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González-Delgado S, Lozano-Bilbao E, Hardisson A, Paz S, Gonález-Weller D, Rubio C, Gutiérrez ÁJ. Metal concentrations in echinoderms: Assessing bioindicator potential and ecological implications. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116619. [PMID: 38909438 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements in five echinoderm species: Holothuria (Platyperona) sanctori, Arbacia lixula, Coscinasterias tenuispina, Ophioderma longicaudum, and Antedon bifida. Given their ecological significance and potential as a food source, understanding the presence and transfer of heavy metals in these species is crucial. Sampling was conducted in 2022 in Canary Islands. Analysis using ICP-OES revealed concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Fe in mg/kg. The results showed a consistent sequence of metals across all species, with Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd. Holothurians exhibiting the highest levels, followed by sea urchins. Starfish and brittle stars showed similar, lower concentrations, while crinoids exhibited the lowest levels, consistent with their filter-feeding behavior. The findings highlight the potential of holothurians as bioindicators for environmental pollutants. Understanding the role of these echinoderms as bioindicators is essential for assessing ecosystem health and informing conservation efforts in subtropical marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara González-Delgado
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique Lozano-Bilbao
- Grupo Interuniversitario de Toxicología Ambiental y Seguridad de los Alimentos y Medicamentos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 38071, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain..
| | - Arturo Hardisson
- Grupo Interuniversitario de Toxicología Ambiental y Seguridad de los Alimentos y Medicamentos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 38071, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Soraya Paz
- Grupo Interuniversitario de Toxicología Ambiental y Seguridad de los Alimentos y Medicamentos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 38071, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Dailos Gonález-Weller
- Servicio Público Canario de Salud, Laboratorio Central, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 38006, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carmen Rubio
- Grupo Interuniversitario de Toxicología Ambiental y Seguridad de los Alimentos y Medicamentos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 38071, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ángel J Gutiérrez
- Grupo Interuniversitario de Toxicología Ambiental y Seguridad de los Alimentos y Medicamentos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 38071, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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2
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Baj J, Flieger W, Barbachowska A, Kowalska B, Flieger M, Forma A, Teresiński G, Portincasa P, Buszewicz G, Radzikowska-Büchner E, Flieger J. Consequences of Disturbing Manganese Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14959. [PMID: 37834407 PMCID: PMC10573482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element with unique functions in the body; it acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in energy metabolism, the endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems, neurotransmitter production, and the regulation of reproductive hormones. However, overexposure to Mn is toxic, particularly to the central nervous system (CNS) due to it causing the progressive destruction of nerve cells. Exposure to manganese is widespread and occurs by inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. Associations have been observed between Mn accumulation and neurodegenerative diseases such as manganism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. People with genetic diseases associated with a mutation in the gene associated with impaired Mn excretion, kidney disease, iron deficiency, or a vegetarian diet are at particular risk of excessive exposure to Mn. This review has collected data on the current knowledge of the source of Mn exposure, the experimental data supporting the dispersive accumulation of Mn in the brain, the controversies surrounding the reference values of biomarkers related to Mn status in different matrices, and the competitiveness of Mn with other metals, such as iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), calcium (Ca). The disturbed homeostasis of Mn in the body has been connected with susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases, fertility, and infectious diseases. The current evidence on the involvement of Mn in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus/insulin resistance, osteoporosis, obesity, atherosclerosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, was collected and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (W.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Wojciech Flieger
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (W.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Aleksandra Barbachowska
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 21-010 Łęczna, Poland;
| | - Beata Kowalska
- Department of Water Supply and Wastewater Disposal, Lublin University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Michał Flieger
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.F.); (G.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Alicja Forma
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (W.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Grzegorz Teresiński
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.F.); (G.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica A. Murri, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, Medical School, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Grzegorz Buszewicz
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.F.); (G.T.); (G.B.)
| | | | - Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Choi HC, Lee JW, Hwang UK, Jeon HJ, Oh SY, Kim CW, Kang HS. Effects of Tributyltin-Contaminated Aquatic Environments and Remediated Water on Early Development of Sea Urchin ( Hemisentrotus pulcherrimus). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3078. [PMID: 37835684 PMCID: PMC10571571 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193078] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, gametotoxicity and embryotoxicity experiments were performed using Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus to investigate the toxic effects of tributyltin (TBT). The effects of TBT on fertilization and embryogenesis were assessed at various concentrations (0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.09, 0.16, 0.43, 0.73, 4.68, and 9.22 ppb). The fertilization rates decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, with significant reduction following treatment with TBT at 0.05 ppb. Embryos exhibited developmental impairment after TBT exposure at each tested concentration. The frequency of developmental inhibition delay that treatment with TBT delayed embryonic development in a dose-dependent manner, with 100% of embryos exhibiting developmental impairment at 4.68 ppb. During developmental recovery tests, embryos cultured in fresh media without TBT showed advanced embryonic development. Although the observed normal development after transferring the developmentally delayed embryos to fresh media without TBT offers prospects for the restoration of contaminated environments, embryonic development remained incomplete. These results suggest that TBT adversely affects the early embryonic development of H. pulcherrimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Chan Choi
- Marine Environment Impact Assessment Center, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan 46083, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ju-Wook Lee
- West Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Incheon 22383, Republic of Korea;
| | - Un-Ki Hwang
- Tidal Flat Research Center, West Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Gunsan 54001, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Jeong Jeon
- Department of Marine Environment, MS BioLab, Daejeon 34576, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Yong Oh
- Marine Biotechnology & Bioresource Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Won Kim
- Department of Aquaculture, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Kongjwipatjwi-ro 1515, Wansan-gu, Jeonju 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Seung Kang
- Department of Marine Environment, MS BioLab, Daejeon 34576, Republic of Korea
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Sarly MS, Pedro CA, Bruno CS, Raposo A, Quadros HC, Pombo A, Gonçalves SC. Use of the gonadal tissue of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus as a target for environmental contamination by trace metals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:89559-89580. [PMID: 37454008 PMCID: PMC10412469 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Many environmental monitoring works have been carried out using biomarkers as a tool to identify the effects of oil contamination on marine organisms; however, only a few studies have used sea urchin gonadal tissue for this purpose. Within this context, the present work aimed to understand the impact of an oil spill, proposing the use of sea urchin gonadal tissue as a biomarker for environmental contamination by trace metals in the species Paracentrotus lividus. Biometric analysis, quantification analyses of the elements Cd, Pb, Ni, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu, as well as histopathological evaluations were performed in gonads of P. lividus collected from an area affected by hydrocarbons, named as impacted shore (IS) and an area not affected, named reference shore (RS). The results showed that carapace diameter (DC), total wet weight (WW), and Cd concentrations in the gonads were significantly influenced by the interaction between the rocky shores of origin, the months of sampling, and by the sex of the individuals. Moreover, from July until September, the levels of Zn and Cd were significantly lower in male than in female gonads. In July (the month of the oil spill), the indexes of histopathological alterations (IHPA) of membrane dilation were significantly higher in individuals from the IS, compared to the individuals from the RS. In addition, there were significant correlations between biometric variables (wet weight, diameter of carapace, gonadal weight, and gonadosomatic index) and the elements Cd, Cu, Ni, and Mn concentrations. Lastly, a delay in the gametogenic cycle of the sea urchins from IS was also observed. Taken together, these findings suggest that direct exposure to trace metals induces histopathological lesions in P. lividus' gonads and affects its reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique S Sarly
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM - School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Carmen A Pedro
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM - School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Catarina S Bruno
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM - School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Andreia Raposo
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM - School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Helenita C Quadros
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute - Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Ana Pombo
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM - School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Sílvia C Gonçalves
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM - School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641, Peniche, Portugal.
