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Morgan AN, Fogelson SB, Wills PS, Mincer T, Mejri S, Page A. Hematological changes in Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) supplemented with β-glucan and Pediococcus acidilactici synbiotic. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2024; 104:1091-1111. [PMID: 38174614 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) are a species of growing interest for commercial aquaculture. Effective health monitoring is crucial to the successful growout of the species, and prophylactic and therapeutic use of chemicals and antibiotics has been the traditional strategy for promoting stock health. However, concerns about antimicrobial resistance, chemical residues in seafood products and the environment, and resultant immunosuppression have prompted the industry to identify alternative management strategies, including supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and combinations of both (synbiotics). The objectives of this study are to determine and compare hematological, plasma biochemical, and plasma protein electrophoresis data of synbiotic-supplemented (β-glucan and Pediococcus acidilactici) and non-supplemented Florida pompano. Reference intervals for blood analytes are provided for both groups and for subgroups (females, males, large, and small fish) where statistically significant results exist. There are no differences between the hematological and plasma biochemistry analytes between the supplemented and control groups, except for blood urea nitrogen and carbon dioxide, indicating a possible effect of synbiotic supplementation on gill function and osmoregulation. Sex-related and size-related differences are observed within each of the control and supplemented groups; however, biometric measurements do not strongly correlate with blood analytes. These data represent baseline hematological and plasma biochemical data in the Florida pompano and indicate the safety of synbiotic supplementation in this commercially important species. This study serves to further the commercialization of Florida pompano by providing blood analyte reference intervals for health monitoring in the aquaculture setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Morgan
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | | | - Paul S Wills
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | - Tracy Mincer
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | - Sahar Mejri
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | - Annie Page
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
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2
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Transport of maternal transthyretin to the fetus in the viviparous teleost Neoditrema ransonnetii (Perciformes, Embiotocidae). J Comp Physiol B 2020; 190:231-241. [PMID: 31980892 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01261-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The molecular basis of viviparity in non-mammalian species has not been widely studied. Neoditrema ransonnetii, a surfperch, is a matrotrophic teleost whose fetuses grow by ovarian cavity fluid (OCF) ingestion and by nutrient absorption via their enlarged hindgut. We performed a proteomics analysis of N. ransonnetii plasma protein and found proteins specific to pregnant females; one of these was identified as transthyretin (TTR), a thyroid hormone distributor protein. We synthesized recombinant protein rNrTTR and raised an antibody, anti-rNrTTR, against it. Semi-quantitative analysis by western blotting using the antibody demonstrated that plasma TTR levels were significantly greater in pregnant fish than in non-pregnant fish. OCF and fetal plasma also contained high TTR levels. Immunohistochemical staining showed that large amounts of maternal TTR were taken up by fetal intestinal epithelial cells. These results indicate that maternal TTR is secreted into OCF and taken up by fetal enterocytes, presumably to deliver thyroid hormones to developing fetuses.
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Sarasquete C, Úbeda-Manzanaro M, Ortiz-Delgado JB. Effects of the soya isoflavone genistein in early life stages of the Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis: Thyroid, estrogenic and metabolic biomarkers. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 250:136-151. [PMID: 28634083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the effects induced by environmentally relevant concentrations of the isoflavone genistein (3mg/L and 10mg/L) during early life stages of the Senegalese sole. Throughout the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, several neurohormonal regulatory thyroid signalling patterns (thyroglobulin/Tg, thyroid peroxidase/TPO, transthyretin/TTR, thyroid receptors/TRβ, and iodothrynonine deiodinases, Dio2 and Dio3) were analysed. Furthermore, the expression patterns of estrogen receptor ERβ and haemoprotein Cyp1a were also evaluated. In the control larvae, progressive increases of constitutive hormonal signalling pathways have been evidenced from the pre-metamorphosis phase onwards, reaching the highest expression basal levels at the metamorphosis (Tg, TPO, Dio2) and/or during post-metamorphosis (TTR, TRβ, ERβ). When the early larvae were exposed to both genistein concentrations (3mg/L and 10mg/L), a statistically significant down-regulation of TPO, TTR and Tg mRNA levels was clearly detected at the metamorphic stages. In addition, the Dio2 and Dio3 transcript expression levels were also down and up-regulated when exposed to both genistein concentrations. In the larvae exposed to genistein, no statistically significant responses were recorded for the TRβ expression patterns. Nevertheless, the ERβ and Cyp1a transcript levels were up-regulated at the middle metamorphic stage (S2, at 16 dph) in the larvae exposed to high genistein concentrations and, only the ERβ was down-regulated (S1, at 12dph) at the lower doses. Finally, all these pointed out imbalances were only temporarily disrupted by exposure to genistein, since most of the modulated transcriptional signals (i.e. up or down-regulation) were quickly restored to the baseline levels. Additionally, the control and genistein-exposed Senegalese sole specimens showed characteristic ontogenetic patterns and completely suitable for an optimal development, metamorphosis, and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Sarasquete
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, ICMAN-CSIC, Campus Universitario Río San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Maria Úbeda-Manzanaro
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, ICMAN-CSIC, Campus Universitario Río San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Juan Bosco Ortiz-Delgado
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, ICMAN-CSIC, Campus Universitario Río San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
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4
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Kumar G, Denslow ND. Gene Expression Profiling in Fish Toxicology: A Review. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 241:1-38. [PMID: 27464848 DOI: 10.1007/398_2016_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we present an overview of transcriptomic responses to chemical exposures in a variety of fish species. We have discussed the use of several molecular approaches such as northern blotting, differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR), suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), microarrays, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for measuring gene expression. These techniques have been mainly used to measure the toxic effects of single compounds or simple mixtures in laboratory conditions. In addition, only few studies have been conducted to examine the biological significance of differentially expressed gene sets following chemical exposure. Therefore, future studies should focus more under field conditions using a multidisciplinary approach (genomics, proteomics and metabolomics) to understand the synergetic effects of multiple environmental stressors and to determine the functional significance of differentially expressed genes. Nevertheless, recent developments in NGS technologies and decreasing costs of sequencing holds the promise to uncover the complexity of anthropogenic impacts and biological effects in wild fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish Kumar
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic.
