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Sharma P, Chukwuka AV, Chatterjee S, Bhowmick S, Mistri TK, Chandra Saha N. Fluorene-induced stress in the benthic oligochaete Tubifex tubifex: A multi-biomarker assessment of toxicological pathways and mechanisms under acute and subchronic exposures. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141412. [PMID: 38336035 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141412] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the multifaceted impacts of fluorene exposure on Tubifex tubifex, encompassing acute (survival analysis and behavioral responses) and subchronic exposure regimens (antioxidant enzyme response and histopathology), molecular docking studies, and generalized read-across analysis. Survival analysis revealed concentration-dependent increases in toxicity over varying time intervals, with LC50 values decreasing from 30.072 mg/L at 24 h to 12.365 mg/L at 96 h, emphasizing the time-sensitive and concentration-responsive nature of the stressor. Behavioral responses were both concentration- and duration-dependent. While Erratic Movement and Clumping Tendency exhibited earlier responses (within 24 h) at lower concentrations, the wrinkling effect and mucus secretion) exhibited delayed onset, suggesting intricate regulatory mechanisms underlying adaptability to environmental challenges; moreover, the wrinkling effect was consistently induced at higher concentrations, indicating greater sensitivity to the toxic effects of fluorene. With sublethal environmentally relevant concentrations-1.24 mg/l and 2.47 mg/L i.e., 10% and 20% 96 h, respectively-the antioxidant enzyme response (i.e., upregulation of SOD, CAT, and GST) with increasing fluorene concentration, revealing a nonlinear, hormetic response, suggested adaptive protection at lower doses but inhibition at higher concentrations. Histopathological examination indicated that higher fluorene concentrations caused cellular proliferation, inflammation, and severe tissue damage in the digestive tract and body wall. Molecular docking studies demonstrated robust interactions between fluorene and major stress biomarker enzymes, disrupting their functions and inducing oxidative stress. Interactions with cytochrome c oxidase suggested interference with cellular energy production. Generalized Read-Across (GenRA) analysis unveiled shared toxicity mechanisms among fluorene and its analogs, involving the formation of reactive epoxides and the influence of cytochrome P450 enzymes. The diverse functional groups of these analogs, particularly chlorine-containing compounds, were implicated in toxicity through lipid peroxidation and membrane damage. Adverse outcome pathways and broader consequences for aquatic ecosystem health are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramita Sharma
- Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
| | - Azubuike Victor Chukwuka
- Department of Environmental Quality Control (EQC), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Nigeria.
| | | | - Shovonlal Bhowmick
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, 92, A.P.C. Road, Kolkata, 700009, India
| | - Tapan Kumar Mistri
- Department of Chemistry, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Campus, SRM Nagar, Potheri, Chennai, 603203, India
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Silva ARR, Silva PV, Soares AR, González-Alcaraz MN, van Gestel CAM, Roelofs D, Moura G, Soares AMVM, Loureiro S. Daphnia magna Multigeneration Exposure to Carbendazim: Gene Transcription Responses. TOXICS 2023; 11:918. [PMID: 37999570 PMCID: PMC10674461 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The world population is experiencing colossal growth and thus demand for food, leading to an increase in the use of pesticides. Persistent pesticide contamination, such as carbendazim, remains a pressing environmental concern, with potentially long-term impacts on aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, Daphnia magna was exposed to carbendazim (5 µg L-1) for 12 generations, with the aim of assessing gene transcription alterations induced by carbendazim (using a D. magna custom microarray). The results showed that carbendazim caused changes in genes involved in the response to stress, DNA replication/repair, neurotransmission, ATP production, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism at concentrations already found in the environment. These outcomes support the results of previous studies, in which carbendazim induced genotoxic effects and reproduction impairment (increasing the number of aborted eggs with the decreasing number of neonates produced). The exposure of daphnids to carbendazim did not cause a stable change in gene transcription between generations, with more genes being differentially expressed in the F0 generation than in the F12 generation. This could show some possible daphnid acclimation after 12 generations and is aligned with previous multigenerational studies where few ecotoxicological effects at the individual and populational levels and other subcellular level effects (e.g., biochemical biomarkers) were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita R. Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (P.V.S.); (A.M.V.M.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Patrícia V. Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (P.V.S.); (A.M.V.M.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Ana Raquel Soares
- Department of Medical Sciences & Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (G.M.)
| | - M. Nazaret González-Alcaraz
- Department of Agricultural Engineering of the E.T.S.I.A., Technical University of Cartagena, 30203 Cartagena, Spain;
| | - Cornelis A. M. van Gestel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.A.M.v.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Dick Roelofs
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.A.M.v.G.); (D.R.)
- Keygene N.V., Agro Business Park 90, 6708 PW Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriela Moura
- Department of Medical Sciences & Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Amadeu M. V. M. Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (P.V.S.); (A.M.V.M.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Susana Loureiro
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (P.V.S.); (A.M.V.M.S.); (S.L.)
