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Rocha ELB, da Silva LGVP, Barreto INR, Magalhães MDS, Dias LC, Matias de Oliveira RE, Braz JKFDS, de Oliveira MF, de Moura CEB. Gonadal Morphology of Stillborn Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Hatchlings. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2024; 30:169-177. [PMID: 38252589 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozae002] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate sexual dimorphism in stillborn hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) through gonadal morphological characterizations. Macroscopic, light microscopy, and transmission electron analyses were performed for 30 gonad-mesonephros complexes. Female gonads were spindle-shaped and present a translucent whitish appearance with a grainy texture. Male gonads were approximately ovoid with a smooth opaque white surface. A primary sexual difference concerns different marrow structures, with females presenting organized cellularity featuring oocytes, lacunae, and blood vessels, while males presented a distinct organizational medulla pattern marked by testicular cords extending throughout the gonad length. Ultrastructurally, female's stroma presented interstitial cells and an abundant cytoplasm rich in electrodense droplets and large oval germline cells, with a conspicuous and noncentral nucleus. Males, on the other hand, presented testicular cord cells containing small amounts of heterochromatin and approximately triangular apical and basal cytoplasms with an evident nucleolus characteristic of support cells. Additionally, there were cells with a large spherical nucleus compared with the cell size and a relatively scarce cytoplasm, identified as gonocytes. These findings indicate that macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural evaluations are effective and reliable techniques for the sexual identification of stillborn E. imbricata hatchlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Lucas Bezerra Rocha
- Department of Animal Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Avenida Francisco Mota, 572, Costa e Silva, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte 59625-900, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gabriel Verissimo Pinheiro da Silva
- Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 1559, Tirol, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59015-000, Brazil
- Associação de Proteção e Conservação Ambiental Cabo de São Roque (APC Cabo de São Roque), Rua da Praia de Caraúbas, 150, Praia de Caraúbas, Maxaranguape, Rio Grande do Norte 59580-000, Brazil
| | - Isadora Natália Rocha Barreto
- Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 1559, Tirol, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59015-000, Brazil
- Associação de Proteção e Conservação Ambiental Cabo de São Roque (APC Cabo de São Roque), Rua da Praia de Caraúbas, 150, Praia de Caraúbas, Maxaranguape, Rio Grande do Norte 59580-000, Brazil
| | - Marcela Dos Santos Magalhães
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Avenida General Octávio Jordão Ramos, 1200, Campus Universitário Setor Norte, Coroado, Manaus 69067-005, Brazil
| | - Lucas Castanhola Dias
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Avenida General Octávio Jordão Ramos, 1200, Campus Universitário Setor Norte, Coroado, Manaus 69067-005, Brazil
| | - Radan Elvis Matias de Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Avenida Francisco Mota, 572, Costa e Silva, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte 59625-900, Brazil
| | - Janine Karla França da Silva Braz
- Multicampi School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Rua José Evaristo, s/n, Penedo, Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte 59300-000, Brazil
| | - Moacir Franco de Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Avenida Francisco Mota, 572, Costa e Silva, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte 59625-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Bezerra de Moura
- Department of Animal Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Avenida Francisco Mota, 572, Costa e Silva, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte 59625-900, Brazil
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Schumacher R, Rossetti MF, Canesini G, Gaydou L, Garcia AP, Lazzarino GP, Fernandez PR, Stoker C, Carrió MJ, Andreoli MF, Ramos JG. Neonatal overfeeding alters the functioning of the mesolimbic dopaminergic circuitry involving changes in DNA methylation and effects on feeding behavior. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 122:109451. [PMID: 37748623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Mesolimbic dopaminergic circuit is essential for food reward and motivational behaviors and can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Litter reduction is a classical model for studying the effects of neonatal overfeeding and overweight. Litters of Wistar rats were reduced to 4 pups/dam for small litter (SL) and 10 pups/dam for normal litter at postnatal day (PND) 4. Immediately after performing the feeding behavior tests, the animals were sacrificed in PND21 and PND90. The ventral tegmental area (VTA), Nucleus Accumbens Core (NAcC) and Shell (NAcSh) were isolated from frozen brain sections using the Palkovits micropunch technique. RNA and DNA were extracted from these areas, gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR and DNA methylation levels were measured by MSRM-qPCR technique. SL-PND21 animals presented increased expression levels of Tyrosine Hydroxylase and Dopamine Receptor D2 in VTA, decreased expression levels of dopamine active transporter (DAT) in VTA, and higher expression levels of DAT in NAcC. On the other hand, SL-PND90 animals showed decreased expression levels of Dopamine Receptor D1 and higher expression of DAT in NAcSh. These animals also evidenced impaired sensory-specific satiety. In addition, altered promoter methylation was observed at weaning, and remained in adulthood. This work demonstrates that neonatal overfeeding induces disruptions in the mesolimbic dopaminergic circuitry and causes alterations in feeding behavior from weaning to adulthood, suggesting that the neonatal period is critical for the normal development of dopaminergic circuit that impact on feeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Schumacher
