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La Corte C, Dara M, Bertini F, Parrinello D, Piazzese D, Parisi MG. Response of Sabella spallanzanii to multiple stressors. The combined effect of infection and copper sulphate. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 263:109475. [PMID: 36182080 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to study the immune responses of the polychaete Sabella spallanzanii after exposure to copper sulphate, an immunomodulating agent in marine organisms, and the multiple stresses caused by Escherichia coli infection, to validate the species as a model organism in marine-coastal biomonitoring programmes. Polychaetes were housed in laboratory and divided into five experimental groups: 1. Control (no microinjected), 2. filtered seawater + TBS injection (control of point 3), 3. filtered seawater + E. coli injection (control of point 4), 4. CuSO4 + TBS injection (control of point 5), and 5. CuSO4 + E. coli injection. The immune variables, esterase and alkaline phosphatase activity, cytotoxicity and detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase were evaluated in total body extracts of the animals. Moreover, toll-like receptor, allograft inflammatory factor-1, lysozyme and haemagglutinating activity were investigated to highlight possible interactions. Indeed, the results of this work demonstrate the immunomodulating effect of copper sulphate on S. spallanzanii total body extracts related to oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia La Corte
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Building16, 90128 Palermo, Italy. https://twitter.com/@ClaudiaLaCorte
| | - Mariano Dara
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Building16, 90128 Palermo, Italy. https://twitter.com/@MarianoDaraBiol
| | - Federica Bertini
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Building16, 90128 Palermo, Italy. https://twitter.com/@_fede_b27
| | - Daniela Parrinello
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Building16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Piazzese
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 26, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Parisi
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Building16, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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Kokhanyuk B, Vántus VB, Radnai B, Vámos E, Kajner G, Galbács G, Telek E, Mészáros M, Deli MA, Németh P, Engelmann P. Distinct Uptake Routes Participate in Silver Nanoparticle Engulfment by Earthworm and Human Immune Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:2818. [PMID: 36014683 PMCID: PMC9413649 DOI: 10.3390/nano12162818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The consequences of engineered silver nanoparticle (AgNP) exposure and cellular interaction with the immune system are poorly understood. The immunocytes of the Eisenia andrei earthworm are frequently applied in ecotoxicological studies and possess functional similarity to vertebrate macrophages. Hence, we characterized and compared the endocytosis mechanisms for the uptake of 75 nm AgNPs by earthworm coelomocytes, human THP-1 monocytes, and differentiated THP-1 (macrophage-like) cells. Our results indicate that microtubule-dependent, scavenger-receptor, and PI3K signaling-mediated macropinocytosis are utilized during AgNP engulfment by human THP-1 and differentiated THP-1 cells. However, earthworm coelomocytes employ actin-dependent phagocytosis during AgNPs uptake. In both human and earthworm immunocytes, AgNPs were located in the cytoplasm, within the endo-/lysosomes. We detected that the internalization of AgNPs is TLR/MyD88-dependent, also involving the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) in the case of human immunocytes. The exposure led to decreased mitochondrial respiration in human immunocytes; however, in coelomocytes, it enhanced respiratory parameters. Our findings provide more data about NP trafficking as nano-carriers in the nanomedicine field, as well as contribute to an understanding of the ecotoxicological consequences of nanoparticle exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Kokhanyuk
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viola Bagóné Vántus
- Department of Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Radnai
- Department of Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eszter Vámos
- Department of Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gyula Kajner
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Galbács
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Elek Telek
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mária Mészáros
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mária A. Deli
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Németh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Manna S, Ray A, Gautam A, Mukherjee S, Ray M, Ray S. A comparative account of coelomocyte of earthworm ecotypes with reference to its morphology, morphometry, density, phagocytosis, autofluorescence, and oxidative status. J Morphol 2022; 283:956-972. [PMID: 35621718 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Earthworms inhabit different strata of moist soil. Epigeic and endogeic earthworms prefer superficial and inner stratum of soil respectively, whereas, semiaquatic species are distributed around hydrated soil near ponds and lakes. Coelomocytes, the chief immunoeffector cells of coelomic origin, perform diverse physiological functions like phagocytosis, maintenance of cellular homeostasis, and acid-base balance of coelomic fluid, graft rejection, elicitation of cytotoxic, and oxidative responses under the challenges of pathogens and toxins. The present study aims to analyze selected morphological and functional parameters in three differentially adapted Indian earthworms of nonsimilar habitats. Coelomocytes of Glyphidrilus tuberosus (Stephenson, 1916) (semiaquatic), Perionyx excavatus (Perrier, 1872) (epigeic), and Eutyphoeus orientalis (Beddard, 1883) (endogeic) were isolated for morphological and morphometric analyses and subjected to determination of phagocytic, oxidative, and cytotoxic responses. Activities of phenoloxidase, pro, and antioxidant enzymes, and autofluorescence were determined in the extruded coelomocytes of earthworms of three contrasting habitats. The differential result may be correlated with species-specific responses and variation in habitat preference and related adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Manna
- Department of Zoology, Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhishek Ray
- Department of Zoology, Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Arunodaya Gautam
- Department of Zoology, Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Soumalya Mukherjee
- Department of Zoology, Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.,Department of Zoology, Brahmananda Keshab Chandra College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Mitali Ray
- Department of Zoology, Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sajal Ray
- Department of Zoology, Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Kokhanyuk B, Bodó K, Sétáló G, Németh P, Engelmann P. Bacterial Engulfment Mechanism Is Strongly Conserved in Evolution Between Earthworm and Human Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:733541. [PMID: 34539669 PMCID: PMC8440998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.733541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invertebrates, including earthworms, are applied to study the evolutionarily conserved cellular immune processes. Earthworm immunocytes (so-called coelomocytes) are functionally similar to vertebrate myeloid cells and form the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Hereby, we compared the engulfment mechanisms of THP-1 human monocytic cells, differentiated THP-1 (macrophage-like) cells, and Eisenia andrei coelomocytes towards Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria applying various endocytosis inhibitors [amantadine, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride, colchicine, cytochalasin B, cytochalasin D, methyl-ß-cyclodextrin, and nystatin]. Subsequently, we investigated the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of immune receptor-related molecules (TLR, MyD88, BPI) and the colocalization of lysosomes with engulfed bacteria following uptake inhibition in every cell type. Actin depolymerization by cytochalasin B and D has strongly inhibited the endocytosis of both bacterial strains in the studied cell types, suggesting the conserved role of actin-dependent phagocytosis. Decreased numbers of colocalized lysosomes/bacteria supported these findings. In THP-1 cells TLR expression was increased upon cytochalasin D pretreatment, while this inhibitor caused a dropped LBP/BPI expression in differentiated THP-1 cells and coelomocytes. The obtained data reveal further insights into the evolution of phagocytes in eukaryotes. Earthworm and human phagocytes possess analogous mechanisms for bacterial internalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Kokhanyuk
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kornélia Bodó
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - György Sétáló
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Németh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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5
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Arginase Activity in Eisenia andrei Coelomocytes: Function in the Earthworm Innate Response. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073687. [PMID: 33916228 PMCID: PMC8037997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginase is the manganese metalloenzyme catalyzing the conversion of l-arginine to l-ornithine and urea. In vertebrates, arginase is involved in the immune response, tissue regeneration, and wound healing and is an important marker of alternative anti-inflammatory polarization of macrophages. In invertebrates, data concerning the role of arginase in these processes are very limited. Therefore, in the present study, we focused on the changes in arginase activity in the coelomocytes of Eisenia andrei. We studied the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), heavy metals ions (e.g., Mn2+), parasite infection, wound healing, and short-term fasting (5 days) on arginase activity. For the first time in earthworms, we described arginase activity in the coelomocytes and found that it can be up-regulated upon in vitro stimulation with LPS and H2O2 and in the presence of Mn2+ ions. Moreover, arginase activity was also up-regulated in animals in vivo infected with nematodes or experiencing segment amputation, but not in fasting earthworms. Furthermore, we confirmed that the activity of coelomocyte arginase can be suppressed by l-norvaline. Our studies strongly suggest that similarly to the vertebrates, also in the earthworms, coelomocyte arginase is an important element of the immune response and wound healing processes.
