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Lombó M, Giommi C, Zarantoniello M, Chemello G. A Pretty Kettle of Fish: A Review on the Current Challenges in Mediterranean Teleost Reproduction. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1597. [PMID: 38891644 PMCID: PMC11171123 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111597] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean region is facing several environmental changes and pollution issues. Teleosts are particularly sensitive to these challenges due to their intricate reproductive biology and reliance on specific environmental cues for successful reproduction. Wild populations struggle with the triad of climate change, environmental contamination, and overfishing, which can deeply affect reproductive success and population dynamics. In farmed species, abiotic factors affecting reproduction are easier to control, whereas finding alternatives to conventional diets for farmed teleosts is crucial for enhancing broodstock health, reproductive success, and the sustainability of the aquaculture sector. Addressing these challenges involves ongoing research into formulating specialized diets, optimizing feeding strategies, and developing alternative and sustainable feed ingredients. To achieve a deeper comprehension of these challenges, studies employing model species have emerged as pivotal tools. These models offer advantages in understanding reproductive mechanisms due to their well-defined physiology, genetic tractability, and ease of manipulation. Yet, while providing invaluable insights, their applicability to diverse species remains constrained by inherent variations across taxa and oversimplification of complex environmental interactions, thus limiting the extrapolation of the scientific findings. Bridging these gaps necessitates multidisciplinary approaches, emphasizing conservation efforts for wild species and tailored nutritional strategies for aquaculture, thereby fostering sustainable teleost reproduction in the Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lombó
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.L.); (C.G.)
- INBB—Consorzio Interuniversitario di Biosistemi e Biostrutture, 00136 Roma, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Christian Giommi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.L.); (C.G.)
- INBB—Consorzio Interuniversitario di Biosistemi e Biostrutture, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Zarantoniello
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Giulia Chemello
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.L.); (C.G.)
- INBB—Consorzio Interuniversitario di Biosistemi e Biostrutture, 00136 Roma, Italy
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2
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Consales G, Bottaro M, Mancusi C, Neri A, Sartor P, Voliani A, D'Agostino A, Marsili L. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in three bathyal chondrichthyes from the North-Western Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115647. [PMID: 37832499 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115647] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The deep-sea can act as a sink for legacy contaminants such as organochlorines (OCs), causing damages in its inhabitants for their persistence and their prolonged effects in the organisms. HCB, DDT and its isomers, and 28 PCBs congeners were detected in muscle and embryonic tissues of three deep-sea chondrichthyes Chimaera monstrosa (n = 16), Dalatias licha (n = 12) and Etmopterus spinax (n = 51) sampled in Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). Contaminant distribution in E. spinax and C. monstrosa was PCBs > DDTs ≫ HCB while in D. licha was DDTs > PCBs ≫ HCB. Statistically significant differences were highlighted in OC levels among the species, but no such differences were found among sexes. Ratios between DDT isomers highlighted an historical input of the pesticide in the environment. For the first time was also demonstrated maternal transfer in deep water chondrichthyes, specifically in E. spinax where was highlighted that transfer of contaminants increases with increasing compound's Log Kow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guia Consales
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Genoa Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italian National Institute for Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Villa del Principe, Piazza del Principe 4, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bottaro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Genoa Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italian National Institute for Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Villa del Principe, Piazza del Principe 4, 16126 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Mancusi
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy; ARPAT Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Tuscany, Via Marradi 114, 57126 Livorno, Italy
| | - Alessandra Neri
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy; Consortium for the Inter-University Center of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G.Bacci", Viale Nazario Sauro 4, 57128, Livorno, Italy
| | - Paolo Sartor
- Consortium for the Inter-University Center of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G.Bacci", Viale Nazario Sauro 4, 57128, Livorno, Italy
| | - Alessandro Voliani
- ARPAT Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Tuscany, Via Marradi 114, 57126 Livorno, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Marsili
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy; Inter-University Center of Cetacean Research (CIRCE), Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy
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3
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Bignell JP, Barber J, Bateman KS, Etherton M, Feist SW, Galloway TS, Katsiadaki I, Sebire M, Scott AP, Stentiford GD, Bean TP. Insights into the development of hepatocellular fibrillar inclusions in European flounder (Platichthys flesus) from UK estuaries. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 256:126946. [PMID: 32445993 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular fibrillar inclusions (HFI) are an unusual pathology of unknown aetiology affecting European flounder (Platichthys flesus), particularly from estuaries historically impacted by pollution. This study demonstrated that the HFI prevalence range was 6-77% at several UK estuaries, with Spearman rank correlation analysis showing a correlation between HFI prevalence and sediment concentrations of ∑PBDEs and ∑HBCDs. The data showed that males exhibit higher HFI prevalence than females, with severity being more pronounced in estuaries exhibiting higher prevalence. HFI were not age associated indicating a subacute condition. Electron microscopy confirmed that HFI were modified proliferating rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), whilst immunohistochemistry provided evidence of VTG production in HFI of male P. flesus. Despite positive labelling of aberrant VTG production, we could not provide additional evidence of xenoestrogen exposure. Gene transcripts (VTG/CHR) and plasma VTG concentrations (>1 μg ml-1), were only considered elevated in four male fish showing no correlation with HFI severity. Further analysis revealed that reproductively mature female P. flesus i.e. >3-year-old, did not exhibit HFI, whereas males of all ages were affected. This, combined with previous reports that estradiol (E2) can impair mixed function oxygenase activity, supports a hypothesis that harmful chemical metabolites (following phase 1 metabolism of their parent compounds) are potentially responsible for HFIs observed in male and ≤ 3-year-old female fish. Consequently, HFI and xenoestrogenic induced VTG production could be independent of each other resulting from different concurrent toxicopathic mechanisms, although laboratory exposures will likely be the only way to determine the true aetiology of HFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Bignell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom.