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Swart E, Martell E, Svendsen C, Spurgeon DJ. Soil Ecotoxicology Needs Robust Biomarkers: A Meta-Analysis Approach to Test the Robustness of Gene Expression-Based Biomarkers for Measuring Chemical Exposure Effects in Soil Invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2124-2138. [PMID: 35698918 PMCID: PMC9543370 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression-based biomarkers are regularly proposed as rapid, sensitive, and mechanistically informative tools to identify whether soil invertebrates experience adverse effects due to chemical exposure. However, before biomarkers could be deployed within diagnostic studies, systematic evidence of the robustness of such biomarkers to detect effects is needed. In our study, we present an approach for conducting a meta-analysis of the robustness of gene expression-based biomarkers in soil invertebrates. The approach was developed and trialed for two measurements of gene expression commonly proposed as biomarkers in soil ecotoxicology: earthworm metallothionein (MT) gene expression for metals and earthworm heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene expression for organic chemicals. We collected 294 unique gene expression data points from the literature and used linear mixed-effect models to assess concentration, exposure duration, and species effects on the quantified response. The meta-analysis showed that the expression of earthworm MT was strongly metal concentration dependent, stable over time and species independent. The metal concentration-dependent response was strongest for cadmium, indicating that this gene is a suitable biomarker for this metal. For copper, no clear concentration-dependent response of MT gene expression in earthworms was found, indicating MT is not a reliable biomarker for this metal. For HSP70, overall marginal up-regulation and lack of a concentration-dependent response indicated that this gene is not suitable as a biomarker for organic pollutant effects in earthworms. The present study demonstrates how meta-analysis can be used to assess the status of biomarkers. We encourage colleagues to apply this open-access approach to other biomarkers, as such quantitative assessment is a prerequisite to ensuring that the suitability and limitations of proposed biomarkers are known and stated. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2124-2138. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmer Swart
- UK Centre for Ecology and HydrologyWallingfordUK
| | - Ellie Martell
- United Kingdom Department for EnvironmentFood & Rural AffairsLondonUK
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Aranha MLG, Garcia MS, de Carvalho Cavalcante DN, Silva APG, Fontes MK, Gusso-Choueri PK, Choueri RB, Perobelli JE. Biochemical and histopathological responses in peripubertal male rats exposed to agrochemicals isolated or in combination: A multivariate data analysis study. Toxicology 2020; 447:152636. [PMID: 33217513 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The widespread use of agrochemicals results in the exposure of the general human population, including children, to several of these chemicals simultaneously. In the present preclinical study, it was investigated the hepatic damages caused by exposure to acephate, carbendazim and mancozeb when administered alone or in different combinations (binary and ternary). Juvenile male Wistar rats were exposed to agrochemicals from post-natal day 53, by gavage. The doses of agrochemicals applied here were determined from previous studies whose results showed no signs of systemic toxicity. All exposures provoked a significant increase in DNA damage (except for acephate alone) and activation of the xenobiotic biotransformation system (except for the ternary mixture). Interestingly, the ternary mixture did not exhibit an exacerbation in adverse effects caused by agrochemicals isolated or in binary combination, even though they are sharing genotoxicity damage induction as a common toxicity pathway. Conversely, some effects observed for isolated or binary combinations of agrochemicals were not observed for ternary combination, suggesting a chemical interaction that could imply antagonism character. Using a multivariate data analysis approach, exposure to isolated agrochemicals were related to a group of adverse effects characterized by hepatic lesion and the attempt of the tissue to mobilize defense cells and increase mitotic rates to minimize damages. Binary mixtures also share similarities in relation to the effects they exhibited, mainly a moderate to high increase in the GST activity and in histopathological alterations suggesting that binary combinations trigger an increased response of the mechanism of xenobiotics biotransformation. Together, obtained results bring important insights regarding adverse effects and possible interaction of the three agrochemicals whose residues are commonly detected in agro-food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luiza Garcia Aranha
- Experimental Toxicology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Simões Garcia
- Experimental Toxicology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Priscila Gomes Silva
- Experimental Toxicology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayana Karoline Fontes
- Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática, Campus do Litoral Paulista, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, São Vicente, SP, Brazil
| | - Paloma Kachel Gusso-Choueri
- Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática, Campus do Litoral Paulista, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, São Vicente, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Brasil Choueri
