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Talia M, Cirillo F, Spinelli A, Zicarelli A, Scordamaglia D, Muglia L, De Rosis S, Rigiracciolo DC, Filippelli G, Perrotta ID, Davoli M, De Rosa R, Macirella R, Brunelli E, Miglietta AM, Nardo B, Tosoni D, Pece S, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. The Ephrin tyrosine kinase a3 (EphA3) is a novel mediator of RAGE-prompted motility of breast cancer cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:164. [PMID: 37434266 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02747-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor for advanced glycation-end products (RAGE) and its ligands have been implicated in obesity and associated inflammatory processes as well as in metabolic alterations like diabetes. In addition, RAGE-mediated signaling has been reported to contribute to the metastatic progression of breast cancer (BC), although mechanistic insights are still required. Here, we provide novel findings regarding the transcriptomic landscape and the molecular events through which RAGE may prompt aggressive features in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC. METHODS MCF7 and T47D BC cells stably overexpressing human RAGE were used as a model system to evaluate important changes like cell protrusions, migration, invasion and colony formation both in vitro through scanning electron microscopy, clonogenic, migration and invasion assays and in vivo through zebrafish xenografts experiments. The whole transcriptome of RAGE-overexpressing BC cells was screened by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Thereafter, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses allowed the prediction of potential functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Flow cytometry, real time-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and western blot assays were performed to investigate the molecular network involved in the regulation of a novel RAGE target gene namely EphA3. The clinical significance of EphA3 was explored in the TCGA cohort of patients through the survivALL package, whereas the pro-migratory role of EphA3 signaling was ascertained in both BC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Statistical analysis was performed by t-tests. RESULTS RNA-seq findings and GSEA analysis revealed that RAGE overexpression leads to a motility-related gene signature in ER-positive BC cells. Accordingly, we found that RAGE-overexpressing BC cells exhibit long filopodia-like membrane protrusions as well as an enhanced dissemination potential, as determined by the diverse experimental assays. Mechanistically, we established for the first time that EphA3 signaling may act as a physical mediator of BC cells and CAFs motility through both homotypic and heterotypic interactions. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that RAGE up-regulation leads to migratory ability in ER-positive BC cells. Noteworthy, our findings suggest that EphA3 may be considered as a novel RAGE target gene facilitating BC invasion and scattering from the primary tumor mass. Overall, the current results may provide useful insights for more comprehensive therapeutic approaches in BC, particularly in obese and diabetic patients that are characterized by high RAGE levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Asia Spinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | | | | | - Ida Daniela Perrotta
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Mariano Davoli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Rosanna De Rosa
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Bruno Nardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Tosoni
- European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pece
- European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
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Ahmed AIM, Macirella R, Talarico F, Curcio V, Trotta G, Aiello D, Gharbi N, Mezzasalma M, Brunelli E. Short-term effects of the strobilurin fungicide dimoxystrobin on zebrafish gills: A morpho-functional study. Chemosphere 2023; 333:138914. [PMID: 37187376 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Strobilurins represent the most widely used class of fungicides nowadays andare considered relatively non-toxic to mammals and birds but highly toxic to aquatic biota. Dimoxystrobin is one of the novel strobilurins, recently included in the 3rd Watch List of the European Commission as available data indicate that it could pose a significant risk to aquatic species. As yet, the number of studies explicitly assessing the impact of this fungicide on terrestrial and aquatic species is extremely low, and the toxic effects of dimoxystrobin on fish have not been reported. Here we investigate for the first time the alterations induced by two environmentally relevant and very low concentrations of dimoxystrobin (6.56 and 13.13 μg/L) in the fish gills. morphological, morphometric, ultrastructural, and functional alterations have been evaluated using zebrafish as a model species. We demonstrated that even short-term exposure (96 h) to dimoxystrobin alters fish gills reducing the surface available for gas exchange and inducing severe alterations encompassing three reaction patterns: circulatory disturbance and both regressive and progressive changes. Furthermore, we revealed that this fungicide impairs the expression of key enzymes involved in osmotic and acid-base regulation (Na+/K+-ATPase and AQP3) and the defensive response against oxidative stress (SOD and CAT). The information presented here highlights the importance of combining data from different analytical methods for evaluating the toxic potential of currently used and new agrochemical compounds. Our results will also contribute to the discussion on the suitability of mandatory ecotoxicological tests on vertebrates before the introduction on the market of new compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdalmoiz I M Ahmed
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Federica Talarico
- Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Vittoria Curcio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Trotta
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Donatella Aiello
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Naouel Gharbi
- Fish Biology and Aquaculture Group, Ocean and Environment Department, NORCE Norwegian Research Center, 5006 Bergen, Norway
| | - Marcello Mezzasalma
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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Curcio V, Macirella R, Sesti S, Ahmed AIM, Talarico F, Pizzolotto R, Tagarelli A, Mezzasalma M, Brunelli E. The role of exposure window and dose in determining lead toxicity in developing Zebrafish. Chemosphere 2022; 307:136095. [PMID: 35995187 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination is recognized worldwide as a serious threat to human health and wildlife, and reducing their emissions is a priority of international and EU actions. Due to its persistence, high bioaccumulation tendency, and toxicity properties, lead (Pb) is one of the heavy metals of greatest concern. Even at low concentrations, lead induces various clinical and subclinical conditions in both humans and animals, and it has been included in the priority list of hazardous substances. In the present study, we used zebrafish's early stages as a model, given their well-acknowledged predictive value in the risk assessment of chemicals. This study was designed to investigate the morphological and morphometric alterations induced by Pb during zebrafish's early development and disclose the putative effects stage- and/or dose-dependent. We examined injuries induced by two environmentally relevant and extremely low concentrations of Pb (2.5 μg/L and 5 μg/L) during two exposure windows: early (between 1 and 7 dpf) and late (between 2 and 8 dpf). We clearly demonstrated that the incidence and severity of morphological abnormalities increased with increasing Pb dose and exposure time in both early and late-exposed groups. Furthermore, we revealed that malformation severity was significantly higher in the early exposed group than in the late exposure group at all exposure times and for both tested doses, thus highlighting the high sensitivity of zebrafish during the initial stages of development. The information presented in this paper emphasizes the effectiveness of morphological biomarkers in unveiling threatening situations and supports the role of zebrafish embryos and larvae in risk assessment and environmental monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Curcio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Settimio Sesti
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Abdalmoiz I M Ahmed
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Federica Talarico
- Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Roberto Pizzolotto
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Antonio Tagarelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università Della Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marcello Mezzasalma
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST) - University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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Macirella R, Curcio V, Ahmed AIM, Pellegrino D, Brunelli E. Effect of short-term exposure to low concentration of tebuconazole: morphological, histometric and functional modifications in Danio rerio liver. The European Zoological Journal 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2022.2043469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R. Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - V. Curcio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - A. I. M. Ahmed
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - D. Pellegrino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - E. Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
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Brunelli E, Macirella R, Curcio V, D'Aniello B, Di Cosmo A. The differential role of Leydig cells in the skin and gills of Lissotriton italicus larvae. Microsc Res Tech 2022; 85:2113-2122. [PMID: 35092118 PMCID: PMC9304190 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Larval urodeles are provided with external gills involved, along with the skin, in gas exchange and osmoregulation. Gills and skin epithelia are different, each showing a peculiar set of specialized cells but both provided with Leydig cells (LCs). Information on LCs in the gills is lacking as the literature has focused primarily on the epidermis. Contradictory and fragmentary results highlight that LCs origin, fate, and functions remain not fully understood. Here, we investigated the morpho-functional differences of LCs in the skin and gills of Lissotriton italicus larvae for the first time. LCs showed the same morphological and ultrastructural features in both tissues, even if LCs were significantly larger in the epidermis. Despite the uniform morphology within the LCs population, the proliferative ability was different. The putative diversity in the mucus composition was evaluated using a panel of 4 lectins as markers of specific carbohydrate moieties, revealing that sites of specific glycoconjugates were comparable in two tissues. To disclose the involvement of LCs in water storage and transport, immunofluorescence assay for aquaporin-3 has also been performed, demonstrating the expression of this protein only in gills epithelium. By demonstrating that LCs can multiply by cell division in gills, our results will also contribute to the discussion about their proliferative ability. Finally, we found that the LCs cytoplasm is rich in glycoconjugates, which are involved in many diverse and essential functions in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth ScienceUniversity of CalabriaRendeItaly
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth ScienceUniversity of CalabriaRendeItaly
| | - Vittoria Curcio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth ScienceUniversity of CalabriaRendeItaly
| | - Biagio D'Aniello
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Napoli “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'AngeloNaplesItaly