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.
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5
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Su L, Li H, Qiu N, Wu Y, Hu B, Wang R, Liu J, Wang J. Effects of cadmium exposure during the breeding period on development and reproductive functions in rare minnow ( Gobiocypris rarus). Front Physiol 2023; 14:1163168. [PMID: 37153224 PMCID: PMC10160419 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1163168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a common reproductive toxin in aquatic systems. Cd exposure of fish species at high concentrations can severely affect the reproductive function of fish. However, the underlying toxicity of cadmium exposure at low concentrations on the reproductive function in parental fish remains unclear. To investigate the impacts of cadmium exposure on reproductive capability, eighty-one male and eighty-one female rare minnows (Gobiocypris rarus) were exposed to cadmium at 0 (control group), 5 and 10 μg/L for 28 days, and then transferred into clean water to pair spawn. The results showed that cadmium exposure at 5 or 10 μg/L for 28 days in rare minnows could reduce the success rates of pair spawning in parent rare minnows, lessen no-spawning activities, and prolong the time for first spawning. Furthermore, the mean egg production of the cadmium exposure group increased. The fertility rate of the control group was significantly higher than that of the 5 μg/L cadmium exposure group. Anatomical and histological data further revealed that the intensity of atretic vitellogenic follicles significantly increased and spermatozoa vacuolated after cadmium exposure (p < 0.05), but slightly increased the condition factor (CF), and relatively stable gonadosomatic index (GSI) values were also observed in the cadmium exposure groups. These observed results indicated that cadmium exposure at 5 or 10 μg/L affected the reproductive activity of paired rare minnow by accumulating Cd in the gonads, and the effect diminished over time. The reproductive risk of low-dose cadmium exposure to fish species remains a cause for concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangxia Su
- School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Qiu
- Tianjin Research Institute for Water Transport Engineering, Tianjin, China
| | - Yinrui Wu
- School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Special Aquatic Formula Feed, Fuzhou, China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Liu
- School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Liu, ; Jianwei Wang,
| | - Jianwei Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Liu, ; Jianwei Wang,
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6
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Di Natale MV, Carroccio SC, Dattilo S, Cocca M, Nicosia A, Torri M, Bennici CD, Musco M, Masullo T, Russo S, Mazzola A, Cuttitta A. Polymer aging affects the bioavailability of microplastics-associated contaminants in sea urchin embryos. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136720. [PMID: 36206916 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the marine environment undergo complex weathering factors that can affect their ability to interact with different coexisting environmental contaminants (termed here co-contaminants). In this study, the influence of artificially aging using UV on the sorption of a complex mixture of co-contaminants onto MPs was investigated in order to provide meaningful hypotheses on their individual and combined toxicities on sea urchin embryos. A mixture of artificially aged MPs (PS particles and PA microfibers) combined with 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), or Cd or Cu, both alone and in a mix, were used to expose embryos of Paracentrotus lividus. The effects of polymer aging on co-contaminants bioavailability were assessed by measuring changes in the transcriptional profile of genes involved in oxidative-stress response and skeletogenic and endo-mesodermal specification. Changes in the sorption ability of MPs to co-contaminants in the aqueous phase highlighted that aging did not affect the sorption of BDE-47 and Cd on MPs, although a certain influence on Cu sorption was found. Despite no morphological effects in embryos at the gastrula stage after MPs/contaminants combinatorial exposure emerged, the greatest influence of the aging process was mainly found for combined exposures which included BDE-47. Finally, the exposure to multiple contaminants generated transcriptional profiles poorly related to those activated by single contaminant, at times suggesting a mixture-dependent different aging influence. These results open new scenarios on the controversial role of vector of co-contaminants for MPs, especially when complex and different types of mixtures were considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Vita Di Natale
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean (ISMed-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 95, 90145, Palermo, Italy; University of Palermo, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTEM), Via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo (PA), Italy.
| | | | | | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute of Polymers, Composites, and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy.
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa, 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Marco Torri
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean (ISMed-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 95, 90145, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Carmelo Daniele Bennici
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean (ISMed-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 95, 90145, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Marianna Musco
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean (ISMed-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 95, 90145, Palermo, Italy; LUMSA University - Via Filippo Parlatore n. 65, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Masullo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean (ISMed-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 95, 90145, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Stefania Russo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean (ISMed-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 95, 90145, Palermo, Italy; University of Palermo, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTEM), Via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo (PA), Italy.
| | - Antonio Mazzola
- University of Palermo, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTEM), Via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo (PA), Italy.
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean (ISMed-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 95, 90145, Palermo, Italy; LUMSA University - Via Filippo Parlatore n. 65, Palermo, Italy.