- Departamento de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Elaine Perobelli
- Experimental Toxicology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
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Rico-Sánchez AE, Rodríguez-Romero AJ, Sedeño-Díaz JE, López-López E. Assessment of seasonal and spatial variations of biochemical markers in Corydalus sp. (Megaloptera: Corydalidae), a non-conventional biomonitor, in a mountain cloud forest in Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:30755-30766. [PMID: 32474780 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09161-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are critical ecosystems for protecting and harboring high biodiversity. Tropical rivers particularly are unique for facing extreme climatic events under the current accelerated disruption from human activities. The Bobos-Nautla river basin is exposed to climatic events and disturbances from anthropogenic impacts that stress aquatic organisms. We assessed the health condition of this river system using a non-conventional biomonitor, Corydalus sp., with a set of early-warning biomarkers including lipid peroxidation levels (LPO) and antioxidant activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase (AChE) considering their spatial and temporal variations. Biomarkers and water quality parameters were analyzed, and the integrated biomarker response (IBR) was assessed as a stress index. Biomarkers showed no significant spatial differences; however, a high-stress period during the rainy season was detected, evidenced by the highest LPO levels; this period is related to the leaching of allochthonous materials from agricultural and urban zones. The peak IBR value during the rainy season confirmed the seasonality of biomarkers. A slight increase in IBR was recorded in lowlands, seemingly associated with agricultural land and human settlements. A principal component analysis showed nutrient enrichment during the rainy season and depletion during the cold-dry season, together with a peak activity of antioxidant enzymes. These results highlight the importance of climatic events such as the rainy season on the health condition of Corydalus sp., which is highly sensitive to the complex mixtures of pollutants that enter the waterbody during extreme climatic events, promoting oxidative stress. Our results also showed the ability of Corydalus sp. to recover and return to a basal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Eduardo Rico-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Evaluación de la Salud de los Ecosistemas Acuáticos, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n 11340, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alexis Joseph Rodríguez-Romero
- Laboratorio de Evaluación de la Salud de los Ecosistemas Acuáticos, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n 11340, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jacinto Elías Sedeño-Díaz
- Coordinación Politécnica para la Sustentabilidad, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional s/n Esq. Wilfrido Massieu, 07738, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eugenia López-López
- Laboratorio de Evaluación de la Salud de los Ecosistemas Acuáticos, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n 11340, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Rai B, Mercurio SD. Environmentally relevant exposures of male mice to carbendazim and thiram cause persistent genotoxicity in male mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:10629-10641. [PMID: 31940143 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Carbendazim and thiram are fungicides used in combination to prevent mold destruction of crops. Studies have demonstrated genotoxicity by these agents, but have not used concentrations below their water solubility limits in drinking water to test for persistence of genotoxicity due to chronic exposure. Ten 8-week old male Swiss-Webster mice were exposed to tap water, or nominal concentrations of 20 μM carbendazim, 20 μM thiram or 20 μM of both fungicides for 90 days (total of 40 mice). Five mice from tap water controls, carbendazim, thiram and combination-treated groups (20 mice total) had genotoxicity detected by comet assay of lymphocytes at the termination of the exposure period. The other 20 mice (4 treatment groups) were all switched to tap water and allowed a 45-day recovery period to check for persistence of DNA damage. The damage was compared with commercial control cells exposed to increasingly harsh treatment by etopside. Comet assay (mean % tail DNA + SE) of control mice (9.8 + 0.9) was similar to commercial control (CC0) cells (8.5 + 0.9). Carbendazim, thiram or the combination treatment caused similar mean % tail DNA with 33.0 + 2.9, 30.1 + 3.3 and 29.1 + 1.8, respectively, comparable with commercial cells slightly damaged by etopside (CC1 with 31.4 + 2.9) with no statistical change in water or food intake, body weight or liver or kidney weights. The key result was that a 45-day recovery period had no observable difference in the DNA damage as assessed by DNA % in comet tail with tap water controls and CCO control cells at 7.0 + 0.7 and 9.7 + 1.2 versus 27.5 + 1.9, 29.3 + 2.2 and 32.0 + 1.8, respectively, for carbendazim, thiram and combination treatments. It is of concern that the use of these agents in developing countries with little training or regulation results in water pollution that may cause significant persistent DNA damage in animal or human populations that may not be subject to repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bina Rai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN, USA
| | - Steven Don Mercurio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN, USA.