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Gudeta K, Julka J, Kumar A, Bhagat A, Kumari A. Vermiwash: An agent of disease and pest control in soil, a review. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06434. [PMID: 33732941 PMCID: PMC7944038 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vermiwash is a liquid extract produced from vermicompost in a medium where earthworms are richly populated. It comprises a massive decomposer bacteria count, mucus, vitamins, different bioavailable minerals, hormones, enzymes, different antimicrobial peptides, etc. This paper aimed to assess how these natural products in vermiwash suppressed the pathogen and pests. Thus, we have reviewed the importance of vermiwash/vermicompost in disease control, the mechanism of disease suppression, the components of vermiwash applied in disease suppression, and pest control to use the scientific facts in agriculture to enhance the productivity of the crops. The bioactive macromolecules from the skin secretion of earthworm, coelomic fluid, and mucus directly able to defend pathogenic soil microbes against the worm and thereby freed the environment from the disease. Earthworms establish symbiotic relations with microbes, produce an essential product that supports the growth of plants, and suppress plant's root disease. It is recomended that earthworm should be inoculated in an agricultural field, or prepare and apply its vermiwash/vermicompost as a spray or as additive bio-fertilizer in the soil to enhance the productivities of the crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasahun Gudeta
- Adama Science and Technology University, Department of Biology, P.O. Box 1888, Adama, Ethiopia
- Shoolini University Biotechnology and Management Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - J.M. Julka
- Shoolini University Biotechnology and Management Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Kumar
- Shoolini University Biotechnology and Management Sciences, School of Biotechnology, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ankeet Bhagat
- Department of Zoology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Amita Kumari
- Shoolini University Biotechnology and Management Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
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7
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Injury-Induced Innate Immune Response During Segment Regeneration of the Earthworm, Eisenia andrei. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052363. [PMID: 33673408 PMCID: PMC7956685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of body parts and their interaction with the immune response is a poorly understood aspect of earthworm biology. Consequently, we aimed to study the mechanisms of innate immunity during regeneration in Eisenia andrei earthworms. In the course of anterior and posterior regeneration, we documented the kinetical aspects of segment restoration by histochemistry. Cell proliferation peaked at two weeks and remitted by four weeks in regenerating earthworms. Apoptotic cells were present throughout the cell renewal period. Distinct immune cell (e.g., coelomocyte) subsets were accumulated in the newly-formed blastema in the close proximity of the apoptotic area. Regenerating earthworms have decreased pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) (e.g., TLR, except for scavenger receptor) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) (e.g., lysenin) mRNA patterns compared to intact earthworms. In contrast, at the protein level, mirroring regulation of lysenins became evident. Experimental coelomocyte depletion caused significantly impaired cell divisions and blastema formation during anterior and posterior regeneration. These obtained novel data allow us to gain insight into the intricate interactions of regeneration and invertebrate innate immunity.
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Zhao Y, Liu X, Xi B, Zhang Q, Li A, Zhang J. Transcriptomic analysis of oligochaete immune responses to myxosporeans infection: Branchiura sowerbyi infected with Myxobolus cultus. J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 169:107283. [PMID: 31765651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Myxozoa are endoparasites characterized by a two-host life cycle that typically involves invertebrates and vertebrates as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. However, little is known about invertebrate-myxosporean interactions, particularly about patterns of host immune defense. We used RNA-sequencing to identify genes that are possibly involved in the immune responses of the oligochaete Branchiura sowerbyi naturally infected with Myxobolus cultus. De novo assembly of the B. sowerbyi transcriptome yielded 119,031 unigenes, with an average length of 896 bp and an N50 length of 1754 bp. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed 4059 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between M. cultus-infected and uninfected B. sowerbyi groups, including 3802 upregulated genes and 257 downregulated genes. Among the B. sowerbyi immune factors implicated in the responses to M. cultus infection, DEGs related to lectins, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, phagocytosis, oxidative-antioxidative responses, proteases, and protease inhibitors were upregulated. The expression of some immune-related molecules such as calmodulin, heat shock proteins, antimicrobial peptides, lysenin, and serum amyoid A protein were also significantly upregulated. The expression patterns of 14 immune-related DEGs identified by RNA-seq were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. This study is the first attempt to characterize the B. sowerbyi transcriptome and identify immune-related molecules possibly associated with M. cultus infection. It is also the first report of invertebrate host-myxosporean interactions at the transcriptomic level. Our results will facilitate the elucidation of adaptive evolution mechanisms of myxosporean parasites in the definitive host and the genetic basis for differences in resistance of invertebrate hosts of different genotypes to a myxosporean species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Diseases Control, Ministry of Agriculture and State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Diseases Control, Ministry of Agriculture and State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bingwen Xi
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 214081 Wuxi, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Diseases Control, Ministry of Agriculture and State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Aihua Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Diseases Control, Ministry of Agriculture and State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Diseases Control, Ministry of Agriculture and State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Garcia-Velasco N, Irizar A, Urionabarrenetxea E, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Soto M. Selection of an optimal culture medium and the most responsive viability assay to assess AgNPs toxicity with primary cultures of Eisenia fetida coelomocytes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 183:109545. [PMID: 31446174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Earthworm immune cells (coelomocytes) have become a target system in ecotoxicology due to their sensitivity against a wide range of pollutants, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Presently, in vitro approaches (viability assays in microplate, flow cytometry, cell sorting) with primary cultures of Eisenia fetida coelomocytes have been successfully used to test the toxicity and the dissimilar response of cell subpopulations (amoebocytes and eleocytes) after PVP-PEI coated AgNPs and AgNO3 exposures. In order to obtain reliable data and to accurately assess toxicity with coelomocytes, first an optimal culture medium and the most responsive assay were determined. AgNPs posed a gradual decrease in coelomocytes viability, establishing the LC50 value in RPMI-1640 medium at 6 mg/l and discarding that the observed cytotoxicity was attributable to its coating agent PVP-PEI. Exposure to AgNPs caused selective cytotoxicity in amoebocytes, which correlated with the Ag concentrations measured in sorted amoebocytes and reinforced the idea of dissimilar sensitivities among amoebocytes and eleocytes. Silver nano and ionic forms exerted similar toxicity in coelomocytes. The in vitro approaches with coelomocytes of E. fetida performed in this study have the capacity to predict impairments caused by pollutants at longer exposure levels and thus, provide rapid and valuable information for eco(nano)toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Garcia-Velasco
- Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology (CBET) Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE-UPV/EHU, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48080, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain.
