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25-Hydroxyvitamin D Plasma Levels in Natural Populations of Pigmented and Partially Pigmented Land Iguanas from Galápagos (Conolophus spp.). BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7741397. [PMID: 35872852 PMCID: PMC9303120 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7741397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We report the first data on 25-hydroxyvitamin D plasma levels in natural populations of three species of land iguana endemic to the Galápagos Islands (Conolophus marthae, C. subcristatus, and C. pallidus). The pigment is present throughout the whole body in the skin of C. subcristatus and C. pallidus. On the contrary, pigment is not present in the skin of an extended part of the body in C. marthae. The only existing population of C. marthae is syntopic with a population of C. subcristatus, and the two species are closely related. These circumstances would suggest that, under the assumption that the species show a similar basking behavior and in the absence of compensatory mechanisms, lighter pigmentation should favor higher vitamin D levels. Thus, C. marthae, compared with C. subcristatus in Wolf Volcano, could show higher levels of 25(OH)D plasma levels, or equal, if compensatory mechanisms exist. The three species showed levels in the range of average values for healthy iguanas. However, contrary to the expectation, C. marthae consistently exhibited the lowest 25(OH)D plasma levels. We discuss possible factors affecting vitamin concentration and hypothesize that C. marthae may use the habitat to limit exposure to the high UVB irradiation at Wolf Volcano.
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Bani L, Orioli V, Giacchini R, Parenti P, Dondina O, Prokić M, Faggio C, Campli G. Can antioxidant responses be induced by habitat fragmentation process? OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Bani
- Dept of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Milano‐Bicocca Milan Italy
- World Biodiversity Association onlus c/o NAT LAB Forte Inglese Portoferraio (Livorno) Italy
| | - Valerio Orioli
- Dept of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Milano‐Bicocca Milan Italy
| | - Roberto Giacchini
- Dept of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Milano‐Bicocca Milan Italy
| | - Paolo Parenti
- Dept of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Milano‐Bicocca Milan Italy
| | - Olivia Dondina
- Dept of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Milano‐Bicocca Milan Italy
| | - Marko Prokić
- Dept of Physiology, Inst. for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković', National Inst. of Republic of Serbia, Univ. of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Dept of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Messina Messina Messina Italy
| | - Giulia Campli
- Dept of Ecology and Evolution, Swiss Inst. of Bioinformatics, Univ. of Lausanne Biophore Lausanne Switzerland
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M. Petyaev I. Carotenoids in Thermal Adaptation of Plants and Animals. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.104537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The support of carotenoids in photosynthesis is well documented. However, what is their role in parts of plants where there is no photosynthesis such as in fruits or stems or even in parts which are not exposed to the light at all, such as seeds or roots? Why are carotenoids essential for all animals and humans and present in almost every tissue in their body? The answer is that carotenoids can make complexes with lipids, which results in an increase of lipid thermal energy absorption and a reduction of viscosity. These changes help to expand the temperature range for the functionality of lipid structures, improve the capacity of thermal homeostasis and support adaptation and survival of living species to environmental stress and in particular to temperature variations. Working as “thermal antennas” carotenoids can increase lipid thermal energy conductivity, heat storage and heat retaining capacity. This, on the one hand, can reduce the freezing/melting points of plant and animal lipids and makes carotenoids work as antifreezers in microorganisms, plants or ectothermic animals. On the other hand, the thermal antennas can help absorb, transmit and accumulate external thermal energy essential to activate and support cellular metabolism. In addition, we describe how these properties of carotenoids can affect lipid parameters in nutrition, physiology and pathology.