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Jin C, Zeng Z, Wang C, Luo T, Wang S, Zhou J, Ni Y, Fu Z, Jin Y. Insights into a Possible Mechanism Underlying the Connection of Carbendazim-Induced Lipid Metabolism Disorder and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Mice. Toxicol Sci 2019; 166:382-393. [PMID: 30496565 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbendazim (CBZ), a systemic, broad-spectrum benzimidazole fungicide, is widely used to control fungal diseases and has been regarded as an endocrine disruptor that causes mammalian toxicity in different target organs. Here, we discovered that chronic administrations of CBZ at 0.2, 1, and 5 mg/kg body weight for 14 weeks not only changed the composition of gut microbiota but also induced significant increases in body, liver, and epididymal fat weight in mice. At the biochemical level, the serum triglyceride (TG) and glucose levels also increased after CBZ exposure. Moreover, the level of serum lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which plays an important role in fatty acid release from TG, was decreased significantly. For gut microbiota, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and real-time qPCR revealed that CBZ exposure significantly perturbed the mice gut microbiome, and gas chromatography found that the production of short-chain fatty acids were altered. Moreover, CBZ exposure increased the absorption of exogenous TG in the mice intestine and inhibited the TG consumption, eventually leading the serum triglyceride to maintain higher levels. The increase of lipid absorption in the intestine direct caused hyperlipidemia and the multi-tissue inflammatory response. In response to the rise of lipid in blood, the body maintains the balance of lipid metabolism in mice by reducing lipid synthesis in the liver and increasing lipid storage in the fat. Chronic CBZ exposure induced the gut microbiota dysbiosis and disturbed lipid metabolism, which promoted the intestinal absorption of excess triglyceride and caused multiple tissue inflammatory responses in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiyuan Jin
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Caiyun Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jicong Zhou
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yingchun Ni
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Zhengwei Fu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yuanxiang Jin
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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de Santo FB, Guerra N, Vianna MS, Torres JPM, Marchioro CA, Niemeyer JC. Laboratory and field tests for risk assessment of metsulfuron-methyl-based herbicides for soil fauna. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 222:645-655. [PMID: 30731385 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.01.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Metsulfuron-methyl is one of the most used sulfonylurea herbicides, being applied alone in pre-emergence and with a mineral oil (as adjuvant) in post-emergence. In risk assessment of pesticides, ecotoxicity tests have been applied to assess the effects of products and mixtures under laboratory conditions, but they are limited in their ecological relevance when compared to field assessments. Considering the differences between laboratory and field exposure, and the lack of data on the effects of metsulfuron-methyl in natural soils, this study consisted in a set of tests to assess the ecotoxicity of this herbicide applied alone, combined with an adjuvant (mineral oil) and the adjuvant applied alone, both under laboratory and field exposure, with artificial and natural soil respectively. Reproduction tests with four non-target soil invertebrates species were performed in laboratory, while two experiments were performed in field evaluating avoidance behaviour, feeding activity, mesofauna abundance and pesticide residual. Laboratory results showed that metsulfuron-methyl alone is not a threat to soil fauna on the recommended doses. However, the presence of mineral oil as adjuvant showed ecotoxicity to Eisenia andrei, Enchytraeus crypticus and Proisotoma minuta on laboratory tests. Field evaluations indicated that metsulfuron-methyl and the adjuvant do not impaired the feeding activity of the soil fauna. The low abundance of native communities could be related to soil management. Results showed that laboratory and field evaluations are necessary to better understanding of the effects of pesticides to soil fauna and adjuvant addition should be considered on pesticides risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Benedet de Santo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecossistemas Agrícolas e Naturais (PPGEAN), Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus of Curitibanos, Rodovia Ulysses Gaboardi, Km 3, 89520-000, Curitibanos, SC, Brazil.
| | - Naiara Guerra
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus of Curitibanos, Rodovia Ulysses Gaboardi, Km 3, 89520-000, Curitibanos, SC, Brazil
| | - Monica Santana Vianna
- Micropollutants Laboratory, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 CCS - Bl. G, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Machado Torres
- Micropollutants Laboratory, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 CCS - Bl. G, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Cesar Augusto Marchioro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecossistemas Agrícolas e Naturais (PPGEAN), Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus of Curitibanos, Rodovia Ulysses Gaboardi, Km 3, 89520-000, Curitibanos, SC, Brazil; Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus of Curitibanos, Rodovia Ulysses Gaboardi, Km 3, 89520-000, Curitibanos, SC, Brazil
| | - Júlia Carina Niemeyer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecossistemas Agrícolas e Naturais (PPGEAN), Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus of Curitibanos, Rodovia Ulysses Gaboardi, Km 3, 89520-000, Curitibanos, SC, Brazil; Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus of Curitibanos, Rodovia Ulysses Gaboardi, Km 3, 89520-000, Curitibanos, SC, Brazil