| | - Jon Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly S Bateman
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Etherton
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen W Feist
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Ioanna Katsiadaki
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Marion Sebire
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander P Scott
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Grant D Stentiford
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Tim P Bean
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom; The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
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4
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Ancora S, Mariotti G, Ponchia R, Fossi MC, Leonzio C, Bianchi N. Trace elements levels in muscle and liver of a rarely investigated large pelagic fish: The Mediterranean spearfish Tetrapturus belone (Rafinesque, 1810). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110878. [PMID: 32056654 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We determined levels of mercury, cadmium, lead and selenium in muscle and liver of 29 specimens of a large pelagic fish rarely investigated, the Mediterranean spearfish Tetrapturus belone (Raf., 1810). The following element concentration ranking (mean ± S.D.; espressed in mg/kg dry weight) was recorded in muscle: Hg (3.401 ± 1.908) > Se (1.727 ± 0.232) > Pb (0.532 ± 0.322) > Cd (0.019 ± 0.015), and Se (6.577 ± 1.789) > Cd (5.815 ± 3.038) > Hg (2.698 ± 2.214) > Pb (0.661 ± 1.334) in liver. Levels of Hg, Se and Cd were compared to those reported for other Istiophoridae from oceanic areas and for other large predators of Mediterranean Sea, like swordfish and tuna. Organotropism of trace elements and their relation to size was discussed. Ecophysiological considerations regarding the Se-Hg relationship as well as Se-Cd indicate a possible detoxification mechanism. The implications for human consumption are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Ancora
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Mariotti
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Rosetta Ponchia
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Claudio Leonzio
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Bianchi
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
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5
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Carnevali O, Maradonna F, Sagrati A, Candelma M, Lombardo F, Pignalosa P, Bonfanti E, Nocillado J, Palma P, Gioacchini G, Elizur A. Insights on the seasonal variations of reproductive features in the Eastern Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 282:113216. [PMID: 31278920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (ABFT, Thunnus thynnus) is one of the most intensely exploited fisheries resources in the world. In spite of the years of studies on ABFT, basic aspects of its reproductive biology remain uncertain. To gain insight regarding the seasonal changes of the reproductive characteristics of the eastern stock of ABFT, blood and tissue samples were collected from mature specimens caught in the Mediterranean basin during the reproductive (May-June) and non-reproductive season (Oct-Nov). Histological analysis of the gonads of May-June samples indicated that there were females which were actively spawning (contained post-ovulatory follicles) and females that were not actively spawning that had previtellogenic and fully vitellogenic oocytes. In males, testis were at early or late stage of spermatogenesis during the reproductive season. In Oct-Nov, ovaries contained mostly previtellogenic oocytes as well as β and α atretic follicles while the testis predominantly contained spermatogonia and few cysts with spermatocytes and spermatozoa. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) in females was highest among the actively spawning individuals while in males GSI was higher in early and late spermatogenic individuals compared to those that were spent. Plasma sex steroids levels varied with the reproductive season. In females, estradiol (E2), was higher in May-June while testosterone (T) and progesterone (P) did not vary. In males, E2 and T were higher in May-June while P levels were similar at the two sampling points. Circulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was higher in Oct-Nov than in May-June both in males and females. Vitellogenin (VTG) was detected in plasma from both males and females during the reproductive season with levels in females significantly higher than in males. VTG was undetected in Oct-Nov samples. Since choriogenesis is an important event during follicle growth, the expression of three genes involved in vitelline envelope formation and hardening was measured and results showed significantly higher levels in ovaries in fish caught in May-June with respect to those sampled in Oct-Nov. In addition, a set of genes encoding for ion channels that are responsible for oocyte hydration and buoyancy, as well as sperm viability, were characterized at the two time points, and these were found to be more highly expressed in females during the reproductive season. Finally, the expression level of three mRNAs encoding for different lipid-binding proteins was analyzed with significantly higher levels detected in males, suggesting sex-specific expression. Our findings provide additional information on the reproductive biology of ABFT, particularly on biomarkers for the assessment of the state of maturation of the gonad, highlighting gender-specific signals and seasonal differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Francesca Maradonna
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Andrea Sagrati
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Michela Candelma
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Erica Bonfanti
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - Josephine Nocillado
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - Peter Palma
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia; Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, 5021 Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines
| | - Giorgia Gioacchini
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Abigail Elizur
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia
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6
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Cotronei S, Pozo K, Audy O, Přibylová P, Corsolini S. Contamination Profile of DDTs in the Shark Somniosus microcephalus from Greenland Seawaters. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 101:7-13. [PMID: 29845485 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-018-2371-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
DDT isomers were detected in all the liver and muscle samples of Greenland sharks Somniosus microcephalus (n = 15) caught in Greenland seawaters. The mean concentrations of ΣDDTs (sum of o,p' and p,p' DDT, DDD, and DDE isomers) were 1094 ± 818 ng/g lipid weight (lw) in the muscle and 761 ± 416 ng/g lw in the liver. The p,p'-DDE accounted for 48% ± 41% and 53% ± 54% of the total DDT residue in the white muscle and liver, respectively. The lipid content was 48% ± 10% in the muscle and 43% ± 17% in the liver. Female sharks showed the highest concentrations of ΣDDTs. The youngest shark showed higher concentrations of ΣDDTs in the liver than the older sharks. To our knowledge, this is one of the few investigations on DDT levels in S. microcephalus where concentrations were correlated to lipid content and sex/size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Cotronei
- Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Karla Pozo
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, 4080871, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ondřej Audy
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Přibylová
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simonetta Corsolini
- Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
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7
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Bioaccumulation of nonylphenols and bisphenol A in the Greenland shark Somniosus microcephalus from the Greenland seawaters. Microchem J 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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8
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Miccoli A, Maradonna F, De Felice A, Caputo Barucchi V, Estonba A, Genangeli M, Vittori S, Leonori I, Carnevali O. Detection of endocrine disrupting chemicals and evidence of their effects on the HPG axis of the European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 127:137-147. [PMID: 28411869 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural/synthetic Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) may display estrogenic activity and a lower potency than 17β-estradiol. Nonetheless, their concentrations and additive effects can affect the endocrine system and reproductive processes related to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis. Because of their persistence in both the environment and biological systems, they ultimately target multi-level predators, including humans. We detected presence and effects of xenobiotics on wild anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in the Western Adriatic Sea. Twenty-one PCBs and five organochlorines were detected on the order of ng g-1; vitellogenin, vitellogenin receptor and genes encoding for the zona radiata proteins were evaluated in gonad and/or liver and found transcribed in male specimens; in addition, intersex was histologically identified in the 13% of testis. Our results have developed the understanding of the European anchovy's reproductive toxicological risk and our approach could assist the comprehension of the complex dynamics of commercially relevant Teleost species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Miccoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; CNR-National Research Council of Italy, ISMAR-Marine Sciences Institute, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Francesca Maradonna
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Andrea De Felice
- CNR-National Research Council of Italy, ISMAR-Marine Sciences Institute, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Caputo Barucchi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Andone Estonba
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.
