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Samare-Najaf M, Neisy A, Samareh A, Moghadam D, Jamali N, Zarei R, Zal F. The constructive and destructive impact of autophagy on both genders' reproducibility, a comprehensive review. Autophagy 2023; 19:3033-3061. [PMID: 37505071 PMCID: PMC10621263 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2238577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is characterized by a series of massive renovations at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Recent studies have strongly tended to reveal the involvement of basic molecular pathways such as autophagy, a highly conserved eukaryotic cellular recycling, during reproductive processes. This review comprehensively describes the current knowledge, updated to September 2022, of autophagy contribution during reproductive processes in males including spermatogenesis, sperm motility and viability, and male sex hormones and females including germ cells and oocytes viability, ovulation, implantation, fertilization, and female sex hormones. Furthermore, the consequences of disruption in autophagic flux on the reproductive disorders including oligospermia, azoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, globozoospermia, premature ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and other disorders related to infertility are discussed as well.Abbreviations: AKT/protein kinase B: AKT serine/threonine kinase; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG: autophagy related; E2: estrogen; EDs: endocrine disruptors; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; FOX: forkhead box; GCs: granulosa cells; HIF: hypoxia inducible factor; IVF: in vitro fertilization; IVM: in vitro maturation; LCs: Leydig cells; LDs: lipid droplets; LH: luteinizing hormone; LRWD1: leucine rich repeats and WD repeat domain containing 1; MAP1LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NFKB/NF-kB: nuclear factor kappa B; P4: progesterone; PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome; PDLIM1: PDZ and LIM domain 1; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PtdIns3P: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; PtdIns3K: class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; POI: premature ovarian insufficiency; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SCs: Sertoli cells; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TSGA10: testis specific 10; TST: testosterone; VCP: vasolin containing protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Samare-Najaf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Kerman Regional Blood Transfusion Center, Kerman, Iran
| | - Asma Neisy
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Samareh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Delaram Moghadam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Jamali
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Reza Zarei
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Regalado L, Sario S, Mendes RJ, Valle J, Harvey PJ, Teixeira C, Gomes P, Andreu D, Santos C. Towards a Sustainable Management of the Spotted-Wing Drosophila: Disclosing the Effects of Two Spider Venom Peptides on Drosophila suzukii. INSECTS 2023; 14:533. [PMID: 37367349 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is a polyphagous pest that causes severe damage and economic losses to soft-skinned fruit production. Current control methods are dominated by inefficient cultural practices and broad-spectrum insecticides that, in addition to having toxic effects on non-target organisms, are becoming less effective due to acquired resistance. The increasing awareness of the real impact of insecticides on health and the environment has promoted the exploration of new insecticidal compounds, addressing novel molecular targets. This study explores the efficacy of two orally delivered spider venom peptides (SVPs), J-atracotoxin-Hv1c (Hv1c) and µ-theraphotoxin-Hhn2b (TRTX), to manage D. suzukii, through survival assays and the evaluation of gene expression associated with detoxification pathways. Treatment with TRTX at 111.5 µM for 48 h enhanced fly longevity compared with the control group. Gene expression analysis suggests that detoxification and stress-related mechanisms, such as expression of P450 proteins and apoptotic stimuli signaling, are triggered in D. suzukii flies in response to these treatments. Our results highlight the potential interest of SVPs to control this pest, shedding light on how to ultimately develop improved target-specific formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Regalado
- iB2, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-453 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Sario
- iB2, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-453 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rafael J Mendes
- iB2, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-453 Porto, Portugal
| | - Javier Valle
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Cátia Teixeira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-453 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-453 Porto, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Conceição Santos
- iB2, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-453 Porto, Portugal