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de Boer TE, Roelofs D, Vooijs R, Holmstrup M, Amorim MJB. Population-specific transcriptional differences associated with freeze tolerance in a terrestrial worm. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:3774-3786. [PMID: 29686857 PMCID: PMC5901168 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Enchytraeus albidus is a terrestrial earthworm widespread along the coasts of northern Europe and the Arctic. This species tolerates freezing of body fluids and survives winters in a frozen state. Their acclimatory physiological mechanisms behind freeze tolerance involve increased fluidity of membrane lipids during cold exposure and accumulation of cryoprotectants (glucose) during the freezing process. Gene regulatory processes of these physiological responses have not been studied, partly because no gene expression tools were developed. The main aim of this study was to understand whether the freeze tolerance mechanisms have a transcriptomic basis in E. albidus. For that purpose, first the transcriptome of E. albidus was assembled with RNAseq data. Second, two strains from contrasting thermal environments (Germany and Greenland) were compared by mapping barcoded RNAseq data onto the assembled transcriptome. Both of these strains are freeze tolerant, but Greenland is extremely freeze tolerant. Results showed more plastic responses in the Greenland strain as well as higher constitutive expression of particular stress response genes. These altered transcriptional networks are associated with an adapted homeostasis coping with prolonged freezing conditions in Greenland animals. Previously identified physiological alterations in freeze‐tolerant strains of E. albidus are underpinned at the transcriptome level. These processes involve anion transport in the hemolymph, fatty acid metabolism, metabolism, and transport of cryoprotective sugars as well as protection against oxidative stress. Pathway analysis supported most of these processes, and identified additional differentially expressed pathways such as peroxisome and Toll‐like receptor signaling. We propose that the freeze‐tolerant phenotype is the consequence of genetic adaptation to cold stress and may have driven evolutionary divergence of the two strains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dick Roelofs
- Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences VU University, Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Riet Vooijs
- Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences VU University, Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | | | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Department of Biology and CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies) University of Aveiro Aveiro Portugal
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Dani VD, Simpson AJ, Simpson MJ. Analysis of earthworm sublethal toxic responses to atrazine exposure using 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:473-480. [PMID: 28888035 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine toxicity to earthworms is still not fully understood, particularly at sublethal concentrations. Because of the ubiquity of atrazine in the environment, it is imperative to understand the impacts of atrazine presence to soil-dwelling organisms. To examine this in detail, we used 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics to elucidate earthworm (Eisenia fetida) responses after 48 h of atrazine exposure in contact tests. Earthworms were exposed to 4 sublethal concentrations of 362.4, 181.2, 90.6, and 45.3 ng/cm2 , which correspond to 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32nd, and 1/64th of the median lethal concentration (LC50) values, respectively. After exposure, polar metabolites were isolated from earthworm tissues and analyzed using 1 H NMR spectroscopy. Sublethal atrazine exposure induced a nonmonotonic response with respect to exposure concentration and caused an overall suppression in earthworm metabolism. Maltose, fumarate, malate, threonine/lactate, adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP), betaine, scyllo-inositol, glutamate, arginine, and glutamine were the metabolites identified as most sensitive to atrazine exposure. These observed fluctuations in the metabolic profile suggest that atrazine reduced ATP synthesis and negatively impacted the health of earthworms after acute sublethal exposure. Our study also demonstrates the utility of NMR-based metabolomics for the basic assessment of sublethal toxicity, which can then be used for more targeted approaches with other molecular techniques. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:473-480. © 2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek D Dani
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - André J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Myrna J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Cardoso DN, Silva ARR, Cruz A, Lourenço J, Neves J, Malheiro C, Mendo S, Soares AMVM, Loureiro S. The comet assay in Folsomia candida: A suitable approach to assess genotoxicity in collembolans. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:2514-2520. [PMID: 28411389 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study shows the comet assay technique being successfully applied for the first time to one of the most widely used soil organisms in standardized ecotoxicological tests, Folsomia candida, providing a step forward in assessing the genotoxicity induced by xenobiotics. Because collembolans have a high content of chitin, a new methodology was developed in which the heads of the collembolans were separated from the rest of the body, allowing the hemolymph to leak out. This procedure allows the cells to be released, and after lysis the genetic material is available for the comet assay. Among other key procedures, the use of 30 organisms (20- to 22-d-old adults) per replicate and the correct amount of cells with genetic material (translated as 10 μL of suspension) applied on the agarose gel were determinants for the success of the results obtained. The methodology was validated by exposing F. candida to a representative metallic element (cadmium) and a representative of organophosphates, the insecticide dimethoate, for a shorter time period of 10 d, compared with the 28 d for the International Organization for Standardization 11267 method. Within this method, the relatively low percentage of DNA damage (30%) observed in controls and the significant increase in terms of percentage of DNA damage for almost all the concentrations of dimethoate and Cd (reaching 52% and 56% of damage in the highest concentrations, respectively) confirmed the genotoxic effect of both compounds and validated this technique. The comet assay proved to be a sensitive technique to detect DNA strand breaks in collembolans' cells. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2514-2520. © 2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo N Cardoso
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita R Silva
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia Cruz
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Lourenço
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Neves
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catarina Malheiro
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sónia Mendo
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Susana Loureiro
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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12
