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Chen Y, Jin B, Yu J, Wu L, Wang Y, Tang B, Chen H. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans enhances tolerance to landfill leachate stress by increasing trehalose synthesis. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17332. [PMID: 38799059 PMCID: PMC11127639 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The burgeoning issue of landfill leachate, exacerbated by urbanization, necessitates evaluating its biological impact, traditionally overshadowed by physical and chemical assessments. This study harnesses Caenorhabditis elegans, a model organism, to elucidate the physiological toxicity of landfill leachate subjected to different treatment processes: nanofiltration reverse osmosis tail water (NFRO), membrane bioreactor (MBR), and raw leachate (RAW). Our investigation focuses on the modulation of sugar metabolism, particularly trehalose-a disaccharide serving dual functions as an energy source and an anti-adversity molecule in invertebrates. Upon exposure, C. elegans showcased a 60-70% reduction in glucose and glycogen levels alongside a significant trehalose increase, highlighting an adaptive response to environmental stress by augmenting trehalose synthesis. Notably, trehalose-related genes in the NFRO group were up-regulated, contrasting with the MBR and RAW groups, where trehalose synthesis genes outpaced decomposition genes by 20-30 times. These findings suggest that C. elegans predominantly counters landfill leachate-induced stress through trehalose accumulation. This research not only provides insights into the differential impact of leachate treatment methods on C. elegans but also proposes a molecular framework for assessing the environmental repercussions of landfill leachate, contributing to the development of novel strategies for pollution mitigation and environmental preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuru Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binsong Jin
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Yu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liangwei Wu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- National Wetland Museum of China, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bin Tang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huili Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Hughes S, Hessel EVS. Zebrafish and nematodes as whole organism models to measure developmental neurotoxicity. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:330-343. [PMID: 38832580 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2024.2342448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite the growing epidemiological evidence of an association between toxin exposure and developmental neurotoxicity (DNT), systematic testing of DNT is not mandatory in international regulations for admission of pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals. However, to date around 200 compounds, ranging from pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals, have been tested for DNT in the current OECD test guidelines (TG-443 or TG-426). There are calls for the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) for DNT, which has resulted in a DNT testing battery using in vitro human cell-based assays. These assays provide a means to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of toxicity in humans which is lacking in animal-based toxicity tests. However, cell-based assays do not represent all steps of the complex process leading to DNT. Validated models with a multi-organ network of pathways that interact at the molecular, cellular and tissue level at very specific timepoints in a life cycle are currently missing. Consequently, whole model organisms are being developed to screen for, and causally link, new molecular targets of DNT compounds and how they affect whole brain development and neurobehavioral endpoints. Given the practical and ethical restraints associated with vertebrate testing, lower animal models that qualify as 3 R (reduce, refine and replace) models, including the nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) and the zebrafish (Danio rerio) will prove particularly valuable for unravelling toxicity pathways leading to DNT. Although not as complex as the human brain, these 3 R-models develop a complete functioning brain with numerous neurodevelopmental processes overlapping with human brain development. Importantly, the main signalling pathways relating to (neuro)development, metabolism and growth are highly conserved in these models. We propose the use of whole model organisms specifically zebrafish and C. elegans for DNT relevant endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hughes
- Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology, A-LIFE, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen V S Hessel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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3
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Rodrigues VB, Menezes JM, da Silva LC, Müller I, Mallmann L, Hermann BS, Menezes C, Brucker N, da Vida RL, Picada JN, Boaretto FBM, Schneider A, Linden R, Zanella R, Fleck JD, Charão MF. Caenorhabditis elegans as a suitable model to evaluate the toxicity of water from Rolante River, southern Brazil. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfad117. [PMID: 38178995 PMCID: PMC10762661 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Urbanization and agricultural activities increased environmental contaminants. Integrated analysis of water parameters and bioassays represents an essential approach to evaluating aquatic resource quality. This study aimed to assess water quality by microbiological and physicochemical parameters as well as the toxicological effects of water samples on the Ames test and Caenorhabditis elegans model. Samples were collected during (collection 1) and after (collection 2) pesticide application in the upper (S1), middle (S2), and lower (S3) sections of the Rolante River, southern Brazil. Metals were determined by GFAAS and pesticides by UPLC-MS/MS. Bioassays using the Ames test and the nematode C. elegans were performed. Levels of microbiological parameters, as well as Mn and Cu were higher than the maximum allowed limits established by legislation in collection 2 compared to collection 1. The presence of pesticide was observed in both collections; higher levels were found in collection 1. No mutagenic effect was detected. Significant inhibition of body length of C. elegans was found in collection 1 at S2 (P < 0.001) and S3 (P < 0.001) and in collection 2 at S2 (P = 0.004). Comparing the same sampling site between collections, a significant difference was found between the site of collection (F(3,6)=8.75, P = 0.01) and the time of collection (F(1,2)=28.61, P = 0.03), for the S2 and S3 samples. C. elegans model was useful for assessing surface water quality/toxicity. Results suggest that an integrated analysis for the surface water status could be beneficial for future approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Bley Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Júlia Machado Menezes
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Laura Cé da Silva
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Isadora Müller
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Larissa Mallmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Post-graduation in Virology, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Bruna Saraiva Hermann
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Post-graduation in Virology, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Charlene Menezes
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Natália Brucker
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Pharmacology Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Roselaine L da Vida
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Pharmacology Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Nascimento Picada
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde (Postgraduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology Applied to Health), Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS 92425-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Brião Menezes Boaretto
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde (Postgraduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology Applied to Health), Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS 92425-900, Brazil
| | - Anelise Schneider
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Renato Zanella
- Pesticide Residue Analysis Laboratory (LARP), Chemistry Department, Analytical Chemistry Sector, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Juliane Deise Fleck
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Post-graduation in Virology, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Mariele Feiffer Charão
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
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4
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Veras JPC, França VLB, Carvalho HF, Freire VN. Noncovalent binding of carbofuran to acetylcholinesterase from Homo sapiens, Danio rerio, Apis mellifera and Caenorhabditis elegans: Homology modelling, molecular docking and dynamics, and quantum biochemistry description. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 388:110826. [PMID: 38101596 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Although various regulatory agencies have banned or severely restricted the use of carbofuran (CAR), recent reports indicate the presence of CAR residues in both cultivated and wild areas. This pesticide is a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which acts by preventing the hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh). Given the critical role of AChE::ACh in the proper functioning of the nervous system, we thought it appropriate to investigate the binding of CAR to AChEs from Homo sapiens, Danio rerio, Apis mellifera, and Caenorhabditis elegans using homology modelling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and quantum biochemistry. Molecular docking and dynamics results indicated peculiar structural behavior in each AChE::CAR system. Quantum biochemistry results showed similar affinities for all complexes, confirming the description of carbofuran as a broad-spectrum pesticide, and have a limited correlation with IC50 values. We found the following decreasing affinity order of AChE species: H. sapiens > A. mellifera > C. elegans > D. rerio. The computational results suggest that CAR occupies different pockets in the AChEs studied. In addition, our results showed that CAR binds to hsAChE and ceAChE in a very similar manner: it has high affinities for the same subsites in both species and forms hydrogen bonds with residues (hsTYR124 and ceTRP107) occupying homologous positions in the peripheral site. This suggests that this nematode is a potential model to evaluate the toxicity of carbamates, even though the sequence identity between them is only 41 %. Interestingly, we also observed that the catalytic histidines of drAChE and amAChE exhibited favorable contacts with carbofuran, suggesting that the non-covalent binding of carbofuran to these proteins may promote faster carbamylation rates than the binding modes to human and worm acetylcholinesterases. Our computational results provide a better understanding of the binding mechanisms in these complexes, as well as new insights into the mechanism of carbamylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P C Veras
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Campus of Pici, 60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Victor L B França
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Campus of Pici, 60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430-275, Brazil.
