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Orford JT, Tan H, Martin JM, Wong BBM, Alton LA. Impacts of Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation and an Agricultural Pollutant on Morphology and Behavior of Tadpoles (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1615-1626. [PMID: 38837484 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5895] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate class globally. Multiple factors have been implicated in their global decline, and it has been hypothesized that interactions between stressors may be a major cause. Increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as a result of ozone depletion, has been identified as one such stressor. Exposure to UV radiation has been shown to have detrimental effects on amphibians and can exacerbate the effects of other stressors, such as chemical pollutants. Chemical pollution has likewise been recognized as a major factor contributing to amphibian declines, particularly, endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In this regard, 17β-trenbolone is a potent anabolic steroid used in the agricultural industry to increase muscle mass in cattle and has been repeatedly detected in the environment where amphibians live and breed. At high concentrations, 17β-trenbolone has been shown to impact amphibian survival and gonadal development. In the present study, we investigated the effects of environmentally realistic UV radiation and 17β-trenbolone exposure, both in isolation and in combination, on the morphology and behavior of tadpoles (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis). We found that neither stressor in isolation affected tadpoles, nor did we find any interactive effects. The results from our 17β-trenbolone treatment are consistent with recent research suggesting that, at environmentally realistic concentrations, tadpoles may be less vulnerable to this pollutant compared to other vertebrate classes. The absence of UV radiation-induced effects found in the present study could be due to species-specific variation in susceptibility, as well as the dosage utilized. We suggest that future research should incorporate long-term studies with multiple stressors to accurately identify the threats to, and subsequent consequences for, amphibians under natural conditions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1615-1626. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Orford
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hung Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jake M Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bob B M Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lesley A Alton
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Geometric Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Kloas W, Stöck M, Lutz I, Ziková-Kloas A. Endocrine disruption in teleosts and amphibians is mediated by anthropogenic and natural environmental factors: implications for risk assessment. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220505. [PMID: 38310939 PMCID: PMC10838649 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental variation in the Anthropocene involves several factors that interfere with endocrine systems of wildlife and humans, presenting a planetary boundary of still unknown dimensions. Here, we focus on chemical compounds and other impacts of anthropogenic and natural origins that are adversely affecting reproduction and development. The main sink of these endocrine disruptors (EDs) is surface waters, where they mostly endanger aquatic vertebrates, like teleost fish and amphibians. For regulatory purposes, EDs are categorized into EATS modalities (oestrogenic, androgenic, thyroidal, steroidogenesis), only addressing endocrine systems being assessable by validated tests. However, there is evidence that non-EATS modalities-and even natural sources, such as decomposition products of plants or parasitic infections-can affect vertebrate endocrine systems. Recently, the disturbance of natural circadian light rhythms by artificial light at night (ALAN) has been identified as another ED. Reviewing the knowledge about EDs affecting teleosts and amphibians leads to implications for risk assessment. The generally accepted WHO-definition for EDs, which focuses exclusively on 'exogenous substances' and neglects parasitic infections or ALAN, seems to require some adaptation. Natural EDs have been involved in coevolutionary processes for ages without resulting in a general loss of biodiversity. Therefore, to address the 'One Health'-principle, future research and regulatory efforts should focus on minimizing anthropogenic factors for endocrine disruption. This article is part of the theme issue 'Endocrine responses to environmental variation: conceptual approaches and recent developments'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Kloas
- Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Biology and Albrecht Daniel Thaer Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Stöck
- Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilka Lutz
- Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Ziková-Kloas
- Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Ecotoxicological Laboratory, German Environment Agency, Schichauweg 58, 12307 Berlin, Germany
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Orford JT, Tan H, Tingley R, Alton LA, Wong BBM, Martin JM. Bigger and bolder: Widespread agricultural pollutant 17β-trenbolone increases growth and alters behaviour in tadpoles (Litoria ewingii). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 260:106577. [PMID: 37207487 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals-compounds that directly interfere with the endocrine system of exposed animals-are insidious environmental pollutants that can disrupt hormone function, even at very low concentrations. The dramatic impacts that some endocrine-disrupting chemicals can have on the reproductive development of wildlife are well documented. However, the potential of endocrine-disrupting chemicals to disrupt animal behaviour has received far less attention, despite the important links between behavioural processes and population-level fitness. Accordingly, we investigated the impacts of 14 and 21-day exposure to two environmentally realistic levels of 17β-trenbolone (4.6 and 11.2 ng/L), a potent endocrine-disrupting steroid and agricultural pollutant, on growth and behaviour in tadpoles of an anuran amphibian, the southern brown tree frog (Litoria ewingii). We found that 17β-trenbolone altered morphology, baseline activity and responses to a predatory threat, but did not affect anxiety-like behaviours in a scototaxis assay. Specifically, we found that tadpoles exposed to our high-17β-trenbolone treatment were significantly longer and heavier at 14 and 21 days. We also found that tadpoles exposed to 17β-trenbolone showed higher levels of baseline activity, and significantly reduced their activity following a simulated predator strike. These results provide insights into the wider repercussions of agricultural pollutants on key developmental and behavioural traits in aquatic species, and demonstrate the importance of behavioural studies in the ecotoxicological field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Orford
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Hung Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Reid Tingley
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia; EnviroDNA, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lesley A Alton
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Geometric Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bob B M Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jake M Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish Universityof Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Orford JT, Ozeki S, Brand JA, Henry J, Wlodkowic D, Alton LA, Martin JM, Wong BBM. Effects of the agricultural pollutant 17β-trenbolone on morphology and behaviour of tadpoles (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 251:106289. [PMID: 36087492 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pollutants, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are increasingly being detected in organisms and ecosystems globally. Agricultural activities, including the use of hormonal growth promotants (HGPs), are a major source of EDC contamination. One potent EDC that enters into the environment through the use of HGPs is 17β-trenbolone. Despite EDCs being repeatedly shown to affect reproduction and development, comparatively little is known regarding their effects on behaviour. Amphibians, one of the most imperilled vertebrate taxa globally, are at particular risk of exposure to such pollutants as they often live and breed near agricultural operations. Yet, no previous research on amphibians has explored the effects of 17β-trenbolone exposure on foraging or antipredator behaviour, both of which are key fitness-related behavioural traits. Accordingly, we investigated the impacts of 28-day exposure to two environmentally realistic concentrations of 17β-trenbolone (average measured concentrations: 10 and 66 ng/L) on the behaviour and growth of spotted marsh frog tadpoles (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis). Contrary to our predictions, there was no significant effect of 17β-trenbolone exposure on tadpole growth, antipredator response, anxiety-like behaviour, or foraging. We hypothesise that the differences in effects found between this study and those conducted on fish may be due to taxonomic differences and/or the life stage of the animals used, and suggest further research is needed to investigate the potential for delayed manifestation of the effects of 17β-trenbolone exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Orford
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Shiho Ozeki
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jack A Brand
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason Henry
- The Neurotoxicology Laboratory, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Donald Wlodkowic
- The Neurotoxicology Laboratory, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Lesley A Alton
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jake M Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bob B M Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Marlatt VL, Bayen S, Castaneda-Cortès D, Delbès G, Grigorova P, Langlois VS, Martyniuk CJ, Metcalfe CD, Parent L, Rwigemera A, Thomson P, Van Der Kraak G. Impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals on reproduction in wildlife and humans. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112584. [PMID: 34951986 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The main objective of this review was to summarize the current knowledge of the impacts of EDCs on reproductive success in wildlife and humans. The examples selected often include a retrospective assessment of the knowledge of reproductive impacts over time to discern how the effects of EDCs have changed over the last several decades. Collectively, the evidence summarized here within reinforce the concept that reproduction in wildlife and humans is negatively impacted by anthropogenic chemicals, with several altering endocrine system function. These observations of chemicals interfering with different aspects of the reproductive endocrine axis are particularly pronounced for aquatic species and are often corroborated by laboratory-based experiments (i.e. fish, amphibians, birds). Noteworthy, many of these same indicators are also observed in epidemiological studies in mammalian wildlife and humans. Given the vast array of reproductive strategies used by animals, it is perhaps not surprising that no single disrupted target is predictive of reproductive effects. Nevertheless, there are some general features of the endocrine control of reproduction, and in particular, the critical role that steroid hormones play in these processes that confer a high degree of susceptibility to environmental chemicals. New research is needed on the implications of chemical exposures during development and the potential for long-term reproductive effects. Future emphasis on field-based observations that can form the basis of more deliberate, extensive, and long-term population level studies to monitor contaminant effects, including adverse effects on the endocrine system, are key to addressing these knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- V L Marlatt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - S Bayen
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - D Castaneda-Cortès