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Maria Florencia Rossetti
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Guillermina Canesini
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Luisa Gaydou
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ana Paula Garcia
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gisela Paola Lazzarino
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Pamela Rocio Fernandez
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Cora Stoker
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Maria Josefina Carrió
- Departamento de Matemática y Laboratorio de Investigaciones y Servicios en Bioestadística (LISEB), FBCB-UNL, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Maria Florencia Andreoli
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge Guillermo Ramos
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Valli FE, Simoncini MS, González MA, Piña CI. How do maternal androgens and estrogens affect sex determination in reptiles with temperature-dependent sex? Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:565-576. [PMID: 37603030 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Temperature sex determination (TSD) in reptiles has been studied to elucidate the mechanisms by which temperature is transformed into a biological signal that determines the sex of the embryo. Temperature is thought to trigger signals that alter gene expression and hormone metabolism, which will determine the development of female or male gonads. In this review, we focus on collecting and discussing important and recent information on the role of maternal steroid hormones in sex determination in oviparous reptiles such as crocodiles, turtles, and lizards that possess TSD. In particular, we focus on maternal androgens and estrogens deposited in the egg yolk and their metabolites that could also influence the sex of offspring. Finally, we suggest guidelines for future research to help clarify the link between maternal steroid hormones and offspring sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia E Valli
- CICYTTP-CONICET/Prov. Entre Ríos/UADER, Diamante, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Cátedra de Bromatología y Nutrición, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Melina S Simoncini
- CICYTTP-CONICET/Prov. Entre Ríos/UADER, Diamante, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos, Diamante, Argentina
| | - Marcela A González
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Cátedra de Bromatología y Nutrición, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carlos I Piña
- CICYTTP-CONICET/Prov. Entre Ríos/UADER, Diamante, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos, Diamante, Argentina
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Maiti S, Nazmeen A, Banerjee A. Significant impact of redox regulation of estrogen-metabolizing proteins on cellular stress responses. Cell Biochem Funct 2023. [PMID: 37139830 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The ultimate driving force, stress, promotes adaptability/evolution in proliferating organisms, transforming tumorigenic growth. Estradiol (E2) regulates both phenomena. In this study, bioinformatics-tools, site-directed-mutagenesis (human estrogen-sulfotransferase/hSULT1E1), HepG2 cells tested with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC/thiol-inducer) or buthionine-sulfoxamine (BSO/thiol-depletory) were evaluated for hSULT1E1 (estradiol-sulphating/inactivating) functions. Reciprocal redox regulation of steroid sulfatase (STS, E2-desulfating/activating) results in the Cys-formylglycine transition by the formylglycine-forming enzyme (FGE). The enzyme sequences and structures were examined across the phylogeny. Motif/domain and the catalytic conserve sequences and protein-surface-topography (CASTp) were investigated. The E2 binding to SULT1E1 suggests that the conserved-catalytic-domain in this enzyme has critical Cysteine 83 at position. This is strongly supported by site-directed mutagenesis/HepG2-cell research. Molecular-docking and superimposition studies of E2 with the SULT1E1 of representative species and to STS reinforce this hypothesis. SULT1E1-STS are reciprocally activated in response to the cellular-redox-environment by the critical Cys of these two enzymes. The importance of E2 in organism/species proliferation and tissue tumorigenesis is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smarajit Maiti
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Therapeutics Lab, Oriental Institute of Science & Technology, Midnapore, India
| | - Aarifa Nazmeen
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Therapeutics Lab, Oriental Institute of Science & Technology, Midnapore, India
| | - Amrita Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Therapeutics Lab, Oriental Institute of Science & Technology, Midnapore, India