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, 13083-864, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valder N Freire
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Campus of Pici, 60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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5
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Li H, Gu Y, Jiang Y, Ding P, Chen X, Chen C, Pan R, Shi C, Wang S, Chen H. Environmentally persistent free radicals on photoaged nanopolystyrene induce neurotoxicity by affecting dopamine, glutamate, serotonin and GABA in Caenorhabditis elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167684. [PMID: 37820818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely detected in the environment and induce toxic effects in various organisms. However, the properties and toxicity associated with environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) in photoaged nanopolystyrene (NPS) remain largely unknown. We investigated the generation of EPFRs on photoaged NPS and their neurotoxicity and underlying mechanism in Caenorhabditis elegans. The results suggested that photoaging induces the generation of EPFRs and reactive oxygen species (O2•-, •OH, and 1O2), which altered the physicochemical properties (morphology, crystallinity, and functional groups) of NPS. Acute exposure to 1 μg/L of NPS-60 (NPS with light irradiation time of 60 d) significantly decreased locomotion behaviors and neurotransmitter contents (e.g., glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid). Treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) by radical quenching test significantly reduced EPFRs levels on the aged NPS, and the toxicity of NAC-quenching NPS was decreased in nematodes compared to those in photoaged NPS. EPFRs also caused dysfunction of neurotransmission-related gene expression in C. elegans. Thus, EPFRs generated on photoaged NPS contributed to neurotoxicity by affecting dopamine, glutamate, serotonin, and γ-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission. The study highlights the potential risks of photoaged NPS and the contributions of EPFRs to toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yulun Gu
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yongqi Jiang
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ping Ding
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ruolin Pan
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chongli Shi
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Susu Wang
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Haibo Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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6
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Shan L, Heusinkveld HJ, Paul KC, Hughes S, Darweesh SKL, Bloem BR, Homberg JR. Towards improved screening of toxins for Parkinson's risk. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:169. [PMID: 38114496 PMCID: PMC10730534 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00615-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive and disabling neurodegenerative disorder. The prevalence of PD has risen considerably over the past decades. A growing body of evidence suggest that exposure to environmental toxins, including pesticides, solvents and heavy metals (collectively called toxins), is at least in part responsible for this rapid growth. It is worrying that the current screening procedures being applied internationally to test for possible neurotoxicity of specific compounds offer inadequate insights into the risk of developing PD in humans. Improved screening procedures are therefore urgently needed. Our review first substantiates current evidence on the relation between exposure to environmental toxins and the risk of developing PD. We subsequently propose to replace the current standard toxin screening by a well-controlled multi-tier toxin screening involving the following steps: in silico studies (tier 1) followed by in vitro tests (tier 2), aiming to prioritize agents with human relevant routes of exposure. More in depth studies can be undertaken in tier 3, with whole-organism (in)vertebrate models. Tier 4 has a dedicated focus on cell loss in the substantia nigra and on the presumed mechanisms of neurotoxicity in rodent models, which are required to confirm or refute the possible neurotoxicity of any individual compound. This improved screening procedure should not only evaluate new pesticides that seek access to the market, but also critically assess all pesticides that are being used today, acknowledging that none of these has ever been proven to be safe from a perspective of PD. Importantly, the improved screening procedures should not just assess the neurotoxic risk of isolated compounds, but should also specifically look at the cumulative risk conveyed by exposure to commonly used combinations of pesticides (cocktails). The worldwide implementation of such an improved screening procedure, would be an essential step for policy makers and governments to recognize PD-related environmental risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Shan
- Department Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Harm J Heusinkveld
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberly C Paul
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Samantha Hughes
- A-LIFE Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Environmental Health and Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sirwan K L Darweesh
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan R Bloem
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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7
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Currie SD, Doherty JP, Xue KS, Wang JS, Tang L. The stage-specific toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122429. [PMID: 37619695 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a diverse class of industrial chemicals that have been used for decades in industrial and commercial applications. Due to their widespread usages, persistence in the environment, and bioaccumulation in animals and humans, great public health concerns have been raised on adverse health risks of PFAS. In this study, ten PFAS were selected according to their occurrence in different water bodies. The wild-type worms were exposed to individual PFAS at 0, 0.1, 1,10, 100, and 200 μM, and the toxic effects of PFAS on growth, development, fecundity, and behavior at different life stages were investigated using a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform. Our results showed that perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), 1H,1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA), perfluorobutanesulfonic (PFBS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) exhibited significant inhibitive effects on the growth in the L4 larva and later stages of worms with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 200 μmol/L. PFOS and PFBS significantly decreased the brood size of worms across all tested concentrations (p < 0.05), and the most potent PFAS is PFOS with BMC of 0.02013 μM (BMCL, 1.6e-06 μM). During adulthood, all PFAS induced a significant reduction in motility (p < 0.01), while only PFOS can significantly induce behavior alteration at the early larvae stage. Furthermore, the adverse effects occurred in larval stages were found to be the most susceptible to the PFAS exposure. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential adverse effects associated with PFAS exposure and show the importance of considering developmental stages in toxicity assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D Currie
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Joseph Patrick Doherty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Kathy S Xue
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Jia-Sheng Wang
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Lili Tang
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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Zhu M, Zhang M, Tang M, Wang J, Liu L, Wang Z. The concentration-dependent physiological damage, oxidative stress, and DNA lesions in Caenorhabditis elegans by subacute exposure to landfill leachate. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139544. [PMID: 37474030 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The leakage of landfill leachate (LL) into environmental media would be happened even in the sanitary/controlled landfill, due to the deterioration of geomembrane and the blockage of drainage system after long-term operation. Considering the complex composition and high concentration of pollutants in LL, its toxicity assessment should be conducted as a whole liquid contaminant. Therefore, the impacts of LL on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) were investigated under the condition of different exposure time and exposure volume fraction (EVF). The stimulating effects on locomotion behavior and growth of C. elegans were observed after acute (24 h) exposure to LL, which were increased firstly and then decreased with the increase of EVF. Meanwhile, the intestinal barrier was not affected by LL, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell apoptosis significantly decreased. However, stimulation and inhibition effects on locomotion behavior and growth of C. elegans were observed when subacute (72 h) exposure to 0.25%-0.5% and 1%-4% of LL, respectively. The intestinal injury index and levels of ROS and cell apoptosis significantly increased when EVF were 2% and 4%. Although the acute exposure of LL had resulted in obviously biological adaptability and antioxidant defense in C. elegans, the protective mechanisms failed to be induced as the exposure time increased (subacute exposure). The toxic effects were confirmed by the down-regulation of genes associated with antioxidant defense and neurobehavior, accompanied by the up-regulation of intestinal injury and cell apoptosis related genes. Moreover, the disturbance of metabolic pathways that associated with locomotion behaviors, growth, and antioxidant defense provided good supplementary evidence for the confirmation of oxidative stress in C. elegans. The research results verified the potential of C. elegans as model organism to determine the complex toxic effects of LL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Zhu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Mingqi Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jun Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Lili Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Zhiping Wang
- School of Environment Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
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9
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Tejeda-Benítez L, Noguera K, Aga D, Olivero-Verbel J. Pesticides in sediments from Magdalena River, Colombia, are linked to reproductive toxicity on Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139602. [PMID: 37480944 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides are prevalent pollutants found in river sediments in agricultural regions worldwide, leading to environmental pollution and toxic effects on biota. In this study, twenty sediment samples were collected from the Magdalena River in Colombia and analyzed for forty pesticides. Methanolic extracts of the sediments were used to expose Caenorhabditis elegans for 24 h, evaluating the effects on its reproduction. The most abundant pesticides found in Magdalena River sediments were atrazine, bromacil, DDE, and chlorpyrifos. The concentrations of DDE and the sum of DDD, DDE, and DDT were above the Threshold Effect Concentration (TEC) values for freshwater sediments, indicating potential effects on aquatic organisms. The ratios of DDT/(DDE + DDD) and DDD/DDE suggest historical contributions of DDT and degradation under aerobic conditions. Several sampling sites displayed a moderate toxicity risk to biota, as calculated by the sediment quality guideline quotient (SQGQ). Nematode brood size was reduced by up to 37% after sediment extract exposure. The presence of chlordane, DDT-related compounds, and chlorpyrifos in Magdalena River sediments was associated with reproductive toxicity among C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesly Tejeda-Benítez
- Biomedical, Toxicological and Environmental Sciences (Biotoxam), Campus Piedra de Bolivar, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Katia Noguera
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Diana Aga
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130014, Colombia.