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - G Delbès
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - P Grigorova
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - V S Langlois
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - C J Martyniuk
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - C D Metcalfe
- School of Environment, Trent University, Trent, Canada
| | - L Parent
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - A Rwigemera
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - P Thomson
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - G Van Der Kraak
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Martin JM, Orford JT, Melo GC, Tan H, Mason RT, Ozeki S, Bertram MG, Wong BBM, Alton LA. Exposure to an androgenic agricultural pollutant does not alter metabolic rate, behaviour, or morphology of tadpoles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 299:118870. [PMID: 35065139 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Globally, amphibian species are experiencing dramatic population declines, and many face the risk of imminent extinction. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been recognised as an underappreciated factor contributing to global amphibian declines. In this regard, the use of hormonal growth promotants in the livestock industry provides a direct pathway for EDCs to enter the environment-including the potent anabolic steroid 17β-trenbolone. Emerging evidence suggests that 17β-trenbolone can impact traits related to metabolism, somatic growth, and behaviour in non-target species. However, far less is known about possible effects of 17β-trenbolone on anuran species, particularly during early life stages. Accordingly, in the present study we investigated the effects of 28-day exposure to 17β-trenbolone (mean measured concentrations: 10 and 66 ng/L) on body size, body condition, metabolic rate, and anxiety-related behaviour of tadpoles (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis). Specifically, we measured rates of O2 consumption of individual tadpoles as a proxy for metabolic rate and quantified their swimming activity and their time spent in the upper half of the water column as indicators of anxiety-related behaviour. Counter to our predictions based on effects observed in other taxa, we detected no effect of 17β-trenbolone on body size, metabolic rate, or behaviour of tadpoles; although, we did detect a subtle, but statistically significant decrease in body condition at the highest 17β-trenbolone concentration. We hypothesise that 17β-trenbolone may induce taxa-specific effects on metabolic function, growth, and anxiety-related behaviour, with anurans being less sensitive to disruption than fish, and encourage further cross-taxa investigation to test this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake M Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jack T Orford
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gabriela C Melo
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hung Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel T Mason
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shiho Ozeki
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael G Bertram
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bob B M Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lesley A Alton
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Kaczmarski M, Kaczmarek JM, Jankowiak Ł, Kolenda K, Tryjanowski P. Digit ratio in the common toad Bufo bufo: the effects of reduced fingers and of age dependency. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2021; 7:5. [PMID: 33766147 PMCID: PMC7992345 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-021-00174-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the growing number of studies describing digit ratio patterns in tetrapods, knowledge concerning certain basic issues is still scarce. In lower vertebrates such as tailless amphibians (Anura), the numbering of individual fingers on the forelimbs and their homology with the fingers of other vertebrates pose an unsolved problem. Based on reviewed data on anuran limb development, we argue that the correct finger numbering scheme should be based on the assumption that the first finger, not the fifth finger, was reduced on the forelimbs. We analyzed the digit ratio in the common toad (Bufo bufo, Bufonidae), a species characterized by well-developed sexual dimorphism whereby females are larger than males, using both numbering schemes present in the literature. RESULTS We found that the digit ratio on hindlimbs differed significantly between the sexes only in the cases of left 2D:3D, with lower digit ratios in females, and of left 3D:4D, with lower digit ratios in males. We found that sex was the only significant variable for forelimbs, differentiating 2D:3D on the left forelimb, with lower digit ratios in females; 2D:4D on the right forelimb, with lower digit ratios in males; and 3D:4D on both forelimbs, with lower digit ratios in males. These results relate to variant II reflecting the hypothesis that the first digit was reduced during phylogenesis. There was no relationship between the body size (SVL) of individuals and any digit ratio, excluding 2D:4D on the right forelimbs in models with age variables. Additionally, for a subset of data where individual age was known, the models indicated that age was linked to significant differences in 2D:4D and 3D:4D on the left hindlimbs, while age, SVL, and sex influenced 2D:4D on the right forelimbs. CONCLUSION We emphasize the importance of the problem of the correct numbering of forelimb digits in Anura and, under the assumption that it was the fifth digit that was reduced, argue that earlier results on digit ratio in this group should be interpreted with caution. The detected relationship between digit ratio and age in amphibians expands our knowledge, indicating that the age of individuals should be included in future digit ratio studies. This relationship may also apply to studies using digit ratio as a noninvasive indicator of endocrine disruption in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikołaj Kaczmarski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71c, PL 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jan M. Kaczmarek