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Tapia W, Gibbs JP. Galapagos land iguanas as ecosystem engineers. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12711. [PMID: 35116195 PMCID: PMC8784015 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Declines of large-bodied herbivorous reptiles are well documented, but the consequences for ecosystem function are not. Understanding how large-bodied herbivorous reptiles engineer ecosystems is relevant given the current interest in restoration of tropical islands where extinction rates are disproportionately high and reptiles are prominent as herbivores. METHODS In this study, we measured the ecosystem-level outcomes of long-term quasi-experiment represented by two adjacent islands within the Galapagos Archipelago, one with and the other without Galapagos land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus), large-bodied herbivores known to feed on many plant species. We characterized plant communities on each island by developing high-resolution (<1 cm2) aerial imagery and delineating extent of plant associations and counting individual plants on each. RESULTS In the presence of iguanas there was dramatically less woody plant cover, more area with seasonal grasses, and many fewer cacti. Cacti had a more clumped distribution where iguanas were absent than where iguanas were present. DISCUSSION This study provided strong evidence that Galapagos land iguanas can substantially engineer the structure of terrestrial plant communities; therefore, restoration of large-bodied reptilian herbivores, such as land iguanas and giant tortoises, should be regarded as an important component of overall ecosystem restoration, especially for tropical islands from which they have been extirpated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Washington Tapia
- Science Faculty, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain,Galapagos Conservancy, Fairfax, VA, United States of America
| | - James P. Gibbs
- Galapagos Conservancy, Fairfax, VA, United States of America,Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
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Ahi EP, Lecaudey LA, Ziegelbecker A, Steiner O, Glabonjat R, Goessler W, Hois V, Wagner C, Lass A, Sefc KM. Comparative transcriptomics reveals candidate carotenoid color genes in an East African cichlid fish. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:54. [PMID: 31948394 PMCID: PMC6966818 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6473-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotenoids contribute significantly to animal body coloration, including the spectacular color pattern diversity among fishes. Fish, as other animals, derive carotenoids from their diet. Following uptake, transport and metabolic conversion, carotenoids allocated to body coloration are deposited in the chromatophore cells of the integument. The genes involved in these processes are largely unknown. Using RNA-Sequencing, we tested for differential gene expression between carotenoid-colored and white skin regions of a cichlid fish, Tropheus duboisi "Maswa", to identify genes associated with carotenoid-based integumentary coloration. To control for positional gene expression differences that were independent of the presence/absence of carotenoid coloration, we conducted the same analyses in a closely related population, in which both body regions are white. RESULTS A larger number of genes (n = 50) showed higher expression in the yellow compared to the white skin tissue than vice versa (n = 9). Of particular interest was the elevated expression level of bco2a in the white skin samples, as the enzyme encoded by this gene catalyzes the cleavage of carotenoids into colorless derivatives. The set of genes with higher expression levels in the yellow region included genes involved in xanthophore formation (e.g., pax7 and sox10), intracellular pigment mobilization (e.g., tubb, vim, kif5b), as well as uptake (e.g., scarb1) and storage (e.g., plin6) of carotenoids, and metabolic conversion of lipids and retinoids (e.g., dgat2, pnpla2, akr1b1, dhrs). Triglyceride concentrations were similar in the yellow and white skin regions. Extracts of integumentary carotenoids contained zeaxanthin, lutein and beta-cryptoxanthin as well as unidentified carotenoid structures. CONCLUSION Our results suggest a role of carotenoid cleavage by Bco2 in fish integumentary coloration, analogous to previous findings in birds. The elevated expression of genes in carotenoid-rich skin regions with functions in retinol and lipid metabolism supports hypotheses concerning analogies and shared mechanisms between these metabolic pathways. Overlaps in the sets of differentially expressed genes (including dgat2, bscl2, faxdc2 and retsatl) between the present study and previous, comparable studies in other fish species provide useful hints to potential carotenoid color candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010, Graz, Austria
- Department of Comparative Physiology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-75 236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laurène A. Lecaudey
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010, Graz, Austria
- Department of Natural History, NTNU University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Angelika Ziegelbecker
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Oliver Steiner
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 1, A-8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Ronald Glabonjat
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 1, A-8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Walter Goessler
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 1, A-8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Victoria Hois
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 31/II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Carina Wagner
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 31/II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Achim Lass
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 31/II, 8010, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Kristina M. Sefc
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010, Graz, Austria
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Spiezio C, Leonardi C, Regaiolli B. Assessing colour preference in Aldabra giant tortoises (Geochelone gigantea). Behav Processes 2017; 145:60-64. [PMID: 29031945 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Tortoises perceive different colours and rely on the visual system to find food. However, few studies have considered colour preference in tortoises, especially in land species. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Aldabra giant tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) housed in Parco Natura Viva (VR), an Italian zoological garden, show a specific colour preference in their social context. The study was divided into two different periods in which red and yellow balls of the same size were scattered around in the outdoor enclosure. In the first period, pieces of carrots were placed behind each ball whereas in the second period, carrots were replaced with apples. Data on the frequencies of interaction with red and yellow balls were collected. First, tortoises interacted more with the balls when pieces of apples rather than carrots were hidden behind them. No significant group-level colour preference was found; however, individual-level variation in colour preference was reported. In addition, tortoises interacted significantly more with the yellow balls in the second than in the first period. Food typology seems therefore to play an important role in determining colour preference in chelonians. Research aimed at identifying individual differences in animal preferences might be valuable to improve captive animal husbandry (e.g.: development of enrichment programmes, diets and rewards).