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Martins AC, Virgolini MB, Ávila DS, Scharf P, Li J, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV, Bowman AB, Rocha JBT, Aschner M. Mitochondria in the Spotlight: C. elegans as a Model Organism to Evaluate Xenobiotic-Induced Dysfunction. Cells 2023; 12:2124. [PMID: 37681856 PMCID: PMC10486742 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular respiration, ATP production, and the regulation of various cellular processes. Mitochondrial dysfunctions have been directly linked to pathophysiological conditions, making them a significant target of interest in toxicological research. In recent years, there has been a growing need to understand the intricate effects of xenobiotics on human health, necessitating the use of effective scientific research tools. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a nonpathogenic nematode, has emerged as a powerful tool for investigating toxic mechanisms and mitochondrial dysfunction. With remarkable genetic homology to mammals, C. elegans has been used in studies to elucidate the impact of contaminants and drugs on mitochondrial function. This review focuses on the effects of several toxic metals and metalloids, drugs of abuse and pesticides on mitochondria, highlighting the utility of C. elegans as a model organism to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction induced by xenobiotics. Mitochondrial structure, function, and dynamics are discussed, emphasizing their essential role in cellular viability and the regulation of processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and calcium homeostasis. Additionally, specific toxins and toxicants, such as arsenic, cadmium, and manganese are examined in the context of their impact on mitochondrial function and the utility of C. elegans in elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utilization of C. elegans as an experimental model providing a promising platform for investigating the intricate relationships between xenobiotics and mitochondrial dysfunction. This knowledge could contribute to the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of contaminants and drugs of abuse, ultimately enhancing our understanding of these complex processes and promoting human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airton C. Martins
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Miriam B. Virgolini
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Técnicas (IFEC-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology in Caenorhabditis Elegans, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, BR-472 Km 592, Uruguaiana 97500-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Pablo Scharf
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Jung Li
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
| | - Alexey A. Tinkov
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Anatoly V. Skalny
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
| | - Aaron B. Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, USA
| | - João B. T. Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
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Das B, Madhubala D, Mahanta S, Patra A, Puzari U, Khan MR, Mukherjee AK. A Novel Therapeutic Formulation for the Improved Treatment of Indian Red Scorpion ( Mesobuthus tamulus) Venom-Induced Toxicity-Tested in Caenorhabditis elegans and Rodent Models. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:504. [PMID: 37624261 PMCID: PMC10467153 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Indian Red Scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) stings are a neglected public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries, including India. The drawbacks of conventional therapies using commercial anti-scorpion antivenom (ASA) and α1-adrenoreceptor antagonists (AAA) have prompted us to search for an adequate formulation to improve treatment against M. tamulus stings. Novel therapeutic drug formulations (TDF) of low doses of commercial ASA, AAA, and ascorbic acid have remarkably improved in neutralising the in vivo toxic effects of M. tamulus venom (MTV) tested in Caenorhabditis elegans and Wistar strain albino rats in vivo models. The neutralisation of MTV-induced production of free radicals, alteration of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and upregulated expression of genes involved in apoptosis, detoxification, and stress response in C. elegans by TDF surpassed the same effect shown by individual components of the TDF. Further, TDF efficiently neutralized the MTV-induced increase in blood glucose level within 30 to 60 min post-treatment, organ tissue damage, necrosis, and pulmonary oedema in Wistar rats, indicating its clinical application for effecting treating M. tamulus envenomation. This study demonstrates for the first time that C. elegans can be a model organism for screening the neutralization potency of the drug molecules against a neurotoxic scorpion venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhabana Das
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; (B.D.); (D.M.); (U.P.)
| | - Dev Madhubala
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; (B.D.); (D.M.); (U.P.)
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India; (A.P.); (M.R.K.)
| | - Saurov Mahanta
- National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Guwahati 781008, Assam, India;
| | - Aparup Patra
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India; (A.P.); (M.R.K.)
| | - Upasana Puzari
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; (B.D.); (D.M.); (U.P.)
| | - Mojibur R. Khan
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India; (A.P.); (M.R.K.)
| | - Ashis K. Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; (B.D.); (D.M.); (U.P.)
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India; (A.P.); (M.R.K.)
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12
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Ma T, Pan X, Wang T, Li X, Luo Y. Toxicity of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to Nematodes. TOXICS 2023; 11:593. [PMID: 37505559 PMCID: PMC10385831 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of compounds that persist in the environment globally. Besides being transported to the soil and sediments, which act as their sinks, PFASs can be transferred to several species of higher organisms directly or via bacteria, eliciting a wide range of adverse effects. Caenorhabditis elegans has been widely used in toxicological studies and life science research owing to its numerous advantages over traditional vertebrate models; notably, C. elegans has 65% conserved human-disease-associated genes and does not require ethical approvals for experimental use. This review covers a range of topics, from reported accumulation characteristics and lethal concentrations of PFAS in C. elegans to the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of PFAS at different levels, including reproductive, developmental, cellular, neurologic, oxidative, metabolic, immune, and endocrine toxicities. Additionally, the toxicity levels of some PFAS substitutes are summarized. Lastly, we discuss the toxicological mechanisms of these PFAS substitutes and the importance and promising potential of nematodes as in vivo models for life science research, epidemiological studies (obesity, aging, and Alzheimer's disease research), and toxicological investigations of PFASs and other emerging pollutants compared with other soil animals or model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Ma
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Soil Pollution Prevention and Control, Zhejiang Industry and Trade Vocation College, Wenzhou 325002, China
- College of Resource Environment and Tourism, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang 441053, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xia Pan
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Soil Pollution Prevention and Control, Zhejiang Industry and Trade Vocation College, Wenzhou 325002, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- College of Resource Environment and Tourism, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang 441053, China
| | - Xiuhua Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yongming Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
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Melnikov K, Kucharíková S, Bárdyová Z, Botek N, Kaiglová A. Applications of a powerful model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to study the neurotoxicity induced by heavy metals and pesticides. Physiol Res 2023; 72:149-166. [PMID: 37159850 PMCID: PMC10226405 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The expansion of industry and the use of pesticides in agriculture represent one of the major causes of environmental contamination. Unfortunately, individuals and animals are exposed to these foreign and often toxic substances on a daily basis. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the impact of such chemicals on human health. Several in vitro studies have addressed this issue, but it is difficult to explore the impact of these compounds on living organisms. A nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has become a useful alternative to animal models mainly because of its transparent body, fast growth, short life cycle, and easy cultivation. Furthermore, at the molecular level, there are significant similarities between humans and C. elegans. These unique features make it an excellent model to complement mammalian models in toxicology research. Heavy metals and pesticides, which are considered environmental contaminants, are known to have affected the locomotion, feeding behavior, brood size, growth, life span, and cell death of C. elegans. Today, there are increasing numbers of research articles dedicated to this topic, of which we summarized the most recent findings dedicated to the effect of heavy metals, heavy metal mixtures, and pesticides on the well-characterized nervous system of this nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Melnikov
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Health Care and Social Work, University in Trnava, Slovakia.