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Canesini G, Galoppo GH, Tavalieri YE, Lazzarino GP, Stoker C, Luque EH, Ramos JG, Muñoz-de-Toro M. Disruption of the developmental programming of the gonad of the broad snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) after in ovo exposure to atrazine. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:40132-40146. [PMID: 36607581 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-25104-z] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to agrochemicals during early stages of development can induce subtle alterations that could permanently affect normal physiology. Previously, we reported that in ovo exposure to atrazine (ATZ) disrupts testicular histoarchitecture in postnatal caimans (Caiman latirostris). To assess whether such alterations are the result of disruption of gonadal developmental programming, this study aimed to evaluate the expression of histofunctional biomarkers (VASA, ER, PR, PCNA, and aromatase) and genes involved in gonadal development and differentiation (amh, sox-9, sf-1 and cyp19-a1) in the gonads of male and female caiman embryos and to assess the effect of ATZ exposure on these biomarkers and genes in the gonads of male embryos. Our results suggest that amh, aromatase and sox-9 play a role in sex determination and gonadal differentiation. In male caiman embryos, ATZ exposure increased aromatase expression and altered the temporal expression pattern of amh and sox-9 evidencing an ATZ-induced disruption of gonadal developmental programming. Since the effects of ATZ are consistent across all vertebrate classes, the ATZ-mediated disruptive effects here observed could be present in other vertebrate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina Canesini
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Germán H Galoppo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina.
| | - Yamil E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Gisela P Lazzarino
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Cora Stoker
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mónica Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
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Smaga CR, Bock SL, Johnson JM, Parrott BB. Sex Determination and Ovarian Development in Reptiles and Amphibians: From Genetic Pathways to Environmental Influences. Sex Dev 2022; 17:99-119. [PMID: 36380624 DOI: 10.1159/000526009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reptiles and amphibians provide untapped potential for discovering how a diversity of genetic pathways and environmental conditions are incorporated into developmental processes that can lead to similar functional outcomes. These groups display a multitude of reproductive strategies, and whereas many attributes are conserved within groups and even across vertebrates, several aspects of sexual development show considerable variation. SUMMARY In this review, we focus our attention on the development of the reptilian and amphibian ovary. First, we review and describe the events leading to ovarian development, including sex determination and ovarian maturation, through a comparative lens. We then describe how these events are influenced by environmental factors, focusing on temperature and exposure to anthropogenic chemicals. Lastly, we identify critical knowledge gaps and future research directions that will be crucial to moving forward in our understanding of ovarian development and the influences of the environment in reptiles and amphibians. KEY MESSAGES Reptiles and amphibians provide excellent models for understanding the diversity of sex determination strategies and reproductive development. However, a greater understanding of the basic biology of these systems is necessary for deciphering the adaptive and potentially disruptive implications of embryo-by-environment interactions in a rapidly changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Smaga
- Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Samantha L Bock
- Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Josiah M Johnson
- Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Benjamin B Parrott
- Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
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Marroquín-Flores RA, Paitz RT, Bowden RM. Temperature fluctuations and estrone sulfate affect gene expression via different mechanisms to promote female development in a species with temperature-dependent sex determination. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:276050. [PMID: 35860927 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Variation in developmental conditions can affect a variety of embryonic processes and shape a number of phenotypic characteristics that can affect offspring throughout their lives. This is particularly true of oviparous species where development typically occurs outside of the female, and studies have shown that traits such as survival and behavior can be altered by both temperature and exposure to steroid hormones during development. In species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), the fate of gonadal development can be affected by temperature and by maternal estrogens present in the egg at oviposition and there is evidence that these factors can affect gene expression patterns. Here, we explore how thermal fluctuations and exposure to an estrogen metabolite, estrone sulfate, affect the expression of several genes known to be involved in sexual differentiation; Kdm6b, Dmrt1, Sox9, FoxL2, and Cyp19A1. We found that most of the genes responded to both temperature and estrone sulfate exposure, but that the responses to these factors was not identical in that estrone sulfate effects occur downstream of temperature effects. Our findings demonstrate that conjugated hormones such as estrone sulfate are capable of influencing temperature dependent pathways to potentially alter how embryos respond to temperature and highlight the importance of studying the interaction of maternal hormone and temperature effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan T Paitz