| | - A Irizar
- Department of Bioscience - Soil Fauna Ecology and Ecotoxicology, Vejlsøvej 25. Building M3.14, 8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - E Urionabarrenetxea
- Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology (CBET) Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE-UPV/EHU, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48080, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - J J Scott-Fordsmand
- Department of Bioscience - Soil Fauna Ecology and Ecotoxicology, Vejlsøvej 25. Building M3.14, 8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - M Soto
- Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology (CBET) Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE-UPV/EHU, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48080, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
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10
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Ray S, Gautam A, Ray A, Das S, Ray M. Analysis of oxidative stress and cellular aggregation in the coelomocytes of earthworms collected from metal contaminated sites of industrial and agricultural soils of West Bengal, India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:22625-22640. [PMID: 31168715 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05438-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Endogeic earthworm Metaphire posthuma (Valliant, 1868) is a common biological component of the tropical soil of India and other countries. The species is reported to influence fertility and porosity of soil and bear a high composting potential. Intensive agricultural, industrial, and mining activities increase the amount of toxic metals in soil causing physiological adversity in earthworm and other biotic components in soil. Coelomocytes, the chief immunoeffector cells of earthworm, perform diverse physiological functions under the challenge of toxins and pathogens. The experimental earthworms collected separately from soils with agricultural and tannery activities were subjected to quantitation of prooxidation and antioxidation parameters for estimation of oxidative stress. Total count, cellular aggregation, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide anion, nitric oxide, activities of phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-s-transferase, and amount of total protein were estimated in the coelomocytes of M. posthuma as experimental end points of toxicity screening. Concentrations of cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury were determined in the soil samples to assess the degree of toxic contamination. The increase in the amount of prooxidants and decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes indicated the signs of oxidative stress in the coelomocytes of the organism. Aggregation of circulating coelomocytes is considered as an immune response involved in pathogen encapsulation response as reported in many invertebrates. Decrease in coelomocyte aggregation in earthworm collected from contaminated sites suggested a state of inappropriate shift of the innate immune status. Toxin-induced oxidative stress and reductions in cell aggregation response are the signs of immunocompromisation of M. posthuma. Present findings bear a prospect of this experimental species as an indicator of soil pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajal Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India.
| | - Arunodaya Gautam
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Abhishek Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Subhadeep Das
- Chemical Signal and Lipidomics Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Mitali Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
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11
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Ečimović S, Velki M, Vuković R, Štolfa Čamagajevac I, Petek A, Bošnjaković R, Grgić M, Engelmann P, Bodó K, Filipović-Marijić V, Ivanković D, Erk M, Mijošek T, Lončarić Z. Acute toxicity of selenate and selenite and their impacts on oxidative status, efflux pump activity, cellular and genetic parameters in earthworm Eisenia andrei. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 212:307-318. [PMID: 30145422 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.08.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential element for humans, animals, and certain lower plants, but can be toxic at high concentration. Even though Se is potentially toxic, little information is available about the effects of Se on soil animals. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different concentrations of two Se forms, selenate and selenite, on earthworm Eisenia andrei. In order to obtain comprehensive overview on the Se effects, different parameters were measured. Namely, acute toxicity, apoptosis, efflux pump activity, different enzymatic and non-enzymatic biomarkers (acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase activities, lipid peroxidation level and GSH/GSSG ratio) and expression of genes involved in oxidative and immune response have been investigated. Additionally, measurement of metallothioneins concentration and concentration of Se in exposed earthworms has been also performed. The assessment of acute toxicity showed a greater sensitivity of E. andrei to selenite exposure, whereas Se concentration measurements in earthworms showed higher accumulation of selenate form. Both Se forms caused inhibition of the efflux pump activity. Decrease in superoxide dismutase activity and increase in lipid peroxidation and glutathione reductase activity indicate that Se has a significant impact on the oxidative status of earthworms. Selenate exposure caused an apoptotic-like cell death in the coelomocytes of exposed earthworms, whereas decreased mRNA levels of stress-related genes and antimicrobial factors were observed upon the exposure to selenite. The obtained data give insight into the effects of two most common forms of Se in soil on the earthworm E. andrei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ečimović
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Mirna Velki
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Rosemary Vuković
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Ivna Štolfa Čamagajevac
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Anja Petek
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Rebeka Bošnjaković
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Magdalena Grgić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Péter Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, Pécs H-7643, Hungary.
| | - Kornélia Bodó
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, Pécs H-7643, Hungary.