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Maciejewski R, Radzikowska-Büchner E, Flieger W, Kulczycka K, Baj J, Forma A, Flieger J. An Overview of Essential Microelements and Common Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Effects on Male Fertility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191711066. [PMID: 36078782 PMCID: PMC9518444 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Numerous factors affect reproduction, including stress, diet, obesity, the use of stimulants, or exposure to toxins, along with heavy elements (lead, silver, cadmium, uranium, vanadium, mercury, arsenic). Metals, like other xenotoxins, can cause infertility through, e.g., impairment of endocrine function and gametogenesis or excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The advancement of nanotechnology has created another hazard to human safety through exposure to metals in the form of nanomaterials (NMs). Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit a specific ability to penetrate cell membranes and biological barriers in the human body. These ultra-fine particles (<100 nm) can enter the human body through the respiratory tract, food, skin, injection, or implantation. Once absorbed, NPs are transported to various organs through the blood or lymph. Absorbed NPs, thanks to ultrahigh reactivity compared to bulk materials in microscale size, disrupt the homeostasis of the body as a result of interaction with biological molecules such as DNA, lipids, and proteins; interfering with the functioning of cells, organs, and physiological systems; and leading to severe pathological dysfunctions. Over the past decades, much research has been performed on the reproductive effects of essential trace elements. The research hypothesis that disturbances in the metabolism of trace elements are one of the many causes of infertility has been unquestionably confirmed. This review examines the complex reproductive risks for men regarding the exposure to potentially harmless xenobiotics based on a series of 298 articles over the past 30 years. The research was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases searching for papers devoted to in vivo and in vitro studies related to the influence of essential elements (iron, selenium, manganese, cobalt, zinc, copper, and molybdenum) and widely used metallic NPs on male reproduction potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wojciech Flieger
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Kulczycka
- Institute of Health Sciences, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Alicja Forma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8B, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81448-7182
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Reprotoxic Impact of Environment, Diet, and Behavior. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031303. [PMID: 35162326 PMCID: PMC8834893 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive health is progressively declining due to multiples endogenous and exogenous factors, such as environmental contaminants, diet and behavior. Accumulated evidences confirm that fertility and reproductive function have been adversely affected by exposure to chemical contaminants released in the environment. Today, the impact of diet and behavior on reproductive processes is also receiving special attention from the scientific community. Indeed, a close relationship between diet and fertility has been proven. Furthermore, a combination of unhealthy behavior, such as exposure to hazardous compounds and stress factors, poses living organisms at higher risk of reprotoxic effects. In particular, it has been described that poor life behaviors are associated with reduced male and female fertility due to decreased gamete quality and function. Most of the erroneous behaviors are, furthermore, a source of oxidative stress that, leading to epigenetic alterations, results in an impaired reproductive fitness. This review reports the detrimental impact of the most common environmental chemical stressors, diet, and behavior on reproductive functionality and success. Although clear evidences are still scarce, reassuring data are provided that a healthy diet and reverting unhealthy lifestyles may be of help to recover physiological reproductive conditions.
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9
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Milito A, Cocurullo M, Columbro A, Nonnis S, Tedeschi G, Castellano I, Arnone MI, Palumbo A. Ovothiol ensures the correct developmental programme of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus embryo. Open Biol 2022; 12:210262. [PMID: 35042403 PMCID: PMC8767189 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovothiols are π-methyl-5-thiohistidines produced in great amounts in sea urchin eggs, where they can act as protective agents against the oxidative burst at fertilization and environmental stressors during development. Here we examined the biological relevance of ovothiol during the embryogenesis of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus by assessing the localization of the key biosynthetic enzyme OvoA, both at transcript and protein level, and perturbing its protein translation by morpholino antisense oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown experiments. In addition, we explored the possible involvement of ovothiol in the inflammatory response by assessing ovoA gene expression and protein localization following exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. The results of the present study suggest that ovothiol may be a key regulator of cell proliferation in early developing embryos. Moreover, the localization of OvoA in key larval cells and tissues, in control and inflammatory conditions, suggests that ovothiol may ensure larval skeleton formation and mediate inflammatory processes triggered by bacterial infection. This work significantly contributes to the understanding of the biological function of ovothiols in marine organisms, and may provide new inspiration for the identification of the biological activities of ovothiols in humans, considering the pharmacological potential of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonsina Milito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Cocurullo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Columbro
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Nonnis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CRC 'Innovation for Well-Being and Environment' (I-WE), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CRC 'Innovation for Well-Being and Environment' (I-WE), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Ina Arnone
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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10
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Sassa M, Takagi T, Kinjo A, Yoshioka Y, Zayasu Y, Shinzato C, Kanda S, Murakami-Sugihara N, Shirai K, Inoue K. Divalent metal transporter-related protein restricts animals to marine habitats. Commun Biol 2021; 4:463. [PMID: 33846549 PMCID: PMC8041893 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01984-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Utilization and regulation of metals from seawater by marine organisms are important physiological processes. To better understand metal regulation, we searched the crown-of-thorns starfish genome for the divalent metal transporter (DMT) gene, a membrane protein responsible for uptake of divalent cations. We found two DMT-like sequences. One is an ortholog of vertebrate DMT, but the other is an unknown protein, which we named DMT-related protein (DMTRP). Functional analysis using a yeast expression system demonstrated that DMT transports various metals, like known DMTs, but DMTRP does not. In contrast, DMTRP reduced the intracellular concentration of some metals, especially zinc, suggesting its involvement in negative regulation of metal uptake. Phylogenetic distribution of the DMTRP gene in various metazoans, including sponges, protostomes, and deuterostomes, indicates that it originated early in metazoan evolution. However, the DMTRP gene is only retained in marine species, and its loss seems to have occurred independently in ecdysozoan and vertebrate lineages from which major freshwater and land animals appeared. DMTRP may be an evolutionary and ecological limitation, restricting organisms that possess it to marine habitats, whereas its loss may have allowed other organisms to invade freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Mieko Sassa et al. report a novel divalent metal transporter protein (DMTRP) in the crown-of-thorns starfish genome and determine that all organisms with a DMTRP gene are located in marine habitats. They also show in a functional yeast system that DMTRP can prevent uptake of certain metals, bringing insight into the evolution of metal regulation for marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieko Sassa
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan. .,Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Toshiyuki Takagi
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Azusa Kinjo
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuki Yoshioka
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan.,Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuna Zayasu
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Chuya Shinzato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shinji Kanda
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Kotaro Shirai
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koji Inoue
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan.,Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan
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11
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Masullo T, Biondo G, Natale MD, Tagliavia M, Bennici CD, Musco M, Ragusa MA, Costa S, Cuttitta A, Nicosia A. Gene Expression Changes after Parental Exposure to Metals in the Sea Urchin Affect Timing of Genetic Programme of Embryo Development. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10020103. [PMID: 33535713 PMCID: PMC7912929 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that phenotypic traits can be modulated at the epigenetic level so that some conditions can affect the progeny of exposed individuals. To assess if the exposure of adult animals could result in effects on the offspring, the Mediterranean sea urchin and its well-characterized gene regulatory networks (GRNs) was chosen as a model. Adult animals were exposed to known concentrations of zinc and cadmium (both individually and in combination) for 10 days, and the resulting embryos were followed during the development. The oxidative stress occurring in parental gonads, embryo phenotypes and mortality, and the expression level of a set of selected genes, including members of the skeletogenic and endodermal GRNs, were evaluated. Increased oxidative stress at F0, high rates of developmental aberration with impaired gastrulation, in association to deregulation of genes involved in skeletogenesis (dri, hex, sm50, p16, p19, msp130), endodermal specification (foxa, hox11/13b, wnt8) and epigenetic regulation (kat2A, hdac1, ehmt2, phf8 and UBE2a) occurred either at 24 or 48 hpf. Results strongly indicate that exposure to environmental pollutants can affect not only directly challenged animals but also their progeny (at least F1), influencing optimal timing of genetic programme of embryo development, resulting in an overall impairment of developmental success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Masullo
- Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean-National Research Council (ISMED-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 65, 90145 Palermo, Italy; (T.M.); (M.D.N.); (C.D.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Girolama Biondo
- Institute for Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare 3, 91021 Campobello di Mazara, Italy;
| | - Marilena Di Natale
- Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean-National Research Council (ISMED-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 65, 90145 Palermo, Italy; (T.M.); (M.D.N.); (C.D.B.); (M.M.)