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14
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Hua X, Feng X, Liang G, Chao J, Wang D. Exposure to 6-PPD Quinone at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations Causes Abnormal Locomotion Behaviors and Neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4940-4950. [PMID: 36913653 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
6-PPD quinone (6-PPDQ) can be transformed from 6-PPD through ozonation. Nevertheless, the potential neurotoxicity of 6-PPDQ after long-term exposure and the underlying mechanism are largely unclear. In Caenorhabditis elegans, we here observed that 0.1-10 μg/L of 6-PPDQ caused several forms of abnormal locomotion behaviors. Meanwhile, the neurodegeneration of D-type motor neurons was observed in 10 μg/L of 6-PPDQ-exposed nematodes. The observed neurodegeneration was associated with the activation of the Ca2+ channel DEG-3-mediated signaling cascade. In this signaling cascade, expressions of deg-3, unc-68, itr-1, crt-1, clp-1, and tra-3 were increased by 10 μg/L of 6-PPDQ. Moreover, among genes encoding neuronal signals required for the control of stress response, expressions of jnk-1 and dbl-1 were decreased by 0.1-10 μg/L of 6-PPDQ, and expressions of daf-7 and glb-10 were decreased by 10 μg/L of 6-PPDQ. RNAi of jnk-1, dbl-1, daf-7, and glb-10 resulted in the susceptibility to 6-PPDQ toxicity in decreasing locomotory ability and in inducing neurodegeneration, suggesting that JNK-1, DBL-1, DAF-7, and GLB-10 were also required for the induction of 6-PPDQ neurotoxicity. Molecular docking analysis further demonstrated the binding potential of 6-PPDQ to DEG-3, JNK-1, DBL-1, DAF-7, and GLB-10. Together, our data suggested the exposure risk of 6-PPDQ at environmentally relevant concentrations in causing neurotoxicity in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao Feng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Geyu Liang
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jie Chao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
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15
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Zamberlan D, Rieder G, Silva L, Teixeira da Rocha JB. Biological effects of the frequent application of a copper-containing fungicide on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2556997. [PMID: 36798215 PMCID: PMC9934755 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2556997/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The increased consumption of pesticides has an environmental impact due to the dispersion of minerals. Bordasul® is a commonly used fungicide composed of 20% Cu, 10% sulfur, and 3.0% calcium to correct its deficiency in plants. The evaluation of fungicide effects in vivo models is designed to assess their impact on the environment more broadly. Drosophila melanogaster offers a unique model due to its ease of handling and maintenance. Here, the effects of Bordasul® were investigated, addressing the development, survival, and behavior of flies. Our findings showed that exposure to Bordasul® prevented the development of flies (p < 0.01). In addition to causing a significant reduction in memory retention (p < 0.05) and locomotion capacity (p < 0.001). Although fungicides are necessary to satisfy the world's food demand, we conclude that Bordasul® is highly toxic, and that safer media, such as biofertilizers, must be developed as effective alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Zamberlan
- Federal University of Santa Maria: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
| | - Guilherme Rieder
- Federal University of Santa Maria: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
| | - Luis Silva
- Universidad de la Costa: Corporacion Universitaria de la Costa
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16
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Gonzales-Moreno C, Fernandez-Hubeid LE, Holgado A, Virgolini MB. Low-dose N-acetyl cysteine prevents paraquat-induced mortality in Caenorhabditis elegans. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000815. [PMID: 37065769 PMCID: PMC10101809 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to the herbicide paraquat (PQ; 1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride) affects the redox balance of the cell, an effect that can be restored by antioxidants, including N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). One hour of exposure to PQ (0 mM, 10 mM, 50 mM, or 100 mM) dose-dependently increased mortality in Caenorhabditis elegans after exposure (immediate toxicity), while this effect was more evident 24 hours thereafter (delayed toxicity). Importantly, pretreatment with NAC 0.5 mM for one hour partially prevented mortality in the immediate assay, while it had no effect in the delayed test, revealing the importance of long-term studies when evaluating toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candelaria Gonzales-Moreno
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lucia E Fernandez-Hubeid
- IFEC-CONICET. Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea Holgado
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. Edward's University, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Miriam B Virgolini
- IFEC-CONICET. Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Correspondence to: Miriam B Virgolini (
)
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Lima TRR, Martins AC, Pereira LC, Aschner M. Toxic Effects Induced by Diuron and Its Metabolites in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1812-1823. [PMID: 36306114 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of diuron herbicide and its metabolites has been extensively investigated; however, their precise toxic mechanisms have yet to be fully appreciated. In this context, we evaluated the toxic mechanism of diuron, 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA) and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methylurea (DCPMU), using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in the L1 larval stage. For this purpose, worms were acutely exposed to the test chemicals with a preliminary concentration range of 0.5 to 500 μM and first analyzed for lethality (%). Next, the highest concentration (500 μM) was considered for survival (%), reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), glutathione (GSH) and ATP levels, autophagy index, behavior, and dopaminergic neurodegeneration parameters. Interestingly, increased lethality (%) was found for all chemicals at the higher concentrations tested (100 and 500 μM), with significant differences at 500 μM DCA (p < 0.05). A decrease in the median survival was observed mainly for DCA. Although no changes were observed in RONS production, GSH levels were significantly increased upon diuron and DCA treatment, likely reflecting an attempt to restore the redox status. Moreover, diuron and its metabolites impaired ATP levels, suggesting an alteration in mitochondrial function. The latter may trigger autophagy as an adaptive survival mechanism, but this was not observed in C. elegans. Dopaminergic neurotoxicity was observed upon treatment with all the tested chemicals, but only diuron induced alterations in the worms' locomotor behavior. Combined, these results indicate that exposure to high concentrations of diuron and its metabolites elicit distinct adverse outcomes in C. elegans, and DCA in particular, plays an important role in the overall toxicity observed in this experimental model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thania Rios Rossi Lima
- Medical School - TOXICAM, UNIPEX, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Block 5 Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil. .,Center for Evaluation of Environmental Impact On Human Health (TOXICAM), Medical School, Unesp, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | - Airton C Martins
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Lílian Cristina Pereira
- Center for Evaluation of Environmental Impact On Human Health (TOXICAM), Medical School, Unesp, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.,School of Agriculture, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Liang X, Wang X, Cheng J, Zhang X, Wu T. Ag 2Se quantum dots damage the nervous system of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 109:279-285. [PMID: 35670839 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03560-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Silver selenide quantum dots (Ag2Se QDs), as a novel type of QDs, are valuable in the biomedical application due to their low-toxic and excellent optical property in near infrared region, but the biosafety assessment of Ag2Se QDs is rare. In this study, the findings suggested that the accumulation of Ag2Se QDs in the body of nematodes decreased the lifespan and damaged normal neurobehaviors of Caenorhabditis elegan (C. elegans). Furthermore, Ag2Se QDs caused excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) productions and altered expressions of several genes associated with redox equilibrium, which might contribute to neurotoxic outcomes in nematode C. elegans. According to this study, it is necessary and important for researchers to pay attention to the biosafety assessment of presumed low-toxic nanomaterials, like Ag2Se QDs, especially on sensitively toxic targets, i.e. the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Tianshu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, P. R. China.
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Demir E, Demir FT, Marcos R. Drosophila as a Suitable In Vivo Model in the Safety Assessment of Nanomaterials. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1357:275-301. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-88071-2_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Schmitt F, Babylon L, Dieter F, Eckert GP. Effects of Pesticides on Longevity and Bioenergetics in Invertebrates-The Impact of Polyphenolic Metabolites. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413478. [PMID: 34948274 PMCID: PMC8707434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmentally hazardous substances such as pesticides are gaining increasing interest in agricultural and nutritional research. This study aims to investigate the impact of these compounds on the healthspan and mitochondrial functions in an invertebrate in vivo model and in vitro in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, and to investigate the potential of polyphenolic metabolites to compensate for potential impacts. Wild-type nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans, N2) were treated with pesticides such as pyraclostrobin (Pyr), glyphosate (Gly), or fluopyram (Fluo). The lifespans of the nematodes under heat stress conditions (37 °C) were determined, and the chemotaxis was assayed. Energetic metabolites, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP), lactate, and pyruvate, were analyzed in lysates of nematodes and cells. Genetic expression patterns of several genes associated with lifespan determination and mitochondrial parameters were assessed via qRT-PCR. After incubation with environmentally hazardous substances, nematodes were incubated with a pre-fermented polyphenol mixture (Rechtsregulat®Bio, RR) or protocatechuic acid (PCA) to determine heat stress resistance. Treatment with Pyr, Glyph and Fluo leads to dose-dependently decreased heat stress resistance, which was significantly improved by RR and PCA. The chemotaxes of the nematodes were not affected by pesticides. ATP levels were not significantly altered by the pesticides, except for Pyr, which increased ATP levels after 48 h leads. The gene expression of healthspan and mitochondria-associated genes were diversely affected by the pesticides, while Pyr led to an overall decrease of mRNA levels. Over time, the treatment of nematodes leads to a recovery of the nematodes on the mitochondrial level but not on stress resistance on gene expression. Fermented extracts of fruits and vegetables and phenolic metabolites such as PCA seem to have the potential to recover the vitality of C. elegans after damage caused by pesticides.