| | - Nancy D Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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Maradonna F, Nozzi V, Dalla Valle L, Traversi I, Gioacchini G, Benato F, Colletti E, Gallo P, Di Marco Pisciottano I, Mita DG, Hardiman G, Mandich A, Carnevali O. A developmental hepatotoxicity study of dietary bisphenol A in Sparus aurata juveniles. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2014; 166:1-13. [PMID: 24981242 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies in rats have indicated that a diet enriched with Bisphenol A adversely effects metabolism and reproductive success. In rats exposed to BPA by maternal gavage, alteration in the developmental programming, higher obesity rates and reproductive anomalies were induced. Starting with this evidence, the aim of this study was to provide important insights on the effects induced by a BPA enriched diet, on the reproductive physiology and metabolism of juvenile fish, simulating the scenario occurring when wild fish fed on prey contaminated with environmental BPA. Seabream was chosen as model, as it is one of the primary commercial species valued by consumers and these results could provide important findings on adverse effects that could be passed on to humans by eating contaminated fish. A novel method for measuring BPA in the food and water by affinity chromatography was developed. Analysis of signals involved in reproduction uncovered altered levels of vtg and Zp, clearly indicating the estrogenic effect of BPA. Similarly, BPA up-regulated catd and era gene expression. A noteworthy outcome from this study was the full length cloning of two vtg encoding proteins, namely vtgA and vtgB, which are differently modulated by BPA. Cyp1a1 and EROD activity were significantly downregulated, confirming the ability of estrogenic compounds to inhibit the detoxification process. GST activity was unaffected by BPA contamination, while CAT activity was down regulated. These results collectively confirm the estrogenic effect of BPA and provide additional characterization of novel vtg genes in Sparus aurata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Maradonna
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Nozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Traversi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; INBB Consorzio Interuniversitario di Biosistemi e Biostrutture, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Giorgia Gioacchini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Benato
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Colletti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallo
- INBB Consorzio Interuniversitario di Biosistemi e Biostrutture, 00136 Roma, Italy; Dipartimento di Chimica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
| | | | - Damiano G Mita
- INBB Consorzio Interuniversitario di Biosistemi e Biostrutture, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Gary Hardiman
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Computational Science Research Center Biomedical Informatics Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alberta Mandich
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; INBB Consorzio Interuniversitario di Biosistemi e Biostrutture, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; INBB Consorzio Interuniversitario di Biosistemi e Biostrutture, 00136 Roma, Italy.