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Schoenaers S, Vergauwen L, Hagenaars A, Vanhaecke L, AbdElgawad H, Asard H, Covaci A, Bervoets L, Knapen D. Prioritization of contaminated watercourses using an integrated biomarker approach in caged carp. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 99:129-139. [PMID: 27153115 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Because of the ever increasing complexity of environmental contamination profiles, there are limitations to the use of analytical pollutant measurements for monitoring and prioritization of watercourses. The potential of biomarkers has been debated for many years, especially in laboratory settings, but there is a need for studies evaluating these approaches in the field. We evaluated the usefulness of a selection of biomarkers, mostly indicators of general physiological status and common stress responses such as oxidative stress, to discriminate among environmental pollution profiles, with the aim of prioritizing contaminated watercourses for targeted remediation efforts. To this end, juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio Lin.) were exposed in cages in the field to Flemish watercourses with varying pollution profiles. After six weeks of exposure, the bioaccumulation of key pollutants was measured, and a set of organismal, biochemical and transcriptional endpoints was determined in several tissue types. After data integration a discrete set of 14 parameters was identified, that could successfully distinguish all watercourses from each other. We show that an integrated biomarker approach, mainly targeting common stress responses, can offer the resolving power to discriminate among environmentally relevant exposure scenarios, and a means to prioritize watercourses for targeted remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastjen Schoenaers
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium; Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Lucia Vergauwen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - An Hagenaars
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lynn Vanhaecke
- Research Group of Veterinary Public Health and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hamada AbdElgawad
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium; Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Beni-Suef, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Han Asard
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Dries Knapen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
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13
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Silva ALP, Amorim MJB, Holmstrup M. Salinity changes impact of hazardous chemicals in Enchytraeus albidus. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2015; 34:2159-2166. [PMID: 25943329 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Supralittoral ecosystems are among the most challenging environments for soil organisms, particularly when salinity fluctuations are involved, frequently combined with the presence of contaminants as a result of intense anthropogenic activities. Knowledge of how salinity influences the effect of contaminants in supralittoral species is crucial for determining the safety factors required when extrapolating results from optimal laboratory conditions to these natural ecosystems. The present study therefore evaluated the effects of 2 metals (copper and cadmium) and 2 organic compounds (carbendazim and 4-nonylphenol) in the absence or presence of 15‰ NaCl in the potworm Enchytraeus albidus, a model organism for ecotoxicology studies commonly found in supralittoral ecosystems, The potworms had a higher reproduction in saline soil than in control soil. Moreover, the effects of copper and carbendazim on reproduction were smaller than when they were tested in nonsaline soil. Potworms exposed to nonsaline soils also had significantly higher tissue concentrations of metals, which partly explains the effects on reproduction. The influence of salinity on effects of 4-nonylphenol was, however, less clear; effects on survival decreased in saline soil, but effects on reproduction were highest in saline soil. The latter slightly correlated with tissue concentrations of the chemical. The present study provides the first evidence that soil salinity has a significant influence on the impact of contaminants evaluated with the enchytraeid reproduction test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Department of Biology and Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Department of Biology and Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Martin Holmstrup
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Silkeborg, Denmark
- Arctic Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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14
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Jin Y, Zeng Z, Wu Y, Zhang S, Fu Z. Oral Exposure of Mice to Carbendazim Induces Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorder and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis. Toxicol Sci 2015; 147:116-26. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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15
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Qiao M, Wang GP, Zhang C, Roelofs D, van Straalen NM, Zhu YG. Transcriptional profiling of the soil invertebrate Folsomia candida in pentachlorophenol-contaminated soil. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2015; 34:1362-1368. [PMID: 25703271 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pentachlorophenol (PCP), a widely used pesticide, is considered to be an endocrine disruptor. The molecular effects of chemicals with endocrine-disrupting potential on soil invertebrates are largely unknown. In the present study, the authors explored the transcriptional expression changes of collembola (Folsomia candida) in response to PCP contamination. A total of 92 genes were significantly differentially expressed at all exposure times, and the majority of them were found to be downregulated. In addition to the transcripts encoding cytochrome P450s and transferase enzymes, chitin-binding protein was also identified in the list of common differentially expressed genes. Analyses of gene ontology annotation and enrichment revealed that cell cycle-related transcripts were significantly induced by PCP, indicating that PCP can stimulate cell proliferation in springtail, as has been reported in human breast cancer cells. Enrichment of functional terms related to steroid receptors was observed, particularly in 20 significant differentially expressed genes involved in chitin metabolism in response to PCP exposure. Combined with confirmation by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the results indicate that the adverse effects on reproduction of springtails after exposure to PCP can be attributed to a chemical-induced delay in the molting cycle and that molting-associated genes may serve as possible biomarkers for assessing toxicological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Qiao
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Peng Wang
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Dick Roelofs
