1
|
Chacón CF, Parachú Marcó MV, Poletta GL, Siroski PA. Lipid metabolism in crocodilians: A field with promising applications in the field of ecotoxicology. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:119017. [PMID: 38704009 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
In the last years, lipid physiology has become an important research target for systems biology applied to the field of ecotoxicology. Lipids are not only essential components of biological membranes, but also participate in extra and intracellular signaling processes and as signal transducers and amplifiers of regulatory cascades. Particularly in sauropsids, lipids are the main source of energy for reproduction, growth, and embryonic development. In nature, organisms are exposed to different stressors, such as parasites, diseases and environmental contaminants, which interact with lipid signaling and metabolic pathways, disrupting lipid homeostasis. The system biology approach applied to ecotoxicological studies is crucial to evaluate metabolic regulation under environmental stress produced by xenobiotics. In this review, we cover information of molecular mechanisms that contribute to lipid metabolism homeostasis in sauropsids, specifically in crocodilian species. We focus on the role of lipid metabolism as a powerful source of energy and its importance during oocyte maturation, which has been increasingly recognized in many species, but information is still scarce in crocodiles. Finally, we highlight priorities for future research on the influence of environmental stressors on lipid metabolism, their potential effect on the reproductive system and thus on the offspring, and their implications on crocodilians conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Chacón
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada (LEMA), Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (ICiVet Litoral-CONICET/UNL), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Proyecto Yacaré (MAyCC, Gob. de Santa Fe), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - M V Parachú Marcó
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada (LEMA), Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (ICiVet Litoral-CONICET/UNL), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Proyecto Yacaré (MAyCC, Gob. de Santa Fe), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G L Poletta
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada (LEMA), Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (ICiVet Litoral-CONICET/UNL), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Toxicología, Farmacología y Bioquímica Legal, FBCB-UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje El Pozo S/N, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - P A Siroski
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada (LEMA), Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (ICiVet Litoral-CONICET/UNL), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Proyecto Yacaré (MAyCC, Gob. de Santa Fe), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Status of Infectious Diseases in Free-Ranging European Brown Hares ( Lepus europaeus) Found Dead between 2017 and 2020 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020239. [PMID: 36839511 PMCID: PMC9959346 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) is a quite adaptable species, but populations have been decreasing for several decades in different countries, including Germany. To investigate infectious diseases as possible influences on observed population decline in the German federal state Schleswig-Holstein, 118 deceased free-ranging European brown hares were collected between 2017 and 2020 and underwent detailed postmortem examination with extended sampling. Infectious diseases were a major cause of death (34.7%). The number of juveniles found exceeded the adult ones. The main pathomorphological findings were hepatitis (32.8%), pneumonia (22.2%), nephritis (19.1%), liver necrosis (12.9%), and enteritis (40.7%). An unusual main finding was steatitis (20.9%) of unknown origin. Animals were mainly emaciated and showed high infection rates with Eimeria spp. (91.3%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (36.2%). European Brown Hare Syndrome Virus reached an epidemic status with few fatal infections (4.2%) and high seroprevalence (64.9%), whereas the prevalence of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 was very low (0.8%) in hares in Schleswig-Holstein. Pathogens such as Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (5.9%), Pasteurella multocida (0.8%), and Staphylococcus aureus (3.4%) only caused sporadic deaths. This study illustrates the wide distribution of various infectious pathogens with high mortality and even zoonotic potential. Infectious diseases need to be considered as an important influence on population dynamics in Schleswig-Holstein.