- Department of Earth and Marine Science (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marcello Tagliavia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council-(IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Carmelo Daniele Bennici
- Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean-National Research Council (ISMED-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 65, 90145 Palermo, Italy; (T.M.); (M.D.N.); (C.D.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Marianna Musco
- Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean-National Research Council (ISMED-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 65, 90145 Palermo, Italy; (T.M.); (M.D.N.); (C.D.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean-National Research Council (ISMED-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 65, 90145 Palermo, Italy; (T.M.); (M.D.N.); (C.D.B.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council-(IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.N.)
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12
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Milito A, Murano C, Castellano I, Romano G, Palumbo A. Antioxidant and immune response of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus to different re-suspension patterns of highly polluted marine sediments. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 160:104978. [PMID: 32291250 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine pollution due to disused industrial activities is a major threat to ecosystems and human health, for example through the effects of re-suspension of toxic substances that are present in contaminated sediments. Here, we examined the effects of different re-suspension patterns of polluted sediments from the site of national interest Bagnoli-Coroglio, on the immune system of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. An indoor experiment was set up exposing sea urchins for 34 days to such sediments and evaluating the effects of two patterns of water turbulence, mimicking natural storms at sea. One group of animals experienced an "aggregated" pattern of turbulence, consisting in two events, each lasting 2 days, separated by only 3 calm days, while a second group experienced two events of turbulence separated by 17 calm days (spaced pattern). At different times from the beginning of the experiment, coelomic fluid was collected from the animals and immune cells were examined for cell count and morphology, oxidative stress variables, and expression of genes involved in metal detoxification, stress response and inflammation. Our results highlighted that the aggregated pattern of turbulence was more noxious for sea urchins. Indeed, their immune system was altered, over the exposure time, as indicated by the increase of red amoebocytes number. Moreover, despite of an increase of the antioxidant power, animals from this group displayed a very significant ROS over-production at the end of the experiment. Conversely, animals in the spaced condition activated a different immune response, mainly having phagocytes as actors, and were able to partially recover from the received stress at the end of the experiment. No changes in the expression of genes related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses were observed in both groups. By contrast, a down-regulation of various metallothioneins (4, 6, 7 and 8) in the group subjected to aggregated pattern was observed, while metallothionein 8 was up-regulated in the animals from the group exposed to the spaced pattern of turbulence. This work provides the first evidence of how sea urchins can respond to different re-suspension patterns of polluted sediments by modulating their immune system functions. The present data are relevant in relation to the possible environmental restoration of the study site, whose priorities include the assessment of the effects of marine pollution on local organisms, among which P. lividus represents a key benthic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonsina Milito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Carola Murano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy; Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Romano
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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13
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Chiarore A, Musco L, Bertocci I, Gallo A, Cannavacciuolo A, Mutalipassi M, Caramiello D, Giomi F, Fusi M, Danovaro R, Munari M. Sea urchin chronicles. The effect of oxygen super-saturation and marine polluted sediments from Bagnoli-Coroglio Bay on different life stages of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 159:104967. [PMID: 32662426 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In marinas and harbours, the accumulation of pollutants in sediments, combined with poor exchange of water with the open sea, poses a major environmental threat. The presence of photosynthetic organisms and the related oxygen production, however, may alleviate the negative effects of environmental contamination on heterotrophic organisms, enhancing their physiological defences. Furthermore, possible transgenerational buffer effects may increase the ability of natural populations to face environmental stress. Here we tested the occurrence of transgenerational effects on larvae of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, whose parents were exposed, during the gametogenesis, to contaminated sediments subject to two temporal patterns of water re-suspension events and normal- (90%) vs. super-saturated (200%) levels of O2. The study site was Bagnoli-Coroglio (Gulf of Naples, southern Tyrrhenian Sea), a historically polluted brownfield and Site of National Interest for which environmental restoration options are currently under exploration. Larvae from different adult populations were significantly, although not linearly, affected by the interaction of all factors to which parents were exposed, at both 24h and 48h post fertilization. Specifically, the exposure of larvae to elutriates from contaminated sediments determined a developmental delay, a reduction in size and an increased percentage of abnormalities in all larval populations independently of their parental exposure. On the contrary, larvae from parents exposed to contaminated sediments, when reared in clean filtered sea water, succeeded in developing until the echinopluteus stage after 48h, with size and abundance comparable to those of larvae from control parents. Pre-exposure of parents to contaminated sediments did not successfully buffer the negative effects of elutriates on their offspring, and no positive effects of 'super-saturated' levels of O2 in response to contaminants were observed, suggesting that the Bagnoli-Coroglio area is currently not suitable for the re-stocking or re-introduction of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Chiarore
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, 80077, Ischia, (Naples), Italy.
| | - Luigi Musco
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Iacopo Bertocci
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Cannavacciuolo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, 80077, Ischia, (Naples), Italy
| | - Mirko Mutalipassi
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, 80077, Ischia, (Naples), Italy
| | - Davide Caramiello
- Unit Marine Resources for Research, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Fusi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Munari
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, 80077, Ischia, (Naples), Italy.