| | | | - Sauro Vittori
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Iole Leonori
- CNR-National Research Council of Italy, ISMAR-Marine Sciences Institute, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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9
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Guerranti C, Cau A, Renzi M, Badini S, Grazioli E, Perra G, Focardi SE. Phthalates and perfluorinated alkylated substances in Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) specimens from Mediterranean Sea (Sardinia, Italy): Levels and risks for human consumption. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2016; 51:661-667. [PMID: 27323803 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2016.1191886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Atlantic blue fin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a species of great importance for Mediterranean Sea area, from both ecological and commercial points of view. The scientific literature reports few data on the contamination of this fish by emerging organic compounds such as perfluorinated alkylated substances(PFASs) and phthalates, being the latter never been studied in tuna. This study therefore investigated the presence of the PFASs perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) and the phthalate di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), also monitored by its metabolite mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate(MEHP), to assess both the state of contamination of Atlantic bluefin tuna specimen and the risk due to the toxicity of these compounds for human consumption. While PFOA was never found, detectable levels of PFOS (0.4-1.88 ng/g), DEHP (9-14.62 ng/g) and MEHP (1.5-6.30 ng/g) were found. The results were elaborated relating the accumulation to the size and age of the individuals and showed a correlation between the levels of different pollutants investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Cau
- b Department of Life Science and Environment , University of Cagliari , Cagliari , Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- a BsRC Bioscience Research Center , Orbetello ( GR ), Italy
| | - Simone Badini
- c Department of Physical , Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | | | - Guido Perra
- c Department of Physical , Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Silvano Ettore Focardi
- c Department of Physical , Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
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10
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Karami A, Teh SJ, Zakaria MP, Courtenay SC. Ploidy-, gender-, and dose-dependent alteration of selected biomarkers in Clarias gariepinus treated with benzo[a]pyrene. J Environ Sci (China) 2015; 38:95-102. [PMID: 26702972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Naturally-occurring and artificially-induced polyploids have been documented in various fish species but to date no comparison has been reported of the impacts of ploidy on fish biomarker responses to organic pollutants. This study describes effects of ploidy, gender, and dose on biliary fluorescent aromatic compound (FAC) concentrations, hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities in one of the most commonly cultured warm-water species, the African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Recently matured male and female diploid and triploid fish were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with 0, 5 or 25mg/kg benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and liver and gallbladder were sampled 48hr later. No significant differences were found between ploidies in bile concentrations of 7,8 dihydrodiolbenzo[a]pyrene (7,8D BaP), 1-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (1-OH BaP) or 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OH BaP). However, concentrations of the biliary FACs did differ between males and females at different dose of injection with generally higher concentrations in females at the low dose of BaP and higher concentrations in males at the higher BaP concentration. Hepatic EROD activity did not exhibit gender-dependent difference, whereas it was significantly higher in triploids than diploids. GST activities were not significantly influenced by any of the tested factors. This work advanced our understanding of the role of ploidy, gender, and dose in biotransformation of pollutants in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Karami
- Laboratory of Aquatic Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Swee J Teh
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mohamad Pauzi Zakaria
- Centre of Excellence for Environmental Forensics, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Simon C Courtenay
- Department of Environment and Resource Studies, Canadian Water Network, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of Waterloo, Canada
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11
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Corsolini S, Ancora S, Bianchi N, Mariotti G, Leonzio C, Christiansen JS. Organotropism of persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals in the Greenland shark Somniosus microcephalus in NE Greenland. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 87:381-387. [PMID: 25084679 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The Greenland shark Somniosus microcephalus is an opportunistic feeder, a top predator, and a very long-lived species. The brain, liver, red and white muscle, gonads, fat, skin, pancreas, and spleen of Greenland sharks from NE Greenland fjords were analysed for PCBs, PCDDs/DFs, PBDEs; DDT isomers; HCH isomers; dieldrin; endrin; HCB; Cd, Hg, Pb, and Se. PCBs (2.01-103 ng/g wet wt) and PBDEs (7.9-3050 pg/g wet wt) were detected in most of the samples. PCDDs/DFs showed high values when detected. DDTs, HCB and HCHs were only detected in some tissues. The ΣTEQ was 5.76 pg/g in muscle. Cadmium mainly accumulated in the pancreas and liver (19.6 and 10.7 mg/kg dry wt, respectively); mercury in red muscle (4.10-6.91 mg/kg dry wt); selenium in the pancreas (3.57 mg/kg dry wt) and spleen (1.95 mg/kg dry wt); lead in the skin (0.358 mg/kgd ry wt). The selenium-mercury ratio in the liver was also evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Corsolini
- Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefania Ancora
- Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Bianchi
- Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giacomo Mariotti
- Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Claudio Leonzio
- Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jørgen S Christiansen
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Biosciences-Environmental and Marine Biology, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
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12
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Ortiz-Zarragoitia M, Bizarro C, Rojo-Bartolomé I, de Cerio OD, Cajaraville MP, Cancio I. Mugilid fish are sentinels of exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds in coastal and estuarine environments. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:4756-82. [PMID: 25222666 PMCID: PMC4178482 DOI: 10.3390/md12094756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Effects on fish reproduction can result from a variety of toxicity mechanisms first operating at the molecular level. Notably, the presence in the environment of some compounds termed endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can cause adverse effects on reproduction by interfering with the endocrine system. In some cases, exposure to EDCs leads to the animal feminization and male fish may develop oocytes in testis (intersex condition). Mugilid fish are well suited sentinel organisms to study the effects of reproductive EDCs in the monitoring of estuarine/marine environments. Up-regulation of aromatases and vitellogenins in males and juveniles and the presence of intersex individuals have been described in a wide array of mullet species worldwide. There is a need to develop new molecular markers to identify early feminization responses and intersex condition in fish populations, studying mechanisms that regulate gonad differentiation under exposure to xenoestrogens. Interestingly, an electrophoresis of gonad RNA, shows a strong expression of 5S rRNA in oocytes, indicating the potential of 5S rRNA and its regulating proteins to become useful molecular makers of oocyte presence in testis. Therefore, the use of these oocyte markers to sex and identify intersex mullets could constitute powerful molecular biomarkers to assess xenoestrogenicity in field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Ortiz-Zarragoitia
- Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Plentzia Marine Station (PIE-UPV/EHU) and Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), E-48080 Bilbao PO Box 644, Basque Country, Spain.
| | - Cristina Bizarro
- Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Plentzia Marine Station (PIE-UPV/EHU) and Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), E-48080 Bilbao PO Box 644, Basque Country, Spain.
| | - Iratxe Rojo-Bartolomé
- Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Plentzia Marine Station (PIE-UPV/EHU) and Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), E-48080 Bilbao PO Box 644, Basque Country, Spain.
| | - Oihane Diaz de Cerio
- Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Plentzia Marine Station (PIE-UPV/EHU) and Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), E-48080 Bilbao PO Box 644, Basque Country, Spain.
| | - Miren P Cajaraville
- Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Plentzia Marine Station (PIE-UPV/EHU) and Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), E-48080 Bilbao PO Box 644, Basque Country, Spain.
| | - Ibon Cancio
- Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Plentzia Marine Station (PIE-UPV/EHU) and Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), E-48080 Bilbao PO Box 644, Basque Country, Spain.