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Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Mirek J, Chowański S, Sobkowiak R, Słocińska M. Plant secondary metabolites as potential bioinsecticides? Study of the effects of plant-derived volatile organic compounds on the reproduction and behaviour of the pest beetle Tenebrio molitor. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 257:114951. [PMID: 37116454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Modern agriculture has many environmental consequences, such as soil contamination, accumulation of toxic compounds in the environment or risk of adverse effects on nontarget organisms and for these reasons, scientists are seeking a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides. This study investigated the effects of four plant secondary metabolites classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have potential as bioinsecticides, (E)-2-decenal, furfural, 2-undecanone and (E,E)-2-4-decadienal, in concentrations 10-5 and 10-7 M, on female reproductive processes and larval hatchability of the Tenebrio molitor beetle. Our study indicates proper development of ovaries after application of compounds however the volume of terminal oocytes was significantly reduced, with the strongest effect of (E)- 2-decenal which reduced the volume approximately three times. The relative vitellogenin expression level was reduced, with the strongest effect observed after application of furfural, (E,E)- 2-4-decadienal and (E)- 2-decenal in concentration 10-7 M, at the same time patency index was significantly reduced up to 2-times after application of furfural at 10-7 M. What is more important morphological changes translated into physiological ones. The number of laid eggs was affected, with the strongest inhibition after application of furfural (∼43% reduction), (E,E)- 2-4-decadienal (∼33%) and (E)- 2-decenal at concentration 10-7 M (∼33%). Moreover, we observed up to 13% (in case of 2-undecanone) decrease in larval hatchability. Tested compounds exhibited a repellent effect and caused 60% reduction of insect survivability after (E)- 2-decenal at concentration 10-5 M. Altogether, VOCs seems like potential bioactive compounds in plant protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego St. 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - J Mirek
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego St. 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Sz Chowański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego St. 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - R Sobkowiak
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego St. 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - M Słocińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego St. 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Chowański S, Pacholska-Bogalska J, Adamski Z, Kuczer M, Rosiński G. Antheraea peptide and its analog: Their influence on the maturation of the reproductive system, embryogenesis, and early larval development in Tenebrio molitor L. beetle. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278473. [PMID: 36454989 PMCID: PMC9714928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, many new immunologically active peptides from insects have been identified. Unfortunately, in most cases, their physiological functions are not fully known. One example is yamamarin, a pentapeptide isolated from the caterpillars of the Antheraea yamamai moth. This peptide has strong antiproliferative properties and is probably involved in the regulation of diapause. Additionally, antiviral activity was discovered. The results of the research presented in this paper are, to our knowledge, the first attempt to characterize the biological effects of yamamarin on the functioning of the reproductive processes and embryonic development of insects using a model species, the beetle Tenebrio molitor, a commonly known pest of grain storage. Simultaneously, we tested the possible activity of the molecule in an in vivo system. In this research, we present the multifaceted effects of yamamarin in this beetle. We show that yamamarin influences ovarian growth and development, maturation of terminal oocytes, level of vitellogenin gene transcript, the number of laid eggs, duration of embryonic development, and larval hatching. In experiments with palmitic acid-conjugated yamamarin (C16-yamamarin), we also showed that this peptide is a useful starting molecule for the synthesis of biopharmaceuticals or new peptidomimetics with gonadotropic activity and effects on embryonic development. The data obtained additionally provide new knowledge about the possible function of yamamarin in insect physiology, pointing to the important role of this pentapeptide as a regulator of reproductive processes and embryonic development in a heterologous bioassay with T. molitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Szymon Chowański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Joanna Pacholska-Bogalska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Adamski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
- Laboratory of Electron and Confocal Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
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Disruption of insect immunity using analogs of the pleiotropic insect peptide hormone Neb-colloostatin: a nanotech approach for pest control II. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9459. [PMID: 33947876 PMCID: PMC8097067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87878-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This work continues our studies on the pleiotropic activity of the insect peptide Neb-colloostatin in insects. In vivo immunological bioassays demonstrated that hemocytotoxic analogs of Neb-colloostatin injected into Tenebrio molitor significantly reduced the number of hemocytes in the hemolymph and impaired phagocytosis, nodulation and phenoloxidase activities in the insects. Among the analogs tested, [Ala1]-,[Val1]-, [Hyp4]- and [Ach4]-colloostatin were particularly potent in disrupting cellular immunity in larvae, pupae and adult insects. This result suggests that the most effective analogs showed increases in the bioactivity period in the hemolymph of insects when compared to Neb-colloostatin. Recently, we demonstrated that it is possible to introduce Neb-colloostatin through the cuticle of an insect into the hemolymph when the peptide is coupled with nanodiamonds. In this study, we showed that [Ala1]-, [Val1]-, [Hyp4]- and [Ach4]-colloostatin, when complexed with nanodiamonds, may also pass through the cuticle into the hemolymph and induce long-term impairments of immunity in T. molitor at all developmental stages. Studies on the tissue selectivity and effectiveness of Neb-colloostatin analogs and efficient methods for their introduction into insects may contribute to the development of eco-friendly pest control methods based on bioactive peptidomimetics.