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14
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Gallo A, Boni R, Tosti E. Gamete quality in a multistressor environment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 138:105627. [PMID: 32151884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, accumulated evidence confirms that the global environment conditions are changing rapidly. Urban industrialization, agriculture and globalization have generated water, air and soil pollution, giving rise to an environment with a growing number of stress factors, which has a serious impact on the fitness, reproduction and survival of living organisms. The issue raises considerable concern on biodiversity conservation, which is now at risk: it is estimated that a number of species will be extinct in the near future. Sexual reproduction is the process that allows the formation of a new individual and is underpinned by gamete quality defined as the ability of spermatozoa and oocytes to interact during fertilization leading to the creation and development of a normal embryo. This review aimed to provide the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of a broad spectrum of environmental stressors on diverse parameters used to estimate and evaluate gamete quality in humans and in canonical animal models used for experimental research. Effects of metals, biocides, herbicides, nanoparticles, plastics, temperature rise, ocean acidification, air pollution and lifestyle on the physiological parameters that underlie gamete fertilization competence are described supporting the concept that environmental stressors represent a serious hazard to gamete quality with reproductive disorders and living organism failure. Although clear evidence is still limited, gamete capacity to maintain and/or recover physiological conditions is recently demonstrated providing further clues about the plasticity of organisms and their tolerance to the pressures of pollution that may facilitate the reproduction and the persistence of species within the scenario of global change. Changes in the global environment must be urgently placed at the forefront of public attention, with a massive effort invested in further studies aimed towards implementing current knowledge and identifying new methodologies and markers to predict impairment of gamete quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
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15
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Yang X, Tan J, Xu X, Yang H, Wu F, Xu B, Liu W, Shi P, Xu Z, Deng Y. Prepubertal overexposure to manganese induce precocious puberty through GABA A receptor/nitric oxide pathway in immature female rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 188:109898. [PMID: 31711775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109898] [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: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a critical role in regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) through GABAA receptor (GABAAR). Nitric oxide (NO) production has correlation with GABA and regulates GnRH secretion. This study was performed to examine the mechanisms by which manganese (Mn) accelerate puberty onset involves GABAAR/NO pathway in the preoptic area-anterior hypothalamus (POA-AH) in immature female rats. First, female rats received daily dose of MnCl2 0 (saline), 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg b.w by oral gavage during postnatal day (PND) 21-32. Animals administered with 10 mg/kg MnCl2 exhibited earlier puberty onset age and advanced ovary and uterus development than these in saline-treatment group. Furthermore, we found that decrease of GABAAR result in elevated production of nitric oxide synthase1 (NOS1), NO and GnRH in the POA-AH. Second, we recorded the neuronal spikes alternation after perfusion with GABAAR inhibitor bicuculline (BIC), GABAAR agonist isoguvacine (isog), and MnCl2 from the POA-AH in acute brain slices of PND21 rats. Spontaneous firing revealed a powerful GABAAR-mediated action on immature POA-AH and confirm that MnCl2 has a significant effect on GABAAR. Third, we revealed that decrease in NOS1 and NO production by treatment with isog-alone or isog+MnCl2 contribute to the decrease of GnRH in the POA-AH and a delayed puberty onset age compared to treatment with MnCl2-alone. Together, these results suggested that excessive exposure to MnCl2 stimulates NO production through decreased GABAAR in the POA-AH to advance puberty onset in immature female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Jichun Tan
- Assisted Reproduction Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Assisted Reproduction Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Haibo Yang
- Department of Occupational Diseases, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong, 276000, China.
| | - Fengdi Wu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Pengcheng Shi
- Department of Information Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical, 110000, China.
| | - Zhaofa Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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16
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Klein RD, Nogueira LS, Domingos-Moreira FXV, Gomes Costa P, Bianchini A, Wood CM. Effects of sublethal Cd, Zn, and mixture exposures on antioxidant defense and oxidative stress parameters in early life stages of the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 217:105338. [PMID: 31711008 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress parameters were evaluated during the first 72 h of embryonic development of purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus continuously exposed to control conditions, to cadmium alone (Cd, 30 μg/L), to zinc alone (Zn, 9 μg/L) or to a Cd (28 μg/L) plus Zn (9 μg/L) mixture. These sublethal concentrations represent ∼ 10% of the acute EC50. Bioaccumulation, antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), total glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were analyzed at 24 h (blastula), 48 h (gastrula), and 72 h (pluteus) stages of development. Zinc (an essential metal) was well-regulated, whereas Cd (non-essential) bioaccumulated and whole-body [Cd] increased from blastula to pluteus stage in sea urchin larvae. In controls, ACAP progressively declined from 24 h to 72 h, while LPO reciprocally increased, but other parameters did not change. Cd alone was more potent than Zn alone as a pro-oxidant, with the major effects being decreases in SOD activity and parallel increases in LPO throughout development; GST activity also increased at 24 h. Zn alone caused only biphasic disturbances of ACAP. In all cases, the simultaneous presence of the other metal prevented the effects, and there was no instance where the oxidative stress response in the presence of the Cd/Zn mixture was greater than in the presence of either Cd or Zn alone. Therefore the sublethal effects of joint exposures were always less than additive or even protective, in agreement with classical toxicity data. Furthermore, our results indicate that SOD and Zn can play important roles in protecting sea urchin embryos against Cd-induced lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Daniele Klein
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (ICB/FURG), Av. Itália, km 8, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Bamfield Marine Science Centre, Bamfield, British Columbia, V0R 1B0, Canada.
| | - Lygia S Nogueira
- Bamfield Marine Science Centre, Bamfield, British Columbia, V0R 1B0, Canada; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília, DF, 70040-020, Brazil; University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology, Vancouver, British Columbia, 12, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Fabíola Xochilt Valdez Domingos-Moreira
- Bamfield Marine Science Centre, Bamfield, British Columbia, V0R 1B0, Canada; Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia Aquática na Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, 69067-375, Brazil; University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology, Vancouver, British Columbia, 12, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Patrícia Gomes Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (ICB/FURG), Av. Itália, km 8, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Adalto Bianchini
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (ICB/FURG), Av. Itália, km 8, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Bamfield Marine Science Centre, Bamfield, British Columbia, V0R 1B0, Canada
| | - Chris M Wood
- Bamfield Marine Science Centre, Bamfield, British Columbia, V0R 1B0, Canada; University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology, Vancouver, British Columbia, 12, V6T 1Z4, Canada; McMaster University Dept. of Biology, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada
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17