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Demir E. Mechanisms and biological impacts of graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes on Drosophila melanogaster: Oxidative stress, genotoxic damage, phenotypic variations, locomotor behavior, parasitoid resistance, and cellular immune response. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:450-474. [PMID: 34486762 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has now become rather common in medical applications as well as several other areas thanks to their useful physicochemical properties. While in vitro testing offers some potential, in vivo research into toxic effects of graphene and MWCNTs could yield much more reliable data. Drosophila melanogaster has recently gained significant popularity as a dynamic eukaryotic model in examining toxicity, genotoxicity, and biological effects of exposure to nanomaterials, including oxidative stress, cellular immune response against two strains (NSRef and G486) of parasitoid wasp (Leptopilina boulardi), phenotypic variations, and locomotor behavior risks. D. melanogaster was used as a model organism in our study to identify the potential risks of exposure to graphene (thickness: 2-18 nm) and MWCNTs in different properties (as pure [OD: 10-20 nm short], modified by amide [NH2 ] [OD: 7-13 nm length: 55 μm], and modified by carboxyl [COOH] [OD: 30-50 nm and length: 0.5-2 μm]) at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 250 μg/ml. Significant effects were observed at two high doses (100 and 250 μg/ml) of graphene or MWCNTs. This is the first study to report findings of cellular immune response against hematopoiesis and parasitoids, nanogenotoxicity, phenotypic variations, and locomotor behavior in D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eşref Demir
- Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Medical Laboratory Techniques Programme, Antalya Bilim University, Antalya, Turkey
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22
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Hartman JH, Widmayer SJ, Bergemann CM, King DE, Morton KS, Romersi RF, Jameson LE, Leung MCK, Andersen EC, Taubert S, Meyer JN. Xenobiotic metabolism and transport in Caenorhabditis elegans. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2021; 24:51-94. [PMID: 33616007 PMCID: PMC7958427 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2021.1884921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a major model in biomedical and environmental toxicology. Numerous papers on toxicology and pharmacology in C. elegans have been published, and this species has now been adopted by investigators in academic toxicology, pharmacology, and drug discovery labs. C. elegans has also attracted the interest of governmental regulatory agencies charged with evaluating the safety of chemicals. However, a major, fundamental aspect of toxicological science remains underdeveloped in C. elegans: xenobiotic metabolism and transport processes that are critical to understanding toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, and extrapolation to other species. The aim of this review was to initially briefly describe the history and trajectory of the use of C. elegans in toxicological and pharmacological studies. Subsequently, physical barriers to chemical uptake and the role of the worm microbiome in xenobiotic transformation were described. Then a review of what is and is not known regarding the classic Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III processes was performed. In addition, the following were discussed (1) regulation of xenobiotic metabolism; (2) review of published toxicokinetics for specific chemicals; and (3) genetic diversity of these processes in C. elegans. Finally, worm xenobiotic transport and metabolism was placed in an evolutionary context; key areas for future research highlighted; and implications for extrapolating C. elegans toxicity results to other species discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica H Hartman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Samuel J Widmayer
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States
| | | | - Dillon E King
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Katherine S Morton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Riccardo F Romersi
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Laura E Jameson
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University - West Campus, Glendale, Arizona, United States
| | - Maxwell C K Leung
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University - West Campus, Glendale, Arizona, United States
| | - Erik C Andersen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States
| | - Stefan Taubert
- Dept. Of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, the University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joel N Meyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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23
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Queirós L, Martins AC, Krum BN, Ke T, Aschner M, Pereira JL, Gonçalves FJM, Milne GL, Pereira P. Assessing the neurotoxicity of the carbamate methomyl in Caenorhabditis elegans with a multi-level approach. Toxicology 2021; 451:152684. [PMID: 33508380 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The neurotoxicity and developmental effects of a widely applied insecticide (methomyl) was investigated by a multi-level approach (behavior and biometry, biochemical alterations and neurodegeneration) in Caenorhabditis elegans upon a short-term exposure (1 h) and a post-exposure period (48 h). The 1-h exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of methomyl (lower than 0.320 g L-1; i.e. below the estimated LC10) triggered significant changes on motor behavior and development impairment. The type of movement was significantly altered in methomyl-exposed worms, as well as biometric parameters (worms frequently idle and moving more backwards than controls; small body area, length and wavelength). These effects were followed by an increase of acetylcholine levels. Interestingly, after the 48-h recovery period, movement of previously exposed worms was similar to controls, and a concentration-dependent reversion of biometric endpoints was recorded, pointing out the transient action of the carbamate in line with an apparent absence of cholinergic neurons damage. This study provided new insight on the neurotoxicity of methomyl by showing that effects on movement and development were transient, and apparently did not result in neurodegeneration in cholinergic neurons. Moreover, these findings reinforced the advantages of using C. elegans in a multi-level approach for pesticide effects assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Queirós
- Department of Biology & CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - A C Martins
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - B N Krum
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - T Ke
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - M Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - J L Pereira
- Department of Biology & CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - F J M Gonçalves
- Department of Biology & CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - G L Milne
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - P Pereira
- Department of Biology & CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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24
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Yu Y, Hua X, Chen H, Wang Y, Li Z, Han Y, Xiang M. Toxicity of lindane induced by oxidative stress and intestinal damage in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 264:114731. [PMID: 32416425 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lindane, a lipophilic pollutant, may be toxic to organisms. To explore the toxic effects of lindane and the underlying mechanisms of this toxicity, the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was exposed to lindane for 3 d at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.01-100 ng/L) and the physiological, biochemical, and molecular indices were evaluated. Subacute exposure to 10-100 ng/L of lindane caused adverse physiological effects on the development, reproduction, and locomotion behaviors in C. elegans. Exposure to 1-100 ng/L of lindane increased the accumulation of Nile red and blue food dye, which suggested high permeability of the intestine in nematodes. Lindane exposure also significantly influenced the expression of genes related to intestinal development (e.g., mtm-6 and opt-2). Moreover, reactive oxygen species production, lipofuscin accumulation, and expression of oxidation resistance genes (e.g., sod-5 and isp-1) were significantly increased in C. elegans exposed to 10-100 ng/L of lindane, which indicated that lindane exposure induced oxidative stress. According to Pearson correlation analyses, oxidative stress and intestinal damage were significantly correlated with the adverse physiological effects of lindane. Therefore, the adverse effects of lindane may have been induced by intestinal damage and oxidative stress, and mtm-6, opt-2, sod-5, isp-1, and mev-1 might play important roles in the toxicity of lindane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
| | - Xin Hua
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Haibo Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Ya'e Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Zongrui Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yajing Han
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Mingdeng Xiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China
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25
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Park Y, Gaddy MA, Alfhili MA, Lee MH. The teratogenic effect of Triclosan on embryogenesis is attenuated by Tween 20 in Caenorhabditis elegans. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2020; 2020:10.17912/micropub.biology.000282. [PMID: 32728664 PMCID: PMC7382952 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Youngyong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Matthew A. Gaddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Mohammad A. Alfhili
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
Correspondence to: Mohammad A. Alfhili (); Myon Hee Lee ()
| | - Myon Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States,
Correspondence to: Mohammad A. Alfhili (); Myon Hee Lee ()
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26
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Liang X, Wang Y, Cheng J, Ji Q, Wang Y, Wu T, Tang M. Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles at Predicted Environmentally Relevant Concentrations Cause Impairments in GABAergic Motor Neurons of Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:1665-1676. [PMID: 32510209 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Available safety evaluations regarding mesoporous silica nanoparticles (mSiNPs) are based on the assumption of a relatively high exposure concentration, which makes the findings less valuable in a realistic environment. In this study, we employed Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model to assess the neuronal damage caused by mSiNPs at the predicted environmentally relevant concentrations. After nematodes were acute and prolonged exposed to mSiNPs at concentrations over 300 μg/L, locomotion degeneration, shrinking behavior, and abnormal foraging behavior were observed, which were associated with the deficits in the development of GABAergic neurons, including D-type and RME motor neurons. Furthermore, the oxidative stress evidenced by excessive ROS generation might contribute to the mechanism of mSiNPs damaging neurons. Although the neurotoxicity of mSiNPs was weaker than (nonmesoporous) SiNPs, it is still necessary for researchers to pay attention to the adverse effects caused by mSiNPs in the environmental animals, especially with the rapid increase in mSiNPs application. Considering the conserved property of GABAergic neurons during evolution, these findings will shed light on our understanding of the potential eco-risks of NPs to the nervous system of other animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Yutong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Ji
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Tianshu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
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27