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Czarniewska E, Nowicki P, Kuczer M, Schroeder G. Impairment of the immune response after transcuticular introduction of the insect gonadoinhibitory and hemocytotoxic peptide Neb-colloostatin: A nanotech approach for pest control. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10330. [PMID: 31316090 PMCID: PMC6637150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46720-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This article shows that nanodiamonds can transmigrate through the insect cuticle easily, and the doses used were not hemocytotoxic and did not cause inhibition of cellular and humoral immune responses in larvae, pupae and adults of Tenebrio molitor. The examination of the nanodiamond biodistribution in insect cells demonstrated the presence of nanodiamond aggregates mainly in hemocytes, where nanoparticles were efficiently collected as a result of phagocytosis. To a lesser extent, nanodiamond aggregates were also detected in fat body cells, while they were not observed in Malpighian tubule cells. We functionalized nanodiamonds with Neb-colloostatin, an insect hemocytotoxic and gonadoinhibitory peptide, and we showed that this conjugate passed through the insect cuticle into the hemolymph, where the peptide complexed with the nanodiamonds induced apoptosis of hemocytes, significantly decreased the number of hemocytes circulating in the hemolymph and inhibited cellular and humoral immune responses in all developmental stages of insects. The results indicate that it is possible to introduce a peptide that interferes with the immunity and reproduction of insects to the interior of the insect body by means of a nanocarrier. In the future, the results of these studies may contribute to the development of new pest control agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Czarniewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Patryk Nowicki
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, University in Wrocław, F. Joliot-Curie str. 14, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Schroeder
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego str. 8, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
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Rajasekharan SK, Lee JH, Ravichandran V, Kim JC, Park JG, Lee J. Nematicidal and insecticidal activities of halogenated indoles. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2010. [PMID: 30765810 PMCID: PMC6375993 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38561-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasite death via ion channel activations is the hallmark of anthelmintic and antiparasitic drugs. Glutamate gated chloride channel (GluCl) is a prominent targets for drug selection and design in parasitology. We report several iodine-fluorine based lead activators of GluCl by computational studies and structure-activity relationship analysis. 5-Fluoro-4-iodo-1H-pyrrolo [2, 3-b] pyridine and 5-iodoindole were bioactive hits that displayed in vitro anthelmintic and insecticidal activities against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Meloidogyne incognita, and Tenebrio molitor. Two important findings stood out: (i) 5F4IPP induced parasite death, and interacted proficiently with Gln219 amino acid of pentameric GluCl in docking analysis, and (ii) 5-iodoindole appeared to act by forming giant vacuoles in nematodes, which led to a form of non-apoptotic death known as methuosis. The study suggests halogenated-indoles and 1H-pyrrolo [2, 3-b] pyridine derivatives be regarded potential biocides for plant-parasitic nematodes and insects, and warrants further research on the mode of actions, and field investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jin-Hyung Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Vinothkannan Ravichandran
- Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Jinan, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Cheol Kim
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Gyu Park
- Advanced Bio Convergence Center, Pohang Technopark Foundation, Pohang, 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Jintae Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
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Marciniak P, Urbański A, Kudlewska M, Szymczak M, Rosiński G. Peptide hormones regulate the physiological functions of reproductive organs in Tenebrio molitor males. Peptides 2017; 98:35-42. [PMID: 27353004 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In insects, the majority of studies have been conducted on the hormonal regulation of female reproduction. Thus far, little is known about the regulation of male reproductive physiology, especially by peptide hormones. We report here, for the first time in insects, the effects of three peptides, Neb-colloostatin (SIVPLGLPVPIGPIVVGPR), Neb-TMOF (NPTNLH) and Lepde-NPF-I (ARGPQLRLRFa), on various aspects of reproduction in male Tenebrio molitor beetles. All three tested peptides increased the soluble protein concentration in the testes and the dry mass of the beetle's testes. They also significantly changed the protein profiles of the testes. Injection of these peptides also significantly changed the number of sperm cells in the testes. However, the observed effects were age specific. The most prominent changes were observed in 4-day-old males. Neb-colloostatin and Neb-TMOF decreased the number of sperm cells, whereas Lepde-NPF-I increased the number of spermatocytes. Moreover, in vitro experiments revealed that Neb-TMOF and Lepde-NPF-I increased the contractility of the ejaculatory duct of T. molitor males. The results obtained suggest that different reproductive processes in males might be regulated by complex mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umutlowska Str. 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Systematic Zoology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umutlowska Str. 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Milena Kudlewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umutlowska Str. 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika Szymczak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umutlowska Str. 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umutlowska Str. 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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Osman W, Shonouda M. X-ray metal assessment and ovarian ultrastructure alterations of the beetle, Blaps polycresta (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), inhabiting polluted soil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:14867-14876. [PMID: 28477258 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9095-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
X-ray analysis was applied to estimate the percentages of heavy metals in ovarian tissues of the tenebrionid beetle, Blaps polycresta. Calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, cadmium, copper, and zinc were the most common detected metals in ovaries of insects collected from reference and polluted sites. Only cadmium showed significantly higher percentages in the polluted ovaries compared with the reference ones. Ultrastructure investigation revealed severe alterations in polluted ovaries both in the tropharium and in the vitellarium. Contraction of nuclear membrane of trophocytes was observed; therefore, cavities and spaces appeared in the cytoplasm followed by nuclear pyknosis. In the vitellarium, fragmentation of chromatin materials in nuclei of the follicular cells was detected. The cytoplasm was poor in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Damage of yolk bodies occurred in addition to break off in the layer of microvilli. Accumulation of electron-dense vesicles and multivesicular bodies were observed in both reference and polluted ovaries. These alterations in ovarian ultrastructure of B. polycresta show the severe impact of cadmium pollution on cell organelles of insects and could be used as an interesting tool for monitoring heavy metals inside the body organs due to soil pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Mourad Shonouda
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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