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Pinto A, Macário IPE, Marques SM, Lourenço J, Domingues I, Botelho MJ, Asselman J, Pereira P, Pereira JL. A short-term exposure to saxitoxin triggers a multitude of deleterious effects in Daphnia magna at levels deemed safe for human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175431. [PMID: 39128511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms and the toxins produced during these events are a human and environmental health concern worldwide. Saxitoxin and its derivatives are potent natural aquatic neurotoxins produced by certain freshwater cyanobacteria and marine algae species during these bloom events. Saxitoxins effects on human health are well studied, however its effects on aquatic biota are still largely unexplored. This work aims at evaluating the effects of a pulse acute exposure (24 h) of the model cladoceran Daphnia magna to 30 μg saxitoxin L-1, which corresponds to the safety guideline established by the World Health Organization (WHO) for these toxins in recreational freshwaters. Saxitoxin effects were assessed through a comprehensive array of biochemical (antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid peroxidation), genotoxicity (alkaline comet assay), neurotoxicity (total cholinesterases activity), behavioral (swimming patterns), physiological (feeding rate and heart rate), and epigenetic (total 5-mC DNA methylation) biomarkers. Exposure resulted in decreased feeding rate, heart rate, total cholinesterases activity and catalase activity. Contrarily, other antioxidant enzymes, namely glutathione-S-transferases and selenium-dependent Glutathione peroxidase had their activity increased, together with lipid peroxidation levels. The enhancement of the antioxidant enzymes was not sufficient to prevent oxidative damage, as underpinned by lipid peroxidation enhancement. Accordingly, average DNA damage level was significantly increased in STX-exposed daphnids. Total DNA 5-mC level was significantly decreased in exposed organisms. Results showed that even a short-term exposure to saxitoxin causes significant effects on critical molecular and cellular pathways and modulates swimming patterns in D. magna individuals. This study highlights sub-lethal effects caused by saxitoxin in D. magna, suggesting that these toxins may represent a marked challenge to their thriving even at a concentration deemed safe for humans by the WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albano Pinto
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Inês P E Macário
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sérgio M Marques
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Lourenço
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Inês Domingues
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria João Botelho
- IPMA, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Jana Asselman
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge Building, Ostend Science Park 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Patrícia Pereira
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Chang J, Liu A, Zhang J, Chu L, Hou X, Huang X, Xing Q, Bao Z. Transcriptomic analysis reveals PC4's participation in thermotolerance of scallop Argopecten irradians irradians by regulating myocardial bioelectric activity. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 52:101295. [PMID: 39053238 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Rising ocean temperatures due to global warming pose a significant threat to the bay scallop aquaculture industry. Understanding the mechanisms of thermotolerance in bay scallops is crucial for developing thermotolerant breeds. Our prior research identified Arg0230340.1, part of the positive cofactor 4 (PC4) family, as a key gene associated with the thermotolerance index Arrhenius break temperature (ABT) in bay scallops. Further validation through RNA interference (RNAi) reinforced PC4's role in thermotolerance, offering a solid basis for investigating thermal response mechanisms in these scallops. In this study, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis on the temperature-sensitive hearts of bay scallops after siRNA-mediated RNAi targeting Arg0230340.1, to delve into the detailed molecular mechanism of PC4's participation in thermotolerance regulation. The analysis revealed that silencing Arg0230340.1 significantly reduced the expression of mitochondrial tRNA and rRNA, potentially affecting mitochondrial function and the heart's blood supply capacity. Conversely, the up-regulation of genes involved in energy metabolism, RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-mediated basal transcription, and aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis pathways points to an intrinsic protective response, providing energy and substrates for damage repair and maintenance of essential functions under stress. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the up-regulated genes were primarily associated with energy metabolism and spliceosome pathways, likely contributing to myocardial remodeling post-Arg0230340.1 knockdown. Down-regulated genes were enriched in ion channel pathways, particularly those for Na+, K+, and Ca2+ channels, whose dysfunction could disrupt normal myocardial bioelectric activity. The impaired cardiac performance resulting from RNAi targeting Arg0230340.1 reduced the cardiac workload in scallop hearts, thus affecting myocardial oxygen consumption and thermotolerance. We propose a hypothetical mechanism where PC4 down-regulation impairs cardiac bioelectric activity, leading to decreased thermotolerance in bay scallops, providing theoretical guidance for breeding thermotolerant scallop varieties and developing strategies for sustainable aquaculture in the face of long-term environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxi Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ancheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Junhao Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Longfei Chu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiujiang Hou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Qiang Xing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