- Department of Animal Ecology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
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16
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Roh JY, Lee H, Kwon JH. Changes in the expression of cyp35a family genes in the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans under controlled exposure to chlorpyrifos using passive dosing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:10475-10481. [PMID: 25122055 DOI: 10.1021/es5027773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In order to use sensitive molecular-level biomarkers for the evaluation of environmental risks, it is necessary to establish a quantitative dose-response relationship. Passive dosing is regarded as a promising new technique for maintaining a constant exposure condition of hydrophobic chemicals in the assay medium. The main goals of the present study were (1) to quantitatively compare gene expression results obtained using the passive dosing method and the conventional spiking method and (2) to investigate changes in gene expression with respect to the free concentration and exposure duration using passive dosing. Chlorpyrifos (CP), which is oxidized by the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, was selected as a model chemical, and the expression of cytochrome P450 subfamily protein 35A gene series (cyp-35a1-5) was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR on soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Whereas the free concentration of CP rapidly decreased and the expression of cyp genes varied with the volume of exposure medium and the test duration when the spiking method was used, the free concentration in the assay medium was stable throughout the experiment when the passive dosing method was used. In addition, the level of gene expression increased with exposure time up to 8 h and with increasing CP concentration. The observed increased gene expression could be explained by increasing body residue concentration of CP with exposure time. In conclusion, quantitative dose-response relationships for gene expression biomarkers could be obtained for highly hydrophobic chemicals when the constant exposure condition is provided and the free concentration is used as the dose-metric.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yeon Roh
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University , 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-713, Republic of Korea
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17
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Novais SC, Gomes NC, Soares AMVM, Amorim MJB. Antioxidant and neurotoxicity markers in the model organism Enchytraeus albidus (Oligochaeta): mechanisms of response to atrazine, dimethoate and carbendazim. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2014; 23:1220-1233. [PMID: 24912478 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1265-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dimethoate, atrazine and carbendazim on the antioxidant defences and neuronal function of the soil organism Enchytraeus albidus. Effects were studied at concentrations known to affect their reproduction (EC20, EC50 and EC90) and along time (2, 4, 8, 14 and 21 days). In general, responses were more pronounced at periods of exposure longer than 8 days and at the highest concentrations. Multivariate statistics (RDA-PRC) clearly displayed that exposure duration had an effect itself, biomarkers' responses showed interaction for all pesticides and catalase scored consistently high, indicating its relevancy in the group of measured markers. Univariate analysis indicated oxidative stress for all pesticides and atrazine induced oxidative damage in lipids. Atrazine seems to be effectively metabolized by GST of the biotransformation system, as its activity significantly increased after exposure to this pesticide. Dimethoate caused ChE inhibition, indicating an impairment of the neuronal function. Carbendazim impaired the antioxidant system, but no oxidative damage was observed, along with any effects on the ChE activity. The integrated biomarker response analysis was performed but we suggest modifications due to limiting artefacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Novais
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal,
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18
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Castro-Ferreira MP, de Boer TE, Colbourne JK, Vooijs R, van Gestel CAM, van Straalen NM, Soares AMVM, Amorim MJB, Roelofs D. Transcriptome assembly and microarray construction for Enchytraeus crypticus, a model oligochaete to assess stress response mechanisms derived from soil conditions. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:302. [PMID: 24758194 PMCID: PMC4234436 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The soil worm Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta) is an ecotoxicology model species that, until now, was without genome or transcriptome sequence information. The present research aims at studying the transcriptome of Enchytraeus crypticus, sampled from multiple test conditions, and the construction of a high-density microarray for functional genomic studies. Results Over 1.5 million cDNA sequence reads were obtained representing 645 million nucleotides. After assembly, 27,296 contigs and 87,686 singletons were obtained, from which 44% and 25% are annotated as protein-coding genes, respectively, sharing homology with other animal proteomes. Concerning assembly quality, 84% of the contig sequences contain an open reading frame with a start codon while E. crypticus homologs were identified for 92% of the core eukaryotic genes. Moreover, 65% and 77% of the singletons and contigs without known homologs, respectively, were shown to be transcribed in an independent microarray experiment. An Agilent 180 K microarray platform was designed and validated by hybridizing cDNA from 4 day zinc- exposed E. crypticus to the concentration corresponding to 50% reduction in reproduction after three weeks (EC50). Overall, 70% of all probes signaled expression above background levels (mean signal + 1x standard deviation). More specifically, the probes derived from contigs showed a wider range of average intensities when compared to probes derived from singletons. In total, 522 significantly differentially regulated transcripts were identified upon zinc exposure. Several significantly regulated genes exerted predicted functions (e.g. zinc efflux, zinc transport) associated with zinc stress. Unexpectedly, the microarray data suggest that zinc exposure alters retro transposon activity in the E. crypticus genome. Conclusion An initial investigation of the E. crypticus transcriptome including an associated microarray platform for future studies proves to be a valuable resource to investigate functional genomics mechanisms of toxicity in soil environments and to annotate a potentially large number of lineage specific genes that are responsive to environmental stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dick Roelofs