Collapse
|
3
|
COELOMIC STEATITIS IN TENTACLED SNAKES ( ERPETON TENTACULATUM). J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:1061-1073. [PMID: 34687525 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective study revealed seven cases of coelomic steatitis in adult tentacled snakes (Erpeton tentaculatum), including two males and five females, between May 2014 and August 2020. Common clinical signs included death after unusual floating, generalized weakness, inappetence, reduced body condition, coelomic distension, and reproductive pathology in females. Hematology of one specimen revealed marked monocytosis and lymphocytosis with mild heterophilia (chronic and active inflammation). Gross examination identified variable degrees of intracoelomic fat necrosis in all snakes. Consistent histopathologic features included necrotic adipocytes, lipid saponification, lipofuscin/ceroid deposition, granulomatous inflammation, and multinucleated giant cells (Langhans type). Three females exhibited intralesional yolk fluid associated with periovarian steatitis. Hepatic lipidosis was the second most frequent pathologic finding. Thawed frozen lesser sand eels (Ammodytes tobianus) were fed during this period, stored in vacuum-sealed or opened packets at -18°C (frozen). After the death of the last specimen, vitamin E concentrations and peroxide values of the diet were analyzed. For the sealed and opened frozen batches, respectively, vitamin E concentrations were 0.71 and 0.49 mg/100 g (compared with 4 to 8 mg/100 g in average, fresh, raw mixed eel species samples) and peroxide values were 62.5 and 48.6 meq/kg (exceeding the acceptable peroxide values of 8 meq/kg for fish oils). This case study represents the first report of coelomic steatitis in tentacled snakes of unconfirmed etiology but with a putative association with feeding a long-term frozen-stored sand eel diet containing low vitamin E concentrations and fish oils with high peroxide values at time of analysis.
Collapse
|
4
|
Woodborne S, Botha H, Huchzermeyer D, Myburgh J, Hall G, Myburgh A. Ontogenetic dependence of Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) isotope diet-to-tissue discrimination factors. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9159. [PMID: 34224610 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The diet of wild Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) is difficult to assess because they are cryptic and nocturnal predators that are extremely sensitive to disturbance by observers, and stomach content analysis is challenging, especially in large specimens. Stable light isotope analysis provides a means of assessing their diet, but diet-to-tissue discrimination factors have yet to be established for the species. METHODS Isotope ratio (15 N/14 N and 13 C/12 C expressed as δ15 N and δ13 C) analyses of scutes, claws, and blood of farmed crocodiles of different sizes were compared with the isotope values of their lifelong diet, which comprises chickens from a single supplier. RESULTS Systematic size dependence in the diet-to-tissue discrimination factors for scute collagen, scute keratin, and claw keratin is described in regression relationships against the snout to vent length. Fixed values are presented for erythrocytes and blood plasma because blood was not sampled from juveniles. CONCLUSIONS The diet-to-tissue discrimination factors help assess the diet of wild crocodiles. The diet of crocodiles from Lake Flag Boshielo shows a clear ontogenic shift, as has been seen in other studies, and the results strongly indicate a dependence on the terrestrial food web rather than a fish diet. That this population may exploit a terrestrial diet highlights potential conflicts for conserving Nile crocodiles outside protected areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Woodborne
- Tandem & AMS Laboratory, iThemba LABS, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Stable Isotope Laboratory, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hannes Botha
- Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Scientific Services, Nelspruit, South Africa
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | | | - Jan Myburgh
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Grant Hall
- Stable Isotope Laboratory, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Albert Myburgh
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Steatitis in Cold-Stunned Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles ( Lepidochelys kempii). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030898. [PMID: 33801097 PMCID: PMC8004043 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of steatitis that infrequently occurs in cold-stunned Kemp's ridley sea turtles (KRT; Lepidochelys kempii) has been undetermined. The objectives of this study were to investigate the clinical (n = 23) and histologic findings (n = 11) in cold-stunned KRT, and to compare plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol (vitamin E), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and the TBARS to vitamin E (T/E) ratio (an assessment of oxidative stress) between cold-stunned KRT with clinically and/or histologically confirmed steatitis (n = 10) and free-ranging KRT (n = 9). None of the cold-stunned turtles had clinically detectable steatitis at admission, and the median number of days to diagnosis of steatitis was 71 (range 33-469). Histologic findings of affected adipose tissue included heterophilic (n = 9) and/or histiocytic (n = 5) steatitis, fat necrosis (n = 7), myonecrosis (n = 2), and intralesional bacteria (n = 6). Cold-stunned KRT had significantly lower plasma vitamin E concentrations (median = 3.5 nmol/g), lower plasma TBARS concentrations (median = 1.6 nmol/g), and higher T/E ratios (median = 0.37), than controls (208.8 nmol/g; 2.1 nmol/g; 0.01, respectively). These results suggest a multifactorial etiology for the development of steatitis in KRT during rehabilitation, including tissue injury, septicemia, and various factors resulting in imbalances of anti-/oxidative status. By highlighting the need to provide more effective vitamin E supplementation, and the need to re-assess specific components of the diet, this study may lead to reduced incidence and improved medical management of steatitis in cold-stunned sea turtles.
