits known to be important in psychological problems: anger-hostility, impulsiveness, vulnerability, assertiveness, excitement-seeking, and self-discipline. We modelled the association between perceived parental warmth and rejection at age eleven and personality resemblance to parents at about age sixteen. Parenting experienced during early adolescence was related to the degree and direction in which adolescents resembled their parents five years later in life. Rejection, especially from fathers, significantly predicted a smaller resemblance to both the parents. Girls were more strongly affected by parental quality than boys, and there was some indication that adolescents responded in opposite ways to parenting from mothers and fathers. This study is a first step in uncovering the complex interplay between parenting, gender, and the current generation's ability to develop personality traits independent from the previous generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Rohaa Langenhof
- Behavioural Ecology and Self Organisation, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands; Interdisciplinary Centre Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE) and Graduate School Medical Sciences, CC72, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural Ecology and Self Organisation, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Albertine J Oldehinkel
- Interdisciplinary Centre Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE) and Graduate School Medical Sciences, CC72, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wingfield JC, Perfito N, Calisi R, Bentley G, Ubuka T, Mukai M, O'Brien S, Tsutsui K. Putting the brakes on reproduction: Implications for conservation, global climate change and biomedicine. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 227:16-26. [PMID: 26474923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal breeding is widespread in vertebrates and involves sequential development of the gonads, onset of breeding activities (e.g. cycling in females) and then termination resulting in regression of the reproductive system. Whereas males generally show complete spermatogenesis prior to and after onset of breeding, females of many vertebrate species show only partial ovarian development and may delay onset of cycling (e.g. estrous), yolk deposition or germinal vesicle breakdown until conditions conducive for ovulation and onset of breeding are favorable. Regulation of this "brake" on the onset of breeding remains relatively unknown, but could have profound implications for conservation efforts and for "mismatches" of breeding in relation to global climate change. Using avian models it is proposed that a brain peptide, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), may be the brake to prevent onset of breeding in females. Evidence to date suggests that although GnIH may be involved in the regulation of gonadal development and regression, it plays more regulatory roles in the process of final ovarian development leading to ovulation, transitions from sexual to parental behavior and suppression of reproductive function by environmental stress. Accumulating experimental evidence strongly suggests that GnIH inhibits actions of gonadotropin-releasing hormones on behavior (central effects), gonadotropin secretion (central and hypophysiotropic effects), and has direct actions in the gonad to inhibit steroidogenesis. Thus, actual onset of breeding activities leading to ovulation may involve environmental cues releasing an inhibition (brake) on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonad axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Nicole Perfito
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rebecca Calisi
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - George Bentley
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - T Ubuka
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - M Mukai
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Sara O'Brien
- Department of Biology, Radford University, Radford, VA 24142, USA
| | - K Tsutsui
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Effect of PCB 126 on aryl hydrocarbon receptor 1 (AHR1) and AHR1 nuclear translocator 1 (ARNT1) mRNA expression and CYP1 monooxygenase activity in chicken (Gallus domesticus) ovarian follicles. Toxicol Lett 2015; 239:73-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
14
|
"Seasonal changes in the neuroendocrine system": some reflections. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 37:3-12. [PMID: 25462591 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This perspective considers first the general issue of seasonality and how it is shaped ecologically. It asks what is the relative importance of "strategic" (photoperiod-dependent) versus "tactical" (supplemental) cues in seasonality and what neural circuits are involved? It then considers recent developments as reflected in the Special Issue. What don't we understand about the photoperiodic clock and also the long-term timing mechanisms underlying refractoriness? Are these latter related to the endogenous annual rhythms? Can we finally identify the opsins involved in photodetection? What is the present position with regard to melatonin as "the" annual calendar? An exciting development has been the recognition of the involvement of thyroid hormones in seasonality but how does the Dio/TSH/thyroid hormone pathway integrate with downstream components of the photoperiodic response system? Finally, there are the seasonal changes within the central nervous system itself--perhaps the most exciting aspect of all.