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13
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Wan Q, Whang I, Choi CY, Lee JS, Lee J. Validation of housekeeping genes as internal controls for studying biomarkers of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in disk abalone by real-time PCR. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2011; 153:259-68. [PMID: 21168524 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2010.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2010] [Revised: 11/13/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Our experiments were designed to identify suitable housekeeping genes (HKGs) in disk abalone as internal controls to quantify biomarker expression following endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Relative expression levels of twelve candidate HKGs were examined by real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in gill and hepatopancreas of abalone following a 7-day challenge with either tributyltin chloride (TBT) or 17β-estradiol (E2). The expression levels of several conventional HKGs, such as 18s rRNA, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and β-actin, were significantly altered by the challenges, indicating that they might not be suitable internal controls. Instead, the geNorm analysis pinpointed ribosomal protein L-5/ elongation factor 1 and ribosomal protein L-5/ succinate dehydrogenase as the most stable HKGs under TBT and E2 challenges, respectively. Moreover, these three HKGs also showed the highest stabilities overall amongst different tissues, genders and EDC challenges. The expression of a biomarker gene, cytochrome P450 4B (CYP4), was also investigated and exhibited a significant increase after the challenges. Importantly, when unsuitable HKGs were used for normalization, the influence of two EDCs on CYP4 expression was imprecisely overestimated or underestimated, which strongly emphasized the importance of selecting appropriately validated HKGs as internal controls in biomarker studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wan
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756, Republic of Korea
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14
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Zhang F, Bartels MJ, Geter DR, Carr MS, McClymount LE, Marino TA, Klecka GM. Simultaneous quantitation of testosterone, estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, and 11-ketotestosterone in fathead minnow fish plasma by liquid chromatography/positive atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2009; 23:3637-3646. [PMID: 19890953 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.4298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, for the first time, a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/positive atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/APPI-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of testosterone, estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, and 11-ketotestosterone in fathead minnow fish plasma using no more than 10 microL of plasma. Compounds present in plasma were directly derivatized with dansyl chloride and 25 microL of the derivatized mixture was injected into the LC/APPI-MS/MS system. The gradient chromatographic elution was achieved on an Agilent Zorbax SB-C18 analytical column (2.1 mm x 50 mm, 1.8 microm particle size) with mobile phases consisting of acetonitrile, water and acetic acid. The flow rate was 0.5 to 0.7 mL/min and the total run time was 11.5 min. The lower limits of quantitation for testosterone, estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, and 11-ketotestosterone and were 1, 1, 1, and 2.5 ng/mL, respectively. Intra-batch precision was less than 19.4% and inter-batch precision was less than 11.7% for all four analytes. Accuracy was within 83.5-115.4% of nominal concentrations. This method is used for quantitation of sex steroid levels in fathead minnow tested in endocrine disruptor screening experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fagen Zhang
- Toxicology and Environmental Research & Consulting, The Dow Chemical Company, 1803 Building, Midland, MI 48674, USA.
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15
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Thomas KV, Langford K, Petersen K, Smith AJ, Tollefsen KE. Effect-directed identification of naphthenic acids as important in vitro xeno-estrogens and anti-androgens in North sea offshore produced water discharges. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:8066-71. [PMID: 19924924 DOI: 10.1021/es9014212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Produced water from offshore oil production platforms represents the largest direct discharge of effluent into the offshore environment. Produced water effluents contain a complex mixture of substances which are known to bind to the estrogen receptor (ER) and antagonize the androgen receptor (AR). Short-chain petrogenic alkylphenols have been identified as responsible for around 35% of the ER agonist activity measured in vitro while the compounds responsible for antagonizing the androgen receptor are unknown. For the first time we report that petrogenic naphthenic acids are weak ER agonists that account for much of the 65% of the "unknown" ER agonist potency in North Sea produced waters while also disrupting the binding of AR agonists to the AR ligand receptor. We also report other known petrogenic components such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylphenols as environmental AR antagonists. Our investigation shows that these petrogenic components are responsible for the majority of the ER and AR receptor mediated activity in produced waters. This hypothesis is supported by data from an effects-directed analysis of produced water using normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation in combination with the yeast estrogen and androgen assays as well as androgen receptor binding assays of commercially available mixtures of naphthenic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Thomas
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), N-0349 Oslo, Norway.
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16
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Spinsanti G, Panti C, Bucalossi D, Marsili L, Casini S, Frati F, Fossi MC. Selection of reliable reference genes for qRT-PCR studies on cetacean fibroblast cultures exposed to OCs, PBDEs, and 17beta-estradiol. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2008; 87:178-186. [PMID: 18339435 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2008.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2007] [Revised: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) represents an effective molecular technique for the detection of mRNA expression in biological samples. Its sensitivity allows the quantification of slight changes in the regulation of gene transcription but is strictly dependent upon the method followed during the normalization procedure. Relative quantification determines changes in the steady-state mRNA levels of genes across multiple samples and it is assessed by comparison with the levels of one or more internal control RNA. In this context, the choice of constitutively expressed control genes, whose transcription is not affected by the contaminants, appears to be fundamental for the reliability of this technique. During this study, fibroblast cell cultures originated from integumentum biopsies, sampled in the cetacean species Stenella coeruleoalba, have been exposed for 6h to increasing concentrations of different mixtures of compounds with endocrine disruptor capacities (EDCs): organochlorines (OCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and 17beta-estradiol. Ten common housekeeping genes have been tested for the expression of their transcripts in exposed cell cultures using qRT-PCR assays and raw data were analyzed with the two Excel applets geNorm and NormFinder. The genes encoding for SDHA, GAPDH and YWHAZ appear to be the most reliable controls, respectively, for the OC, PBDE and 17beta-estradiol treatments. These results clearly show that the transcription of even widely diffused control genes can be regulated by different treatments and underlie the importance of a careful selection of the optimal housekeeping genes in toxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Spinsanti
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena (SI), Italy.