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Sárria MP, Santos MM, Castro LFC, Vieira NM, Monteiro NM. Estrogenic chemical effects are independent from the degree of sex role reversal in pipefish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 263 Pt 2:746-753. [PMID: 24220198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been reported to disturb several ecological relevant endpoints. Surprisingly, EDC-induced effects on fish sexual behaviour have been poorly studied despite the fact that even subtle alterations might contribute to a disruption of sexual interactions, thus negatively impacting reproduction. As the few assessments on sexual behaviour have been conducted in species with orthodox sex roles, it might be argued that sex-role reversed species might provide a potentially complementary system to further explore the effects of EDCs on reproduction. In the present study, two pipefish species with distinct degrees of sex-role reversal were selected to further elucidate the impact of chronic EE2 exposure on sexual behaviour and reproduction-related endpoints. The obtained results indicate that, independently of the degree of sex role reversal, courtship behaviour seems to resist oestrogenic chemical exposure. However, exposure to environmentally relevant EE2 levels did induce a complete absence of pregnancies at 18 ng/L. Even though pregnancies were observed at intermediate concentrations, the percentage of non-transferred or misplaced oocytes increased and a dose-dependent decrease of oocyte volume was observed. Imbalances in the oogenesis process, induction of vitellogenin in males and the absence of pregnancies highlight that environmental relevant concentrations of EE2 have the potential to negatively affect pipefish populations, most of them inhabiting coastal areas where oestrogenic contamination is more prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa P Sárria
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Universityof Porto, Rua dos Bragas 177, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; FCUP - Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade doPorto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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7
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The genomic structure and the expression profile of the Xenopus laevis transthyretin gene. Gene 2012; 510:126-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Schnitzler JG, Klaren PHM, Bouquegneau JM, Das K. Environmental factors affecting thyroid function of wild sea bass (Dicentrarchuslabrax) from European coasts. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 87:1009-1017. [PMID: 22169207 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid functional status of wild fish in relation with the contamination of their environment deserves further investigation. We here applied a multi-level approach of thyroid function assessment in 87 wild sea bass collected near several estuaries: namely the Scheldt, the Seine, the Loire, the Charente and the Gironde. Thyroxine (T(4)) and triiodothyronine (T(3)) concentrations in muscle were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. The activity of hepatic enzymes involved in extrathyroidal pathways of thyroid hormone metabolism, viz. deiodination, glucuronidation and sulfatation were analyzed. Last, follicle diameter and epithelial cell heights were measured. We observed changes that are predicted to lead to an increased conversion of T(4)-T(3) and lowered thyroid hormone excretion. The changes in the metabolic pathways of thyroid hormones can be interpreted as a pathway to maintain thyroid hormone homeostasis. From all compounds tested, the higher chlorinated PCBs seemed to be the most implicated in this perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Schnitzler
- Mare Centre, Laboratory for Oceanology B6c, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.
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9
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Yamauchi K, Sai G. Characterization of plasma triiodophenol binding proteins in vertebrates and tissue distribution of triiodophenol in Rana catesbeiana tadpoles. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2011; 153:328-35. [PMID: 21147258 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Revised: 11/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the interaction of 2,4,6-triiodophenol (TIP), a potent thyroid hormone disrupting chemical, with serum proteins from rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss), bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), chicken (Gallus gallus), pig (Sus scrofa domesticus), and rat (Rattus norvegicus) using a [(125)I]TIP binding assay, gel filtration chromatography, and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. [(125)I]TIP bound non-specifically to proteins in trout serum, specifically but weakly to proteins in bullfrog serum, and specifically and strongly to proteins in chicken, pig, and rat serum samples. Candidate TIP-binding proteins included lipoproteins (220-320kDa) in trout, albumin in bullfrog, albumin and transthyretin (TTR) in chicken and pig, and TTR in rat. TTR in the chicken, pig, and rat serum samples was responsible for the high-affinity, low-capacity binding sites for TIP (dissociation constant 2.2-3.5×10(-10)M). In contrast, a weak interaction of [(125)I]TIP with tadpole serum proteins accelerated [(125)I]TIP cellular uptake in vitro. Intraperitoneal injection of [(125)I]TIP in tadpoles revealed that the radioactivity was predominantly accumulated in the gallbladder and the kidney. The differences in the molecular and binding properties of TIP binding proteins among vertebrates would affect in part the cellular availability, tissue distribution and clearance of TIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Yamauchi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan.