Collapse
|
15
|
Wingfield JC. Coping with change: a framework for environmental signals and how neuroendocrine pathways might respond. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 37:89-96. [PMID: 25511258 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Earth has always been a changeable place but now warming trends shift seasons and storms occur with greater frequency, intensity and duration. This has prompted reference to the modern era as the Anthropocene caused by human activity. This era poses great challenges for all life on earth and important questions include why and how some organisms can cope and others cannot? It is of heuristic value to consider a framework for types of environmental signals and how they might act. This is especially important as predictable changes of the environment (seasonality) are shifting rapidly as well as unpredictable changes (perturbations) in novel ways. What we need to know is how organisms perceive their environment, transduce that information into neuroendocrine signals that orchestrate morphological, physiological and behavioral responses. Given these goals we can begin to address the questions: do neuroendocrine systems have sufficient flexibility to acclimate to significant change in phenology, are genetic changes leading to adaptation necessary, or both?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zucchi S, Mirbahai L, Castiglioni S, Fent K. Transcriptional and physiological responses induced by binary mixtures of drospirenone and progesterone in zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:3523-3531. [PMID: 24568092 DOI: 10.1021/es405584f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Drospirenone (DRS) is a synthetic progestin increasingly used in oral contraceptives with similar effects to progesterone (P4). Wild fish are exposed to DRS and P4 through wastewater. However, the effects of DRS on fish, both as an individual compound and in mixtures, have not been extensively studied. Therefore, in this study, global gene expression profiles of ovary and brain of female zebrafish (Danio rerio) were characterized after exposure to 55, 553, and 5442 ng/L DRS for 14 days. The effects were then compared to the observed responses after exposure to mixtures of DRS and P4 (DRS+P4: 27 + 0.8, 277 + 8 and 3118 + 123 ng/L). Transcriptomics findings were related to the changes in vitellogenin protein concentrations in the blood, morphology, and histology of gonads. Multivariate analysis indicated tissue-, dose-, and treatment-dependent expression profiles. Genes involved in steroid hormone receptor activity and circadian rhythm were enriched in DRS and mixture groups, among other pathways. In mixtures, the magnitude of response was dose- and transcript-dependent, both at the molecular and physiological levels. Effects of DRS and P4 were additive for most of the investigated parameters and occurred at environmentally relevant concentrations. They may translate to adverse reproductive effects in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Zucchi
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland , School of Life Sciences, Gründenstrasse 40, CH-4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Segner H, Casanova-Nakayama A, Kase R, Tyler CR. Impact of environmental estrogens on Yfish considering the diversity of estrogen signaling. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 191:190-201. [PMID: 23763869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Research on endocrine disruption in fish has been dominated by studies on estrogen-active compounds which act as mimics of the natural estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), and generally exert their biological actions by binding to and activation of estrogen receptors (ERs). Estrogens play central roles in reproductive physiology and regulate (female) sexual differentiation. In line with this, most adverse effects reported for fish exposed to environmental estrogens relate to sexual differentiation and reproduction. E2, however, utilizes a variety of signaling mechanisms, has multifaceted functions and targets, and therefore the toxicological and ecological effects of environmental estrogens in fish will extend beyond those associated with the reproduction. This review first describes the diversity of estrogen receptor signaling in fish, including both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms, and receptor crosstalk. It then considers the range of non-reproductive physiological processes in fish that are known to be responsive to estrogens, including sensory systems, the brain, the immune system, growth, specifically through the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor system, and osmoregulation. The diversity in estrogen responses between fish species is then addressed, framed within evolutionary and ecological contexts, and we make assessments on their relevance for toxicological sensitivity as well as ecological vulnerability. The diversity of estrogen actions raises questions whether current risk assessment strategies, which focus on reproductive endpoints, and a few model fish species only, are protective of the wider potential health effects of estrogens. Available - although limited - evidence nevertheless suggests that quantitative environmental threshold concentrations for environmental protection derived from reproductive tests with model fish species are protective for non-reproductive effects as well. The diversity of actions of estrogens across divergent physiological systems, however, may lead to and underestimation of impacts on fish populations as their effects are generally considered on one functional process only and this may underrepresent the impact on the different physiological processes collectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Segner