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Spiezio
- Research & Conservation Department, Parco Natura Viva - Garda Zoological Park srl, Località Figara 40, 37012 Bussolengo, Italy.
| | - Carola Leonardi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Barbara Regaiolli
- Research & Conservation Department, Parco Natura Viva - Garda Zoological Park srl, Località Figara 40, 37012 Bussolengo, Italy.
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McNeil GV, Friesen CN, Gray SM, Aldredge A, Chapman LJ. Male colour variation in a eurytopic African cichlid: the role of diet and hypoxia. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia V. McNeil
- Department of Biology; McGill University; 1205 Docteur Penfield Avenue Montreal QC H3A 1B1 Canada
| | - Caitlin N. Friesen
- Department of Biology; McGill University; 1205 Docteur Penfield Avenue Montreal QC H3A 1B1 Canada
| | - Suzanne M. Gray
- Department of Biology; McGill University; 1205 Docteur Penfield Avenue Montreal QC H3A 1B1 Canada
| | - Amalia Aldredge
- Department of Biology; McGill University; 1205 Docteur Penfield Avenue Montreal QC H3A 1B1 Canada
| | - Lauren J. Chapman
- Department of Biology; McGill University; 1205 Docteur Penfield Avenue Montreal QC H3A 1B1 Canada
- Wildlife Conservation Society; 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx NY 10460 USA
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Merkling T, Hamilton DG, Cser B, Svedin N, Pryke SR. Proximate mechanisms of colour variation in the frillneck lizard: geographical differences in pigment contents of an ornament. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Merkling
- Division of Ecology; Evolution & Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; 44 Daley Rd ACTON ACT 2601 Australia
| | - David G. Hamilton
- Division of Ecology; Evolution & Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; 44 Daley Rd ACTON ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Borbala Cser
- Division of Ecology; Evolution & Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; 44 Daley Rd ACTON ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Nina Svedin
- Division of Ecology; Evolution & Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; 44 Daley Rd ACTON ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Sarah R. Pryke
- Division of Ecology; Evolution & Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; 44 Daley Rd ACTON ACT 2601 Australia
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Haisten DC, Paranjpe D, Loveridge S, Sinervo B. The Cellular Basis of Polymorphic Coloration in Common Side-Blotched Lizards,Uta stansburiana. HERPETOLOGICA 2015. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-13-00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Beaulieu M, Costantini D. Biomarkers of oxidative status: missing tools in conservation physiology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 2:cou014. [PMID: 27293635 PMCID: PMC4806730 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cou014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent ecological studies have shown that oxidative status could have a significant impact on fitness components in wild animals. Not only can oxidative status reflect the environmental conditions that animals experience, but it can also predict their chances of reproduction and survival in the future in their natural habitat. Such important characteristics make markers of oxidative status informative tools to evaluate a priori individual perspectives of reproduction and survival as well as to assess a posteriori the effect of human activities on the fitness of species of conservation concern and wildlife in general. Markers of oxidative status may therefore help conservation practitioners to identify conservation threats to animal populations and to maximize the success of wildlife management. Despite these potential benefits for animal conservation programmes, up to now markers of oxidative status have only been reported anecdotally in conservation studies. The aim of this review is therefore to raise awareness by conservation practitioners of the use of markers of oxidative status. Towards this end, we first describe how environmental disruptions due to human activities can translate into variation in oxidative status. Second, we show how individual and population variation in oxidative status may contribute to the success or the failure of reintroduction or translocation programmes. Finally, we emphasize the technical features specific to the measurement of markers of oxidative status in conservation programmes, which may help investigators with the interpretation of their results. Such prior knowledge about markers of oxidative status may encourage conservation physiologists to use them in order to enhance the success of conservation programmes and wildlife management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Beaulieu
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Johann-Sebastian Bach Straße 11/12, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Corresponding authors: Tel: +49 3834 86 4268. ,
| | - David Costantini
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, DC 135, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
- Institute for Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
- Corresponding authors: Tel: +49 3834 86 4268. ,
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San-Jose LM, Granado-Lorencio F, Fitze PS. Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and Carotenoids in Male Common Lizard Tissues. HERPETOLOGICA 2012. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-11-00029.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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12