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | - Rachel M Bowden
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
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Barraza AD, Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, van de Merwe JP. Systematic review of reptile reproductive toxicology to inform future research directions on endangered or threatened species, such as sea turtles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117470. [PMID: 34438481 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Threatened or endangered reptiles, such as sea turtles, are generally understudied within the field of wildlife toxicology, with even fewer studies on how contaminants affect threatened species reproduction. This paper aimed to better inform threatened species conservation by systematically and quantitatively reviewing available research on the reproductive toxicology of all reptiles, threatened and non-threatened. This review found 178 studies that matched our search criteria. These papers were categorized into location conducted, taxa studied, species studied, effects found, and chemicals investigated. The most studied taxa were turtles (n = 87 studies, 49%), alligators/crocodiles (n = 54, 30%), and lizards (n = 37, 21%). Maternal transfer, sex steroid alterations, sex reversal, altered sexual development, developmental abnormalities, and egg contamination were the most common effects found across all reptile taxa, providing guidance for avenues of research into threatened species. Maternal transfer of contaminants was found across all taxa, and taking into account the foraging behavior of sea turtles, could help elucidate differences in maternal transfer seen at nesting beaches. Sex steroid alterations were a common effect found with contaminant exposure, indicating the potential to use sex steroids as biomarkers along with traditional biomarkers such as vitellogenin. Sex reversal through chemical exposure was commonly found among species that exhibit temperature dependent sex determination, indicating the potential for both environmental pollution and climate change to disrupt population dynamics of many reptile species, including sea turtles. Few studies used in vitro, DNA, or molecular methodologies, indicating the need for more research using high-throughput, non-invasive, and cost-effective tools for threatened species research. The prevalence of developmental abnormalities and altered sexual development and function indicates the need to further study how anthropogenic pollutants affect reproductive output in threatened reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur D Barraza
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Qld, Australia.
| | - Kimberly A Finlayson
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Qld, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Qld, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Qld, Australia
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Tavalieri YE, Alarcón R, Tschopp MV, Canesini G, Luque EH, Muñoz-de-Toro M, Galoppo GH. Exposure to xenoestrogens alters the expression of key morphoregulatory proteins of oviduct adenogenesis in the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 235:105817. [PMID: 33853019 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105817] [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: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are contaminants ubiquitously found in the environment, which pose a potential threat to aquatic and wetland ecosystems. Caiman latirostris, a crocodilian species that inhabits South American wetlands, is highly sensitive to EDC exposure. Previously, we reported that early postnatal exposure to EDCs such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and 17β-Estradiol (E2) alters C. latirostris oviduct differentiation. The aim of this work was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind this alteration. To accomplish this, we established the ontogenic changes in histological features and the expression of Wnt-7a, Wnt-5a, β-catenin, FoxA2, desmin, and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the oviduct of C. latirostris. Then, we evaluated the effects of BPA and E2 exposure on these histological features and protein expressions. Our results showed that during the postnatal differentiation of the oviduct the presence of histological features related to adenogenesis is associated with the levels of expression of FoxA2, β-catenin, Wnt-5a and Wnt-7a. Early postnatal exposure to BPA and E2 decreased the presence of histological features related to adenogenesis and altered the levels of expression of FoxA2, β-catenin, Wnt-5a and Wnt-7a, as well as the desmin/α-SMA ratio. These findings suggest that altered levels of Wnt-7a, Wnt-5a, β-catenin and FoxA2 could play a role in the BPA and E2-induced alteration in oviduct differentiation in C. latirostris. Thus, impaired adenogenesis and, probably, impaired reproduction in wildlife naturally exposed to BPA and other estrogenic agonists cannot be completely ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - R Alarcón
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M V Tschopp
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G Canesini
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - E H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G H Galoppo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina.