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Chiarelli R, Martino C, Roccheri MC. Cadmium stress effects indicating marine pollution in different species of sea urchin employed as environmental bioindicators. Cell Stress Chaperones 2019; 24:675-687. [PMID: 31165437 PMCID: PMC6629738 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-019-01010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, researches about the defense strategies induced by cadmium stress have greatly increased, invading several fields of scientific research. Mechanisms of cadmium-induced toxicity continue to be of interest for researchers given its ubiquitous nature and environmental distribution, where it often plays the role of pollutant for numerous organisms. The presence in the environment of this heavy metal has been constantly increasing because of its large employment in several industrial and agricultural activities. Cadmium does not have any biological role and, since it cannot be degraded by living organisms, it is irreversibly accumulated into cells, interacting with cellular components and molecular targets. Cadmium is one of the most studied heavy metal inductors of stress and a potent modulator of several processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, reactive oxygen species, protein kinase and phosphatase, mitochondrial function, metallothioneins, and heat-shock proteins. Sea urchins (adults, gametes, embryos, and larvae) offer an optimal opportunity to investigate the possible adaptive response of cells exposed to cadmium, since these cells are known to accumulate contaminants. In this review, we will examine several responses to stress induced by cadmium in different sea urchin species, with a focus on Paracentrotus lividus embryos. The sea urchin embryo represents a suitable system, as it is not subjected to legislation on animal welfare and can be easily used for toxicological studies and as a bioindicator of environmental pollution. Recently, it has been included into the guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays to monitor autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Chiarelli
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Martino
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Roccheri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Di Natale M, Bennici C, Biondo G, Masullo T, Monastero C, Tagliavia M, Torri M, Costa S, Ragusa MA, Cuttitta A, Nicosia A. Aberrant gene expression profiles in Mediterranean sea urchin reproductive tissues after metal exposures. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 216:48-58. [PMID: 30359916 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.10.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine organisms are simultaneously exposed to numerous pollutants, among which metals probably represent the most abundant in marine environments. In order to evaluate the effects of metal exposure at molecular level in reproductive tissues, we profiled the sea urchin transcriptional response after non-lethal exposures using pathway-focused mRNA expression analyses. Herein, we show that exposures to relatively high concentrations of both essential and toxic metals hugely affected the gonadic expression of several genes involved in stress-response, detoxification, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, without significant changes in gonadosomatic indices. Even though treatments did not result in reproductive tissues visible alterations, metal exposures negatively affected the main mechanisms of stress-response, detoxification and survival of adult P. lividus. Additionally, transcriptional changes observed in P. lividus gonads may cause altered gametogenesis and maintenance of heritable aberrant epigenetic effects. This study leads to the conclusion that exposures to metals, as usually occurs in polluted coastal areas, may affect sea urchin gametogenesis, thus supporting the hypothesis that parental exposure to environmental stressors affects the phenotype of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Di Natale
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Carmelo Bennici
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Girolama Biondo
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Masullo
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Calogera Monastero
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Marcello Tagliavia
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Marco Torri
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
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Yang H, Wang J, Yang X, Wu F, Qi Z, Xu B, Liu W, Deng Y. Occupational manganese exposure, reproductive hormones, and semen quality in male workers: A cross-sectional study. Toxicol Ind Health 2018; 35:53-62. [PMID: 30466360 DOI: 10.1177/0748233718810109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
It has been found that exposure to manganese (Mn) could induce reproductive dysfunction, but its occupational risk in male workers is unclear. This study aims to assess the association of occupational Mn exposure with reproductive hormones and semen quality in a cross-sectional study. Urinary Mn, semen quality, and reproductive hormones were explored in 84 male workers occupationally exposed to Mn and 92 referents. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the relationship. Urinary Mn levels in Mn-exposed workers ranged from 0.56 to 34.25 µg/L, and the average level was 15.92 ± 8.49 µg/L. Compared with the control group, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels increased significantly and the levels of testosterone (TSTO) decreased significantly in the Mn-exposed group. There was a significant positive linear association between urinary Mn and GnRH and LH, while the linear association between urinary Mn and TSTO was negative. Sperm progressive motility and total motility decreased significantly in the Mn-exposed group. There was a significantly negative linear association between urinary Mn and sperm progressive motility and total motility. In conclusion, occupational Mn exposure was inversely associated with reproductive health of male workers, resulting in the abnormality of hormones secretion and decrease of sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Yang
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jifeng Wang
- 2 Department of Clinical Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Xinxin Yang
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fengdi Wu
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhipeng Qi
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bin Xu
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Liu
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Deng
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Duan M, Xiong D, Yang M, Xiong Y, Ding G. Parental exposure to heavy fuel oil induces developmental toxicity in offspring of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 159:109-119. [PMID: 29730404 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the toxic effects of parental (maternal/paternal) exposure to heavy fuel oil (HFO) on the adult reproductive state, gamete quality and development of the offspring of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius. Adult sea urchins were exposed to effluents from HFO-oiled gravel columns for 7 days to simulate an oil-contaminated gravel shore, and then gametes of adult sea urchins were used to produce embryos to determine developmental toxicity. For adult sea urchins, no significant difference in the somatic size and weight was found between the various oil loadings tested, while the gonad weight and gonad index were significantly decreased at higher oil loadings. The spawning ability of adults and fecundity of females significantly decreased. For gametes, no effect was observed on the egg size and fertilization success in any of the groups. However, a significant increase in the percentage of anomalies in the offspring was observed and then quantified by an integrative toxicity index (ITI) at 24 and 48 h post fertilization. The offspring from exposed parents showed higher ITI values with more malformed embryos. The results confirmed that parental exposure to HFO can cause adverse effects on the offspring and consequently affect the recruitment and population maintenance of sea urchins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meina Duan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, Liaoning, China
| | - Deqi Xiong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, Liaoning, China.
| | - Mengye Yang
- School of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Yijun Xiong
- School of Biology and Chemistry, Grinnell College, 1115 8th Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
| | - Guanghui Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, Liaoning, China
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Biotic and environmental stress induces nitration and changes in structure and function of the sea urchin major yolk protein toposome. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4610. [PMID: 29545577 PMCID: PMC5854732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22861-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The major yolk protein toposome plays crucial roles during gametogenesis and development of sea urchins. We previously found that nitration of toposome increases in the gonads of a Paracentrotus lividus population living in a marine protected area affected by toxic blooms of Ostreospsis cf. ovata, compared to control populations. This modification is associated with ovatoxin accumulation, high levels of nitric oxide in the gonads, and a remarkable impairment of progeny development. However, nothing is known about the environmental-mediated-regulation of the structure and biological function of toposome. Here, we characterize through wide-ranging biochemical and structural analyses the nitrated toposome of sea urchins exposed to the bloom, and subsequently detoxified. The increased number of nitrated tyrosines in toposome of sea urchins collected during algal bloom induced structural changes and improvement of the Ca2+-binding affinity of the protein. After 3 months’ detoxification, ovatoxin was undetectable, and the number of nitric oxide-modified tyrosines was reduced. However, the nitration of specific residues was irreversible and occurred also in embryos treated with metals, used as a proxy of environmental pollutants. The structural and functional changes of toposome caused by nitration under adverse environmental conditions may be related to the defective development of sea urchins’ progeny.