Collapse
|
6
|
Sara JR, Luus-Powell WJ, Fogelson SB, Botha H, Guillette TC, Smit WJ, Hoffman A, Kunutu KD, Koelmel JP, Bowden JA. A histological evaluation of pansteatitis-affected Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852), from different geographical locations in South Africa. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2020; 43:1185-1199. [PMID: 32740987 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pansteatitis is the leading cause for the decline in Nile crocodile populations and the sporadic mortality of fish in the Olifants River System, South Africa. To determine the prevalence of this disease in lentic systems, Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, were collected from Lake Loskop, Lake Flag Boshielo, Phalaborwa Barrage and Lake Luphephe-Nwanedi. The former three impoundments are located within the main stem of the Olifants River, while the latter, which is geographically isolated and situated in the Limpopo River System, served as a reference site. Mesenteric adipose, liver, serosa of the swim bladder, gill and the skeletal muscle of fish sampled were examined for gross and microscopic evidence of pansteatitis. Microscopically observed changes were used to statistically compare pansteatitis prevalence between samples and sites. Based on histopathological evaluation, the adipose tissue in the liver, swim bladder serosa and coelom from severely debilitated individuals showed the most significant pathological changes. Lesions indicative of steatitis were observed in fish collected from Lake Loskop (75%), Lake Flag Boshielo (22%) and Lake Luphephe-Nwanedi (15%). Further investigation is warranted to understand the pervasiveness and mechanisms driving pathological changes of pansteatitis at Lake Flag Boshielo, Phalaborwa Barrage and Lake Luphephe-Nwanedi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Sara
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
- DSI/NRF Research Chair in Ecosystem Health, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Wilmien J Luus-Powell
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
- DSI/NRF Research Chair in Ecosystem Health, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Susan B Fogelson
- Pathology Consulting Services, Fishhead Labs, LLC, Stuart, FL, USA
| | - Hannes Botha
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
- Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit, South Africa
| | - Theresa C Guillette
- Department Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Willem J Smit
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
- DSI/NRF Research Chair in Ecosystem Health, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Andre Hoffman
- Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit, South Africa
| | - Katlego D Kunutu
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
- DSI/NRF Research Chair in Ecosystem Health, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Jeremy P Koelmel
- Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Azeez OI, Myburgh JG, Bosman AM, Featherston J, Sibeko-Matjilla KP, Oosthuizen MC, Chamunorwa JP. Next generation sequencing and RNA-seq characterization of adipose tissue in the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) in South Africa: Possible mechanism(s) of pathogenesis and pathophysiology of pansteatitis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225073. [PMID: 31738794 PMCID: PMC6861000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerted efforts to identify the pathogenesis and mechanism(s) involved in pansteatitis, (a generalized inflammation of the adipose tissue), that was attributed to the recent crocodile die off in the Olifants River and Loskop Dam in Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa have been in the forefront of research in recent time. As part of the efforts, molecular characterization of healthy and pansteatitis adipose tissue was carried out by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and de novo assembly of the adipose transcriptome, followed by differential gene expression analysis. METHODOLOGY Healthy adipose tissue consisting of fifty samples was collected from the subcutaneous, visceral, intermuscular adipose tissues and the abdominal fat body of ten 4 years old juvenile crocodiles from a local crocodile farm in Pretoria, South Africa. Ten pansteatitis samples were collected from visceral and intermuscular adipose tissues of five crocodiles that were dying of pansteatitis. RESULTS Forty-two thousand, two hundred and one (42,201) transcripts were assembled, out of which 37, 835 had previously been characterized. The de novo assembled transcriptome had an N50 (average sequence) of 436 bp, percentage GC content of 43.92, which compared well with previously assembled transcripts in the saltwater crocodile. Seventy genes were differentially expressed and upregulated in pansteatitis. These included genes coding for extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling ligands, inflammatory cytokines and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) receptors, fatty acid synthase and fatty acid binding proteins, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), nuclear factor and apoptosis signaling ligands, and mitogen activated protein kinase enzymes among others. Majority (88.6%) of the upregulated genes were found to be involved in hypoxia inducible pathways for activation of NFkβ and inflammation, apoptosis, Toll-like receptor