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10
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Costa DDM, Neto FF, Costa MDM, Morais RN, Garcia JRE, Esquivel BM, Ribeiro CAO. Vitellogenesis and other physiological responses induced by 17-beta-estradiol in males of freshwater fish Rhamdia quelen. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2010; 151:248-57. [PMID: 19897053 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Revised: 11/01/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of different doses of 17-beta-estradiol (E(2)) in Rhamdia quelen. Groups of males exposed to different doses of E(2) (0.1 mg kg(-)(1), 1 mg kg(-)(1) and 10 mg kg(-)(1)) were compared with non-exposed male and female fish groups. Among the considered biomarkers, no significant differences were observed for micronuclei test, reduced glutathione concentration and lipid peroxidation. All E(2)-treated individuals had decreased glutathione S-transferase activity. Increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, increased vitellogenin expression and decreased metallothionein concentration were observed in males treated with the highest dose. Liver of all test groups showed necrotic areas, but cytoplasm vacuolization was again found only in the individuals exposed to highest dose. E(2) causes deleterious hepatic effects to R. quelen, and vitellogenin expression, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and metallothionein concentration represent appropriate biomarkers for studying E(2) effects. Additionally, the response of some biomarkers was similar in males exposed to E(2) and unexposed females, and therefore exposure to endocrine disruptors may cause consequences for fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- D D Moura Costa
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Yamauchi K, Ishihara A. Evolutionary changes to transthyretin: developmentally regulated and tissue-specific gene expression. FEBS J 2009; 276:5357-66. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2009.07245.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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12
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Kausch U, Alberti M, Haindl S, Budczies J, Hock B. Biomarkers for exposure to estrogenic compounds: gene expression analysis in zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2008; 23:15-24. [PMID: 18214933 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression analyses in male zebrafish (Danio rerio) were carried out using microarray technique and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Genes responding to the exposure to 17beta-estradiol, bisphenol A and genistein were identified, among them genes involved in metabolism, reproductional and developmental processes. Threshold levels of 17beta-estradiol (200 ng/L), bisphenol A (2000 microg/L), and genistein (5000 microg/L) for the upregulation of the vtg1 gene in short-time exposures (11 days) were determined by qPCR. 14k microarrays were used to generate complete lists of genes regulated by these estrogenic compounds. For this purpose, liver samples from 10 exposed zebrafish and 10 controls were processed. In this case the expressions of 211 genes were significantly regulated by 17beta-estradiol, 47 by bisphenol A and 231 by genistein. Furthermore, it is shown that fish exposed to 17beta-estradiol and genistein have similarities in their gene expression patterns, whereas bisphenol A apparently affected gene expression in a different way. Only genes coding for egg-yolk precursor protein vitellogenin were found to be regulated by all three compounds, which shows that these genes are the only suitable markers for exposure to different estrogenic compounds. The regulated genes were assigned to gene ontology classes. All three estrogenic compounds regulated genes mainly involved in primary and cellular metabolism, but genistein regulated several genes involved in cell cycle-regulation and bisphenol A several genes involved in protein biosynthesis. Genistein also upregulated the expression of four eggshell proteins, which can be used as biomarkers for exposure to this chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Kausch
- Chair of Cell Biology, TU Muenchen, Alte Akademie 12, D-85350, Freising, Germany.
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13
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Morgado I, Santos CRA, Jacinto R, Power DM. Regulation of transthyretin by thyroid hormones in fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2007; 152:189-97. [PMID: 17289043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2006.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2006] [Revised: 11/30/2006] [Accepted: 12/26/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is a thyroid hormone-binding protein (THBP) which in its tetrameric form transports thyroid hormones (THs), thyroxine (T(4)) and triiodothyronine (T(3)) in the blood of vertebrates. The principal site of production of TTR is the liver but in the sea bream TTR mRNA is also present in the heart, intestine and brain. The regulation of TTR is unstudied in fish and the normal circulating level of this THBP is unknown. The aim of the present study was to establish factors which regulate TTR production in fish. As a first step a number of tools were generated; sea bream recombinant TTR (sbrTTR) and specific sbrTTR antisera which were used to establish an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for measuring TTR plasma levels. Subsequently, an experiment was conducted to determine the influence of THs on TTR production. Circulating physiological levels of TTR in sea bream determined by ELISA are approximately 3.8microgml(-1). Administration of T(3) and T(4) to sea bream significantly increased (p<0.001 and p<0.005, respectively) the concentration of circulating TTR ( approximately or = 11.5microgml(-1)) in relation to control fish, but did not change gene transcription in the liver. Methimazol (MMI) an antithyroid agent, failed to significantly reduce circulating THs below control levels but significantly increased (p<0.005) plasma TTR levels (approximately or = 10.8microgml(-1)) and decreased (p<0.05) transcription in the liver. Future studies will aim to elucidate in more detail these regulatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Morgado
- CCMAR, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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15
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Urbatzka R, Bottero S, Mandich A, Lutz I, Kloas W. Endocrine disrupters with (anti)estrogenic and (anti)androgenic modes of action affecting reproductive biology of Xenopus laevis: I. Effects on sex steroid levels and biomarker expression. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2007; 144:310-8. [PMID: 17157075 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2006.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2006] [Revised: 07/19/2006] [Accepted: 10/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Adult Xenopus laevis were exposed in vivo to ethinylestradiol, tamoxifen, methyldihydrotestosterone and flutamide as (anti)estrogenic and (anti)androgenic compounds, respectively, for four weeks at a concentration of 10(-8) M and to Lambro river water, a polluted river from Italy. Effects of the treatments were analysed by mRNA expression of retinol-binding protein (RBP), transferrin (TF), transthyretin (TTR) and vitellogenin (VTG) in the liver of male and female X. laevis, to analyse the potential of these genes to detect endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) with different modes of action. In addition, plasma VTG and sex steroid levels, estradiol-17beta (E(2)) and testosterone (T), were analysed. Sex steroids were depressed by ethinylestradiol in both sexes whereas tamoxifen increased E(2) in females. The induction of VTG protein plasma levels was more pronounced at the protein level compared to hepatic VTG mRNA expression in response to estrogenic treatment but VTG mRNA expression detected both, estrogenic and antiestrogenic EDC. The mRNA expression of TF was decreased by estrogenic and increased by antiestrogenic treatment while TTR mRNA expression was down-regulated and RBP mRNA up-regulated by estrogenic exposure. The other treatments did not affect the mRNA expression of the examined genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Urbatzka