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71c, PL 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Jankowiak
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, PL 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kolenda
- Amphibian Biology Group, Department of Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Vertebrates, Institute of Environmental Biology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, PL 50-335 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71c, PL 60-625 Poznań, Poland
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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Bernabò I, Guardia A, Macirella R, Sesti S, Tripepi S, Brunelli E. Tissues injury and pathological changes in Hyla intermedia juveniles after chronic larval exposure to tebuconazole. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 205:111367. [PMID: 32971454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tebuconazole (TBZ), an azole pesticide, is one of the most frequently detected fungicides in surface water. Despite its harmful effects, mainly related to endocrine disturbance, the consequences of TBZ exposure in amphibians remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the adverse and delayed effects of TBZ chronic exposure on a native anuran species, often inhabiting cultivated areas, the Italian tree frog (Hyla intermedia). To disclose the multiple mechanisms of action through which TBZ exerts its toxicity we exposed tadpoles over the whole larval period to two sublethal TBZ concentrations (5 and 50 μg/L), and we evaluated histological alterations in three target organs highly susceptible to xenobiotics: liver, kidney, and gonads. We also assessed morphometric and gravimetric parameters: snout-vent length (SVL), body mass (BM), liver somatic index (LSI), and gonad-mesonephros complex index (GMCI) and determined sex ratio, gonadal development, and differentiation. Our results show that TBZ induces irreversible effects on multiple target organs in H. intermedia, exerting its harmful effects through several pathological pathways, including a massive inflammatory response. Moreover, TBZ markedly affects sexual differentiation also by inducing the appearance of sexually undetermined individuals and a general delay of germ cell maturation. Given the paucity of data on the effects of TBZ in amphibians, our results will contribute to a better understanding of the environmental risk posed by this fungicide to the most endangered group of vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bernabò
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Antonello Guardia
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Settimio Sesti
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sandro Tripepi
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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9
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Trudeau VL, Thomson P, Zhang WS, Reynaud S, Navarro-Martin L, Langlois VS. Agrochemicals disrupt multiple endocrine axes in amphibians. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 513:110861. [PMID: 32450283 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Concern over global amphibian declines and possible links to agrochemical use has led to research on the endocrine disrupting actions of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, herbicides, metals, and mixtures. Amphibians, like other species, have to partition resources for body maintenance, growth, and reproduction. Recent studies suggest that metabolic impairments induced by endocrine disrupting chemicals, and more particularly agrichemicals, may disrupt physiological constraints associated with these limited resources and could cause deleterious effects on growth and reproduction. Metabolic disruption has hardly been considered for amphibian species following agrichemical exposure. As for metamorphosis, the key thyroid hormone-dependent developmental phase for amphibians, it can either be advanced or delayed by agrichemicals with consequences for juvenile and adult health and survival. While numerous agrichemicals affect anuran sexual development, including sex reversal and intersex in several species, little is known about the mechanisms involved in dysregulation of the sex differentiation processes. Adult anurans display stereotypical male mating calls and female phonotaxis responses leading to successful amplexus and spawning. These are hormone-dependent behaviours at the foundation of reproductive success. Therefore, male vocalizations are highly ecologically-relevant and may be a non-invasive low-cost method for the assessment of endocrine disruption at the population level. While it is clear that agrochemicals disrupt multiple endocrine systems in frogs, very little has been uncovered regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms at the basis of these actions. This is surprising, given the importance of the frog models to our deep understanding of developmental biology and thyroid hormone action to understand human health. Several agrochemicals were found to have multiple endocrine effects at once (e.g., targeting both the thyroid and gonadal axes); therefore, the assessment of agrochemicals that alter cross-talk between hormonal systems must be further addressed. Given the diversity of life-history traits in Anura, Caudata, and the Gymnophiona, it is essential that studies on endocrine disruption expand to include the lesser known taxa. Research under ecologically-relevant conditions will also be paramount. Closer collaboration between molecular and cellular endocrinologists and ecotoxicologists and ecologists is thus recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Paisley Thomson
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Eau Terre Environnement, 490 de la Couronne, Québec (Québec), G1K 9A9, Canada.
| | - Wo Su Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Stéphane Reynaud
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR UGA-USMB-CNRS 5553, Université Grenoble Alpes, CS 40700, 38058, Grenoble cedex 9, France.
| | - Laia Navarro-Martin
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Valérie S Langlois
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Eau Terre Environnement, 490 de la Couronne, Québec (Québec), G1K 9A9, Canada.
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