| | - Anna Di Cosmo
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Napoli “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'AngeloNaplesItaly
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Brunelli E, Macirella R. Exploring the critical points of teaching STEM subjects in the time of COVID 19: the experience of the course "Microscopy Techniques for Forensic Biology". F1000Res 2021; 10:89. [PMID: 34055314 PMCID: PMC8132475 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.28455.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The University was among the first structures to be hit by the health emergency, transferring all its teaching and research activities remotely. It was not easy for teachers and students to find themselves suddenly shifted into different teaching and socializing context. Results: This article describes and analyzes the online teaching experience carried out for the course of Microscopy Techniques for Forensic Biology offered as a part of the Master's degree program in Biology at the University of Calabria (Italy). A cross-sectional survey (pilot study) was designed to investigate the accessibility of distance learning along with an evaluation of adjustments needed for the conversion from offline to online instruction. Particular attention has been paid to learning material and lesson duration, with specific emphasis on practical activities. Conclusions: The author's intent is that of opening a comparison between the strengths and weaknesses that emerged in this experience, highlighting, in particular, how the educational relationship between teacher and student has changed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Brunelli
- Deptarment of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Deptarment of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
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Bernabò I, Guardia A, Macirella R, Sesti S, Tripepi S, Brunelli E. Tissues injury and pathological changes in Hyla intermedia juveniles after chronic larval exposure to tebuconazole. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 205:111367. [PMID: 32971454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tebuconazole (TBZ), an azole pesticide, is one of the most frequently detected fungicides in surface water. Despite its harmful effects, mainly related to endocrine disturbance, the consequences of TBZ exposure in amphibians remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the adverse and delayed effects of TBZ chronic exposure on a native anuran species, often inhabiting cultivated areas, the Italian tree frog (Hyla intermedia). To disclose the multiple mechanisms of action through which TBZ exerts its toxicity we exposed tadpoles over the whole larval period to two sublethal TBZ concentrations (5 and 50 μg/L), and we evaluated histological alterations in three target organs highly susceptible to xenobiotics: liver, kidney, and gonads. We also assessed morphometric and gravimetric parameters: snout-vent length (SVL), body mass (BM), liver somatic index (LSI), and gonad-mesonephros complex index (GMCI) and determined sex ratio, gonadal development, and differentiation. Our results show that TBZ induces irreversible effects on multiple target organs in H. intermedia, exerting its harmful effects through several pathological pathways, including a massive inflammatory response. Moreover, TBZ markedly affects sexual differentiation also by inducing the appearance of sexually undetermined individuals and a general delay of germ cell maturation. Given the paucity of data on the effects of TBZ in amphibians, our results will contribute to a better understanding of the environmental risk posed by this fungicide to the most endangered group of vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bernabò
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Antonello Guardia
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Settimio Sesti
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sandro Tripepi
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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La Russa D, Marrone A, Mandalà M, Macirella R, Pellegrino D. Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Caloric Restriction in an Aged and Obese Rat Model: The Role of Adiponectin. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120532. [PMID: 33255520 PMCID: PMC7761007 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Caloric restriction (CR) represents a powerful intervention for extending healthspan and lifespan in several animal models, from yeast to primates. Additionally, in humans, CR has been found to induce cardiometabolic adaptations associated with improved health. In this study, we evaluated in an aged and obese rat model the effect of long-term (6 months) caloric restriction (−40%) on the oxidative/inflammatory balance in order to investigate the underlining mechanisms. In plasma, we analyzed the oxidative balance by photometric tests and the adiponectin/tumor necrosis factor-α-induced gene/protein 6 (TSG-6) levels by Western blot analysis. In the white adipose tissue, we examined the protein levels of AdipoR1, pAMPK, NFκB, NRF-2, and glutathione S-tranferase P1 by Western blot analysis. Our results clearly showed that caloric restriction significantly improves the plasmatic oxidative/inflammatory balance in parallel with a major increase in circulating adiponectin levels. Additionally, at the level of adipose tissue, we found a positive modulation of both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. These adaptations, induced by caloric restriction, with the achievement of normal weight, suggest that inflammatory and redox imbalance in obese aged rats appear to be more linked to obesity than to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele La Russa
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
- LARSO (Analysis and Research on Oxidative Stress Laboratory), University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
- Correspondence: (D.L.R.); (D.P.)