| | - Vlatka Filipović-Marijić
- Laboratory for Biological Effects of Metals, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, P.O. Box 180, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Dušica Ivanković
- Laboratory for Biological Effects of Metals, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, P.O. Box 180, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marijana Erk
- Laboratory for Biological Effects of Metals, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, P.O. Box 180, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Tatjana Mijošek
- Laboratory for Biological Effects of Metals, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, P.O. Box 180, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Zdenko Lončarić
- Faculty of Agriculture, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Kralja Petra Svačića 1d, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
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12
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Homa J. Earthworm coelomocyte extracellular traps: structural and functional similarities with neutrophil NETs. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 371:407-414. [PMID: 29404728 PMCID: PMC5820388 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2787-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Invertebrate immunity is associated with natural mechanisms that include cellular and humoral elements, similar to those that play a role in vertebrate innate immune responses. Formation of extracellular traps (ETs) is a newly discovered mechanism to combat pathogens, operating not only in vertebrate leucocytes but also in invertebrate immune cells. The ET components include extracellular DNA (exDNA), antimicrobial proteins and histones. Formation of mammalian ETs depends on enzymes such as neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase, the citrullination of histones and protease activity. It was confirmed that coelomocytes-immunocompetent cells of the earthworm Eisenia andrei-are also able to release ETs in a protease-dependent manner, dependent or independent of the formation of reactive oxygen species and rearrangement of the cell cytoskeleton. Similar to vertebrate leukocytes (e.g., neutrophil), coelomocytes are responsible for many immune functions like phagocytosis, cytotoxicity and secretion of humoral factors. ETs formed by coelomocyte analogues to neutrophil ETs consist of exDNA, histone H3 and attached to these structures proteins, e.g., heat shock proteins HSP27. The latter fact confirms that mechanisms of ET release are conserved in evolution. The study on Annelida adds this animal group to the list of invertebrates capable of ET release, but most importantly provides insides into innate mechanisms of ET formation in lower animal taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Homa
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
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13
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Ghosh S. Environmental pollutants, pathogens and immune system in earthworms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:6196-6208. [PMID: 29327186 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-1167-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Earthworms also known as farmer's friends are natural tillers of soil. They belong to Phylum Annelida and class Oligochaeta. Acid soils with organic matter and surface humus maintain the largest fauna of worms and earthworms. Due to their habitat in soil, they are constantly exposed to microbes and pollution generated by anthropogenic sources. Studies have revealed that damage of the immune system of earthworms can lead to alterations of both morphological and cellular characteristics of worms, activation of signalling pathways and can strongly influence their survival. Therefore, the understanding of the robust immune system in earthworms has become very important from the point of view of understanding its role in combating pathogens and pollutants and its role in indicating the soil pollution. In this article, we have outlined the (i) components of the immune system and (ii) their function of immunological responses on exposure to pollutants and pathogens. This study finds importance from the point of view of ecotoxicology and monitoring of earthworm health and exploring the scope of earthworm immune system components as biomarkers of pollutants and environmental toxicity. The future scope of this review remains in understanding the earthworm immunobiology and indicating strong biomarkers for pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyamasree Ghosh
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 752050, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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Gautam A, Ray A, Mukherjee S, Das S, Pal K, Das S, Karmakar P, Ray M, Ray S. Immunotoxicity of copper nanoparticle and copper sulfate in a common Indian earthworm. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 148:620-631. [PMID: 29128823 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Copper oxide nanoparticles and copper sulfate are established contaminants of water and soil. Metaphire posthuma is a common variety of earthworm distributed in moist soil of Indian subcontinent. Comparative toxicity of copper nanoparticles and copper sulfate were investigated with reference to selected immune associated parameters of earthworm. Total count, phagocytic response, generation of cytotoxic molecules (superoxide anion, nitric oxide), activities of enzymes like phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and total protein of coelomocytes were estimated under the exposures of 100, 500, 1000mg of copper oxide nanoparticles and copper sulfate per kg of soil for 7 and 14 d. A significant decrease in the total coelomocyte count were recorded with maximum depletion as 15.45 ± 2.2 and 12.5 ± 2 × 104 cells/ml under the treatment of 1000mg/kg of copper nanoparticles and copper sulfate for 14 d respectively. A significant decrease in generation of nitric oxide and activity of phenoloxidase were recorded upon exposure of both toxins for 7 and 14 d indicating possible decline in cytotoxic status of the organism. A maximum inhibition of superoxide dismutase activity was recorded as 0.083 ± 0.0039 and 0.055 ± 0.0057 unit/mg protein/minute against 1000mg/kg of copper nanoparticles and copper sulfate treatment for 14 d respectively. Activities of catalase and alkaline phosphatase were inhibited by all experimental concentrations of both toxins in the coelomocytes of earthworm. These toxins were recorded to be modifiers of the major immune associated parameters of M. posthuma. Unrestricted contamination of soil by sulfate and oxide nanoparticles of copper may lead to an undesirable shift in the innate immunological status of earthworm leading to a condition of immune compromisation and shrinkage in population density of this species in its natural habitat. This article is the first time report of immunological toxicity of nanoparticles and sulfate salt of copper in M.posthuma inhabiting the soil of India, an agriculture based country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunodaya Gautam
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Abhishek Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Soumalya Mukherjee
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Santanu Das
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Kunal Pal
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, 188 Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India.
| | - Subhadeep Das
- Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Parimal Karmakar
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, 188 Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India.
| | - Mitali Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Sajal Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
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15
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Meyer-Rochow VB. Therapeutic arthropods and other, largely terrestrial, folk-medicinally important invertebrates: a comparative survey and review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2017; 13:9. [PMID: 28173820 PMCID: PMC5296966 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-017-0136-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Traditional healing methods involving hundreds of insect and other invertebrate species are reviewed. Some of the uses are based on the tenet of "similia similibus" (let likes be cured by likes), but not all non-conventional health promoting practices should be dismissed as superstition or wishful thinking, for they have stood the test of time. Two questions are addressed: how can totally different organ systems in a human possibly benefit from extracts, potions, powders, secretions, ashes, etc. of a single species and how can different target organs, e.g. bronchi, lungs, the urinary bladder, kidneys, etc. apparently respond to a range of taxonomically not even closely related species? Even though therapeutically used invertebrates are generally small, they nevertheless possess organs for specific functions, e.g. digestion, gas exchange, reproduction. They have a nervous system, endocrine glands, a heart and muscle tissue and they contain a multitude of different molecules like metabolites, enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, secretions, etc. that have come under increased scientific scrutiny for pharmacological properties. Bearing that in mind it seems likely that a single species prepared and used in different ways could have a multitude of uses. But how, for example, can there be remedies for breathing and other problems, involving earthworms, molluscs, termites, beetles, cockroaches, bugs, and dragonflies? Since invertebrates themselves can suffer from infections and cancers, common defence reactions are likely to have evolved in all invertebrates, which is why it would be far more surprising to find that each species had evolved its own unique disease fighting system. To obtain a more comprehensive picture, however, we still need information on folk medicinal uses of insects and other invertebrates from a wider range of regions and ethnic groups, but this task is hampered by western-based medicines becoming increasingly dominant and traditional healers being unable and sometimes even unwilling to transmit their knowledge to the younger generation. However, collecting and uncontrolled uses of therapeutic invertebrates can put undue pressure on certain highly sought after species and this is something that has to be borne in mind as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Benno Meyer-Rochow
- Department of Genetics and Physiology, Oulu University, Oulu, SF-90140, Finland.
- Research Institute of Luminous Organisms, Hachijo, Nakanogo, Hachijojima, Tokyo, 100-1623, Japan.