pathway and PPARγ. Bicaudal homologous 2 Drosophila gene (BICD2) associated with spinal and lower extremity muscle atrophy was also upregulated in pansteatitis while Sphingosine -1-phosphate phosphatase 2 (SGPP2) involved in Sphingosine -1- phosphate metabolism was downregulated. Futhermore, Doublesex-mab-related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) responsible for sex gonad development and germ cell differentiation was also downregulated. CONCLUSION Thus, from the present study, based on differentially expressed genes in pansteatitis, affected Nile crocodiles might have died partly due to their inability to utilize stored triglycerides as a result of inflammation induced insulin resistance, leading to starvation in the midst of plenty. Affected animals may have also suffered muscular atrophy of the lower extremities and poor fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Odunayo I. Azeez
- Anatomy and Physiology Dept., Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
- Dept. of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Jan G. Myburgh
- Paraclinical Science Dept., Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ana-Mari Bosman
- Veterinary Tropical Diseases Dept., Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Featherston
- Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Kgomotso P. Sibeko-Matjilla
- Veterinary Tropical Diseases Dept., Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marinda C. Oosthuizen
- Veterinary Tropical Diseases Dept., Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joseph P. Chamunorwa
- Anatomy and Physiology Dept., Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Junker K, Boomker J, Govender D, Mutafchiev Y. Nematodes found in Nile crocodiles in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, with redescriptions of Multicaecum agile (Wedl, 1861) (Heterocheilidae) and Camallanus kaapstaadi Southwell & Kirshner, 1937 (Camallanidae). Syst Parasitol 2019; 96:381-398. [PMID: 31077063 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-019-09856-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Sixteen Nile crocodiles were collected in the Kruger National Park, South Africa and vicinity during 2010 and 2011. A total of 11 nematode species representing six families were recovered. Heterocheilids were the dominant group, comprising five species, with Dujardinascaris madagascariensis (Chabaud & Caballero, 1966) being the most prevalent (75%), followed by Ingwenascaris sprenti Junker & Mutafchiev, 2017 (68.8%), which was also the second most numerous nematode. While less prevalent (31.3%), Typhlophoros kwenae Junker & Mutafchiev, 2017 was the most abundant species. Micropleura huchzermeyeri Junker & Mutafchiev, 2017 (Micropleuridae) was collected from five crocodiles and Crocodylocapillaria sp. (Capillariidae) occurred in a single host. Three nematodes, Camallanus kaapstaadi Southwell & Kirshner, 1937, Spirocamallanus sp. (both Camallanidae) and Ascarophis sp. (Cystidicolidae), are considered accidental infections, likely ingested with the hosts' prey. Our findings of D. dujardini (Travassos, 1920), D. madagascariensis and Multicaecum agile (Wedl, 1861) in South Africa constitute new geographical records. Crocodylocapillaria sp. represents a new host and geographical record, while T. kwenae, I. sprenti and M. huchzermeyeri have been described as new species during the course of this survey. Multicaecum agile is here redescribed based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Previously undescribed morphological characters of C. kaapstaadi, typically a parasite of Xenopus spp. (Amphibia: Pipidae), but here found in two Nile crocodiles, are also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Junker
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Joop Boomker
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Danny Govender
- Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa.,Department of Para-clinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Yasen Mutafchiev
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Koelmel JP, Ulmer CZ, Fogelson S, Jones CM, Botha H, Bangma JT, Guillette TC, Luus-Powell WJ, Sara JR, Smit WJ, Albert K, Miller HA, Guillette MP, Olsen BC, Cochran JA, Garrett TJ, Yost RA, Bowden JA. Lipidomics for wildlife disease etiology and biomarker discovery: a case study of pansteatitis outbreak in South Africa. Metabolomics 2019; 15:38. [PMID: 30838461 PMCID: PMC11005104 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-019-1490-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lipidomics is an emerging field with great promise for biomarker and mechanistic studies due to lipids diverse biological roles. Clinical research applying lipidomics is drastically increasing, with research methods and tools developed for clinical applications equally promising for wildlife studies. OBJECTIVES Limited research to date has applied lipidomics, especially of the intact lipidome, to wildlife studies. Therefore, we examine the application of lipidomics for in situ studies on Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) in Loskop Dam, South Africa. Wide-scale mortality events of aquatic life associated with an environmentally-derived inflammatory disease, pansteatitis, have occurred in this area. METHODS The lipidome of adipose tissue (n = 31) and plasma (n = 51) from tilapia collected from Loskop Dam were characterized using state of the art liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Lipid profiles reflected pansteatitis severity and were significantly different between diseased and healthy individuals. Over 13 classes of lipids associated with inflammation, cell death, and/or oxidative damage were upregulated in pansteatitis-affected adipose tissue, including ether-lipids, short-chained triglyceride oxidation products, sphingolipids, and acylcarnitines. Ceramides showed a 1000-fold increase in the most affected adipose tissues and were sensitive to disease severity. In plasma, triglycerides were found to be downregulated in pansteatitis-affected tilapia. CONCLUSION Intact lipidomics provided useful mechanistic data and possible biomarkers of pansteatitis. Lipids pointed to upregulated inflammatory pathways, and ceramides serve as promising biomarker candidates for pansteatitis. As comprehensive coverage of the lipidome aids in the elucidation of possible disease mechanisms, application of lipidomics could be applied to the understanding of other environmentally-derived inflammatory conditions, such as those caused by obesogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy P Koelmel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1395 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Candice Z Ulmer
- Marine Biochemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Susan Fogelson
- Department of Pathology, Fishhead Labs LLC, 5658 SE Pine Ave, Stuart, FL, 34997, USA
| | - Christina M Jones
- Organic Chemical Measurement Science Group, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA
| | - Hannes Botha
- Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline T Bangma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, 221 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Theresa C Guillette
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark labs, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | | | - Joseph R Sara
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
| | - Willem J Smit
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
| | - Korin Albert
- National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates Program, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, 29424, USA
| | - Harmony A Miller
- Rosemary Birthing Home, 800 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Matthew P Guillette
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark Labs, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Berkley C Olsen
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, 1225 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Jason A Cochran
- College of Engineering, University of Florida, 412 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Timothy J Garrett
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1395 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, 214 Leigh Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Richard A Yost
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1395 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, 214 Leigh Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Marine Biochemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Buah-Kwofie A, Humphries MS, Combrink X, Myburgh JG. Accumulation of organochlorine pesticides in fat tissue of wild Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) from iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 195:463-471. [PMID: 29274992 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.084] [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: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are important apex predators in many tropical and subtropical aquatic habitats throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, large crocodile populations inhabit lakes and wetlands that are impacted by organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Despite the continued use of these compounds and their potential adverse effects on key wildlife populations in southern Africa, limited ecotoxicoloigcal data exist. In this study, we examined the accumulation of OCPs in fat tissues of live, wild Nile crocodiles from iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a region of significant biological importance. All samples (n = 15) contained multiple contaminants in highly elevated concentrations, with total residue burdens varying between 3600 and 8000 ng g-1 ww. DDT and its metabolites were the dominant compounds detected in most samples, with ∑DDT concentrations ranging between 520 and 3100 ng g-1 ww. Elevated levels of other OCPs were also detected, including lindane (67-410 ng g-1 ww), aldrin (150-620 ng g-1 ww) and heptachlor (170-860 ng g-1 ww). Our findings show that crocodiles are exposed to OCPs throughout their range within iSimangaliso Wetland Park and contain some of the highest concentrations ever recorded in crocodilian tissue. Results indicate the need for a greater understanding of the impacts of OCP exposure and toxicological responses in crocodiles from iSimangaliso, and in Nile crocodile populations in general. The novel surgical technique described in this study provides an effective method for assessing relationships between contaminant body burdens and their potential reproductive and developmental consequences in crocodilians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archibold Buah-Kwofie
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa
| | - Marc S Humphries
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa.