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- LARSO (Analysis and Research on Oxidative Stress Laboratory), University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.)
| | - Maurizio Mandalà
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.)
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.)
| | - Daniela Pellegrino
- LARSO (Analysis and Research on Oxidative Stress Laboratory), University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence: (D.L.R.); (D.P.)
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Macirella R, Curcio V, Brunelli E. Morpho-Functional Alterations in the Gills of a Seawater Teleost, the Ornate Wrasse ( Thalassoma pavo L.), after Short-Term Exposure to Chlorpyrifos. Toxics 2020; 8:toxics8040097. [PMID: 33171834 PMCID: PMC7711812 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8040097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphorus insecticide commonly used for domestic and agricultural purposes. The risk posed by environmental contamination from CPF is well acknowledged, and it has been detected worldwide in aquatic habitats and coastal areas. In addition, due to its slower degradation in seawater compared to freshwater, CPF is of particular concern for marine environments. Here, we investigated for the first time the morpho-functional alterations induced by CPF on the gills of Thalassoma pavo, a widespread species in the Mediterranean Sea. We tested the effects of two sublethal concentrations (4 and 8 µg/L) after 48 and 96 h. Our study demonstrates that the alterations induced by CPF are dose and time-dependent and highlight the harmful properties of this insecticide. After exposure to the low tested concentration, the more frequent alteration is an intense proliferation of the primary epithelium, whereas after exposure to the high concentration, the primary epithelium proliferation is less extensive, and the most evident effects are the thinning of secondary lamellae and the ectopia of chloride and goblet cells. CPF also modulated the expression of Na+/K+-ATPase. Dilation of lamellar apical tips, pillar cell degeneration, and appearance of aneurysms are often observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elvira Brunelli
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-09-8449-2996; Fax: +39-09-8449-2986
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Macirella R, Madeo G, Sesti S, Tripepi M, Bernabò I, Godbert N, La Russa D, Brunelli E. Exposure and post-exposure effects of chlorpyrifos on Carassius auratus gills: An ultrastructural and morphofunctional investigation. Chemosphere 2020; 251:126434. [PMID: 32169701 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Widespread environmental contamination from chlorpyrifos (CPF) is well acknowledged and has led to the proposal to ban or limit its use in agricultural and domestic, within the regulatory context of both America and Europe. Furthermore, great concerns arise as to whether exposure to CPF represents a potential risk to human health. In the present study, by subjecting the goldfish model to three environmentally realistic concentrations of CPF (1, 4, and 8 μg/L) for 96 h, we demonstrated that this pesticide has the potential to induce severe morphological, ultrastructural and functional alterations in gills, even at very low concentrations. The degree of pathological effects was dose-dependent, and the main morphological alterations recorded were: regression of interlamellar cellular mass (ILCM), hypertrophy, and hyperplasia of epithelial cells, degeneration of both chloride cells and pillar cells. CPF exposure resulted in a decrease of Na+/K+-ATPase expression and the induction of iNOS, as revealed by immunohistochemical analysis. In order to determine the overall toxicity of CPF, we also investigated the recovery capability of goldfish gills following a period of 7 days in pesticide-free water. Our results clearly showed that there exists a threshold of CPF dose below which the effects on gills are reversible and beyond which the ability of gills to recover their typical features is completely lost. The information presented in this paper emphasises the importance of evaluating the recovery ability of organisms after chemical input and enhances our knowledge of the potential hazard of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) on freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Madeo
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy
| | - Settimio Sesti
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy
| | - Manuela Tripepi
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, East Falls Campus College of Life Sciences, Jefferson University, 4201 Henry Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19144, USA
| | - Ilaria Bernabò
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy
| | - Nicolas Godbert
- MAT-INLAB Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 14/C, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy
| | - Daniele La Russa
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy.