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de Barros CM, da Fonte Carvalho Martins D, Mello ADA, Salgado LT, Allodi S. Nitric-oxide generation induced by metals plays a role in their accumulation by Phallusia nigra hemocytes. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 124:441-448. [PMID: 28779885 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ascidians are good monitors for assessing water quality, since they filter large volumes of water; however, little is known about how xenobiotics, including metals, can affect ascidian hemocytes. Metals can be either toxic or beneficial to health, inducing many different responses. The response mechanism depends on the class of metals to which organisms are exposed: essential, nonessential, and borderline. To analyze the influence of metals from different classes on the protective mechanisms of an ascidian, we investigated the production of nitric oxide (NO) after exposure to various concentrations of Mg, Mn and Pb over different time periods. We also determined the amounts of each metal in the hemocytes. Our results indicated that especially Pb could stimulate NO production. Although Pb induced the highest NO production, cell viability was not severely altered in all Pb concentrations and time periods. Ascidians might serve as biomonitor for Pb, since their vanadocytes accumulate Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Monteiro de Barros
- Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento Sócio Ambiental de Macaé - NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus UFRJ - Macaé, Macaé, RJ, Brazil; Pós-Graduação em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus UFRJ - Macaé, Macaé, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Danielly da Fonte Carvalho Martins
- Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento Sócio Ambiental de Macaé - NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus UFRJ - Macaé, Macaé, RJ, Brazil; Pós-Graduação em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus UFRJ - Macaé, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andressa de Abreu Mello
- Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento Sócio Ambiental de Macaé - NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus UFRJ - Macaé, Macaé, RJ, Brazil; Pós-Graduação em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus UFRJ - Macaé, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Silvana Allodi
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Comparativa e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Ragusa MA, Costa S, Cuttitta A, Gianguzza F, Nicosia A. Coexposure to sulfamethoxazole and cadmium impairs development and attenuates transcriptional response in sea urchin embryo. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 180:275-284. [PMID: 28411544 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Among sulfonamides, sulfamethoxazole represents one of the most widely employed. A considerable amount of sulfamethoxazole is introduced into the marine environment after utilization in aquaculture. The cytotoxicity of sulfamethoxazole relies mainly on arylhydroxylamine metabolites and it is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species. Cadmium represents a metal largely employed in several anthropic activities and it is toxic for all living organisms even at low concentrations. Since it is not degraded, cadmium irreversibly accumulates into cells. In order to understand the mechanisms of response to changes in the chemical environment, we investigated by light microscopy observations and RT-qPCR assays the impact of sulfamethoxazole and cadmium in P. lividus sea urchin embryos. During development, embryos were exposed to sulfamethoxazole amount comparable to that usually used in aquaculture procedures and/or sublethal levels of cadmium chloride. Impairment of development and biomarkers for inflammation, detoxification, metal scavenging and cell death were inspected. Even though treatment with sulfamethoxazole apparently did not affect development, it stimulated a remarkable molecular response to oxidative stress. Moreover, combined exposure seriously compromised development and the defense mechanisms to cadmium were blocked. This study leads to the conclusion that coexposure to sulfamethoxazole and cadmium induces neutralizing effects on sea urchin embryos. Thus, in marine areas nearby aquaculture farms, where sulfamethoxazole discharge represents an important environmental contaminant, cadmium occurrence may alter population dynamics of P. lividus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Gianguzza
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy.
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Charan-Dixon H, Gaw S, Goldstien SJ, Glover CN. Effects of waterborne cadmium on energy metabolism in the tropical sea cucumber, Stichopus horrens, and a comparison of tissue-specific cadmium accumulation with the temperate sea cucumber Australostichopus mollis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 141:1-8. [PMID: 28284150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.03.001] [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: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The sea cucumber Stichopus horrens is an important component of near-shore ecosystems, and in the Kingdom of Tonga it also comprises an important commercial and subsistence fishery. To assess the sensitivity of this species to the toxic trace metal cadmium (Cd), adult S. horrens were exposed for 96h to an environmental (15µgL-1) or effect (765µgL-1) concentration of waterborne Cd. The respiratory tree and intestine accumulated higher concentrations of Cd than the muscle and body wall, but there were no effects of Cd on tissue ions (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium). For comparison, Cd accumulation was also examined in the Australasian sea cucumber Australostichopus mollis. This species displayed a similar pattern of tissue-specific accumulation to S. horrens, but exhibited lower tissue Cd burdens, likely a consequence of lower experimental temperature. Effects on gonad ion content were also seen in this species. At the highest Cd exposure concentration, S. horrens showed impaired ammonia excretion rates and an increased molar oxygen:nitrogen ratio (O:N), indicative of a decreased reliance on protein metabolism. Overall, this study suggests that S. horrens is relatively tolerant of Cd exposure, but raises concerns regarding the subsistence fishery practice of consuming the viscera of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally Gaw
- Department of Chemistry, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | | | - Chris N Glover
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, New Zealand; Athabasca River Basin Research Institute and Faculty of Science and Technology, Athabasca University, Alberta, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Canada.
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25
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Metallothionein Gene Family in the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus: Gene Structure, Differential Expression and Phylogenetic Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040812. [PMID: 28417916 PMCID: PMC5412396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MT) are small and cysteine-rich proteins that bind metal ions such as zinc, copper, cadmium, and nickel. In order to shed some light on MT gene structure and evolution, we cloned seven Paracentrotus lividus MT genes, comparing them to Echinodermata and Chordata genes. Moreover, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of 32 MTs from different classes of echinoderms and 13 MTs from the most ancient chordates, highlighting the relationships between them. Since MTs have multiple roles in the cells, we performed RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization experiments to understand better MT functions in sea urchin embryos. Results showed that the expression of MTs is regulated throughout development in a cell type-specific manner and in response to various metals. The MT7 transcript is expressed in all tissues, especially in the stomach and in the intestine of the larva, but it is less metal-responsive. In contrast, MT8 is ectodermic and rises only at relatively high metal doses. MT5 and MT6 expression is highly stimulated by metals in the mesenchyme cells. Our results suggest that the P. lividus MT family originated after the speciation events by gene duplications, evolving developmental and environmental sub-functionalization.
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Oral R, Pagano G, Siciliano A, Gravina M, Palumbo A, Castellano I, Migliaccio O, Thomas PJ, Guida M, Tommasi F, Trifuoggi M. Heavy rare earth elements affect early life stages in Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula sea urchins. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:240-246. [PMID: 28107742 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) have been scarcely studied for their toxicity, in spite of their applications in several technologies. Thus HREEs require timely investigations for their adverse health effects. METHODS Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula embryos and sperm were exposed to trichloride salts of five HREEs (Dy, Ho, Er, Yb and Lu) and to Ce(III) as a light REE (LREE) reference to evaluate: 1) developmental defects (% DD) in HREE-exposed larvae or in the offspring of HREE-exposed sperm; 2) mitotic anomalies; 3) fertilization success; and 4) reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Nominal HREE concentrations were confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS HREEs induced concentration-related DD increases in P. lividus and A. lixula larvae, ranging from no significant DD increase at 10-7M HREEs up to ≅100% DD at 10-5M HREE. Larvae exposed to 10-5M Ce(III) resulted in less severe DD rates compared to HREEs. Decreased mitotic activity and increased aberration rates were found in HREE-exposed P. lividus embryos. Significant increases in ROS formation and NO levels were found both in HREE-exposed and in Ce(III) embryos, whereas only Ce(III), but not HREEs resulted in significant increase in MDA levels. Sperm exposure to HREEs (10-5-10-4M) resulted in a concentration-related decrease in fertilization success along with increase in offspring damage. These effects were significantly enhanced for Dy(III), Ho(III), Er(III) and Yb(III), compared to Lu(III) and to Ce(III). CONCLUSION HREE-associated toxicity affected embryogenesis, fertilization, cytogenetic and redox endpoints showing different toxicities of tested HREEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahime Oral
- Ege University, Faculty of Fisheries, TR-35100 Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Giovanni Pagano
- "Federico II" University of Naples, Department of Chemical Sciences, I-80126 Naples, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonietta Siciliano
- "Federico II" University of Naples, Department of Biology, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Gravina
- "Federico II" University of Naples, Department of Biology, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Philippe J Thomas
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science & Technology Branch, National Wildlife Research Center - Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3
| | - Marco Guida
- "Federico II" University of Naples, Department of Biology, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Trifuoggi
- "Federico II" University of Naples, Department of Chemical Sciences, I-80126 Naples, Italy
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Chi C, Giri SS, Jun JW, Kim HJ, Yun S, Kim SG, Park SC. Marine Toxin Okadaic Acid Affects the Immune Function of Bay Scallop (Argopecten irradians). Molecules 2016; 21:E1108. [PMID: 27563864 PMCID: PMC6272952 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21091108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Okadaic acid (OA) is produced by dinoflagellates during harmful algal blooms and is a diarrhetic shellfish poisoning toxin. This toxin is particularly problematic for bivalves that are cultured for human consumption. This study aimed to reveal the effects of exposure to OA on the immune responses of bay scallop, Argopecten irradians. Various immunological parameters were assessed (total hemocyte counts (THC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and nitric oxide (NO) in the hemolymph of scallops at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h post-exposure (hpe) to different concentrations of OA (50, 100, and 500 nM). Moreover, the expression of immune-system-related genes (CLT-6, FREP, HSP90, MT, and Cu/ZnSOD) was also measured. Results showed that ROS, MDA, and NO levels and LDH activity were enhanced after exposure to different concentrations of OA; however, both THC and GSH decreased between 24-48 hpe. The expression of immune-system-related genes was also assessed at different time points during the exposure period. Overall, our results suggest that exposure to OA had negative effects on immune system function, increased oxygenic stress, and disrupted metabolism of bay scallops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chi
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 151742, Korea.