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Franco A, Hendriksen RS, Lorenzetti S, Onorati R, Gentile G, Dell'Omo G, Aarestrup FM, Battisti A. Characterization of Salmonella occurring at high prevalence in a population of the land iguana Conolophus subcristatus in Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23147. [PMID: 21853080 PMCID: PMC3154274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to elucidate the association between the zoonotic pathogen Salmonella and a population of land iguana, Colonophus subcristatus, endemic to Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. We assessed the presence of Salmonella subspecies and serovars and estimated the prevalence of the pathogen in that population. Additionally, we investigated the genetic relatedness among isolates and serovars utilising pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) on XbaI-digested DNA and determined the antimicrobial susceptibility to a panel of antimicrobials. The study was carried out by sampling cloacal swabs from animals (n = 63) in their natural environment on in the island of Santa Cruz. A high prevalence (62/63, 98.4%) was observed with heterogeneity of Salmonella subspecies and serovars, all known to be associated with reptiles and with reptile-associated salomonellosis in humans. Serotyping revealed 14 different serovars among four Salmonella enterica subspecies: S. enterica subsp. enterica (n = 48), S. enterica subsp. salamae (n = 2), S. enterica subsp. diarizonae (n = 1), and S. enterica subsp. houtenae (n = 7). Four serovars were predominant: S. Poona (n = 18), S. Pomona (n = 10), S. Abaetetuba (n = 8), and S.Newport (n = 5). The S. Poona isolates revealed nine unique XbaI PFGE patterns, with 15 isolates showing a similarity of 70%. Nine S. Pomona isolates had a similarity of 84%. One main cluster with seven (88%) indistinguishable isolates of S. Abaetetuba was observed. All the Salmonella isolates were pan-susceptible to antimicrobials representative of the most relevant therapeutic classes. The high prevalence and absence of clinical signs suggest a natural interaction of the different Salmonella serovars with the host species. The interaction may have been established before any possible exposure of the iguanas and the biocenosis to direct or indirect environmental factors influenced by the use of antimicrobials in agriculture, in human medicine or in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Franco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - Rene S. Hendriksen
- National Food Institute (DTU-Food), Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Serena Lorenzetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Onorati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Gentile
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Frank M. Aarestrup
- National Food Institute (DTU-Food), Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Antonio Battisti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Fabiani A, Trucchi E, Rosa S, Marquez C, Snell HL, Snell HM, Tapia Aguilera W, Gentile G. Conservation of Galápagos land iguanas: genetic monitoring and predictions of a long-term program on the island of Santa Cruz. Anim Conserv 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2011.00442.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pellitteri-Rosa D, Sacchi R, Galeotti P, Marchesi M, Fasola M. Do Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) discriminate colours? An experiment with natural and artificial stimuli. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/11250000903464067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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15
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Relationships between dietary carotenoids, body tissue carotenoids, parasite burden, and health state in wild mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) ducklings. Arch Biochem Biophys 2010; 504:154-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Revised: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Costantini D, Dell'Omo G, De Filippis SP, Marquez C, Snell HL, Snell HM, Tapia W, Brambilla G, Gentile G. Temporal and spatial covariation of gender and oxidative stress in the Galápagos land iguana Conolophus subcristatus. Physiol Biochem Zool 2009; 82:430-7. [PMID: 19659444 DOI: 10.1086/604668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Physiological responses to organismal stress can have direct impacts on individual fitness. While responses to stressors mediated by glucocorticoid hormones are well studied, the regulation of the redox system via pro-oxidant and antioxidant balance as well as the natural causes of oxidative stress in nature remain poorly known, especially for reptiles. In this study, we investigate the interpopulation and intersex variation in oxidative damage and plasma antioxidant capacity in the Galápagos land iguana, Conolophus subcristatus, over a 3-yr study to evaluate what factors (e.g., season, food availability, reproductive activity) can explain levels and patterns of oxidative damage and of plasma antioxidant capacity. Our results indicate that (1) males showed lower levels of oxidative damage, higher levels of plasma antioxidant capacity, and better body condition than females and (2) significant interactions exist among patterns of oxidative damage across sexes, sampling localities, body condition, and season. These results suggest that reproductive activity and food abundance might act as determinants shaping levels and patterns of oxidative stress of land iguanas.