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Wu T, Liang X, He K, Liu X, Li Y, Wang Y, Kong L, Tang M. The NLRP3-Mediated Neuroinflammatory Responses to CdTe Quantum Dots and the Protection of ZnS Shell. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:3217-3233. [PMID: 32440120 PMCID: PMC7212783 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s246578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Since CdTe quantum dots (QDs) are still widely considered as advanced fluorescent probes because of their far superior optical performance and fluorescence efficiency over non-cadmium QDs, it is important to find ways to control their toxicity. Methods In this study, the adverse effects of two cadmium-containing QDs, ie, CdTe QDs and CdTe@ZnS QDs, on the nervous system of nematode C. elegans, the hippocampus of mice, and cultured microglia were measured in order to evaluate the neuroinflammation caused by cadmium-containing QDs and the potential mechanisms. Results Firstly, we observed that cadmium-containing QD exposure-induced immune responses and neurobehavioral deficit in nematode C. elegans. In the mice treated with QDs, neuroinflammatory responses to QDs in the hippocampus, including microglial activation and IL-1ß release, occurred as well. When investigating the mechanisms of cadmium-containing QDs causing IL-1ß-mediated inflammation, the findings suggested that cadmium-containing QDs activated the NLRP3 inflammasome by causing excessive ROS generation, and resulted in IL-1ß release. Discussion Even though the milder immune responses and neurotoxicity of CdTe@ZnS QDs compared with CdTe QDs indicated the protective role of ZnS coating, the inhibitions of NLRP3 expression and ROS production completely reduced the IL-1ß-mediated inflammation. This provided valuable information that inhibiting target molecules is an effective and efficient way to alleviate the toxicity of cadmium-containing QDs, so it is important to evaluate QDs through a mechanism-based risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Keyu He
- Blood Transfusion Department, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yutong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Kong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
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28
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Capela R, Garric J, Castro LFC, Santos MM. Embryo bioassays with aquatic animals for toxicity testing and hazard assessment of emerging pollutants: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 705:135740. [PMID: 31838430 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This review article gathers the available information on the use of embryo-tests as high-throughput tools for toxicity screening, hazard assessment and prioritization of new and existing chemical compounds. The approach is contextualized considering the new legal trends for animal experimentation, fostering the 3R policy, with reduction of experimental animals, addressing the potential of embryo-tests as high-throughput toxicity screening and prioritizing tools. Further, the current test guidelines, such as the ones provided by OECD and EPA, focus mainly in a limited number of animal lineages, particularly vertebrates and arthropods. To extrapolate hazard assessment to the ecosystem scale, a larger diversity of taxa should be tested. The use of new experimental animal models in toxicity testing, from a representative set of taxa, was thoroughly revised and discussed in this review. Here, we critically review current tools and the main advantages and drawbacks of different animal models and set researcher priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Capela
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; IRSTEA - National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Environment and Agriculture - Centre de Lyon-Villeurbanne, 5 rue de la Doua, CS20244, 69625 Villeurbanne Cedex, Lyon-Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jeanne Garric
- IRSTEA - National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Environment and Agriculture - Centre de Lyon-Villeurbanne, 5 rue de la Doua, CS20244, 69625 Villeurbanne Cedex, Lyon-Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Luís Filipe Costa Castro
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Machado Santos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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29
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Tang B, Tong P, Xue KS, Williams PL, Wang JS, Tang L. High-throughput assessment of toxic effects of metal mixtures of cadmium(Cd), lead(Pb), and manganese(Mn) in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 234:232-241. [PMID: 31220657 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals, a class of persistent environmental toxicants, are harmful to human health. Cd and Pb are two of the most common toxic heavy metals that have been linked with cancers and malfunction of the nervous system. Notably, contamination of Mn usually coexisted with Cd and Pb in environmental and occupational settings. Studies regularly examined the toxic effects on individual metals; however, potential health and toxic effects of mixtures containing two or more heavy metals are unknown. Here, we investigated toxic effects of Cd, Pb, Mn, and their binary and ternary mixtures in the nematode Caenorhabdities elegans. The toxic outcomes, including effects on growth, reproduction, and feeding, were measured via high-throughput platform analysis. The transgenic strain BY250 with GFP in dopaminergic neurons was used to explore the neurodegenerative effects induced by single metals or their mixtures. The combination index(CI) for mixtures effect was calculated using isobolograms methods. Following the exposure, we found significant toxic effects in C. elegans. For single metals, the toxicity order for growth, reproduction, and feeding were Pb > Cd > Mn. For mixtures, the mixture of Cd + Mn induced a less than addictive effect in C. elegans, whereas the mixtures of Cd + Pb, Pb + Mn, and Cd + Pb + Mn induced greater-than-additive effects. Both single metals and their mixtures induced abnormality in dopaminergic neurons. These results showed combinative toxic and neurodegenerative effects of heavy metal mixtures, and future studies will focus on characterization of concentration-response patterns and identification of potential molecular mechanisms in C. elegans model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Tang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ping Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kathy S Xue
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Phillip L Williams
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jia-Sheng Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Lili Tang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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30
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Acosta-Coley I, Duran-Izquierdo M, Rodriguez-Cavallo E, Mercado-Camargo J, Mendez-Cuadro D, Olivero-Verbel J. Quantification of microplastics along the Caribbean Coastline of Colombia: Pollution profile and biological effects on Caenorhabditis elegans. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 146:574-583. [PMID: 31426195 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.06.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Caribbean Coast of Colombia has a flourishing plastic industry with weak and insufficient waste management policies and practices, leading to plastic pollution along its touristic beaches. In this work, primary and secondary microplastics (MPs) were surveyed at four different locations along the Colombian Caribbean Coast. Primary microplastics, specifically white new plastic pellets, represented the largest amount of MPs found, with densities decreasing in the order Cartagena > Coveñas > Puerto Colombia > Riohacha. This distribution was connected to the vicinity of MPs sources, marine currents and wind direction. The presence of secondary MPs was associated with urban centers and proximity to river mouths. The FTIR characterization showed polyethylene as the predominant resin type, with different degrees of surface oxidation. Aqueous extracts from sampled MPs were tested on Caenorhabditis elegans. Secondary MPs elicited greater toxicological responses than pellets, especially those from Cartagena Bay, suggesting MPs act as carriers for biologically-active pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Acosta-Coley
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130014, Colombia; Analytical Chemistry and Biomedicine Group, School of Sciences, San Pablo Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Margareth Duran-Izquierdo
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130014, Colombia
| | - Erika Rodriguez-Cavallo
- Analytical Chemistry and Biomedicine Group, School of Sciences, San Pablo Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Jairo Mercado-Camargo
- Research Group on Drug Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130014, Colombia
| | - Dario Mendez-Cuadro
- Analytical Chemistry and Biomedicine Group, School of Sciences, San Pablo Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130014, Colombia.
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31
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Queirós L, Pereira JL, Gonçalves FJ, Pacheco M, Aschner M, Pereira P. Caenorhabditis elegans as a tool for environmental risk assessment: emerging and promising applications for a "nobelized worm". Crit Rev Toxicol 2019; 49:411-429. [PMID: 31268799 PMCID: PMC6823147 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1626801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans has been an invaluable model organism in research fields such as developmental biology and neurobiology. Neurotoxicity is one of the subfields greatly profiting from the C. elegans model within biomedical context, while the corresponding potential of the organism applied to environmental studies is relevant but has been largely underexplored. Within the biomedical scope, the implication of metals and organic chemicals with pesticide activity (hereinafter designated as pesticides) in the etiology of several neurodegenerative diseases has been extensively investigated using this nematode as a primary model organism. Additionally, as a well-known experimental model bearing high sensitivity to different contaminants and representing important functional levels in soil and aquatic ecosystems, C. elegans has high potential to be extensively integrated within Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) routines. In spite of the recognition of some regulatory agencies, this actual step has yet to be made. The purpose of this review is to discuss the major advantages supporting the inclusion of C. elegans in lower tiers of ERA. Special emphasis was given to its sensitivity to metals and pesticides, which is similar to that of other model organisms commonly used in ERA (e.g. Daphnia magna and Eisenia sp.), and to the large array of endpoints that can be tested with the species, both concerning the aquatic and the soil compartments. The inclusion of C. elegans testing may hence represent a relevant advance in ERA, providing ecologically relevant insights toward improvement of the regulatory capacity for establishing appropriate environmental protection benchmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Queirós
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - J. L. Pereira
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - F. J.M. Gonçalves
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M. Pacheco
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M. Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - P. Pereira
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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32
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Barik BK, Mishra M. Nanoparticles as a potential teratogen: a lesson learnt from fruit fly. Nanotoxicology 2018; 13:258-284. [DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2018.1530393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bedanta Kumar Barik
- Neural Developmental Biology Lab, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Monalisa Mishra
- Neural Developmental Biology Lab, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
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33