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16
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Park IY, Cha JR, Ok SM, Shin C, Kim JS, Kwak HJ, Yu YS, Kim YK, Medina B, Cho SJ, Park SC. A new earthworm cellulase and its possible role in the innate immunity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 67:476-480. [PMID: 27614272 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A new endogenous cellulase (Ean-EG) from the earthworm, Eisenia andrei and its expression pattern are demonstrated. Based on a deduced amino acid sequence, the open reading frame (ORF) of Ean-EG consisted of 1368 bps corresponding to a polypeptide of 456 amino acid residues in which is contained the conserved region specific to GHF9 that has the essential amino acid residues for enzyme activity. In multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis, the deduced amino acid sequence of Ean- EG showed the highest sequence similarity (about 79%) to that of an annelid (Pheretima hilgendorfi) and could be clustered together with other GHF9 cellulases, indicating that Ean-EG could be categorized as a member of the GHF9 to which most animal cellulases belong. The histological expression pattern of Ean-EG mRNA using in situ hybridization revealed that the most distinct expression was observed in epithelial cells with positive hybridization signal in epidermis, chloragogen tissue cells, coelomic cell-aggregate, and even blood vessel, which could strongly support the fact that at least in the earthworm, Eisenia andrei, cellulase function must not be limited to digestive process but be possibly extended to the innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Yong Park
- Department of Biology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Roung Cha
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Mi Ok
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chuog Shin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Se Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Kwak
- Department of Biology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Sang Yu
- Department of Biology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Kyung Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Brenda Medina
- Department of Biology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Cho
- Department of Biology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Soon Cheol Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Engelmann P, Hayashi Y, Bodó K, Ernszt D, Somogyi I, Steib A, Orbán J, Pollák E, Nyitrai M, Németh P, Molnár L. Phenotypic and functional characterization of earthworm coelomocyte subsets: Linking light scatter-based cell typing and imaging of the sorted populations. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 65:41-52. [PMID: 27349970 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Flow cytometry is a common approach to study invertebrate immune cells including earthworm coelomocytes. However, the link between light-scatter- and microscopy-based phenotyping remains obscured. Here we show, by means of light scatter-based cell sorting, both subpopulations (amoebocytes and eleocytes) can be physically isolated with good sort efficiency and purity confirmed by downstream morphological and cytochemical applications. Immunocytochemical analysis using anti-EFCC monoclonal antibodies combined with phalloidin staining has revealed antigenically distinct, sorted subsets. Screening of lectin binding capacity indicated wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) as the strongest reactor to amoebocytes. This is further evidenced by WGA inhibition assays that suggest high abundance of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine in amoebocytes. Post-sort phagocytosis assays confirmed the functional differences between amoebocytes and eleocytes, with the former being in favor of bacterial engulfment. This study has proved successful in linking flow cytometry and microscopy analysis and provides further experimental evidence of phenotypic and functional heterogeneity in earthworm coelomocyte subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Yuya Hayashi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kornélia Bodó
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Ernszt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Somogyi
- Department of Comparative Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Anita Steib
- Department of Comparative Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - József Orbán
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Edit Pollák
- Department of Comparative Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Nyitrai
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; MTA-PTE Nuclear-Mitochondrial Interactions Research Group, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Németh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Molnár
- Department of Comparative Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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18
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Homa J, Ortmann W, Kolaczkowska E. Conservative Mechanisms of Extracellular Trap Formation by Annelida Eisenia andrei: Serine Protease Activity Requirement. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159031. [PMID: 27416067 PMCID: PMC4945018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation of extracellular traps (ETs) capturing and immobilizing pathogens is now a well-established defense mechanism added to the repertoire of vertebrate phagocytes. These ETs are composed of extracellular DNA (extDNA), histones and antimicrobial proteins. Formation of mouse and human ETs depends on enzymes (i) facilitating decondensation of chromatin by citrullination of histones, and (ii) serine proteases degrading histones. In invertebrates, initial reports revealed existence of ETs composed of extDNA and histones, and here we document for the first time that also coelomocytes, immunocompetent cells of an earthworm Eisenia andrei, cast ETs which successfully trap bacteria in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent and -independent manner. Importantly, the formation of ETs was observed not only when coelomocytes were studied ex vivo, but also in vivo, directly in the earthworm coelom. These ETs were composed of extDNA, heat shock proteins (HSP27) and H3 histones. Furthermore, the formation of E. andrei ETs depended on activity of serine proteases, including elastase-like activity. Moreover, ETs interconnected and hold together aggregating coelomocytes, a processes proceeding encapsulation. In conclusion, the study confirms ET formation by earthworms, and unravels mechanisms leading to ET formation and encapsulation in invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Homa
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Weronika Ortmann
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Kolaczkowska
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
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Lionetto MG, Caricato R, Calisi A, Giordano ME, Erroi E, Schettino T. Biomonitoring of water and soil quality: a case study of ecotoxicological methodology application to the assessment of reclaimed agroindustrial wastewaters used for irrigation. RENDICONTI LINCEI-SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-015-0486-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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20
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Metallothionein induction in the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris following heavy metal exposure: a short report. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:109386. [PMID: 24804193 PMCID: PMC3996935 DOI: 10.1155/2014/109386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Earthworms are useful bioindicator organisms for soil biomonitoring. Recently the use of pollution biomarkers in earthworms has been increasingly investigated for soil monitoring and assessment. Earthworm coelomic fluid is particularly interesting from a toxicological perspective, because it is responsible for pollutant disposition and tissue distribution to the whole organism. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of heavy metal exposure on metallothionein (Mt) induction in the coelomic fluid of Lumbricus terrestris in view of future use as sensitive biomarker suitable for application to metal polluted soil monitoring and assessment. L. terrestris coelomic fluid showed a detectable Mt concentration of about 4.0 ± 0.6 μg/mL (mean ± SEM, n = 10) in basal physiological condition. When the animals were exposed to CuSO4 or CdCl2 or to a mixture of the two metals in OECD soils for 72 h, the Mt specific concentration significantly (P < 0.001) increased. The Mt response in the coelomic fluid perfectly reflected the commonly used Mt response in the whole organism when the two responses were compared on the same specimens. These findings indicate the suitability of Mt determination in L. terrestris coelomic fluid as a sensitive biomarker for application to metal polluted soil monitoring and assessment.
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21
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Homa J, Zorska A, Wesolowski D, Chadzinska M. Dermal exposure to immunostimulants induces changes in activity and proliferation of coelomocytes of Eisenia andrei. J Comp Physiol B 2013; 183:313-22. [PMID: 23014884 PMCID: PMC3607720 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-012-0710-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Due to the specific habitat conditions in which they live, earthworms are constantly exposed to pathogens. Consequently, they have evolved various immuno-defense mechanisms, including cellular (coelomocytes) and humoral responses, which may help to eliminate deleterious micro-organisms but also repair and/or protect host cells and tissues. Similar to mammalian phagocytes, coelomocytes can kill ingested pathogens with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide. In the present work, we studied the effects of the dermal exposure of Eisenia andrei earthworms to different immuno-stimulants: phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or concanavalin A (ConA). After 3 days of treatment with all immuno-stimulants, decreased numbers and changed composition of the coelomocytes were observed. The immuno-stimulants also induced numerous changes in bactericidal activity, including ROS production. Furthermore, all stimulants increased cell proliferation while only LPS-treatment significantly elevated apoptosis of coelomocytes. These results demonstrate that in vivo treatment of earthworms with immuno-stimulants induces various changes in their coelomocyte response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Homa
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
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22
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Molnár L, Engelmann P, Somogyi I, Mácsik LL, Pollák E. Cold-stress induced formation of calcium and phosphorous rich chloragocyte granules (chloragosomes) in the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2012; 163:199-209. [PMID: 22710253 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The cytochemical and functional characteristics of chloragocytes of both 'control' and cold-stressed Eisenia fetida were examined. Flow cytometry revealed the heterogeneity of chloragocytes: the first group was characterized by low, the second one by high acid phosphatase (AcP) content. In 'control' animals the former, in cold-stressed ones the latter type were the dominant form. The elevated AcP-activity correlated with the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles (AVs) in chloragocytes. Both AVs and all small chloragosomes showed high AcP activity, while most of the large chloragosomes did not display any. Most 'control' granules (0.75-1.25 μm) contained high amounts of Ca and P, with less and variable quantities of S, Cl, K, Fe and Zn. Small chloragosomes with low Ca and P concentrations were seldom found. In cold-stressed animals the number of small granules (0.25-0.75 μm) increased up to 40% of total population. Their Ca and P contents were significantly lower; S and Fe concentrations were higher than those of large chloragosomes (1.0-1.5 μm). Our results prove that the formation and elemental composition of chloragosomes can be influenced by environmental stressors and suggest that the mature chloragosomes are tertiary lysosomes and their formation is coupled to autophagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Molnár
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Ifjúság u. 6, Hungary.