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Albert GI, Hoeller U, Schierle J, Neuringer M, Johnson EJ, Schalch W. Metabolism of lutein and zeaxanthin in rhesus monkeys: identification of (3R,6'R)- and (3R,6'S)-3'-dehydro-lutein as common metabolites and comparison to humans. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 151:70-8. [PMID: 18582588 PMCID: PMC3419355 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2008.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2008] [Revised: 05/29/2008] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophylls that can be found highly concentrated in the macula of the retina. They are thought to protect the macula through their role as blue-light filters and because of their antioxidant and singlet oxygen quenching properties. Examination of metabolites unique to lutein and zeaxanthin such as 3'-dehydro-lutein, and of their stereochemistry may provide insight to the mechanism by which they are formed and by which they exert protection. To evaluate the formation of such metabolites, eleven monkeys were raised on a xanthophyll-free diet, and supplemented with pure lutein or pure zeaxanthin (2.2 mg/kg body weight/d). The period of supplementation ranged between 12 and 92 weeks. At study start and throughout the study, serum samples were taken and analyzed for xanthophylls using different HPLC systems. Xanthophyll metabolites were identified using UV/VIS and HR-MS detection. Lutein and zeaxanthin metabolites were found in detectable amounts with 3'-dehydro-lutein being a common metabolite of both. Using chiral-phase HPLC, two diastereomers, (3R,6'R)-3'-dehydro-lutein and (3R,6'S)-3'-dehydro-lutein, were identified and shown to be present in nearly equimolar amounts. A pathway for their formation from either lutein or zeaxanthin is proposed. These findings were comparable to results obtained with human plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulrich Hoeller
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Research & Development, 4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Schierle
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Research & Development, 4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
| | - Martha Neuringer
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006
| | | | - Wolfgang Schalch
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Research & Development, 4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
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Phenotypic, genetic, and environmental causes of variation in yellow skin pigmentation and serum carotenoids in Eurasian kestrel nestlings. Ecol Res 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-008-0503-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Costantini D, Coluzza C, Fanfani A, Dell'Omo G. Effects of carotenoid supplementation on colour expression, oxidative stress and body mass in rehabilitated captive adult kestrels (Falco tinnunculus). J Comp Physiol B 2007; 177:723-31. [PMID: 17549495 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-007-0169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2006] [Revised: 04/28/2007] [Accepted: 05/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Carotenoids are considered a limited resource for animals because they are not synthesised by the body. Birds use carotenoids, mainly xanthophylls, for physiological functions, such as anti-oxidant activity, and for colour expression; hence, they need to shunt carotenoids between competitive demands. Recent studies suggest that the anti-oxidant role of xanthophylls might not be as important as previously thought and that at high concentrations they may, in fact, acquire pro-oxidant properties. In this work, we studied the effects of a moderate xanthophyll supplementation (115 mg of carotenoids/kg diet/day; 4 weeks) on serum carotenoids, serum concentration of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), serum anti-oxidant capacity (OXY), the degree of oxidative stress (OS; ROMs/OXY x 1,000), body mass, and skin colour, in rehabilitated captive adult Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus). The supplementation caused increased levels of serum carotenoids (approximately 90%), ROMs (approximately 82%), OS (approximately 115%) and an immediate loss of body mass (approximately 6.2%), but it did not affect OXY and tarsi skin hue. The red (approximately 16%) and yellow (approximately 15%) colorimetric components were increased after the first week of supplementation and the effect persisted during the rest of the experiment. Two months after the end of supplementation, serum carotenoids, OS and ROMs returned to baseline levels, however the body mass did not. Our findings suggest that, above a certain physiological threshold, carotenoids can cause detrimental effects. This is relevant for the trade-off between expression of sexual signals and the costs of maintaining/producing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Costantini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell'Uomo, Università La Sapienza, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Casagrande S, Costantini D, Fanfani A, Tagliavini J, Dell'Omo G. Patterns of serum carotenoid accumulation and skin colour variation in kestrel nestlings in relation to breeding conditions and different terms of carotenoid supplementation. J Comp Physiol B 2006; 177:237-45. [PMID: 17091273 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-006-0125-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2006] [Revised: 