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11
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Curcio V, Macirella R, Tripepi M, Brunelli E. Ultrastructural observations on the lung of Pelophylax kl. esculentus tadpoles during development. The European Zoological Journal 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2020.1841841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- V. Curcio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - R. Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - M. Tripepi
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, East Falls Campus College of Life Sciences, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E. Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
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12
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Macirella R, Sesti S, Bernabò I, Tripepi M, Godbert N, Brunelli E. Lead toxicity in seawater teleosts: A morphofunctional and ultrastructural study on the gills of the Ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo L.). Aquat Toxicol 2019; 211:193-201. [PMID: 31005768 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Lead is one of the most alarming toxic pollutants for the environment due to its acute toxicity and high bioaccumulation tendency. Despite legislative efforts, world lead production has more than doubled since the early 1970s to 2016. Due to extensive exploitation and human activity, the coastal and estuarine regions belong to marine environments that are mostly and more rapidly deteriorated by pollutants including lead. A limited number of studies examined the effects of lead in fishes, compared to other aquatic models and even fewer studies have been dedicated to seawater fishes especially regarding Pb adsorption and accumulation in specific organs. Fish gills, key compartments involved in several crucial functions such as gas exchange, osmoregulation, and excretion, are also the organs in which Pb is mainly accumulated. Herein, we investigated the morphofunctional and ultrastructural modifications in the gills of a marine teleost (Thalassoma pavo) after acute exposure (48, 96, 192 h) to three lead concentrations. We showed that pathological alterations can be detected in all the examined samples. The most common modifications observed were: the curling of the lamellae and the dilation of their apical tips, the lamellar edema, the proliferation and the hypertrophy of CCs, the progressive epithelial disorganization with detachment of the epithelium from connective tissue. This study also demonstrates that there is a weak influence on the expression pattern of Na+/K+-ATPase and AQP3 biomarker enzymes while high metallothioneins expression has been observed. The described alterations may adversely affect gas exchange and ionic balance, with a long chain of cascading effects. This is the first evidence of the effects exerted by lead on gills of seawater fishes that highlights the harmful properties of this metal, even at low concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy
| | - Settimio Sesti
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bernabò
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy
| | - Manuela Tripepi
- Department of Biology, Arcadia University450 S Easton Rd, Glenside, PA, 19038, Boyer 340 2155172389, United States
| | - Nicolas Godbert
- MAT-INLAB Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 14/C, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende, Cosenza, 87036, Italy.
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13
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Macirella R, Tripepi M, Brunelli E. Morphological and Immunohistochemical Modifications in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Gills After Short-Term Exposure to the Fungicide Tebuconazole. Zebrafish 2019; 16:65-76. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2018.1638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Manuela Tripepi
- Department of Biology, Arcadia University, Glenside, Pennsylvania
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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14
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Parafati M, Lascala A, La Russa D, Mignogna C, Trimboli F, Morittu VM, Riillo C, Macirella R, Mollace V, Brunelli E, Janda E. Bergamot Polyphenols Boost Therapeutic Effects of the Diet on Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Induced by "Junk Food": Evidence for Anti-Inflammatory Activity. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10111604. [PMID: 30388763 PMCID: PMC6267059 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wrong alimentary behaviors and so-called “junk food” are a driving force for the rising incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among children and adults. The “junk food” toxicity can be studied in “cafeteria” (CAF) diet animal model. Young rats exposed to CAF diet become obese and rapidly develop NAFLD. We have previously showed that bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau) flavonoids, in the form of bergamot polyphenol fraction (BPF), effectively prevent CAF diet-induced NAFLD in rats. Here, we addressed if BPF can accelerate therapeutic effects of weight loss induced by a normocaloric standard chow (SC) diet. 21 rats fed with CAF diet for 16 weeks to induce NAFLD with inflammatory features (NASH) were divided into three groups. Two groups were switched to SC diet supplemented or not with BPF (CAF/SC±BPF), while one group continued with CAF diet (CAF/CAF) for 10 weeks. BPF had no effect on SC diet-induced weight loss, but it accelerated hepatic lipid droplets clearance and reduced blood triglycerides. Accordingly, BPF improved insulin sensitivity, but had little effect on leptin levels. Interestingly, the inflammatory parameters were still elevated in CAF/SC livers compared to CAF/CAF group after 10 weeks of dietary intervention, despite over 90% hepatic fat reduction. In contrast, BPF supplementation decreased hepatic inflammation by reducing interleukin 6 (Il6) mRNA expression and increasing anti-inflammatory Il10, which correlated with fewer Kupffer cells and lower inflammatory foci score in CAF/SC+BPF livers compared to CAF/SC group. These data indicate that BPF mediates a specific anti-inflammatory activity in livers recovering from NASH, while it boosts lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic effects of the dietary intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Parafati
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Campus Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
- Interregional Research Center for Food Safety and Health, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Antonella Lascala
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Campus Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
- Interregional Research Center for Food Safety and Health, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Daniele La Russa
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Campus Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy.