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Li S, Cui Y, Wen M, Ji G. Toxic Effects of Methylene Blue on the Growth, Reproduction and Physiology of Daphnia magna. TOXICS 2023; 11:594. [PMID: 37505561 PMCID: PMC10384865 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Methylene blue (MB) is a disinfectant used in aquaculture to prevent and treat fish diseases. However, the release of MB can pose a risk to the receiving water bodies. Zooplankton are the most sensitive organisms among aquatic life. Hence, this study examined the acute and chronic toxic effects of MB on zooplankton using Daphnia magna (D. magna) as a test organism to provide basic data for risk assessment. The results show that 48 h-EC50 and 24 h-LC50 were 61.5 ± 2.3 and 149.0 ± 2.2 μg/L, respectively. Chronic exposure to MB affected the heart rate, beat frequency of the thoracic limbs, and reproductive ability of D. magna at environmental concentrations higher than 4.7 μg/L. The cumulative molts, time to production of the first brood, and total number of living offspring were affected at different MB concentrations, while "abortions" were observed in high-exposure groups. The activity of superoxide dismutase was increased, while glutathione S-transferase activity was stimulated at low concentrations and inhibited at high concentrations. In addition, the malondialdehyde content increased with increasing concentrations of MB. Our findings demonstrate the impact of MB on the reproduction and growth of freshwater species, as well as their physiological responses. These results have implications for establishing guidelines on the use of MB in aquaculture and setting discharge standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Li
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yixin Cui
- Engineering Research Center of Environmental DNA and Ecological Water Health Assessment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Min Wen
- Engineering Research Center of Environmental DNA and Ecological Water Health Assessment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Gaohua Ji
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Engineering Research Center of Environmental DNA and Ecological Water Health Assessment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
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Bownik A. Physiological endpoints in daphnid acute toxicity tests. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 700:134400. [PMID: 31689654 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Daphnids are freshwater crustaceans used in toxicity tests. Although lethality and immobilisation are the most commonly used endpoints in those tests, more sensitive parameters are required for determination of sublethal acute effects of toxicants. The use of various physiological endpoints in daphnids is considered as a low-cost and simple alternative that meets the 3R's rule (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) criteria. However, currently there is no review-based evaluation of their applicability in toxicity testing. This paper presents the results on the most commonly determined physiological parameters of Daphnia in ecotoxicological studies and human drug testing, such as feeding activity, thoracic limb movement, heart rate, cardiac area, respiratory activity, compound eye, mandible movements and post-abdominal claw contractions. Furthermore, their applicability as promising endpoints in the assessment of water quality or drug testing is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Bownik
- Department of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin, Poland.
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Zhou Y, Wang J, Meng Z, Zhou S, Peng J, Chen S, Wang Q, Sun K. Pharmacology of Ivabradine and the Effect on Chronic Heart Failure. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1878-1901. [PMID: 31400267 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190809093144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome with a high incidence worldwide. Although various types of pharmacological and device therapies are available for CHF, the prognosis is not ideal, for which, the control of increased Heart Rate (HR) is critical. Recently, a bradycardic agent, ivabradine, is found to reduce HR by inhibiting the funny current (If). The underlying mechanism states that ivabradine can enter the Hyperpolarization-activated Cyclic Nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and bind to the intracellular side, subsequently inhibiting the If. This phenomenon can prolong the slow spontaneous phase in the diastolic depolarization, and thus, reduce HR. The clinical trials demonstrated the significant effects of the drug on reducing HR and improving the symptoms of CHF with fewer adverse effects. This review primarily introduces the chemical features and pharmacological characteristics of ivabradine and the mechanism of treating CHF. Also, some expected therapeutic effects on different diseases were also concluded. However, ivabradine, as a typical If channel inhibitor, necessitates additional research to verify its pharmacological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhuo Meng
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital&Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiayu Peng
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Sun Chen
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qingjie Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Kun Sun
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
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