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10
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Ruiz-García A, Roco ÁS, Bullejos M. Sex Differentiation in Amphibians: Effect of Temperature and Its Influence on Sex Reversal. Sex Dev 2021; 15:157-167. [PMID: 34000727 DOI: 10.1159/000515220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of environmental factors in sexual differentiation in amphibians is not new. The effect of hormones or hormone-like compounds is widely demonstrated. However, the effect of temperature has traditionally been regarded as something anecdotal that occurs in extreme situations and not as a factor to be considered. The data currently available reveal a different situation. Sexual differentiation in some amphibian species can be altered even by small changes in temperature. On the other hand, although not proven, it is possible that temperature is related to the appearance of sex-reversed individuals in natural populations under conditions unrelated to environmental contaminants. According to this, temperature, through sex reversal (phenotypic sex opposed to genetic sex), could play an important role in the turnover of sex-determining genes and in the maintenance of homomorphic sex chromosomes in this group. Accordingly, and given the expected increase in global temperatures, growth and sexual differentiation in amphibians could easily be affected, altering the sex ratio in natural populations and posing major conservation challenges for a group in worldwide decline. It is therefore particularly urgent to understand the mechanism by which temperature affects sexual differentiation in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Ruiz-García
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Álvaro S Roco
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Mónica Bullejos
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
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11
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Tavalieri YE, Galoppo GH, Canesini G, Luque EH, Muñoz-de-Toro MM. Effects of agricultural pesticides on the reproductive system of aquatic wildlife species, with crocodilians as sentinel species. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110918. [PMID: 32619582 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Agricultural pesticides represent a significant class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to which non-target organisms around the world are constantly exposed. Laboratory studies have found strong evidence showing the endocrine-disruptive potential of these pesticides at environmentally relevant exposure levels. Since the field of endocrine disruption continues to grow in richness and complexity, this review aims to provide an update on the effects of two agricultural pesticides that act as EDCs: atrazine and endosulfan. We will focus mainly on the effects on crocodilians due to their worldwide occurrence in tropical and sub-tropical wetland ecosystems and their ecological and physiological features, which render them vulnerable to exposure to pesticides with endocrine-disrupting action at all life stages. The results here reviewed provide important insights into the effects of hormonally active agricultural pesticides at cellular, tissue, and organ levels in the reproductive system of crocodiles. A better understanding of the effects of exposure to environmentally relevant doses of EDCs on the reproductive system of crocodilians will contribute to protect and improve the health of both wildlife species and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y E Tavalieri
- Laboratorio de EcoFisioPatología, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G H Galoppo
- Laboratorio de EcoFisioPatología, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G Canesini
- Laboratorio de EcoFisioPatología, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - E H Luque
- Laboratorio de EcoFisioPatología, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M M Muñoz-de-Toro
- Laboratorio de EcoFisioPatología, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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12
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Galoppo GH, Tavalieri YE, Schierano-Marotti G, Osti MR, Luque EH, Muñoz-de-Toro MM. Long-term effects of in ovo exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of atrazine on the thyroid gland of Caiman latirostris. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109410. [PMID: 32283336 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The increased incidence of human thyroid disorders, particularly in women, suggests that the exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) together with sex-related factors could play a role in thyroid dysregulation. Since the herbicide atrazine (ATZ) is an environmental EDC suspected to behave as a thyroid disruptor, and Caiman latirostris is a crocodilian species highly sensitive to endocrine disruption that can be exposed to ATZ, this study aimed to describe the histoarchitecture and sexually dimorphic features of the thyroid gland of C. latirostris, and to determine the long-term effects of in ovo exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of ATZ (0.2 ppm) on its thyroid gland and growth. Control caimans showed no sexual dimorphisms. In contrast, ATZ-exposed caimans showed altered embryo growth but an unaltered temporal pattern of development and a sexually dimorphic response in the body condition index growth curves postnatally, which suggests a female-related increase in fat storage. Besides, both male and female exposed caimans showed increases in the size of the thyroid stromal compartment, content of interstitial collagen, and follicular hyperplasia, and decreases in the expression of androgen receptor in the follicular epithelium. ATZ-exposed females, but not males, also showed evidences of thyroid enlargement, colloid depletion, increased follicular epithelial height and increased presence of microfollicular structures. Our results demonstrate that prenatal exposure of caimans to ATZ causes thyroid disruption and that females were more vulnerable to ATZ than males. The effects were organizational and observed long after exposure ended. These findings alert on ATZ side-effects on the growth, metabolism, reproduction and development of non-target exposed organisms, particularly females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Hugo Galoppo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Yamil Ezequiel Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Gonzalo Schierano-Marotti