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Ben Amara I, Karray A, Hakim A, Ben Ali Y, Troudi A, Soudani N, Boudawara T, Zeghal KM, Zeghal N. Dimethoate induces kidney dysfunction, disrupts membrane-bound ATPases and confers cytotoxicity through DNA damage. Protective effects of vitamin E and selenium. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 156:230-42. [PMID: 24114344 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-013-9835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dimethoate (DM) is an organophosphate insecticide widely used in agriculture and industry and has toxic effects on non-target organisms especially mammalian. However, we still know little about DM-induced kidney injury and its alleviation by natural antioxidants. In the present study, selenium (Se), vitamin E, DM, Se+DM, vitamin E+DM, Se+vitamin E+DM were given to adult rats for 4 weeks. Plasma creatinine and uric acid, kidney MDA, PC, H2O2 and AOPP levels were higher, while Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and LDH values were lower in the DM group than those of controls. A smear without ladder formation on agarose gel was shown in the DM group, indicating random DNA degradation and DM-induced genotoxicity. A decrease in kidney GSH, NPSH and plasma urea levels and an increase in GPx, SOD and catalase activities were observed in the DM group when compared to those of controls. Plasma cystatin C levels increased, indicating a decrease in glomerular filtration rate. When Se or vitamin E was added through diet, the biochemical parameters cited above were partially restored in Se+DM and vitamin E+DM than DM group. The joint effect of Se and vitamin E was more powerful against DM-induced oxidative stress and kidney dysfunction. The changes in biochemical parameters were substantiated by histological data. In conclusion, our results indicated a possible mechanism of DM-induced nephrotoxicity, where renal genotoxicity was noted, membrane-bound ATPases and plasma biomarkers were disturbed. Se and vitamin E ameliorated the toxic effects of this pesticide in renal tissue suggesting their role as potential antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtissem Ben Amara
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Sfax Faculty of Science, Sfax University, BP1171, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia
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20
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Novais SC, Amorim MJB. Changes in cellular energy allocation in Enchytraeus albidus when exposed to dimethoate, atrazine, and carbendazim. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2013; 32:2800-2807. [PMID: 23982953 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Cellular energy allocation (CEA) is a methodology developed to evaluate the effects of toxic stress on the metabolic balance of organisms. It consists of the integration of the energy reserves available (Ea; total carbohydrate, protein and lipid content) and energy consumption (Ec) estimated by measuring electron transport system (ETS) activity. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects on the energy budget of the soil invertebrate Enchytraeus albidus (Oligochaeta) after exposure to dimethoate, atrazine, and carbendazim (by testing the reproduction 10% effective concentration, 20% effective concentration, 50% effective concentration and 90% effective concentration) over periods of time from 0 d to 2 d, 4 d, and 8 d. Significant changes in energy reserves were observed with all pesticides, together with effects on energy consumption. Carbohydrates were the first energy source to be used, and clear depletions occurred with all pesticides. Energy consumption increased generally over longer exposures and with higher concentrations of the pesticides. Although clear changes were seen in the individual energy reserve budgets and on Ec, CEA was only significantly reduced with atrazine exposures longer than 4 d. The nearly absent effects on CEA at concentrations known to affect reproduction indicate that the reduction in reproduction is not likely to be caused by a reduction in the total energy budget during the first 8 d of exposure. The present study showed the importance of complementing CEA interpretation with the individual Ea and Ec parameters, in particular if these show opposite balances. The Ea and Ec results were in good agreement with gene transcription results from a parallel study, hence suggesting translation and showing the advantage of combining various effect levels to advance the understanding of mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Novais
- Department of Biology and Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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21
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Gomes SIL, Soares AMVM, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Amorim MJB. Mechanisms of response to silver nanoparticles on Enchytraeus albidus (Oligochaeta): survival, reproduction and gene expression profile. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 254-255:336-344. [PMID: 23644687 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Silver has antimicrobial properties and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have been some of the most widely used NPs. Information regarding their effects is still insufficient, in particular for soil dwelling organisms. The standard soil Oligochaete Enchytraeus albidus was used to study the effects of Ag in soils, using differential gene expression (microarray) and population (survival, reproduction) response to Ag-NPs (PVP coated) and AgNO₃. Results showed higher toxicity of AgNO₃ (EC₅₀<50 mg/kg) compared to toxicity of Ag-NPs (EC₅₀=225 mg/kg). Based on the biological and material identity, the difference in toxicity between Ag-NPs and AgNO₃ could possibly be explained by a release of Ag(+) ions from the particles or by a slower uptake of Ag-NPs. The indications were that the responses to Ag-NPs reflect an effect of Ag ions and Ag-NPs given the extent of similar/dissimilar genes activated. The particles characterization supports this deduction as there were limited free ions measured in soil extracts, maybe related to little oxidation and/or complexation in the soil matrix. The possibility that gene differences were due to different levels of biological impact (i.e. physiological responses) should not be excluded. Testing of Ag-NPs seem to require longer exposure period to be comparable in terms of effect/risk assessment with other chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana I L Gomes
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Janeck J Scott-Fordsmand
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsovej 25, PO BOX 314, DK-8600 Silkeborg, Denmark.
| | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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