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Fiołka MJ, Zagaja MP, Hułas-Stasiak M, Wielbo J. Activity and immunodetection of lysozyme in earthworm Dendrobaena veneta (Annelida). J Invertebr Pathol 2012; 109:83-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Calisi A, Lionetto MG, Schettino T. Biomarker response in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris exposed to chemical pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 409:4456-4464. [PMID: 21783228 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Earthworms are important organisms for the soil ecosystem. They are sensitive to toxic chemicals and represent useful bioindicator organisms for soil biomonitoring. Recently the use of biomarkers in earthworms has been increasingly investigated for soil monitoring and assessment purpose. The aim of the preset paper was to analyze the pollutant-induced response of a suite of cellular and biochemical biomarkers in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris exposed to copper sulphate or methiocarb in OECD soil at the maximal concentrations recommended in agriculture. These responses were compared to lifecycle parameters such as survival, growth and reproduction. Granulocyte morphometric alteration, lysosomal membrane stability, metallothionein concentration, and acetylcholinesterase activity were considered. In either copper sulphate or methiocarb exposure conditions the mean percentage variation of the pollutant-induced molecular and cellular biomarkers was consistent with the whole organism end-point responses. In particular pollutant-induced granulocyte enlargement, detected in either copper sulphate or methiocarb exposed organisms, showed to be a potential general biomarker that may be directly linked to organism health. Compared to the other biological responses to pollutants, it showed high sensitivity to pollutant exposure suggesting its possible applications as a sensitive, simple, and quick general biomarker for monitoring and assessment applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Calisi
- Dip.to di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DiSTeBA), Università del Salento, Via provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100, Italy
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Fuller-Espie SL. Using flow cytometry to measure phagocytic uptake in earthworms. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION 2010; 11:144-151. [PMID: 23653715 PMCID: PMC3577174 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.v11i2.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This laboratory module familiarizes students with flow cytometry while acquiring quantitative reasoning skills during data analysis. Leukocytes, also known as coelomocytes (including hyaline and granular amoebocytes, and chloragocytes), from Eisenia hortensis (earthworms) are isolated from the coelomic cavity and used for phagocytosis of fluorescent Escherichia coli. Students learn how to set up in vitro cellular assays and become familiar with theoretical principles of flow cytometry. Histograms based on fluorescence and scatter properties combined with gating options permit students to restrict their analyses to particular subsets of coelomocytes when measuring phagocytosis, a fundamentally important innate immune mechanism used in earthworms. Statistical analysis of data is included in laboratory reports which serve as the primary assessment instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl L. Fuller-Espie
- Corresponding author. Mailing address: Science Department, Cabrini College, 610 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087-3698. Phone: (610) 902-8369. Fax: (610) 902-8285. E-mail:
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Fuller-Espie SL. Vertebrate cytokines interleukin 12 and gamma interferon, but not interleukin 10, enhance phagocytosis in the annelid Eisenia hortensis. J Invertebr Pathol 2010; 104:119-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2010.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Revised: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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27
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Calisi A, Lionetto MG, Schettino T. Pollutant-induced alterations of granulocyte morphology in the earthworm Eisenia foetida. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2009; 72:1369-1377. [PMID: 19410293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2009.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2008] [Revised: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/15/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Earthworms are considered convenient indicators of land use and soil fertility. Recently the use of biomarkers in earthworms has been increasingly investigated. The aim of this work was to study possible pollutant-induced morphometric alterations in Eisenia foetida granulocytes in view of future applications as a sensitive, simple, and quick biomarker for soil monitoring and assessment applications. Results showed consistent enlargement of earthworm granulocytes induced by exposure to either copper sulfate or methiocarb. The increase of cellular size was time-dependent and was about 100% after 14 days of exposure for both treatments. In order to verify the applicability of morphometric granulocyte alteration, a battery of standardized biomarkers such as lysosomal membrane stability, metallothionein induction, or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition were also determined. We recommend the use of morphometric alterations of granulocytes as a suitable biomarker of pollutant effect to be included in a multibiomarker strategy including responses at different levels of biological organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Calisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali, Università del Salento, Via provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce, Italy
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28
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Varhalmi E, Somogyi I, Kiszler G, Nemeth J, Reglodi D, Lubics A, Kiss P, Tamas A, Pollak E, Molnar L. Expression of PACAP-like compounds during the caudal regeneration of the earthworm Eisenia fetida. J Mol Neurosci 2008; 36:166-74. [PMID: 18622585 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-008-9125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2008] [Accepted: 06/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The regeneration of the ventral nerve cord ganglion and peripheral tissues was investigated by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry in the model animal, Eisenia fetida (Annelida, Oligochaeta). It is now well-established that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neurotrophic factor, playing important roles in the development of the nervous system in vertebrate animals. Based on the apparent evolutionary conservation of PACAP and on the several common mechanisms of vertebrate and invertebrate nervous regeneration, the question was raised whether PACAP has any role in the regeneration of the earthworm nervous system. As a first step, we studied the distribution, concentration, and time-course of PACAP-like immunoreactivity during caudal regeneration of both lost segments and the ventral nerve cord ganglia in E. fetida. A strong upregulation of PACAP-like immunoreactivity was observed in most tissues following injury as determined by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry. Significant increases in the concentration of PACAP-like compounds were found in the body wall, alimentary canal, and in coelomocytes. The most characteristic morphological feature was the accumulation of immunolabeled neoblasts in the injured tissues, especially in the ventral nerve cord ganglion that initiates and mediates regeneration processes. Our present results show that PACAP/PACAP-like peptides accumulate in the regenerating tissues of the earthworm, suggesting trophic functions of these compounds in earthworm tissues similarly to vertebrate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Varhalmi
- Department of General Zoology, University of Pécs, 7624, Ifjúság u. 6., Pécs, Hungary
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29
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Lefebvre C, Vandenbulcke F, Bocquet B, Tasiemski A, Desmons A, Verstraete M, Salzet M, Cocquerelle C. Cathepsin L and cystatin B gene expression discriminates immune coelomic cells in the leech Theromyzon tessulatum. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 32:795-807. [PMID: 18177937 PMCID: PMC2782477 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2007.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2007] [Revised: 11/21/2007] [Accepted: 11/25/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies evidenced that cystatin B-like gene is specifically expressed and induced in large circulating coelomic cells following bacterial challenge in the leech Theromyzon tessulatum. In order to understand the role of that cysteine proteinase inhibitor during immune response, we investigated the existence of members of cathepsin family. We cloned a cathepsin L-like gene and studied its tissue distribution. Immunohistochemical studies using anti-cathepsin L and anti-cystatin B antibodies and ultrastructural results demonstrated the presence of three distinct coelomic cell populations: (1) the chloragocytes, which were initially defined as large coelomocytes, (2) the granular amoebocytes and (3) small coelomic cells. Among those cells, while chloragocytes contain cystatin B and cathepsin L, granular amoebocytes contain only cathepsin L and the third cell population contains neither cathepsin nor inhibitor. Finally, results evidenced that cathepsin L immunopositive granular amoebocytes are chemoattracted to the site of injury and phagocyte bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Lefebvre
- Université de Lille 1, Laboratoire de Neuroimmunologie des Annélides, FRE 2933 Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), IFR147, Bâtiment SN3, Université de Lille1, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq cedex, France.