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Mario Raúl Osti
- Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Enrique Hugo Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Mónica Milagros Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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13
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Martínez-Juárez A, Moreno-Mendoza N. Mechanisms related to sexual determination by temperature in reptiles. J Therm Biol 2019; 85:102400. [PMID: 31657741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.102400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A number of strategies have emerged that appear to relate to the evolution of mechanisms for sexual determination in vertebrates, among which are genetic sex determination caused by sex chromosomes and environmental sex determination, where environmental factors influence the phenotype of the sex of an individual. Within the reptile group, some orders such as: Chelonia, Crocodylia, Squamata and Rhynchocephalia, manifest one of the most intriguing and exciting environmental sexual determination mechanisms that exists, comprising temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), where the temperature of incubation that the embryo experiences during its development is fundamental to establishing the sex of the individual. This makes them an excellent model for the study of sexual determination at the molecular, cellular and physiological level, as well as in terms of their implications at an evolutionary and ecological level. There are different hypotheses concerning how this process is triggered and this review aims to describe any new contributions to particular TSD hypotheses, analyzing them from the "eco-evo-devo" perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Martínez-Juárez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Apartado Postal 70228 México, D.F. 04510, Mexico
| | - Norma Moreno-Mendoza
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Apartado Postal 70228 México, D.F. 04510, Mexico.
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14
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Tavalieri YE, Galoppo GH, Canesini G, Truter JC, Ramos JG, Luque EH, Muñoz-de-Toro M. The external genitalia in juvenile Caiman latirostris differ in hormone sex determinate-female from temperature sex determinate-female. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:236-248. [PMID: 30292702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) is a crocodilian species that inhabits South American wetlands. As in all other crocodilians, the egg incubation temperature during a critical thermo-sensitive window (TSW) determines the sex of the hatchlings, a phenomenon known as temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). In C. latirostris, we have shown that administration of 17-β-estradiol (E2) during the TSW overrides the effect of the male-producing temperature, producing phenotypic females (E2SD-females). Moreover, the administration of E2 during TSW has been proposed as an alternative way to improve the recovery of endangered reptile species, by skewing the population sex ratio to one that favors females. However, the ovaries of E2SD-female caimans differ from those of TSD-females. In crocodilians, the external genitalia (i.e. clitero-penis structure or phallus) are sexually dimorphic and hormone-sensitive. Despite some morphological descriptions aimed to facilitate sexing, we found no available data on the C. latirostris phallus histoarchitecture or hormone dependence. Thus, the aims of this study were: (1) to establish the temporal growth pattern of the phallus in male and female caimans; (2) to evaluate histo-morphological features and the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and androgen receptor (AR) in the phallus of male and female pre-pubertal juvenile caimans; and (3) to determine whether the phallus of TSD-females differs from the phallus of E2SD-females. Our results demonstrated sexually dimorphic differences in the size and growth dynamics of the caiman external genitalia, similarities in the shape and spatial distribution of general histo-morphological compartments, and sexually dimorphic differences in innervation, smooth muscle fiber distribution, collagen organization, and ERα and AR expressions. The external genitalia of E2SD-females differed from that of TSD-females in many histological features and in the expression of ERα and AR, resembling patterns described in males. Our results alert on the effects of estrogen agonist exposure during TSW and suggest that caution must be taken regarding the use of E2SD as a procedure for wildlife population management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Catedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G H Galoppo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Catedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G Canesini
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Catedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - J C Truter
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - J G Ramos
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - E H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Catedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Catedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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