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17
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Matozzo V, Gagné F, Marin MG, Ricciardi F, Blaise C. Vitellogenin as a biomarker of exposure to estrogenic compounds in aquatic invertebrates: a review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2008; 34:531-545. [PMID: 18029015 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2007.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2007] [Revised: 08/10/2007] [Accepted: 09/20/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Vitellogenins (Vg) are the major precursor of the egg-yolk proteins, vitellins (Vn), which provide energy reserves for embryonic development in oviparous organisms. In mature females, Vg are generally synthesised in response to endogenous estrogens, such as 17beta-estradiol (E2), released into the bloodstream and then stored in developing oocytes. In males, the Vg gene, although present, is normally silent. However, it may be activated by (xeno)-estrogens. These substances belong to a large and heterogeneous group of environmental contaminants capable of altering endocrine functions in organisms. For this reason, they are named endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Natural steroidal estrogens [E2, estrone (E1), estriol (E3)] and synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and household products (surfactants) are estrogenic compounds widespread in aquatic ecosystems. The main sources of contamination mostly stem (or originate) from municipal and industrial effluents, agricultural practices, livestock wastes and sewage treatment plants (STP). Recently, Vg induction, mainly in males and immature females, has been proposed as a useful biomarker to assess estrogenic contamination in aquatic environments. Indeed, estrogenicity of individual chemicals and mixtures has extensively been evaluated, in both laboratory and field studies, albeit mostly in fish. In contrast, limited attention has centred on evaluating xenoestrogen effects in aquatic invertebrates, probably owing to limited knowledge of their endocrinology. This review focuses on a brief description of xenoestrogens and their occurrence in aquatic environments, and on Vg induction in aquatic invertebrates in response to both experimental and environmental exposure to estrogenic compounds. Results of recent field and laboratory studies are presented. In addition, new perspectives about the use of Vg induction as a biomarker of exposure to estrogenic compounds are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Matozzo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova, Italy.
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18
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Storelli MM, Casalino E, Barone G, Marcotrigiano GO. Persistent organic pollutants (PCBs and DDTs) in small size specimens of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from the Mediterranean Sea (Ionian Sea). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2008; 34:509-13. [PMID: 18164060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2007.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2007] [Revised: 11/19/2007] [Accepted: 11/21/2007] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The concentration levels and pattern distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs), were investigated in liver of small size specimens of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from Mediterranean Sea (Ionian Sea). PCB concentrations (average: 526 ng g(-1) lipid wt) were comparable with DDT levels (average: 435 ng g(-1) lipid wt). The specific analysis of PCB congeners revealed a profile dominated by hexa-, penta- and heptachlorinated congeners, while among DDTs, the compounds with the higher concentration was p,p'-DDE, constituting 91.9% of the total DDT. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs, including mono- and non-ortho congeners, was 0.55 pg g(-1) wet weight with. The congeners with highest TEQs values were non-ortho congeners followed by mono-ortho ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department, Chemistry and Biochemistry Section, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Bari- Strada Prov. le per Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano Ba, Italy
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19
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Viarengo A, Lowe D, Bolognesi C, Fabbri E, Koehler A. The use of biomarkers in biomonitoring: a 2-tier approach assessing the level of pollutant-induced stress syndrome in sentinel organisms. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2007; 146:281-300. [PMID: 17560835 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2007.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2007] [Revised: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 04/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The paper outlines a 2-tier approach for wide-scale biomonitoring programmes. To obtain a high level of standardization, we suggest the use of caged organisms (mussels or fish). An "early warning", highly sensitive, low-cost biomarker is employed in tier 1 (i.e. lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) and survival rate, a marker for highly polluted sites). Tier 2 is used only for animals sampled at sites in which LMS changes are evident and there is no mortality, with a complete battery of biomarkers assessing the levels of pollutant-induced stress syndrome. Possible approaches for integrating biomarker data in a synthetic index are discussed, along with our proposal to use a recently developed Expert System. The latter system allows a correct selection of biomarkers at different levels of biological organisation (molecular/cellular/tissue/organism) taking into account trends in pollutant-induced biomarker changes (increasing, decreasing, bell-shape). A selection of biomarkers of stress, genotoxicity and exposure usually employed in biomonitoring programmes is presented, together with a brief overview of new biomolecular approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Viarengo
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences (DiSAV), University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bellini 25/G 15100 Alessandria, Italy.
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20
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Scott AP, Sanders M, Stentiford GD, Reese RA, Katsiadaki I. Evidence for estrogenic endocrine disruption in an offshore flatfish, the dab (Limanda limanda L.). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2007; 64:128-48. [PMID: 17307251 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2006.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2006] [Revised: 12/14/2006] [Accepted: 12/18/2006] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Dab (Limanda limanda) caught in UK offshore waters show evidence of being exposed to estrogenic endocrine disrupters at a relatively low level. Two of 449 males caught between June and July 2005 had markedly elevated levels of vitellogenin (VTG; 21 and 750 microg/ml) and the remainder ranged from <0.01 to 8.6 microg/ml. Omitting the two outliers, there was a very significant positive relationship with the mass of individual males (a feature noted in previous studies on cod). Mean VTG concentrations in males differed significantly between sites. The site with the highest mean (1.6 microg/ml) was North East of the Dogger Bank and the site with the lowest (0.04 microg/ml) was in Cardigan Bay. Mean VTG concentrations in all North Sea fish were significantly higher than English Channel and Irish Sea fish, but this difference disappeared when fish mass was taken into account. VTG concentrations showed no relationship to water depth, stage of sexual maturity or age of the males. Sixty selected male plasmas were assayed for 17beta-estradiol but only two had measurable amounts (assay limit 0.04 ng/ml). Despite being the start of summer, the gonads of many of the males and females (especially those caught in the North Sea) showed signs of sexual maturity (presence of sperm in males and vitellogenic eggs in females). Many females had high VTG concentrations (up to 14 mg/ml) and 78 out of 80 had measurable concentrations of 17beta-estradiol. The cause of elevated VTG levels in male dab is unknown. As seen in cod, the presence of affected males does not appear to be linked to proximity to land or to known point sources of endocrine disrupters. However, our data, showing that larger fish are more likely to have elevated VTG concentrations, suggests a gradual accumulation by marine fish, probably through feeding, of persistent (probably relatively weak) estrogenic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Scott
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
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21