| | - Xander Combrink
- Nature Conservation Department, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
| | - Jan G Myburgh
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Huchzermeyer KDA, Woodborne S, Osthoff G, Hugo A, Hoffman AC, Kaiser H, Steyl JCA, Myburgh JG. Pansteatitis in polluted Olifants River impoundments: nutritional perspectives on fish in a eutrophic lake, Lake Loskop, South Africa. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2017; 40:1665-1680. [PMID: 28493486 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study compares the aetiology of pansteatitis in Lake Loskop, relative to two other impoundments along the Olifants River. Macroscopic and microscopic pathology, age determination and analysis of stomach content, fatty acids and stable isotopes explain the high prevalence of pansteatitis in Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) and several other species in Lake Loskop. All the dietary indicator comparisons between pansteatitis-affected and healthy fish fail to support a systemic cause. Pansteatitis in Lake Loskop was linked to size and weight of O. mossambicus, but not to ontogenic age. Fish in Lake Loskop showed abnormally high omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratios normally only found in marine fish with no significant difference in degree of assimilation of these fatty acids between pansteatitis-affected and healthy fish. This explains the vulnerability to, but not the occurrence of, pansteatitis. As a cause for the pansteatitis, these results point towards sporadic vitamin E-depleting trigger events, known sporadic fish die-off occurrences that provide surviving fish with a rich source of rancid fats on which to scavenge. The mechanism ties pansteatitis to eutrophication and trophic cascade effects, the intrinsic drivers of the disease and suggests an adaptive management strategy that might be applied by relevant conservation authorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K D A Huchzermeyer
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - S Woodborne
- iThemba LABS, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - G Osthoff
- Microbial Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - A Hugo
- Microbial Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - A C Hoffman
- Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit, South Africa
| | - H Kaiser
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - J C A Steyl
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - J G Myburgh
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bangma JT, Reiner JL, Botha H, Cantu TM, Gouws MA, Guillette MP, Koelmel JP, Luus-Powell WJ, Myburgh J, Rynders O, Sara JR, Smit WJ, Bowden JA. Tissue distribution of perfluoroalkyl acids and health status in wild Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) from Loskop Dam, Mpumalanga, South Africa. J Environ Sci (China) 2017; 61:59-67. [PMID: 29191316 PMCID: PMC6584947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This study examined concentrations of 15 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in tissues from male Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) collected at Loskop Dam, Mpumalanga, South Africa in 2014 and 2016. Nine of the 15 PFAAs were detected frequently and were included in statistical analysis and included two of the most commonly known PFAAs, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (median, 41.6ng/g) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (median, 0.0825ng/g). Of the tissues measured, plasma (2016 and 2014 median, 22.2ng/g) contained the highest PFAA burden followed by (in descending order): liver (median, 11.6ng/g), kidney (median, 9.04ng/g), spleen (median, 5.92ng/g), adipose (median, 2.54ng/g), and muscle (median, 1.11ng/g). Loskop Dam tilapia have been affected by an inflammatory disease of the adipose tissue known as pansteatitis, so this study also aimed to investigate relationships between PFAA tissue concentrations and incidence of pansteatitis or fish health status. Results revealed that healthy tilapia exhibited an overall higher (p-value<0.05) PFAA burden than pansteatitis-affected tilapia across all tissues. Further analysis showed that organs previously noted in the literature to contain the highest PFAA concentrations, such as kidney, liver, and plasma, were the organs driving the difference in PFAA burden between the two tilapia groups. Care must be taken in the interpretations we draw from not only the results of our study, but also other PFAA measurements made on populations (human and wildlife alike) under differing health status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline T Bangma
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Jessica L Reiner
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Hannes Botha
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa; Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa
| | - Theresa M Cantu
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Marco A Gouws
- Department of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, George 6529, South Africa
| | - Matthew P Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Jeremy P Koelmel
- University of Florida, Department of Chemistry, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | | | - Jan Myburgh
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Olivia Rynders
- Department of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, George 6529, South Africa
| | - Joseph R Sara
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Willem J Smit
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - John A Bowden