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liebl AL, Martin LB. Stress hormone receptors change as range expansion progresses in house sparrows. Biol Lett 2013; 9:20130181. [PMID: 23576781 PMCID: PMC3645051 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2013.0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As ranges expand, individuals encounter different environments at the periphery than at the centre of the range. Previously, we have shown that glucocorticoids (GCs) vary with range expansion: individuals at the range edge release more GCs in response to restraint. Here, we measured hippocampal mRNA expression of GC receptors (mineralocorticoid, MR and glucocorticoid, GR) in eight house sparrow (Passer domesticus) populations varying in age. We found that individuals closest to the range edge had the lowest expression of MR relative to GR; in all likelihood, this relationship was driven by a marginal reduction of MR mRNA at the range edge. Reduced MR (relative to GR) might allow enhanced GC binding to GR, the lower affinity receptor that would enhance a rapid physiological and behavioural response to stressors. The insights gained from this study are not only enlightening to introduced species, but may also predict how certain species will react as their ranges shift owing to anthropogenic changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Liebl
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, , 4202 E Fowler Avenue, SCA 110, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Grether GF. Redesigning the genetic architecture of phenotypically plastic traits in a changing environment. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory F. Grether
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California; 621 Charles E. Young Drive South Los Angeles CA 90095-1606 USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Susiarjo M, Sasson I, Mesaros C, Bartolomei MS. Bisphenol a exposure disrupts genomic imprinting in the mouse. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003401. [PMID: 23593014 PMCID: PMC3616904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to endocrine disruptors is associated with developmental defects. One compound of concern, to which humans are widely exposed, is bisphenol A (BPA). In model organisms, BPA exposure is linked to metabolic disorders, infertility, cancer, and behavior anomalies. Recently, BPA exposure has been linked to DNA methylation changes, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms may be relevant. We investigated effects of exposure on genomic imprinting in the mouse as imprinted genes are regulated by differential DNA methylation and aberrant imprinting disrupts fetal, placental, and postnatal development. Through allele-specific and quantitative real-time PCR analysis, we demonstrated that maternal BPA exposure during late stages of oocyte development and early stages of embryonic development significantly disrupted imprinted gene expression in embryonic day (E) 9.5 and 12.5 embryos and placentas. The affected genes included Snrpn, Ube3a, Igf2, Kcnq1ot1, Cdkn1c, and Ascl2; mutations and aberrant regulation of these genes are associated with imprinting disorders in humans. Furthermore, the majority of affected genes were expressed abnormally in the placenta. DNA methylation studies showed that BPA exposure significantly altered the methylation levels of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) including the Snrpn imprinting control region (ICR) and Igf2 DMR1. Moreover, exposure significantly reduced genome-wide methylation levels in the placenta, but not the embryo. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed that these epigenetic defects were associated with abnormal placental development. In contrast to this early exposure paradigm, exposure outside of the epigenetic reprogramming window did not cause significant imprinting perturbations. Our data suggest that early exposure to common environmental compounds has the potential to disrupt fetal and postnatal health through epigenetic changes in the embryo and abnormal development of the placenta. BPA is a widely used compound to which humans are exposed, and recent studies have demonstrated the association between exposure and adverse developmental outcomes in both animal models and humans. Unfortunately, exact mechanisms of BPA–induced health abnormalities are unclear, and elucidation of these relevant biological pathways is critical for understanding the public health implication of exposure. Recently, increasing data have demonstrated the ability of BPA to induce changes in DNA methylation, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms are relevant. In this work, we study effects of BPA exposure on expression and regulation of imprinted genes in the mouse. Imprinted genes are regulated by differential DNA methylation, and they play critical roles during fetal, placental, and postnatal development. We have found that fetal exposure to BPA at physiologically relevant doses alters expression and methylation status of imprinted genes in the mouse embryo and placenta, with the latter tissue exhibiting the more significant changes. Additionally, abnormal imprinting is associated with defective placental development. Our data demonstrate that BPA exposure may perturb fetal and postnatal health through epigenetic changes in the embryo as well as through alterations in placental development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Isaac Sasson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Clementina Mesaros