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Kronberg MF, Clavijo A, Moya A, Rossen A, Calvo D, Pagano E, Munarriz E. Glyphosate-based herbicides modulate oxidative stress response in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 214:1-8. [PMID: 30142450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate-based formulation is used as non-selective and post-emergent herbicides in urban and rural activities. In view of its recurring applications in agricultural producing countries, the increase of glyphosate concentration in the environment stresses the need to test the adverse effects on non-target organisms and assess the risk of its use. This paper analyzes the toxicological and oxidative stress and modulatory effects of a glyphosate commercial formulation (glyphosate F) on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We detected ROS production and enhancement of oxidative stress response in glyphosate F-treated nematodes. Particularly, we found an increased ctl-1 catalase gene expression of a catalase specific activity. In addition, we showed that glyphosate F treatment activated the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16, a critical target of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway, which modulates the transcription of a broad range of genes involved in stress resistance, reproductive development, dauer formation, and longevity. In summary, the exposure of glyphosate F induces an oxidative imbalance in C. elegans that leads to the DAF-16 activation and consequently to the expression of genes that boost the antioxidant defense system. In this regard, clt-1 gene and catalase activity proved to be excellent biomarkers to develop more sensitive protocols to assess the environmental risk of glyphosate use.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Kronberg
- Cátedra de Bioquímica, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Araceli Clavijo
- Cátedra de Bioquímica, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aldana Moya
- Cátedra de Protección vegetal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariana Rossen
- Laboratorio Experimental de Tecnologías Sustentables, Instituto Nacional del Agua, Pcia, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Calvo
- Dirección de Servicios Hidrológicos, Instituto Nacional del Agua, Pcia, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Pagano
- Cátedra de Bioquímica, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eliana Munarriz
- Cátedra de Bioquímica, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Weinhouse C, Truong L, Meyer JN, Allard P. Caenorhabditis elegans as an emerging model system in environmental epigenetics. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2018; 59:560-575. [PMID: 30091255 PMCID: PMC6113102 DOI: 10.1002/em.22203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The roundworm Caenorhabitis elegans has been an established model organism for the study of genetics and developmental biology, including studies of transcriptional regulation, since the 1970s. This model organism has continued to be used as a classical model system as the field of transcriptional regulation has expanded to include scientific advances in epigenetics and chromatin biology. In the last several decades, C. elegans has emerged as a powerful model for environmental toxicology, particularly for the study of chemical genotoxicity. Here, we outline the utility and applicability of C. elegans as a powerful model organism for mechanistic studies of environmental influences on the epigenome. Our goal in this article is to inform the field of environmental epigenetics of the strengths and limitations of the well-established C. elegans model organism as an emerging model for medium-throughput, in vivo exploration of the role of exogenous chemical stimuli in transcriptional regulation, developmental epigenetic reprogramming, and epigenetic memory and inheritance. As the field of environmental epigenetics matures, and research begins to map mechanisms underlying observed associations, new toolkits and model systems, particularly manipulable, scalable in vivo systems that accurately model human transcriptional regulatory circuits, will provide an essential experimental bridge between in vitro biochemical experiments and mammalian model systems. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:560-575, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caren Weinhouse
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Lisa Truong
- UCLA Human Genetics and Genomic Analysis Training Program, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California
| | - Joel N. Meyer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Patrick Allard
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Toxic Effects of Bisphenol A, Propyl Paraben, and Triclosan on Caenorhabditis elegans. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040684. [PMID: 29621162 PMCID: PMC5923726 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous plasticizer which is absorbed by ingestion and dermal contact; propyl paraben (PPB) inhibits the microbiome and extends the shelf life of many personal care products, whereas triclosan (TCS) is commonly found in antiseptics, disinfectants, or additives. In this work, Caenorhabditis elegans was used as a biological model to assess the toxic effects of BPA, PPB, and TCS. The wild type strain, Bristol N2, was used in bioassays with the endpoints of lethality, growth, and reproduction; green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic strains with the hsp-3, hsp-4, hsp-16.2, hsp-70, sod-1, sod-4, cyp-35A4, cyp-29A2, and skn-1 genes were evaluated for their mRNA expression through fluorescence measurement; and quick Oil Red O (q ORO) was utilized to stain lipid deposits. Lethality was concentration-dependent, while TCS and PPB showed more toxicity than BPA. BPA augmented worm length, while PPB reduced it. All toxicants moderately increased the width and the width–length ratio. BPA and PPB promoted reproduction, in contrast to TCS, which diminished it. All toxicants affected the mRNA expression of genes related to cellular stress, control of reactive oxygen species, and nuclear receptor activation. Lipid accumulation occurred in exposed worms. In conclusion, BPA, PPB, and TCS alter the physiology of growth, lipid accumulation, and reproduction in C. elegans, most likely through oxidative stress mechanisms.
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Augusti PR, Brasil AVS, Souto C, Göethel G, de Oliveira Rios A, Emanuelli T, Bürger ME, Garcia SC. Microcystin-LR exposure induces oxidative damage in Caenorhabditis elegans: Protective effect of lutein extracted from marigold flowers. Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 109:60-67. [PMID: 28866331 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MIC-LR) is a hepatotoxin, with toxicity mechanisms linked to oxidative stress. Besides, neurotoxic effects of MIC-LR have recently been described. Herein, we evaluated the effects of environmentally important concentrations of MIC-LR (1, 10, 100, 250, and 500 μg/L) on oxidative stress markers and the survival rate of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). In addition, a possible protective effect of the carotenoid lutein (LUT) extracted from marigold flowers against MIC-LR toxicity was investigated. Higher concentrations (250 and 500 μg/L) of MIC-LR induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and resulted in a survival loss in C elegans. Meanwhile, all MIC-LR concentrations caused an increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression, while catalase (CAT) expression was only affected at 500 μg/L. The carotenoid LUT prevented the ROS generation, impairment in the CAT expression, and the survival loss induced by MIC-LR in C. elegans. Our results confirm the toxicity of MIC-LR even in a liver-lacking invertebrate and the involvement of oxidative events in this response. Additionally, LUT appears to be able to mitigate the MIC-LR toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Rossini Augusti
- Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43.212, Campus do Vale, Porto Alegre, CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Allana Von Sulzback Brasil
- Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43.212, Campus do Vale, Porto Alegre, CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Caroline Souto
- Laboratório de Toxicologia (LATOX), Departamento de Análises, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, CEP 90610-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Göethel
- Laboratório de Toxicologia (LATOX), Departamento de Análises, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, CEP 90610-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Alessandro de Oliveira Rios
- Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43.212, Campus do Vale, Porto Alegre, CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Emanuelli
- Núcleo Integrado de Desenvolvimento em Análises Laboratoriais (NIDAL), Departamento de Tecnologia e Ciência dos Alimentos, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Marilise Escobar Bürger
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Toxicologia (FARMATOX), Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Solange Cristina Garcia
- Laboratório de Toxicologia (LATOX), Departamento de Análises, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, CEP 90610-000, RS, Brazil
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Salim C, Rajini PS. Glucose-rich diet aggravates monocrotophos-induced dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction inCaenorhabditis elegans. J Appl Toxicol 2016; 37:772-780. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chinnu Salim
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India; Food Protectants and Infestation Control Department; CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute; Mysore 570 020 India
| | - P. S. Rajini
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India; Food Protectants and Infestation Control Department; CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute; Mysore 570 020 India
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Fischer F, Böhm L, Höss S, Möhlenkamp C, Claus E, Düring RA, Schäfer S. Passive Dosing in Chronic Toxicity Tests with the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:9708-9716. [PMID: 27494096 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In chronic toxicity tests with Caenorhabditis elegans, it is necessary to feed the nematode with bacteria, which reduces the freely dissolved concentration (Cfree) of hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs), leading to poorly defined exposure with conventional dosing procedures. We examined the efficacy of passive dosing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using silicone O-rings to control exposure during C. elegans toxicity testing and compared the results to those obtained with solvent spiking. Solid-phase microextraction and liquid-liquid extraction were used to measure Cfree and the chemicals taken up via ingestion. During toxicity testing, Cfree decreased by up to 89% after solvent spiking but remained constant with passive dosing. This led to a higher apparent toxicity on C. elegans exposed by passive dosing than by solvent spiking. With increasing bacterial cell densities, Cfree of solvent-spiked PAHs decreased while being maintained constant with passive dosing. This resulted in lower apparent toxicity under solvent spiking but an increased apparent toxicity with passive dosing, probably as a result of the higher chemical uptake rate via food (CUfood). Our results demonstrate the utility of passive dosing to control Cfree in routine chronic toxicity testing of HOCs. Moreover, both chemical uptake from water or via food ingestion can be controlled, thus enabling the discrimination of different uptake routes in chronic toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Fischer
- German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) , Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, Research Center for BioSystems, Land Use, and Nutrition (iFZ), Justus Liebig University Giessen , Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Leonard Böhm
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, Research Center for BioSystems, Land Use, and Nutrition (iFZ), Justus Liebig University Giessen , Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Christel Möhlenkamp
- German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) , Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Evelyn Claus