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Singo A, Myburgh JG, Laver PN, Venter EA, Ferreira GCH, Rösemann GM, Botha CJ. Vertical transmission of microcystins to Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) eggs. Toxicon 2017; 134:50-56. [PMID: 28528816 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria or blue green algae are known for their extensive and highly visible blooms in eutrophic, stagnant freshwater bodies. Climate change and global warming have also contributed to a rise in toxic cyanobacterial blooms. One of the most important cyanobacteria is Microcystis aeruginosa, which can synthesize various microcystins that can affect the health of terrestrial and aquatic animals. Commercial Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) farming in South Africa is based on keeping breeders (adult males and females) in big dams on farms (captive-bred approach). Unfortunately, cyanobacterial blooms in the breeder dams are a concern to farm owners, managers and veterinarians. The main objectives of this research project were to determine if microcystins were present in the contents of crocodile eggs and the liver and yolk of dead hatchlings, and to determine if the reduced hatchability on commercial farms might be caused by these toxins. Furthermore, the concentration of microcystins in the breeder dam was monitored on a monthly basis spanning the ovulation and egg laying period. During the hatching season microcystin concentrations in unfertilised eggs, egg shell membranes and in the yolk and liver of dead hatchlings were determined using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Microcystins were detected in Nile crocodile egg and hatchling samples. Microcystin (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR) concentrations in the crocodile egg and hatchling samples collected from clutches with a good hatching rate (≥90%) ranged between 0 and 1.76 ng g-1, with the highest concentration in the egg shell membranes. Microcystin concentrations in samples collected from clutches with a bad hatching rate (≤10%) ranged from 0 - 1.63 ng g-1 with the highest concentration detected in the hatchling yolk. However, the concentrations were probably underestimated as the percentage recovery from spiked samples was very low with the extraction method employed. Bayesian analysis suggests that the liver, yolk and unfertilised egg all have similar microcystin concentrations, while the membranes have (with moderate to high certainty) higher microcystin concentrations. There appears to be no difference in microcystin concentrations among good and bad clutches across all tissue types or within a specific tissue type, but due to the small sample size, it was not possible to determine whether microcystin affected the hatchability of Nile crocodile eggs. However, vertical transmission of microcystin variants to the Nile crocodile egg does occur and the possible implications for the survival of wild Nile crocodile populations should be ascertained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alukhethi Singo
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jan G Myburgh
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Peter N Laver
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth A Venter
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Gezina C H Ferreira
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Christo J Botha
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Warner JK, Combrink X, Calverley P, Champion G, Downs CT. Morphometrics, sex ratio, sexual size dimorphism, biomass, and population size of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) at its southern range limit in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-016-0325-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
15
|
Christie I, Reiner JL, Bowden JA, Botha H, Cantu TM, Govender D, Guillette MP, Lowers RH, Luus-Powell WJ, Pienaar D, Smit WJ, Guillette LJ. Perfluorinated alkyl acids in the plasma of South African crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus). CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 154:72-78. [PMID: 27038902 PMCID: PMC4921786 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.072] [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: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) are environmental contaminants that have been used in many products for over 50 years. Interest and concern has grown since 2000 on the widespread presence of PFAAs, when it was discovered that PFAAs were present in wildlife samples around the northern hemisphere. Since then, several studies have reported PFAAs in wildlife from many locations, including the remote regions of Antarctica and the Arctic. Although there are a multitude of studies, few have reported PFAA concentrations in reptiles and wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. This study investigated the presence of PFAAs in the plasma of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) from South Africa. Crocodiles were captured from five sites in and around the Kruger National Park, South Africa, and plasma samples examined for PFAAs. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the most frequent PFAA detected; with median values of 13.5 ng/g wet mass in crocodiles. In addition to PFOS, long chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids were also detected. Correlations between total length and PFAA load were investigated, as were differences in PFAA accumulation between sexes. No correlations were seen between crocodile size, nor were there sex-related differences. Spatial differences were examined and significant differences were observed in samples collected from the different sites (p < 0.05). Flag Boshielo Dam had the highest PFOS measurements, with a median concentration of 50.3 ng/g wet mass, when compared to the other sites (median concentrations at other sites below 14.0 ng/g wet mass). This suggests a point source of PFOS in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Christie
- Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, 205 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jessica L Reiner
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - John A Bowden
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Hannes Botha
- Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa; Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
| | - Theresa M Cantu
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 221 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Danny Govender
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa
| | - Matthew P Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 221 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Russell H Lowers
- InoMedic Health Applications (IHA), Ecological Program, Kennedy Space Center, IHA 300, FL 32899, USA
| | | | - Danie Pienaar
- Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa
| | - Willem J Smit