| | - Sib Sankar Giri
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 151742, Korea.
| | - Jin Woo Jun
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 151742, Korea.
| | - Hyoun Joong Kim
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 151742, Korea.
| | - Saekil Yun
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 151742, Korea.
| | - Sang Guen Kim
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 151742, Korea.
| | - Se Chang Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 151742, Korea.
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28
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Migliaccio O, Castellano I, Di Cioccio D, Tedeschi G, Negri A, Cirino P, Romano G, Zingone A, Palumbo A. Subtle reproductive impairment through nitric oxide-mediated mechanisms in sea urchins from an area affected by harmful algal blooms. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26086. [PMID: 27192939 PMCID: PMC4872146 DOI: 10.1038/srep26086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The health of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, a key species in the Mediterranean Sea, is menaced by several pressures in coastal environments. Here, we aimed at assessing the reproductive ability of apparently healthy P. lividus population in a marine protected area affected by toxic blooms of Ostreospsis cf. ovata. Wide-ranging analyses were performed in animals collected prior to and during the bloom, as well as at several times thereafter, during the reproductive season. Adults showed a low fertilization rate, along with high nitric oxide (NO) levels in the gonads and the nitration of the major yolk protein toposome, which is an important player in sea urchin development. Serious developmental anomalies were observed in the progeny, which persist several months after the bloom. NO levels were high in the different developmental stages, which also showed variations in the transcription of several genes that were found to be directly or indirectly modulated by NO. These results highlight subtle but important reproductive flaws transmitted from the female gonads to the offspring with the NO involvement. Despite a recovery along time after the bloom, insidious damages can be envisaged in the local sea urchin population, with possible reverberation on the whole benthic system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Armando Negri
- D.I.P.A.V. - Section of Biochemistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Pagano G, Guida M, Siciliano A, Oral R, Koçbaş F, Palumbo A, Castellano I, Migliaccio O, Thomas PJ, Trifuoggi M. Comparative toxicities of selected rare earth elements: Sea urchin embryogenesis and fertilization damage with redox and cytogenetic effects. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 147:453-460. [PMID: 26970899 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Broad-ranging adverse effects are known for rare earth elements (REE), yet only a few studies tested the toxicity of several REE, prompting studies focusing on multi-parameter REE toxicity. METHODS Trichloride salts of Y, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd were tested in Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryos and sperm for: (1) developmental defects in either REE-exposed larvae or in the offspring of REE-exposed sperm; (2) fertilization success; (3) mitotic anomalies in REE-exposed embryos and in the offspring of REE-exposed sperm, and (4) reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. RESULTS REEs affected P. lividus larvae with concentration-related increase in developmental defects, 10(-6) to 10(-4)M, ranking as: Gd(III)>Y(III)>La(III)>Nd(III)≅Eu(III)>Ce(III)≅Sm(III). Nominal concentrations of REE salts were confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Significant increases in MDA levels, ROS formation, and NO levels were found in REE-exposed embryos. Sperm exposure to REEs (10(-5) to 10(-4)M) resulted in concentration-related decrease in fertilization success along with increase in offspring damage. Decreased mitotic activity and increased aberration rates were detected in REE-exposed embryos and in the offspring of REE-exposed sperm. CONCLUSION REE-associated toxicity affecting embryogenesis, fertilization, cytogenetic and redox endpoints showed different activities of tested REEs. Damage to early life stages, along with redox and cytogenetic anomalies should be the focus of future REE toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pagano
- "Federico II" University of Naples, Environmental Hygiene, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Marco Guida
- "Federico II" University of Naples, Environmental Hygiene, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Siciliano
- "Federico II" University of Naples, Environmental Hygiene, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rahime Oral
- Ege University, Faculty of Fisheries, TR-35100 Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Koçbaş
- Celal Bayar University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, TR-45140 Yunusemre, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Philippe J Thomas
- Environment Canada, Science & Technology Branch, National Wildlife Research Center - Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- "Federico II" University of Naples, Department of Chemical Sciences, I-80126 Naples, Italy
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30
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Castellano I, Migliaccio O, D’Aniello S, Merlino A, Napolitano A, Palumbo A. Shedding light on ovothiol biosynthesis in marine metazoans. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21506. [PMID: 26916575 PMCID: PMC4768315 DOI: 10.1038/srep21506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovothiol, isolated from marine invertebrate eggs, is considered one of the most powerful antioxidant with potential for drug development. However, its biological functions in marine organisms still represent a matter of debate. In sea urchins, the most accepted view is that ovothiol protects the eggs by the high oxidative burst at fertilization. In this work we address the role of ovothiol during sea urchin development to give new insights on ovothiol biosynthesis in metazoans. The gene involved in ovothiol biosynthesis OvoA was identified in Paracentrotus lividus genome (PlOvoA). PlOvoA embryo expression significantly increased at the pluteus stage and was up-regulated by metals at concentrations mimicking polluted sea-water and by cyclic toxic algal blooms, leading to ovothiol biosynthesis. In silico analyses of the PlOvoA upstream region revealed metal and stress responsive elements. Structural protein models highlighted conserved active site residues likely responsible for ovothiol biosynthesis. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that OvoA evolved in most marine metazoans and was lost in bony vertebrates during the transition from the aquatic to terrestrial environment. These results highlight the crucial role of OvoA in protecting embryos released in seawater from environmental cues, thus allowing the survival under different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Oriana Migliaccio
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore D’Aniello
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonello Merlino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy
| | | | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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