- German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) , Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Rolf-Alexander Düring
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, Research Center for BioSystems, Land Use, and Nutrition (iFZ), Justus Liebig University Giessen , Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Schäfer
- German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) , Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
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Harlow PH, Perry SJ, Widdison S, Daniels S, Bondo E, Lamberth C, Currie RA, Flemming AJ. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a tool to predict chemical activity on mammalian development and identify mechanisms influencing toxicological outcome. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22965. [PMID: 26987796 PMCID: PMC4796825 DOI: 10.1038/srep22965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To determine whether a C. elegans bioassay could predict mammalian developmental activity, we selected diverse compounds known and known not to elicit such activity and measured their effect on C. elegans egg viability. 89% of compounds that reduced C. elegans egg viability also had mammalian developmental activity. Conversely only 25% of compounds found not to reduce egg viability in C. elegans were also inactive in mammals. We conclude that the C. elegans egg viability assay is an accurate positive predictor, but an inaccurate negative predictor, of mammalian developmental activity. We then evaluated C. elegans as a tool to identify mechanisms affecting toxicological outcomes among related compounds. The difference in developmental activity of structurally related fungicides in C. elegans correlated with their rate of metabolism. Knockdown of the cytochrome P450s cyp-35A3 and cyp-35A4 increased the toxicity to C. elegans of the least developmentally active compounds to the level of the most developmentally active. This indicated that these P450s were involved in the greater rate of metabolism of the less toxic of these compounds. We conclude that C. elegans based approaches can predict mammalian developmental activity and can yield plausible hypotheses for factors affecting the biological potency of compounds in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa H Harlow
- Syngenta Ltd., Jealott's Hill Research Station, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EY, UK
| | - Simon J Perry
- Syngenta Ltd., Jealott's Hill Research Station, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EY, UK
| | - Stephanie Widdison
- General Bioinformatics, Jealott's Hill Research Station, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EY, UK
| | - Shannon Daniels
- Syngenta, 3054 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2257, USA
| | - Eddie Bondo
- Syngenta, 3054 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2257, USA
| | - Clemens Lamberth
- Syngenta Crop Protection AG, Chemical Research, Schaffhauserstrasse 101, 4332 Stein, Switzerland
| | - Richard A Currie
- Syngenta Ltd., Jealott's Hill Research Station, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EY, UK
| | - Anthony J Flemming
- Syngenta Ltd., Jealott's Hill Research Station, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EY, UK
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Alaraby M, Annangi B, Marcos R, Hernández A. Drosophila melanogaster as a suitable in vivo model to determine potential side effects of nanomaterials: A review. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2016; 19:65-104. [PMID: 27128498 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2016.1166466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite being a relatively new field, nanoscience has been in the forefront among many scientific areas. Nanoparticle materials (NM) present interesting physicochemical characteristics not necessarily found in their bulky forms, and alterations in their size or coating markedly modify their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Due to these novel properties there is a general trend to exploit these NM in several fields of science, particularly in medicine and industry. The increased presence of NM in the environment warrants evaluation of potential harmful effects in order to protect both environment and human exposed populations. Although in vitro approaches are commonly used to determine potential adverse effects of NM, in vivo studies generate data expected to be more relevant for risk assessment. As an in vivo model Drosophila melanogaster was previously found to possess reliable utility in determining the biological effects of NM, and thus its usage increased markedly over the last few years. The aims of this review are to present a comprehensive overview of all apparent studies carried out with NM and Drosophila, to attain a clear and comprehensive picture of the potential risk of NM exposure to health, and to demonstrate the advantages of using Drosophila in nanotoxicological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alaraby
- a Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències , Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Campus de Bellaterra , Cerdanyola del Vallès , Spain
- b Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences , Sohag University , Sohag , Egypt
| | - Balasubramanyam Annangi
- a Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències , Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Campus de Bellaterra , Cerdanyola del Vallès , Spain
| | - Ricard Marcos
- a Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències , Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Campus de Bellaterra , Cerdanyola del Vallès , Spain
- c CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública , ISCIII , Madrid , Spain
| | - Alba Hernández
- a Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències , Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Campus de Bellaterra , Cerdanyola del Vallès , Spain
- c CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública , ISCIII , Madrid , Spain
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Tejeda-Benitez L, Olivero-Verbel J. Caenorhabditis elegans, a Biological Model for Research in Toxicology. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 237:1-35. [PMID: 26613986 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-23573-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode of microscopic size which, due to its biological characteristics, has been used since the 1970s as a model for research in molecular biology, medicine, pharmacology, and toxicology. It was the first animal whose genome was completely sequenced and has played a key role in the understanding of apoptosis and RNA interference. The transparency of its body, short lifespan, ability to self-fertilize and ease of culture are advantages that make it ideal as a model in toxicology. Due to the fact that some of its biochemical pathways are similar to those of humans, it has been employed in research in several fields. C. elegans' use as a biological model in environmental toxicological assessments allows the determination of multiple endpoints. Some of these utilize the effects on the biological functions of the nematode and others use molecular markers. Endpoints such as lethality, growth, reproduction, and locomotion are the most studied, and usually employ the wild type Bristol N2 strain. Other endpoints use reporter genes, such as green fluorescence protein, driven by regulatory sequences from other genes related to different mechanisms of toxicity, such as heat shock, oxidative stress, CYP system, and metallothioneins among others, allowing the study of gene expression in a manner both rapid and easy. These transgenic strains of C. elegans represent a powerful tool to assess toxicity pathways for mixtures and environmental samples, and their numbers are growing in diversity and selectivity. However, other molecular biology techniques, including DNA microarrays and MicroRNAs have been explored to assess the effects of different toxicants and samples. C. elegans has allowed the assessment of neurotoxic effects for heavy metals and pesticides, among those more frequently studied, as the nematode has a very well defined nervous system. More recently, nanoparticles are emergent pollutants whose toxicity can be explored using this nematode. Overall, almost every type of known toxicant has been tested with this animal model. In the near future, the available knowledge on the life cycle of C. elegans should allow more studies on reproduction and transgenerational toxicity for newly developed chemicals and materials, facilitating their introduction in the market. The great diversity of endpoints and possibilities of this animal makes it an easy first-choice for rapid toxicity screening or to detail signaling pathways involved in mechanisms of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesly Tejeda-Benitez
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130014, Colombia.
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130014, Colombia.
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Yang Z, Xue KS, Sun X, Tang L, Wang JS. Multi-Toxic Endpoints of the Foodborne Mycotoxins in Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:5224-35. [PMID: 26633509 PMCID: PMC4690126 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7124876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins B₁ (AFB₁), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B₁ (FB₁), T-2 toxin (T-2), and zearalenone (ZEA) are the major foodborne mycotoxins of public health concerns. In the present study, the multiple toxic endpoints of these naturally-occurring mycotoxins were evaluated in Caenorhabditis elegans model for their lethality, toxic effects on growth and reproduction, as well as influence on lifespan. We found that the lethality endpoint was more sensitive for T-2 toxicity with the EC50 at 1.38 mg/L, the growth endpoint was relatively sensitive for AFB₁ toxic effects, and the reproduction endpoint was more sensitive for toxicities of AFB₁, FB₁, and ZEA. Moreover, the lifespan endpoint was sensitive to toxic effects of all five tested mycotoxins. Data obtained from this study may serve as an important contribution to knowledge on assessment of mycotoxin toxic effects, especially for assessing developmental and reproductive toxic effects, using the C. elegans model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Yang
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition, School of Food Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Kathy S Xue
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Xiulan Sun
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition, School of Food Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Lili Tang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Jia-Sheng Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Adedara IA, Rosemberg DB, Souza DO, Kamdem JP, Farombi EO, Aschner M, Rocha JBT. Biochemical and behavioral deficits in the lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea model of methylmercury exposure. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4tx00231h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is well-known for its neurodevelopmental effects both in animals and in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac A. Adedara
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular
- CCNE
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
- 97105-900 Santa Maria
- Brazil
| | - Denis B. Rosemberg
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular
- CCNE
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
- 97105-900 Santa Maria
- Brazil
| | - Diogo O. Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica
- Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
- 90035-003 Porto Alegre
- Brazil
| | - Jean P. Kamdem
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular
- CCNE
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
- 97105-900 Santa Maria
- Brazil
| | - Ebenezer O. Farombi
- Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories
- Department of Biochemistry
- College of Medicine
- University of Ibadan
- Ibadan
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine Forchheimer 209
- Bronx
- USA
| | - Joao B. T. Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular
- CCNE
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
- 97105-900 Santa Maria
- Brazil
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