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 221 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bowden JA, Somerville SE, Cantu TM, Guillette MP, Botha H, Boggs ASP, Luus-Powell W, Guillette LJ. On-Site Classification of Pansteatitis in Mozambique Tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus) using a Portable Lipid-Based Analyzer. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2016; 8:6631-6635. [PMID: 28729886 PMCID: PMC5514565 DOI: 10.1039/c6ay00446f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
While no pansteatitis-related large-scale mortality events have occurred since 2008, the current status of pansteatitis (presence and pervasiveness) in the Olifants River system and other regions of South Africa remain largely unknown. In part, this is due to both a lack of known biological markers of pansteatitis and a lack of suitable non-invasive assays capable of rapidly classifying the disease. Here, we propose the application of a point-of-care (POC) device using lipid-based test strips (total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG)), for classifying pansteatitis status in the whole blood of pre-spawning Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Using the TC strips, the POC device was able to non-lethally classify the tilapia as either healthy or pansteatitis-affected; the sexes were examined independently because sexual dimorphism was observed for TC (males p = 0.0364, females χ2 = 0.0007). No significant difference between diseased and pansteatitis-affected tilapia was observed using the TG strips. This is one of the first described applications of using POC devices for on-site environmental disease state testing. A discussion on the merits of using portable lipid-based analyzers as an in-field disease-state diagnostic tool is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John A Bowden
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Material Measurement Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412 USA
| | - Stephen E Somerville
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Public Health Sciences and the Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML), Charleston, SC 29425-6190 USA
| | - Theresa M Cantu
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Public Health Sciences and the Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML), Charleston, SC 29425-6190 USA
| | - Matthew P Guillette
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Public Health Sciences and the Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML), Charleston, SC 29425-6190 USA
| | - Hannes Botha
- Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit, 1200 South Africa
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727 South Africa
| | - Ashley S P Boggs
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Material Measurement Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412 USA
| | - Wilmien Luus-Powell
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727 South Africa
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Public Health Sciences and the Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML), Charleston, SC 29425-6190 USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bowden JA, Cantu TM, Chapman RW, Somerville SE, Guillette MP, Botha H, Hoffman A, Luus-Powell WJ, Smit WJ, Lebepe J, Myburgh J, Govender D, Tucker J, Boggs ASP, Guillette LJ. Predictive Blood Chemistry Parameters for Pansteatitis-Affected Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153874. [PMID: 27115488 PMCID: PMC4846142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the largest river systems in South Africa, the Olifants River, has experienced significant changes in water quality due to anthropogenic activities. Since 2005, there have been various “outbreaks” of the inflammatory disease pansteatitis in several vertebrate species. Large-scale pansteatitis-related mortality events have decimated the crocodile population at Lake Loskop and decreased the population at Kruger National Park. Most pansteatitis-related diagnoses within the region are conducted post-mortem by either gross pathology or histology. The application of a non-lethal approach to assess the prevalence and pervasiveness of pansteatitis in the Olifants River region would be of great importance for the development of a management plan for this disease. In this study, several plasma-based biomarkers accurately classified pansteatitis in Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) collected from Lake Loskop using a commercially available benchtop blood chemistry analyzer combined with data interpretation via artificial neural network analysis. According to the model, four blood chemistry parameters (calcium, sodium, total protein and albumin), in combination with total length, diagnose pansteatitis to a predictive accuracy of 92 percent. In addition, several morphometric traits (total length, age, weight) were also associated with pansteatitis. On-going research will focus on further evaluating the use of blood chemistry to classify pansteatitis across different species, trophic levels, and within different sites along the Olifants River.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John A. Bowden
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Material Measurement Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Theresa M. Cantu
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robert W. Chapman
- Marine Resources Research Institute, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Stephen E. Somerville
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Matthew P. Guillette
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hannes Botha
- Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit, South Africa
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Andre Hoffman
- Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit, South Africa
| | | | - Willem J. Smit
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey Lebepe
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Jan Myburgh
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Danny Govender
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Tucker
- Marine Resources Research Institute, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ashley S. P. Boggs
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Material Measurement Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Louis J. Guillette
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|