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30
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Vernile P, Fornelli F, Bari G, Spagnuolo M, Minervini F, de Lillo E, Ruggiero P. Bioavailability and toxicity of pentachlorophenol in contaminated soil evaluated on coelomocytes of Eisenia andrei (Annelida: Lumbricidae). Toxicol In Vitro 2007; 21:302-7. [PMID: 17142006 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2006.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2006] [Revised: 09/19/2006] [Accepted: 09/29/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is widely distributed and highly persistent in soil, and represents a threat to the health of ecosystems. The present study aimed to assess the toxicity and bioavailability of PCP in soils as a function of different aging periods with the attempt to select a good toxicological assay for Eisenia andrei Bouché (Annelida: Lumbricidae). The experiments were performed on soil contaminated with PCP at 15 and 150ppm. After different aging periods (20, 60 and 120 days from spiking), bioavailability and toxicity were evaluated on E. andrei kept for 7 and 14 days in treated soils. The actual bioavailability decreased in relation to the aging for both PCP concentrations. No membrane damage was observed on coelomocytes collected by ethanol extrusion. Modifications in distribution of coelomocyte subpopulations were detected by flow cytometry on samples aged for 60 and 120 days at 150ppm PCP contamination. The reduction of lysosomal membrane stability, measured by neutral red retention time, was observed in all treatments. Worm mortality increased with aging in soils spiked with 150ppm of PCP. In conclusion, aging did not seem to reduce PCP cytotoxicity. This is the first report on in vivo toxicity of PCP evaluated on coelomocytes of E. andrei using different assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqua Vernile
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology and Chemistry, University of Bari, Italy
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31
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Kasschau MR, Ngo TD, Sperber LM, Tran KL. Formation of filopodia in earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) coelomocytes in response to osmotic stress. ZOOLOGY 2007; 110:66-76. [PMID: 17174079 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2006.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2006] [Revised: 04/08/2006] [Accepted: 07/13/2006] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Coelomocytes, the immunodefense cells of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris, are exposed to changing osmotic pressures as the worm's coelomic fluid responds to fluctuating wet-dry conditions of the surrounding soil. Using light and fluorescence microscopy combined with actin and tubulin disrupting drugs, we determined the effects of changing osmotic pressure on coelomocyte morphology. The coelomocytes from L. terrestris respond to an increase in environmental osmotic pressure from isotonic conditions (170 mOsm) to hypertonic conditions (715 mOsm) by changing from a round/petalloid morphology to a filopodial morphology. Cytoskeletal fluorescent staining studies indicate that for filopodia to form, the actin cortical ring, present in most coelomocytes in isotonic conditions, must be disrupted. Breakdown of the actin ring by exposure to a hypertonic environment or actin disrupting drugs allows the formation of actin or tubulin-based filopodia. The filopodia, or podial-like extensions formed by earthworm coelomocytes, may enable the cells to better explore their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret R Kasschau
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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32
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Olchawa E, Bzowska M, Stürzenbaum SR, Morgan AJ, Plytycz B. Heavy metals affect the coelomocyte-bacteria balance in earthworms: environmental interactions between abiotic and biotic stressors. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2006; 142:373-81. [PMID: 16309804 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2005] [Accepted: 09/18/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Three-day dermal exposure of Dendrobaena veneta to metal ions differentially disrupts the immunocompetence/pathogen balance. Zn does not accumulate in the earthworm body, Cu accumulation is temperature-independent while Cd accumulation is stronger at 22 degrees C than at 10 degrees C. During in vitro incubation with metal ions at 22 degrees C, growth of coelom-derived bacteria is enhanced by Zn, but significantly or almost completely inhibited by Cu or Cd. In contrast, under in vivo conditions at 22 degrees C, bacterial load is decreased only after Cd exposure, but increased after Zn and Cu exposures. At 10 degrees C bacteria growth is almost completely inhibited in all groups except Cu-treated animals. Coelomocyte number is unaffected in animals exposed to Zn, but significantly decreased after exposure to Cd (at 22 degrees C) and Cu (at 22 degrees C and 10 degrees C) with concomitant changes of amoebocyte-to-eleocyte ratio in favour of amoebocytes. Metal exposure up-regulates expression of metallothioneins in coelomocytes, mainly amoebocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Olchawa
- Department of Evolutionary Immunobiology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, R. Ingardena 6, PL 30-060 Krakow, Poland
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Wojtaszek J, Kolaczkowska A, Kowalska J, Nowak K, Wilusz T. LTCI, a novel chymotrypsin inhibitor of the potato I family from the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. Purification, cDNA cloning, and expression. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2006; 143:465-72. [PMID: 16469515 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2005.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2005] [Revised: 12/28/2005] [Accepted: 12/29/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A novel chymotrypsin inhibitor of the potato I protease inhibitor family from the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris was purified. The inhibitor, named LTCI, was isolated by methanol extraction, affinity chromatography on immobilized methylchymotrypsin, and ion exchange chromatography followed by RP-HPLC. The 7076 Da inhibitor consists of a single polypeptide chain of 64-amino-acid residues without disulfide bridges. LTCI is the first of the potato I protease inhibitors with Tyr in position P1 of the reactive site. cDNA analysis revealed that LTCI is produced as a 86-amino-acid precursor with a 22-amino-acid secretory signal peptide. RT-PCR analysis demonstrates that LTCI mRNA is expressed in body wall, intestine, and coelomocytes. The recombinant LTCI was produced in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with intein and chitin binding domain using IMPACT-CN system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wojtaszek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Wroclaw, Tamka 2, 50-137 Wroclaw, Poland
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Cooper EL, Kvell K, Engelmann P, Nemeth P. Still waiting for the toll? Immunol Lett 2006; 104:18-28. [PMID: 16368151 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2005.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2005] [Revised: 11/09/2005] [Accepted: 11/09/2005] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular organisms including invertebrates and vertebrates live in various habitats that may be aquatic or terrestrial where they are constantly exposed to deleterious pathogens. These include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. They have evolved various immunodefense mechanisms that may protect them from infection by these microorganisms. These include cellular and humoral responses and the level of differentiation of the response parallels the evolutionary development of the species. The first line of innate immunity in earthworms is the body wall that prevents the entrance of microbes into the coelomic cavity that contains fluid in which there are numerous leukocyte effectors of immune responses. When this first barrier is broken, a series of host responses is set into motion activating the leukocytes and the coelomic fluid. The responses are classified as innate, natural, non-specific, non-anticipatory, non-clonal (germ line) in contrast to the vertebrate capacity that is considered adaptive, induced, specific, anticipatory and clonal (somatic). Specific memory is associated with the vertebrate response and there is information that the innate response of invertebrates may under certain conditions possess specific