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Fossi MC, Casini S, Marsili L. Potential toxicological hazard due to endocrine-disrupting chemicals on Mediterranean top predators: state of art, gender differences and methodological tools. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2007; 104:174-82. [PMID: 16996053 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2006.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2005] [Revised: 06/09/2006] [Accepted: 06/09/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Man-made endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) range across all continents and oceans. Some geographic areas are potentially more threatened than others: one of these is the Mediterranean Sea. Levels of some xenobiotics are much higher here than in other seas and oceans. In this paper we review the final results of a project supported by the Italian Ministry of the Environment, in which the hypothesis that Mediterranean top predator species (such as large pelagic fish and marine mammals) are potentially at risk due to EDCs was investigated. We illustrate the need to develop and apply sensitive methodological tools, such as biomarkers (Vitellogenin, Zona Radiata proteins and CYP1A activities) for evaluation of toxicological risk in large pelagic fish top predators (Swordfish, (Xiphias gladius), Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus thynnus)) and nondestructive biomarkers (CYP1A activities and fibroblast cell culture in skin biopsy), for the hazard assessment of threatened marine mammals species (Striped Dolphin, (Stenella coeruleoalba), Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus))exposed to EDCs. Differential gender susceptibility to EDCs is also explored both in large pelagic fish and in cetaceans. In cetaceans, male specimens showed higher cytochrome P450 induction (BPMO in skyn biopsies, CYP2B in fibroblasts cell cultures) by xenobiotics with respect to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Fossi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via PA Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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22
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Burger J, Fossi C, McClellan-Green P, Orlando EF. Methodologies, bioindicators, and biomarkers for assessing gender-related differences in wildlife exposed to environmental chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2007; 104:135-52. [PMID: 17207477 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2006.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2005] [Revised: 07/19/2006] [Accepted: 08/03/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Male and female organisms may have significant differences in their exposure, toxicokinetics, and response to chemicals, but gender effects have received relatively little attention, often viewed as a confounder rather than of primary importance. In this paper, we examine some of the key issues and methodologies for incorporating gender in studies of the effects of chemicals on wildlife, and explore bioindicators and biomarkers of gender effects. Examining gender-related differences in response to chemicals is complicated in wildlife because of the vast array of species, and differences in niches, lifespans, reproductive cycles and modes, and population dynamics. Further, organisms are more at risk in some ecosystems than others, which may increase the magnitude of effects. Only by studying wild animals, especially native species, can we truly understand the potential impact of gender-specific effects of chemical exposure on populations. Several factors affect gender-related differences in responses to chemicals, including exposure, age, size, seasonality, and genetic and phenotypic variation. There are clear examples where gender-related differences have had significant effects on reproductive success and population stability, including destabilization of gamete release in invertebrates, and alterations of endocrine and neuroendocrine system functioning in vertebrates. A wide range of new technologies and methods are available for examining gender-related differences in responses to chemicals. We provide examples that show that there are gender-related differences in responses to chemicals that have significant biological effects, and these gender-related differences should be taken into account by scientists, regulators, and policy makers, as well as the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854P-8082, USA.
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23
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de Azevedo e Silva CE, Azeredo A, Lailson-Brito J, Torres JPM, Malm O. Polychlorinated biphenyls and DDT in swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and blue shark (Prionace glauca) from Brazilian coast. CHEMOSPHERE 2007; 67:S48-53. [PMID: 17223179 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.05.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT may bioaccumulate in the aquatic food web and have been of great concern due to their toxic effects on wildlife and human health. There is evidence showing that fish in the human diet contributes at a significant proportion to the total intake of PCBs and other organochlorine compounds, particularly fish with higher fat levels. This study investigated the concentration of PCBs and DDTs in muscle tissues of samples of the blue shark (Prionace glauca) and a swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from east Brazilian coast and estimate the human exposure to total DDTs through the consumption of both the species. Samples of the each species were caught between August and September 2001. The mean concentration for summation operator PCBs in P. glauca was 3.15 ng/g w.w. and the summation operator DDTs was 0.93 ng/g w.w. The mean concentration of summation operator PCBs in X. gladius was 6.50 ng/g and the mean of summation operator DDTs was 2.47 ng/g. The estimated daily intake of summation operator DDT through X. gladius or P. glauca consumption can be considered safe since it contributes to less than 0.1% of the limit of acceptable daily intake (ADI) of summation operator DDT proposed by WHO.
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24
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Porte C, Janer G, Lorusso LC, Ortiz-Zarragoitia M, Cajaraville MP, Fossi MC, Canesi L. Endocrine disruptors in marine organisms: approaches and perspectives. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2006; 143:303-15. [PMID: 16723279 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2006.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2005] [Revised: 03/14/2006] [Accepted: 03/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Organic pollutants exhibiting endocrine disrupting activity (Endocrine Disruptors--EDs) are prevalent over a wide range in the aquatic ecosystems; most EDs are resistant to environmental degradation and are considered ubiquitous contaminants. The actual potency of EDs is low compared to that of natural hormones, but environmental concentrations may still be sufficiently high to produce detrimental biological effects. Most information on the biological effects and mechanisms of action of EDs has been focused on vertebrates. Here we summarize recent progress in studies on selected aspects of endocrine disruption in marine organisms that are still poorly understood and that certainly deserve further research in the near future. This review, divided in four sections, focuses mainly on invertebrates (effects of EDs and mechanisms of action) and presents data on top predators (large pelagic fish and cetaceans), a group of vertebrates that are particularly at risk due to their position in the food chain. The first section deals with basic pathways of steroid biosynthesis and metabolism as a target for endocrine disruption in invertebrates. In the second section, data on the effects and alternative mechanisms of action of estrogenic compounds in mussel immunocytes are presented, addressing to the importance of investigating full range responses to estrogenic chemicals in ecologically relevant invertebrate species. In the third section we review the potential use of vitellogenin (Vtg)-like proteins as a biomarker of endocrine disruption in marine bivalve molluscs, used worldwide as sentinels in marine biomonitoring programmes. Finally, we summarize the results of a recent survey on ED accumulation and effects on marine fish and mammals, utilizing both classical biomarkers of endocrine disruption in vertebrates and non-lethal techniques, such as non-destructive biomarkers, indicating the toxicological risk for top predator species in the Mediterranean. Overall, the reviewed data underline the potential to identify specific types of responses to specific groups of chemicals such as EDs in order to develop suitable biomarkers that could be useful as diagnostic tools for endocrine disruption in marine invertebrates and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Porte