- Department of Inland Fisheries, Leibniz-Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
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Williams TD, Diab AM, George SG, Sabine V, Chipman JK. Gene expression responses of European flounder (Platichthys flesus) to 17-beta estradiol. Toxicol Lett 2006; 168:236-48. [PMID: 17156945 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2006.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2006] [Accepted: 10/09/2006] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Male European flounder (Platichthys flesus) were intraperitoneally injected with 10mg/kg 17-beta estradiol and tissues taken from individuals over a timecourse of 16 days. The GENIPOL P. flesus cDNA microarray was employed to detect hepatic gene expression differences between fish treated with estradiol and saline controls. Known biomarkers of estrogen exposure, choriogenin L and vitellogenins, showed sustained induction over the time-course. Among 175 identified clones showing sustained statistically significant induction or repression, those associated with the Gene Ontology terms mitochondria, amino acid synthesis, ubiquitination and apoptosis were included amongst those induced while those associated with immune function, electron transport, cell signalling and protein phosphorylation were repressed. Thus, we show the gene expression response of an environmentally relevant fish species to a high dose of an estrogenic endocrine disruptor and also report the sequencing of a further 2121 flounder ESTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim D Williams
- School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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17
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Cionna C, Maradonna F, Olivotto I, Pizzonia G, Carnevali O. Effects of nonylphenol on juveniles and adults in the grey mullet, Liza aurata. Reprod Toxicol 2006; 22:449-54. [PMID: 16919910 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2006.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2004] [Revised: 03/29/2006] [Accepted: 04/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nonylphenol (NP), an environmental pollutant known to have estrogenic activity, on grey mullets. Juvenile and adult physiology was monitored by the expression of vitellogenin (VTG), which is commonly induced by estrogenic pollutants, and cytochrome P4501A1(CYP1A1) as a first signal of detoxification. The dose-response estrogenic effects of NP (25, 100, 1000 microg/l) on hepatic VTG transcript and plasma protein levels, as well as on CYP1A1 transcription and its associated ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity, were assessed in juvenile Liza aurata; 17beta-estradiol (E2; 2 microg/l) treatment for 1 week served as positive control. In addition, we investigated VTG and CYP1A1 expression in adult males injected with two NP at 0.25 or 250 mg/kg body weight relative to 0.07 mg/kg of E2 as a positive control. Juvenile exposure to NP failed to induce a measurable VTG response. In the adult fish, NP exerted estrogenic effects only at the highest dose injected. E2 treatment elicited VTG induction only in adults in a time-related manner. In contrast, NP treatment induced a dose-dependent decrease in CYP1A1 response in both juveniles and adults. An inhibitory effect of E2 on CYP1A1 was evident in all treatment groups as well. These data suggest that, in biomonitoring studies, testing the expression of different biomarkers may provide a more realistic picture of the environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cionna
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Mare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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18
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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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19
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Pinto PIS, Teodósio HR, Galay-Burgos M, Power DM, Sweeney GE, Canário AVM. Identification of estrogen-responsive genes in the testis of sea bream (Sparus auratus) using suppression subtractive hybridization. Mol Reprod Dev 2006; 73:318-29. [PMID: 16267841 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that estrogens play important roles in both normal and xenoestrogen disrupted testis physiology. However, the mechanisms and signaling pathways involved, in particular in fish, are largely unknown. We have used suppression subtractive hybridization to isolate 152 candidate estrogen-responsive genes in the testis of male estradiol (E2)-treated sea bream (Sparus aurata). The E2 up-regulation of some of the genes (e.g., choriogenin L and H, vitellogenin I and II, apolipoprotein A-I, fibrinogen beta and gamma, and thyroid receptor interacting protein 4) was confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in fish treated with 0.1-10 mg/kg E2. Many of these genes are typical E2-induced genes in liver, and this is the first report of its up regulation with E2 in testis. Moreover, low levels of expression were also found for nontreated fish. Hepatic differential expression for these genes was also confirmed, although, contrary to testis, fibrinogen beta, and gamma were downregulated. The possible significance of these findings in normal testis physiology and in endocrine disruption is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I S Pinto
- Centro de Ciências do Mar, CIMAR-Laboratório Associado, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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20
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Liang Y, Wong CKC, Xu Y, Wong MH. Effects of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and benzo[a]pyrene on modulating vitellogenin expression in primary culture of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) hepatocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03183425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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21