- Centers for Cancer Pharmacology and Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Marisa S. Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wingfield JC. Ecological processes and the ecology of stress: the impacts of abiotic environmental factors. Funct Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John C. Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior; University of California; One Shields Avenue; Davis; California; 95616; USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Baos R, Jovani R, Serrano D, Tella JL, Hiraldo F. Developmental exposure to a toxic spill compromises long-term reproductive performance in a wild, long-lived bird: the white stork (Ciconia ciconia). PLoS One 2012; 7:e34716. [PMID: 22529928 PMCID: PMC3329485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective Exposure to environmental contaminants may result in reduced reproductive success and long-lasting population declines in vertebrates. Emerging data from laboratory studies on model species suggest that certain life-stages, such as development, should be of special concern. However, detailed investigations of long-term consequences of developmental exposure to environmental chemicals on breeding performance are currently lacking in wild populations of long-lived vertebrates. Here, we studied how the developmental exposure to a mine spill (Aznalcóllar, SW Spain, April 1998) may affect fitness under natural conditions in a long-lived bird, the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia). Methodology The reproductive performance of individually-banded storks that were or not developmentally exposed to the spill (i.e. hatched before or after the spill) was compared when these individuals were simultaneously breeding during the seven years after the spill occurred (1999–2005). Principal Findings Female storks developmentally exposed to the spill experienced a premature breeding senescence compared with their non-developmentally exposed counterparts, doing so after departing from an unusually higher productivity in their early reproductive life (non-developmentally exposed females: 0.5±0.33SE fledglings/year at 3-yr old vs. 1.38±0.31SE at 6–7 yr old; developmentally exposed females: 1.5±0.30SE fledglings/year at 3-yr old vs. 0.86±0.25SE at 6–7 yr old). Conclusions/Significance Following life-history theory, we propose that costly sub-lethal effects reported in stork nestlings after low-level exposure to the spill-derived contaminants might play an important role in shaping this pattern of reproduction, with a clear potential impact on population dynamics. Overall, our study provides evidence that environmental disasters can have long-term, multigenerational consequences on wildlife, particularly when affecting developing individuals, and warns about the risk of widespread low-level contamination in realistic scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Baos
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Grieger KD, Hansen SF, Sørensen PB, Baun A. Conceptual modeling for identification of worst case conditions in environmental risk assessment of nanomaterials using nZVI and C60 as case studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 409:4109-4124. [PMID: 21737121 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Conducting environmental risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials has been an extremely challenging endeavor thus far. Moreover, recent findings from the nano-risk scientific community indicate that it is unlikely that many of these challenges will be easily resolved in the near future, especially given the vast variety and complexity of nanomaterials and their applications. As an approach to help optimize environmental risk assessments of nanomaterials, we apply the Worst-Case Definition (WCD) model to identify best estimates for worst-case conditions of environmental risks of two case studies which use engineered nanoparticles, namely nZVI in soil and groundwater remediation and C(60) in an engine oil lubricant. Results generated from this analysis may ultimately help prioritize research areas for environmental risk assessments of nZVI and C(60) in these applications as well as demonstrate the use of worst-case conditions to optimize future research efforts for other nanomaterials. Through the application of the WCD model, we find that the most probable worst-case conditions for both case studies include i) active uptake mechanisms, ii) accumulation in organisms, iii) ecotoxicological response mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell membrane damage or disruption, iv) surface properties of nZVI and C(60), and v) acute exposure tolerance of organisms. Additional estimates of worst-case conditions for C(60) also include the physical location of C(60) in the environment from surface run-off, cellular exposure routes for heterotrophic organisms, and the presence of light to amplify adverse effects. Based on results of this analysis, we recommend the prioritization of research for the selected applications within the following areas: organism active uptake ability of nZVI and C(60) and ecotoxicological response end-points and response mechanisms including ROS production and cell membrane damage, full nanomaterial characterization taking into account detailed information on nanomaterial surface properties, and investigations of dose-response relationships for a variety of organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khara D Grieger
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jin Y, Shu L, Huang F, Cao L, Sun L, Fu Z. Environmental cues influence EDC-mediated endocrine disruption effects in different developmental stages of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2011; 101:254-260. [PMID: 21040983 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2010] [Revised: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/09/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Temperature and photoperiod are the two most important environmental cues in the regulation of the annual cycles of circulating sex steroid hormones and reproduction in fish. Thus, these variables may alter the endocrine disruption effects induced by environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In the present study, we found that the temperature and photoperiod significantly influence the transcription of the estrogen-responsive genes, vitellogenin1 (Vtg1), vitellogenin2 (Vtg2) and estrogen receptor-α (ERα) after a 7-day exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2) and nonylphenol (NP) in different developmental stages of Japanese medaka. In general, gene transcription levels increased as temperature and photoperiod length increased. The Vtg1 mRNA levels in 20 °C-12L group were 10-30 times higher than those in 10 °C-10 L group when larvae, both sexes of juvenile or male adult medaka were exposed to 50 ng/L E2. In addition, juveniles of both sexes and adult males were more sensitive to temperature and photoperiod changes than larval and adult female medaka. Specifically, two-way analysis indicated that both E2 and NP-mediated induction of Vtg1 mRNA (the most effective) expression interacted with environmental cues (temperature and photoperiod) and exposure concentrations in a developmental stage- and sex-specific manner. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that the endocrine disrupting effects of environmental chemicals can be modified by seasonality and life stage in which the exposure occurs and that Vtg1 transcription is a good biomarker to evaluate these interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhou J, Cai ZH, Zhu XS. Are endocrine disruptors among the causes of the deterioration of aquatic biodiversity? INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2010; 6:492-498. [PMID: 20821709 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental pollutants such as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) is now taken into account to explain partially the biodiversity decline of aquatic ecosystems. Much research has demonstrated that EDCs can adversely affect the endocrine system, reproductive health, and immune function in aquatic species. These toxicological effects include 1) interference with normal hormonal synthesis, release, and transport, 2) impairment of growth, development, and gonadal maturation, and 3) increased sensitivity to environmental stressors. Recent studies also have confirmed that EDCs have carcinogenic and mutagenic potential. In essence, these changes in physiological and biochemical parameters reflect, to some extent, some phenotypic characteristics of the deterioration of aquatic biodiversity. At present, evidence at the molecular level shows that exposure to EDCs can trigger genotoxicity, such as DNA damage, and can reduce genetic diversity. Field studies have also provided more direct evidence that EDCs contribute to the population decrease and biodiversity decline. Evolutionary toxicology and multigenerational toxicity tests have further demonstrated that EDCs can damage an organism's offspring and eventually likely lead to loss of evolutionary potential. Taken together, these results provide some basis for understanding the relationship between variety deterioration and EDC exposure. It is conceivable that there is a causal association between EDC exposure and variety deterioration of aquatic organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhou
- Marine Biology Laboratory of Life Sciences Division, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen City, People's Republic of China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Denver RJ, Hopkins PM, McCormick SD, Propper CR, Riddiford L, Sower SA, Wingfield JC. Comparative endocrinology in the 21st century. Integr Comp Biol 2009; 49:339-48. [PMID: 21665824 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icp082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones coordinate developmental, physiological, and behavioral processes within and between all living organisms. They orchestrate and shape organogenesis from early in development, regulate the acquisition, assimilation, and utilization of nutrients to support growth and metabolism, control gamete production and sexual behavior, mediate organismal responses to environmental change, and allow for communication of information between organisms. Genes that code for hormones; the enzymes that synthesize, metabolize, and transport hormones; and hormone receptors are important targets for natural selection, and variation in their expression and function is a major driving force for the evolution of morphology and life history. Hormones coordinate physiology and behavior of populations of organisms, and thus play key roles in determining the structure of populations, communities, and ecosystems. The field of endocrinology is concerned with the study of hormones and their actions. This field is rooted in the comparative study of hormones in diverse species, which has provided the foundation for the modern fields of evolutionary, environmental, and biomedical endocrinology. Comparative endocrinologists work at the cutting edge of the life sciences. They identify new hormones, hormone receptors and mechanisms of hormone action applicable to diverse species, including humans; study the impact of habitat destruction, pollution, and climatic change on populations of organisms; establish novel model systems for studying hormones and their functions; and develop new genetic strains and husbandry practices for efficient production of animal protein. While the model system approach has dominated biomedical research in recent years, and has provided extraordinary insight into many basic cellular and molecular processes, this approach is limited to investigating a small minority of organisms. Animals exhibit tremendous diversity in form and function, life-history strategies, and responses to the environment. A major challenge for life scientists in the 21st century is to understand how a changing environment impacts all life on earth. A full understanding of the capabilities of organisms to respond to environmental variation, and the resilience of organisms challenged by environmental changes and extremes, is necessary for understanding the impact of pollution and climatic change on the viability of populations. Comparative endocrinologists have a key role to play in these efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Denver
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|