- Environmental Chemistry Dept., IIQAB-CSIC-, C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Martin-Skilton R, Lavado R, Thibaut R, Minier C, Porte C. Evidence of endocrine alteration in the red mullet, Mullus barbatus from the NW Mediterranean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2006; 141:60-8. [PMID: 16203071 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2005] [Accepted: 08/05/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Red mullet (Mullus barbatus) were collected from different sampling sites (NW Mediterranean) in spring and autumn, with the aim of assessing potential alterations of the endocrine system. Alkylphenols were measured in fish bile as an indicator of estrogenic exposure. Key enzymatic activities involved in both synthesis (ovarian 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and P450 aromatase) and metabolism of steroids were assessed together with histological alterations of the gonads. During the spring sampling, delayed gamete maturation, intersexuality, fibrosis, and depressed ovarian P450 aromatase activity were observed in organisms from the most polluted sites. During the autumn sampling, those effects were less evident, indicating that fish might be more susceptible to endocrine disrupting chemicals during the reproductive period. Nonetheless, enhanced glucuronidation of testosterone and estradiol was observed. Overall, this work provides first evidences of significant alterations in the endocrine system of red mullet from highly impacted areas in the NW Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Martin-Skilton
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IIQAB-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Barucca M, Canapa A, Olmo E, Regoli F. Analysis of vitellogenin gene induction as a valuable biomarker of estrogenic exposure in various Mediterranean fish species. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2006; 101:68-73. [PMID: 16168407 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2005.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2005] [Accepted: 07/12/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Several pollutants have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system in aquatic organisms, and synthesis of vitellogenin (VTG) in male fish is a well-recognized effect of estrogenic xenobiotics. In this respect both the presence of the protein in plasma and the analysis of VTG gene induction may represent valuable biomarkers. The present article describes primers specifically designed for a RT-PCR assay of VTG mRNA in various Mediterranean fish species. All the species analyzed have great potential as bioindicators in the Mediterranean: the red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and the striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) are commonly found in coastal and estuarine waters, the black goby (Gobius niger) is an important species in harbors, the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is more typical of brackish environments and lagoon ecosystems, and the tuna fish (Thunnus thynnus) has commercial value and, being a top predator in marine food webs, is particularly exposed to bioaccumulated halogenated hydrocarbons with possible estrogenic activity. The analysis of VTG mRNA has been standardized in feral fish, and basal expression of VTG was demonstrated in female specimens of the species analyzed. Only sexually immature specimens were analyzed for A. anguilla, and exposure to 17beta-estradiol clearly induced the synthesis of VTG mRNA, confirming their responsiveness to estrogenic exposure and the specificity of the designed primers. VTG mRNA was detected in adult males of T. thynnus (>100 kg), supporting estrogenic exposure of older specimens. In this species two different VTGs were identified, and the sequences obtained in the various species were compared with available sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barucca
- Istituto di Biologia e Genetica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri Monte d'Ago, 60100 Ancona, Italy
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Garritano S, Pinto B, Calderisi M, Cirillo T, Amodio-Cocchieri R, Reali D. Estrogen-like activity of seafood related to environmental chemical contaminants. Environ Health 2006; 5:9. [PMID: 16573822 PMCID: PMC1484473 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-5-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2005] [Accepted: 03/30/2006] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A wide variety of environmental pollutants occur in surface waters, including estuarine and marine waters. Many of these contaminants are recognised as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which can adversely affect the male and female reproductive system by binding the estrogen receptor and exhibiting hormone-like activities. In this study the estrogenic activity of extracts of edible marine organisms for human consumption from the Mediterranean Sea was assayed. METHODS Marine organisms were collected in two different areas of the Mediterranean Sea. The estrogenic activity of tissues was assessed using an in vitro yeast reporter gene assay (S. cerevisiae RMY 326 ER-ERE). Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (congeners 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) in fish tissue was also evaluated. RESULTS Thirty-eight percent of extracts showed a hormone-like activity higher than 10% of the activity elicited by 10 nM 17b-estradiol (E2) used as control. Total PCB concentrations ranged from 0.002 up to 1.785 ng/g wet weight. Chemical analyses detected different levels of contamination among the species collected in the two areas, with the ones collected in the Adriatic Sea showing concentrations significantly higher than those collected in the Tyrrhenian Sea (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The more frequent combination of chemicals in the samples that showed higher estrogenic activity was PCB 28, PCB 101, PCB 153, PCB 180. The content of PCBs and estrogenic activity did not reveal any significant correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Pinto
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Medical Biotechnology, Infectivology and Epidemiology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 37, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Calderisi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Medical Biotechnology, Infectivology and Epidemiology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 37, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Teresa Cirillo
- Department of Food Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Renata Amodio-Cocchieri
- Department of Food Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Daniela Reali
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Medical Biotechnology, Infectivology and Epidemiology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 37, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Scott AP, Katsiadaki I, Witthames PR, Hylland K, Davies IM, McIntosh AD, Thain J. Vitellogenin in the blood plasma of male cod (Gadus morhua): a sign of oestrogenic endocrine disruption in the open sea? MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2006; 61:149-70. [PMID: 16229887 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2005.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2005] [Revised: 08/25/2005] [Accepted: 08/31/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
An ELISA for cod vitellogenin (VTG) has been set up using cod lipovitellin for plate coating and standardisation. The assay has been applied to plasma samples collected from male and female cod caught in three distinct areas around the UK, three areas off the Norwegian coast and also to cod reared initially at an aquaculture site and subsequently maintained at a research station. The aim of the study was to determine whether there were any signs of oestrogenic endocrine disruption in a fish species living offshore. VTG induction was found in male cod caught in the North Sea, the Shetland Box area, in Oslofjord and also in cultivated fish. There was a strong relationship between concentrations of VTG and fish size. There was no evidence that the presence of VTG in the plasma of males is a natural part of their life cycle. On the other hand, the size of fish at which these elevated VTG concentrations appear (ca. 5 kg) is about the size that cod change from feeding primarily on benthic invertebrates to mainly other fish, both benthic and pelagic. The possibility is suggested that large cod pick up oestrogenic endocrine disrupters through the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Scott
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK.