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Funkenstein B, Dyman A, Levavi-Sivan B, Tom M. Application of real-time PCR for quantitative determination of hepatic vitellogenin transcript levels in the striped sea bream, Lithognathus mormyrus. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2004; 58:659-663. [PMID: 15178095 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2004.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The striped sea bream (Lithognathus mormyrus) has been recently introduced as a bioindicator fish species in Mediterranean coastal habitats. The purpose of this study was to apply a real-time PCR assay for the determination of absolute levels of hepatic VTG transcript in this fish, identifying minimal and maximal levels and establishing the relationship between VTG RNA levels and ovarian development. A partial VTG cDNA was cloned from hepatic RNA of a striped sea bream female. Specific primers were designed based on its sequence and used for PCR and also for in vitro synthesis of partial VTG RNA standard. Hepatic VTG transcript levels were quantified by real-time PCR, using serially diluted VTG RNA standards for construction of a calibration curve and equation. VTG RNA levels were normalized to total RNA or 18S ribosomal RNA (determined by real-time PCR). VTG RNA was hardly detected in the liver of males, or females with small oocytes (diameter < 100 microm). A linear correlation was found between these two parameters at larger oocyte diameter (> 150 microm). VTG level reached a maximum of 204 fmol/pmol 18S RNA or 49 fmol/microg RNA. The results demonstrate the wide dynamic range of the established real-time PCR assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruria Funkenstein
- Department of Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, POB 8030, Tel-Shikmona, Haifa 31080, Israel.
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22
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Larkin P, Knoebl I, Denslow ND. Differential gene expression analysis in fish exposed to endocrine disrupting compounds. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2004; 136:149-61. [PMID: 14529741 DOI: 10.1016/s1096-4959(03)00228-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses various methodologies that can be used to understand, at the gene level, the consequences to fish upon exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Several approaches for measuring expression of gene transcripts are discussed, including directed approaches, such as Northern blotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as well as open-ended approaches, such as differential display RT-PCR, subtractive hybridizations, and gene arrays. Each of these systems has advantages and disadvantages, strengths and weaknesses. Conducting experiments with each of these methods provides important information about the molecular mechanisms that result from exposure to EDCs, information which can be used in risk assessment of polluted sites found in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Larkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Center for Biotechnology University of Florida, P.O. Box 100156 HC, Gainesville, Fl 32610, USA
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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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24
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Rotchell JM, Ostrander GK. Molecular markers of endocrine disruption in aquatic organisms. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2003; 6:453-496. [PMID: 12888444 DOI: 10.1080/10937400306476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of organic contaminant compounds prevalent in the aquatic environment has been shown to exhibit hormone-disrupting activity. The actual potency of such compounds are low compared with endogenous hormones, such as 17beta-estradiol, but may still produce detrimental biological effects. Induced hormone levels are routinely measured using commercial testing kits, though these fail to relate to actual effects. Field and laboratory studies on the biological effects of environmental estrogens have, in the past, largely relied on assays of vitellogenin (vtg) induction in male fish, reduced growth in testes formation, and intersex incidence. Here, we critically review the current and potential application of molecular techniques in assessing the adverse biological reproductive effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in aquatic organisms. The role of fish (estrogen, androgen, and progestogen) hormone receptors and invertebrate (ecdysone) hormone receptor, egg production (vtg and chorion) proteins, steroid biosynthesis enzymes (aromatase, sulfotransferase, and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase), DNA damage, apoptosis, and their potential development as biomarkers are discussed in turn. In each case, the sequences characterized are presented and homologies across species are highlighted. Molecular methods of gauging vtg and zona radiata (ZR) expression and protein concentrations have included immunoassay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Suggestions for the isolation for key gene expression products (aromatase, ZR, and vtg, for instance), from a wider range of fish species using degenerate primers, are given. Endocrine disruption in invertebrates has received less attention compared with fish, partly because the knowledge regarding invertebrate endocrinology is limited. Here we review and suggest alternate isolation strategies for key players in the imposex induction process: vitellin (Vn), aromatase, and Ala-Pro-Gly-Trp (APGW) amide neurohormone. Current molecular-level techniques rely on ligand-binding assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and, more recently, gene expression. In the future, more reliance will be placed on the development of gene expression assays using reporter systems combined with cross-species PCR-based or polyclonal antibody-based assays. We discuss the use of recombinant receptors as a means of primary screening of environmental samples for estrogenicity and antiestrogenicity, which avoids species and seasonal variation in receptor response to ligand binding, a recognized problem of earlier bioassays. Most exciting is the potential that microarray and proteomics approaches have to offer. Such techniques are now used routinely in medical research to identify specific genes and proteins affected by treatment with endocrine disruptors, including estradiol. The technique has yet to be used to screen aquatic organisms, but it has the potential to implicate previously unsuspected estradiol-sensitive genes that may later become molecular markers of endocrine disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette M Rotchell
- Centre for Environmental Research, School of Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, UK
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25
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Abstract
Relatively little is known about thyroid hormone-binding proteins in fish and, until recently, the thyroid hormones (THs), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), had only been found in fish plasma bound to albumin and lipoproteins. Recently, transthyretin (TTR) was cloned in a teleost fish, the sea bream (sb); it is composed of 130 amino acids and shares 47-54% sequence similarity with other vertebrate TTR and binds preferentially T3. Homology modelling of sbTTR based upon the crystallographic structure of TTR in human, rat and chicken reveals similar monomer-monomer and dimer-dimer interfaces and a conserved tetrameric structure. In sbTTR, a single amino acid substitution in the thyroid hormone binding site (Ser 117 in human by Thr in sea bream) may explain the higher affinity of this tetramer for T3 rather than T4. The principal site of production of TTR in the sea bream is the liver but transcripts are also present in the intestine, brain, skin, heart, skeletal muscle, kidney, testis, gills and pituitary (in descending order of abundance). The function of TTR in fish remains to be studied but we have recently carried out studies which suggest it may be involved in TH balance during food shortage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia R A Santos
- Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal.