| | - Chiara Mignogna
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Campus Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Francesca Trimboli
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Campus Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Valeria Maria Morittu
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Campus Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Concetta Riillo
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Campus Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Campus Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
- Interregional Research Center for Food Safety and Health, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy.
| | - Elzbieta Janda
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Campus Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
- Interregional Research Center for Food Safety and Health, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
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15
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Bernabò I, Guardia A, Macirella R, Tripepi S, Brunelli E. Chronic exposures to fungicide pyrimethanil: multi-organ effects on Italian tree frog (Hyla intermedia). Sci Rep 2017; 7:6869. [PMID: 28761072 PMCID: PMC5537256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07367-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibian habitats are easily contaminated by several pollutants, and in agricultural landscapes the likely exposure scenario is represented by pesticides. Many of these substances are known or suspected to act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of pyrimethanil, a common-used but also overlooked fungicide, on liver, kidney and gonadal differentiation of Hyla intermedia. Through a multi-organ evaluation, we demonstrated that a long term exposure to two environmentally relevant concentrations of pyrimethanil (5 and 50 µg/L) elicits a range of toxic responses. First we showed that pyrimethanil induces underdevelopment of ovaries and interferes with normal sexual differentiation, thus revealing the endocrine disruption potential of this fungicide. Moreover we revealed that all considered organs are seriously affected by this fungicide and both necrosis and apoptosis contribute to the histological response. This is the first report on the effects of pyrimethanil on gonads, liver and kidney histology of a non-model species and it demonstrates that the hazardous properties of this fungicide can result from several pathological processes affecting different key compartments of amphibian.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bernabò
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Antonello Guardia
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sandro Tripepi
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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16
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Macirella R, Brunelli E. Morphofunctional Alterations in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Gills after Exposure to Mercury Chloride. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040824. [PMID: 28406445 PMCID: PMC5412408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that may exert its toxic effects on living organisms and is found in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in three chemical forms; elemental, organic, and inorganic. The inorganic form (iHg) tends to predominantly accumulate in aquatic environments. The gill apparatus is a very dynamic organ that plays a fundamental role in gas exchange, osmoregulation, acid-base regulation, detoxification, and excretion, and the gills are the primary route of waterborne iHg entrance in fish. In the present work we investigated the morphofunctional and ultrastructural effects in Danio rerio gills after 96 h exposure to two low HgCl2 concentrations (7.7 and 38.5 µg/L). Our results clearly demonstrated that a short-term exposure to low concentrations of mercury chloride resulted in gill morphology alterations and in the modifications of both Na+/K+-ATPase and metallothioneins (MTs) expression pattern. The main morphological effects recorded in this work were represented by hyperplasia and ectopia of chloride cells (CCs), lamellar fusion, increased mucous secretion, alteration of pavement cells (PVCs), detachment of the secondary epithelium, pillar cell degeneration, degeneration, and apoptosis. Trough immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR analysis also showed a dose-related modulation of Na+/K+-ATPase and MTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy.
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy.