10/03/2006] [Accepted: 10/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Carotenoids are pigments synthesised by autotrophic organisms. For nestlings of raptorial species, which obtain carotenoids from the consumption of other heterotrophic species, the access to these pigments can be crucial. Carotenoids, indeed, have fundamental health maintenance functions, especially important in developing individuals as nestling kestrels. The aim of this study was to investigate how body carotenoid levels and skin pigmentation vary in kestrel nestlings (Falco tinnunculus) in relation to nesting parameters. Furthermore, we experimentally altered carotenoid availability (short- medium- and long-term) for nestlings and investigated skin and serum variance. The skin colour variance of 151 nestlings was explained by nest of origin, age and by the body condition (body mass corrected by age), older nestlings with higher body condition being redder. No difference in skin colour was detected between sexes. Differences in hue (skin "redness") between treatments did not emerge during the first week, but did occur 15 days after administration between long-term supplemented and control chicks. In contrast, the serum carotenoid concentration showed a treatment-dependent increase after 5 days from the first carotenoid administration and at least after two supplemented feedings. In general, hue but not serum carotenoids, was correlated with the body condition of nestlings. Based on the increased skin pigmentation of nestling kestrels in the long-term experimental group, we suggest carotenoid availability to be limited for colour expression. The small increase of serum carotenoids due to supplementation is consistent with the hypothesis that there is a physiological constraint on these pigments, as well as an environmental limitation. The presented results are useful for the understanding of carotenoid uptake and accumulation by a wild raptorial species, located at the top of the food web, highlighting that carotenoids are a limited resource for kestrel nestlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Casagrande
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Groningen, Kerklaan 30, 9751NN, Haren, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Costantini D, Dell'Omo G. Effects of T-cell-mediated immune response on avian oxidative stress. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2006; 145:137-42. [PMID: 16872854 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2006.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2005] [Revised: 06/05/2006] [Accepted: 06/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the oxidative cost paid by birds when coping with an immune challenge. We used the phytohaemagglutinin skin test (PHA) to assess the effects of the T-cell-mediated immune response on the concentration of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), total antioxidant barrier (OXY) and total serum carotenoid concentration in wild nestlings of the Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Immunostimulation caused increased levels of ROMs, decreased OXY and increased circulating levels of carotenoids. These results suggest that an immune challenge can increase avian oxidative stress, and that carotenoids were remobilised from other tissues likely because their circulating levels were not sufficiently high to sustain an effective immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Costantini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell'Uomo, Università La Sapienza, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Roma, Italy.
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Costantini D, Casagrande S, De Filippis S, Brambilla G, Fanfani A, Tagliavini J, Dell'Omo G. Correlates of oxidative stress in wild kestrel nestlings (Falco tinnunculus). J Comp Physiol B 2005; 176:329-37. [PMID: 16344989 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-005-0055-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2005] [Revised: 11/16/2005] [Accepted: 11/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The fitness of an organism can be affected by conditions experienced during early development. In light of the impact that oxidative stress can have on the health and ageing of a bird species, this study evaluated factors accounting for the variation in oxidative stress levels in nestlings of the Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) by measuring the serum concentration of reactive oxygen metabolites and the serum antioxidant barrier against hypochlorite-induced oxidation. The ratio between these two variables was considered as an index of oxidative stress, with higher values meaning higher oxidative damage. Six-chick broods showed the highest level of oxidative stress, while no effect of sex was found. Age showed an inverse relationship with the oxidants and the levels of oxidative stress, with younger birds having higher levels. Hatching date, body condition, body mass and carotenoid concentration did not show any relationship with oxidants, antioxidants or degree of oxidative stress. These findings suggest that intrabrood sibling competition could play a role in determining oxidative stress, and that in carnivorous birds other antioxidant molecules could be more important than carotenoids to reduce oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Costantini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell'Uomo, Università La Sapienza, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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