memory. The invertebrate system when challenged affects phagocytosis, encapsulation, agglutination, opsonization, clotting and lysis. At least two major leukocytes, small and large mediate lytic reactions against several tumor cell targets. Destruction of tumor cells in vitro shows that phagocytosis and natural killer cell responses are distinct properties of these leukocytes. This has prompted newer searches for immune function and regulation in other systems. The innate immune system of the earthworm has been analyzed for more than 40 years with every aspect examined. However, there are no known entire sequences of the earthworm as exists in these other invertebrates. Because the earthworm lives in soil and has been utilized as a successful monitor for pollution, there are studies that reveal up and down regulation of responses in the immune system after exposure to a variety of environmental pollutants. Moreover, there are partial sequences that appear in earthworms after exposure to environmental pollutants such as cadmium and copper. There are now attempts to define the AHR receptor crucial for intracellular signaling after exposure to pollutants, but without linking the signals to changes in the immune system. There are several pathways for signal transduction, including JAK/STAT, TOLL, TRAF PIP3, known in invertebrates and vertebrates. For resistance to pathogens, conserved signal transduction components are required and these include a Toll/IL-1 receptor domain adaptor protein that functions upstream of a conserved p38 MAP kinase pathway. This pathway may be an ancestral innate immune signaling pathway found in a putative common ancestor of nematodes, arthropods and even vertebrates. It could also help us to link pollution, innate immunity and transduction in earthworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Cooper
- Laboratory of Comparative Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, LA 90095-1763, USA
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Engelmann P, Cooper EL, Németh P. Anticipating innate immunity without a Toll. Mol Immunol 2005; 42:931-42. [PMID: 15829285 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2004.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2004] [Accepted: 09/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Earthworm innate immunity depends upon small and large leukocytes (coelomocytes) that synthesize and secrete humoral antimicrobial molecules (e.g. lysenin, fetidin, eiseniapore, coelomic cytolytic factor [CCF]; Lumbricin I). Small coelomocytes (cytotoxic) are positive (CD11a, CD45RA, CD45RO, CDw49b, CD54, beta(2)-m and Thy-1 [CD90]; CD24; TNF-alpha) but negative using other mammalian markers. Large coelomocytes (phagocytic) are uniformly negative. Specific earthworm anti-EFCC 1, 2, 3, 4 mAbs are negative for Drosophila melanogaster hemocytes and mammalian cells but positive those of earthworms. Coelomocytes contain several lysosomal enzymes involved in phagocytosis and a pattern recognition molecule (CCF) that may trigger the prophenoloxidase cascade a crucial innate immune response. Earthworms and other invertebrates possess natural, non-specific, non-clonal, and non-anticipatory immune response governed by germ line genes. Toll and Toll-like receptor signaling is essential for phagocytosis and antimicrobial peptide synthesis and secretion in insects and vertebrates but has not yet been shown to be essential in earthworm innate responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Szigeti u.12, H-7643 Pécs, Hungary.
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36
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Adamowicz A. Morphology and ultrastructure of the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta (Lumbricidae) coelomocytes. Tissue Cell 2005; 37:125-33. [PMID: 15748739 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2004.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2004] [Revised: 10/26/2004] [Accepted: 11/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microscope techniques, light microscope (LM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) were employed to describe and classify coelomocytes of the oligochaete Dendrobaena veneta. Three main cell types were distinguished in the coelomic fluid: eleocytes, amoebocytes and granulocytes. Eleocytes are large, oval cells containing characteristic granules called chloragosomes. Amoebocytes are most numerous coelomocytes and have been divided into two types (I and II). Both amoebocytes of the types I and II often form aggregations of a few to about a dozen cells. Granulocytes are oval cells with spherical nuclei and cytoplasm containing polymorphic, electron dense granules. Contrary to the amoebocytes, the granulocytes do not form aggregations. Morphology and ultrastructure of coelomocytes are presented on micrographs: similarities and differences are compared to coelomocytes of related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Adamowicz
- Department of Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute, Wrocław University, Cybulskiego 30, 50-205 Wrocław, Poland.
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Engelmann P, Pálinkás L, Cooper EL, Németh P. Monoclonal antibodies identify four distinct annelid leukocyte markers. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 29:599-614. [PMID: 15784291 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2004.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2004] [Revised: 10/20/2004] [Accepted: 10/25/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes for the first time the production and characterization of a library of monoclonal antibodies (anti-EFCC clones) raised against coelomocyte (leukocyte) markers of Eisenia fetida earthworm. Leukocyte subgroups are components of earthworm innate immunity that require a more precise characterization using immunological markers. Flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and immunoprecipitation analyzed and confirmed the specificity of anti-EFCC clones. Anti-EFCC mAbs revealed different leukocyte subpopulations and various staining patterns on tissues. Two functional assays (e.g. phagocytosis and encapsulation) further characterized EFCC clusters revealing a common coelomocyte marker and three subpopulation-specific markers. No crossreactivity was found on human, mouse, rat or cells from Drosophila melanogaster but immunoreactivity was detected on snail (Planorbarius corneus) tissues. Immunohistochemical results suggest mesodermal origin of all coelomocyte subgroups that agree with classical morphological analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti u.12, Hungary.
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38
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Engelmann P, Kiss J, Csöngei V, Cooper EL, Németh P. Earthworm leukocytes kill HeLa, HEp-2, PC-12 and PA317 cells in vitro. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 61:215-27. [PMID: 15560938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbbm.2004.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2003] [Revised: 03/12/2004] [Accepted: 04/04/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Earthworm coelomic fluid contains biologically active molecules and leukocytes that participate in phagocytosis, encapsulation. Presumably they synthesize and secrete several effector modulators of innate immune responses such as antibacterial molecules, cytotoxic proteins and cytokines. Several lytic molecules have been detected in coelomic fluid previously but it is not yet clear which are actually released from the coelomocytes. Our aim was to analyze the cytotoxic effects of coelomocytes on mammalian target cells and to provide evidence that the lytic factors originate from coelomocytes. Cell-free coelomic fluid, supernatants of short-term cultured coelomocytes, and lysates from coelomocytes--derived by mechanical and detergent extraction--were used in cytotoxicity assays performed on different mammalian standard tumor cell lines and mouse fibroblasts. We used native and denaturized (using proteinase K, and trypsin digestions, or heat-inactivation) coelomocyte lysates (CCL). The viability controls of targeted cells were made by measuring photometrically and analyzing by inverted microscopy. According to our results the coelomic fluid, the supernatant of cultured coelomocytes, and the CCL significantly decreased ratios of living cells compared to controls in a dose-dependent manner. Our experiments performed with CCLs suggest that coelomocytes are responsible for the productions of cytotoxic components presumably proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti u.12, Hungary.
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