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Macirella R, Guardia A, Pellegrino D, Bernabò I, Tronci V, Ebbesson LOE, Sesti S, Tripepi S, Brunelli E. Effects of Two Sublethal Concentrations of Mercury Chloride on the Morphology and Metallothionein Activity in the Liver of Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:361. [PMID: 26978352 PMCID: PMC4813222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a highly hazardous pollutant widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical and agricultural fields. Mercury is found in the environment in several forms, elemental, inorganic (iHg) and organic, all of which are toxic. Considering that the liver is the organ primarily involved in the regulation of metabolic pathways, homeostasis and detoxification we investigated the morphological and ultrastructural effects in Danio rerio liver after 96 h exposure to two low HgCl2 concentrations (7.7 and 38.5 μg/L). We showed that a short-term exposure to very low concentrations of iHg severely affects liver morphology and ultrastructure. The main effects recorded in this work were: cytoplasm vacuolization, decrease in both lipid droplets and glycogen granules, increase in number of mitochondria, increase of rough endoplasmic reticulum and pyknotic nuclei. Pathological alterations observed were dose dependent. Trough immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and real-time PCR analysis, the induction of metallothionein (MT) under stressor conditions was also evaluated. Some of observed alterations could be considered as a general response of tissue to heavy metals, whereas others (such as increased number of mitochondria and increase of RER) may be considered as an adaptive response to mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende (Cosenza) 87036, Italy.
| | - Antonello Guardia
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende (Cosenza) 87036, Italy.
| | - Daniela Pellegrino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende (Cosenza) 87036, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Bernabò
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende (Cosenza) 87036, Italy.
| | | | - Lars O E Ebbesson
- Uni Research Environment, Uni Research, Bergen 5006, Norway.
- Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen High Technology Center, Bergen 5020, Norway.
| | - Settimio Sesti
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende (Cosenza) 87036, Italy.
| | - Sandro Tripepi
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende (Cosenza) 87036, Italy.
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, Rende (Cosenza) 87036, Italy.
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Bernabò I, Guardia A, Macirella R, Sesti S, Crescente A, Brunelli E. Effects of long-term exposure to two fungicides, pyrimethanil and tebuconazole, on survival and life history traits of Italian tree frog (Hyla intermedia). Aquat Toxicol 2016; 172:56-66. [PMID: 26771902 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, the hazards associated with the extensive use of fungicides have become an issue of great concern but, at present, the effects of these substances on amphibians remain poorly understood. The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of two commonly used fungicides, tebuconazole and pyrimethanil, on Italian Tree Frog (Hyla intermedia), a species frequently found in agricultural areas. Tadpoles were exposed to fungicides from developmental Gosner stage 25 (GS 25) to completion of metamorphosis (GS 46) and the whole exposure period lasted 78 days. For both tested fungicides we used two concentrations (5 and 50μg/L) that are comparable to those detected in surface waters, near agricultural fields. A variety of sublethal effects-on growth, development, behavior, and physiology-may be used for evaluating alterations induced by pollutants in amphibians. We estimated whether pyrimethanil and tebuconazole exposure impacted on H. intermedia life history traits. For this purpose, survival, growth, development, initiation of metamorphosis, success and size at metamorphosis, time to metamorphosis, and frequency of morphological abnormalities were evaluated. We showed, for all considered endpoints, that the exposure to tebuconazole exerts more harmful effects on H. intermedia than does exposure to pyrimethanil. Before the onset of metamorphic climax we showed, for both fungicides, that the low concentrations (5μg/L) induced significantly greater effects than the higher ones (50μg/L) on survival and deformity incidence. During the metamorphic climax, a complete reversal of this nonlinear trend takes place, and the percentage of animals initiating metamorphosis was reduced in fungicide-exposed groups in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, a strong correlation emerged between fungicide exposure and the incidence of morphological abnormalities such as tail malformations, scoliosis, edema, mouth and limb deformities. Exposure to tested fungicides also caused a reduction in developmental rates just prior to the onset of metamorphic climax, which translated to a significant delay in timing of metamorphosis. We detected a drastic decrease in the success at metamorphosis in all exposed groups, compared to control group (86.25%). In fact, the percentage of survived larvae to GS 46, in the high and low concentrations, respectively, was only 22.5% and 36.25% in tebuconazole-exposed groups and 43.75% (50μg/L) and 56.25% (5μg/L) in pyrimethanil-exposed groups. Our findings underscore the hazardous properties of these two fungicides for non-target species in the context of ecotoxicological risk assessment. No published studies have addressed the long-term effects of tebuconazole and pyrimethanil on amphibians. To date, this is one of only a few studies documenting the effects of fungicide exposure over the whole larval development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bernabò
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - Antonello Guardia
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - Settimio Sesti
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - Antonio Crescente
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy.
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