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29
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Ferrando S, Maisano M, Parrino V, Ferrando T, Girosi L, Tagliafierro G. Gut morphology and metallothionein immunoreactivity inLiza auratafrom different heavy metal polluted environments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1080/11250000500502228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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30
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Storelli MM, Marcotrigiano GO. Occurrence and accumulation of organochlorine contaminants in swordfish from Mediterranean Sea: a case study. CHEMOSPHERE 2006; 62:375-80. [PMID: 15982706 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.04.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2005] [Revised: 04/01/2005] [Accepted: 04/18/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls including coplanar congeners and DDT compounds were measured in the liver of a teleost species: namely, Xiphias gladius. PCB concentrations (median: 1121 ng/g lipid wt) were comparable with DDT levels (median: 1236 ng/g lipid wt). PCBs revealed a profile dominated by hexa-, penta- and heptachlorinated congeners. Among DDTs, the compound in the greatest concentration was p,p'-DDE, representing 70% of the total DDT burden, followed by o,p'-DDT>p,p'-DDT>p,p'-DDD=o,p'-DDD. Mean total 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalent of five coplanar PCBs was 8.83 pg/g lipid weight. The isomers with higher TEQs values were non-ortho congeners than mono-ortho ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department, Chemistry and Biochemistry Section, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Bari, Strada prov. le per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, (BA), Italy
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Pinto B, Garritano S, Reali D. Occurrence of estrogen-like substances in the marine environment of the Northern Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2005; 50:1681-5. [PMID: 16243363 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2005.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Evidence has been presented that a number of environmental agents perturbs the function of the sex hormone signalling pathways in marine animals. In this work the estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity of coastal marine water samples from five sites of the Northern Mediterranean Sea was assayed using a recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain (RMY326 ER-ERE) transfected with the human estrogen receptor alpha. Extraction of potential EDCs from seawater was performed in columns packed with XAD-2 resins. The estrogenic activity was calculated as percentage of the activity of 17beta-estradiol (10 nM) and it ranged from 4.8% and 59.03%, significantly depending on sampling site (p=0.0013) and season (p<0.05). Antagonistic activity of extracts was also detected and the percentage of inhibition of estradiol-dependent beta-galactosidase induction ranged to 52.8%. These results point the reliability of the yeast assay as a first level screening test to assess the quality of aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Pinto
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Medical Biotechnology, Infectivology, Epidemiology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Storelli MM, Giacominelli-Stuffler R, Storelli A, Marcotrigiano GO. Accumulation of mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic in swordfish and bluefin tuna from the Mediterranean Sea: a comparative study. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2005; 50:1004-7. [PMID: 16040061 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2005.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2005] [Revised: 06/08/2005] [Accepted: 06/08/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M M Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department, Chemistry and Biochemistry Section, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Bari, 70010 Valenzano (Ba), Italy
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Desantis S, Corriero A, Cirillo F, Deflorio M, Brill R, Griffiths M, Lopata AL, de la Serna JM, Bridges CR, Kime DE, De Metrio G. Immunohistochemical localization of CYP1A, vitellogenin and Zona radiata proteins in the liver of swordfish (Xiphias gladius L.) taken from the Mediterranean Sea, South Atlantic, South Western Indian and Central North Pacific Oceans. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2005; 71:1-12. [PMID: 15642627 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2004.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2003] [Revised: 08/30/2004] [Accepted: 10/01/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) monoxygenase, vitellogenin (Vtg) and Zona radiata proteins (Zrp) are frequently used as biomarkers of fish exposure to organic contaminants. In this work, swordfish liver sections obtained from the Mediterranean Sea, the South African coasts (South Atlantic and South Western Indian Oceans) and the Central North Pacific Ocean were immunostained with antisera against CYP1A, Zrp, and Vtg. CYP1A induction was found in hepatocytes, epithelium of the biliary ductus and the endothelium of large blood vessels of fish from the Mediterranean Sea and South African waters, but not from the Pacific Ocean. Zrp and Vtg were immunolocalized in hepatocytes of male swordfish from the Mediterranean Sea and from South African waters. Plasma Dot-Blot analysis, performed in Mediterranean and Pacific specimens, revealed the presence of Zrp and Vtg in males from Mediterranean but not from Pacific. These results confirm previous findings about the potential exposure of Mediterranean swordfish to endocrine, disrupting chemicals and raise questions concerning the possible presence of xenobiotic contaminants off the Southern coasts of South Africa in both the South Atlantic and South Western Indian Oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Desantis
- Department of Animal Health and Well-being, University of Bari, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, I-70010 Valenzano (BA), Italy
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Fossi MC, Casini S, Marsili L, Ancora S, Mori G, Neri G, Romeo T, Ausili A. Evaluation of ecotoxicological effects of endocrine disrupters during a four-year survey of the Mediterranean population of swordfish (Xiphias gladius). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2004; 58:425-429. [PMID: 15178062 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2004.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In this project we investigated the ecotoxicological effects of endocrine disrupters in a four-year survey of the Mediterranean population of swordfish (Xiphias gladius). In the Mediterranean environment, top predators, such as swordfish, accumulate high concentrations of polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) and toxic metals, potentially incurring high toxicological risk. The effects of organochlorines and trace elements (Hg, Cd and Pb) in 192 swordfish specimens, caught in the Strait of Messina, Sicily, Italy, were investigated using vitellogenin (Vtg), zona radiata proteins (Zrp) and CYP1A (BPMO, EROD) activities. Vtg and Zrp were found to be dramatically induced in some adult male specimens, suggesting that this species is highly exposed to estrogens in the Mediterranean Sea. A role of organochlorines in this induction phenomenon is suggested by the statistically significant correlations between Zrp in plasma and PCB concentrations in muscle (p<0.032) and Vtg in plasma and PCB concentrations in liver (p<0.034) of male specimens. Levels of trace elements in liver were in the following ranges: Hg 1-22, Cd 1-28 and Pb 0-1.6 ppm d.w. These data indicate potential reproductive alterations in large pelagic fish and suggest the need for continuous monitoring to avoid reductions in the population of this fish species of high commercial and ecological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cristina Fossi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Marin MG, Matozzo V. Vitellogenin induction as a biomarker of exposure to estrogenic compounds in aquatic environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2004; 48:835-839. [PMID: 15111030 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2004.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriella Marin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova 35131, Italy.
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Fossi MC, Marsili L, Neri G, Natoli A, Politi E, Panigada S. The use of a non-lethal tool for evaluating toxicological hazard of organochlorine contaminants in Mediterranean cetaceans: new data 10 years after the first paper published in MPB. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2003; 46:972-982. [PMID: 12907191 DOI: 10.1016/s0025-326x(03)00113-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In the Mediterranean Sea, top predators, and particularly cetacean odontocetes, accumulate high concentrations of organochlorine contaminants and toxic metals, incurring high toxicological risk. In this paper we investigate the use of the skin biopsies as a non-lethal tool for evaluating toxicological hazard of organochlorines in Mediterranean cetaceans, presenting new data 10 years after the paper published by Fossi and co-workers [Mar. Poll. Bull. 24 (9) (1992) 459] in which this new methodology was first presented. Some organochlorine compounds, now with worldwide distribution, are known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Here the unexplored hypothesis that Mediterranean cetaceans are potentially at risk due to organochlorines with endocrine disrupting capacity is investigated. High concentrations of DDT metabolites and PCB congeners (known as EDCs) were found in the different Mediterranean species (Stenella coeruleoalba, Delphinus delphis, Tursiops truncatus and Balaenoptera physalus). In this paper we also propose benzo(a)pyrene monooxygenase (BPMO) activity in marine mammal skin biopsies (non-lethal biomarker) as a potential indicator of exposure to organochlorines, with special reference to the compounds with endocrine disrupting capacity. A statistically significant correlation was found between BPMO activity and organochlorine levels (DDTs, pp(')DDT, op(')DDT, PCBs and PCB99) in skin biopsies of males of B. physalus. Moreover a statistical correlation was also found between BPMO activity and DDT levels in skin biopsies of the endangered Mediterranean population of D. delphis. These results suggest that BPMO induction may be an early sign of exposure to organochlorine EDCs and can be used for periodic monitoring of Mediterranean marine mammal toxicological status.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cristina Fossi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Siena University, Via delle Cerchia 3, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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