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Larkin P, Sabo-Attwood T, Kelso J, Denslow ND. Gene expression analysis of largemouth bass exposed to estradiol, nonylphenol, and p,p'-DDE. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2002; 133:543-57. [PMID: 12470818 DOI: 10.1016/s1096-4959(02)00155-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the specific expression profile of 132 genes, some of which are estrogen responsive, in largemouth bass (LMB) following exposure to estradiol (E(2)), or to two hormonally active agents, 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) and 1,1-dichloro-2, 2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (p,p'-DDE), using gene array technology. The results of these experiments show that LMB exposed to E(2) and 4-NP had similar, but not identical genetic signatures for the genes examined, some of which are known to be estrogen-responsive genes. The differences suggest that 4-NP may have additional modes of action that are independent of the estrogen receptor (ER). We have also shown that exposure of male LMB to p,p'-DDE results in an increase in some estrogen-responsive genes. But in female LMB, the observed changes were a down-regulation of the normally up-regulated estrogen responsive genes. Other genes were also down-regulated. These results suggest that p,p'-DDE may affect regulation of genes differently in male and female LMB. This study further suggests that gene arrays have the potential to map out the gene activation pathways of hormonally active compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Larkin
- Department of Biochemistry, PO Box 100156 HC, 1600 Archer Road, MSB Building, Room MG-42, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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27
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Nishi K, Chikae M, Hatano Y, Mizukami H, Yamashita M, Sakakibara R, Tamiya E. Development and application of a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA for quantification of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) vitellogenin. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2002; 132:161-9. [PMID: 12106893 DOI: 10.1016/s1532-0456(02)00058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Vitellogenin (Vtg) was purified from ascitic fluid of a 17beta-estradiol (E2)-treated female Japanese medaka by anion-exchange chromatography. The molecular mass of medaka Vtg by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), corresponding to the Vtg monomer, was 200 kDa. BALB/c mice were immunized with purified-Vtg and two hybridoma clones producing specific antibodies against medaka Vtg were selected. The specificity of these monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was evaluated by Western blot analysis of the plasma proteins separated on SDS-PAGE, and no cross-reactivity was observed with plasma proteins from control males. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantification of medaka Vtg was developed using these mAbs. The assay range was between 1 and 100 ng/ml, and the intra- and inter-assay variations determined from plasma samples were within 7.7 and 8.5%, respectively. Recovery of medaka Vtg added to plasma was 92-111%. In a plasma dilution test, plots of Vtg concentration gave a straight line. After exposure of male medaka to E2 (10 ng/l), Vtg appeared in liver and plasma on the first day and reached a maximum on the 3rd to 5th day. The sandwich ELISA could be useful for the detection of estrogenic properties, and the medaka Vtg bioassay could be a very sensitive and good tool for screening of endocrine disrupting compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuto Nishi
- EnBioTec Laboratories, Co., Ltd., Ishikawa Create Labo 202, 2-13, Asahidai, Tatsunokuchi, Ishikawa 923-1211, Japan.
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28
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Denslow ND, Lee HS, Bowman CJ, Hemmer MJ, Folmar LC. Multiple responses in gene expression in fish treated with estrogen. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2001; 129:277-82. [PMID: 11399460 DOI: 10.1016/s1096-4959(01)00322-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade there has been a significant body of research conducted on environmental estrogens. These include industrial, agricultural and pest-control chemicals that bind to the estrogen receptor and induce biological changes during development or reproduction. Most of these changes are probably due to modified gene expression, since estrogen receptors function at this level. We have mapped qualitative gene expression responses (by differential display reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, DD) in adult male sheepshead minnows (Cyprinidon variegatus) receiving high dose injections (5 mg/kg), or constant flow-through aquatic exposures to environmentally relevant concentrations (100 ng/l) of estradiol-17beta, and found them nearly identical. We have observed both up-regulation and down-regulation of transcripts, which fit into known responses to estradiol. Among the genes up-regulated are vitellogenin and several vitelline envelope proteins indicating that genes for proteins involved in egg development and maturation are susceptible to environmental estrogen exposure. While physiological changes caused by estradiol treatment are not totally explained by changes at the mRNA level, those changes can nevertheless be used as fingerprints to characterize an in vivo estrogenic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- N D Denslow
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 100156 HC, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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29
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Funkenstein B. Developmental expression, tissue distribution and hormonal regulation of fish (Sparus aurata) serum retinol-binding protein. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2001; 129:613-22. [PMID: 11399497 DOI: 10.1016/s1096-4959(01)00355-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Retinol-binding protein (RBP) is the specific carrier of retinol in vertebrates and forms a 1:1 complex with transthyretin (TTR). A cDNA encoding serum RBP was cloned from liver and 7-day larvae of the marine fish Sparus aurata. The mature protein is 176 amino acids long and shows sequence identity of 77-78%, 56%, 63% and 62% with rainbow trout, Xenopus, chicken and human RBP, respectively. Northern blot analysis of hepatic RBP revealed two transcripts: a major one of approximately 1.4-1.5 kb and a minor of approximately 0.7 kb. Distribution of RBP mRNA in various tissues was studied by RT-PCR and showed high expression in liver and skin, and low expression in brain, kidney and gill filament (20-35% of the level in liver). RBP expression in intestine, pyloric caeca, muscle and pituitary was estimated to be approximately 7-14% of the level in liver. The ontogeny of RBP expression in S. aurata was examined in unfertilized eggs, embryos and larvae by using RT-PCR followed by hybridization with a specific probe. RBP transcript was found in all larval stages studied. Very low levels of RBP mRNA were detected in unfertilized eggs and in embryos 8 h after fertilization with a gradual increase at 12 h and 15-16 h post-fertilization. A single injection of estradiol-17beta to S. aurata immature, bisexual fish or to adult males reduced steady-state levels of hepatic RBP by 37 and 25%, respectively. The same treatment induced vitellogenin expression. The present data suggest that in fish, liver is the main site of RBP synthesis, but that RBP may have an important function in fish skin. RBP is expressed early in embryonic development and in fish its expression can be down regulated by estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Funkenstein
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Tel Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, 31080, Haifa, Israel.
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30
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Bowman CJ, Kroll KJ, Hemmer MJ, Folmar LC, Denslow ND. Estrogen-induced vitellogenin mRNA and protein in sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2000; 120:300-13. [PMID: 11121295 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.2000.7565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many environmentally persistent xenobiotic chemicals appear to disrupt normal endocrine function by acting as ligands for endogenous steroid receptors, including the estrogen receptor. Xenobiotics that bind to the estrogen receptor may elicit several effects, one of which is activating estrogen-responsive genes, such as vitellogenin (Vtg). Primers to vitellogenin mRNA have been used to amplify a portion of the coding sequence in sheepshead minnow (SHM) (Cyprinodon variegatus). Two Vtg cDNA fragments from SHM were isolated exhibiting 72% sequence homology and corresponding to the two Vtg genes identified in the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus. Using these Vtg cDNA fragments as sensitive genetic probes, we evaluated the initial estrogenic response of fish exposed to natural or anthropogenic chemicals. These probes were used to study in vivo gene induction in SHM exposed to 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and ethinylestradiol (EE(2)) under controlled laboratory conditions. Hepatic Vtg mRNA was upregulated and plasma Vtg synthesis in estrogen-induced SHM was assessed. Two in vivo time-course experiments were conducted; a single injection of E(2) followed over 72 h and a double E(2) injection examined for 12 days. These two protocols provided evidence for differential hepatic Vtg mRNA regulation resulting from a single or a double injection. In a separate experiment using an aqueous flowthrough system, constant exposures to low doses of E(2) (200 ng/L) and EE(2) (100 ng/L) induced hepatic Vtg mRNA and plasma Vtg to levels comparable with the E(2) injections. Larger aqueous exposure doses (2000 ng/L E(2) or 1000 ng/L EE(2)) in the flowthrough experiment resulted in greater responses of hepatic Vtg mRNA and plasma Vtg at 7 days. Constant aqueous exposure to E(2) (2000 ng/L) or EE(2) (1000 ng/L) may thus be more effective than a single large-dose injection (5 mg/kg) to stimulate Vtg gene activation and synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Bowman
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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