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Burraco P, Orizaola G. Ionizing radiation and melanism in Chornobyl tree frogs. Evol Appl 2022; 15:1469-1479. [PMID: 36187188 PMCID: PMC9488684 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human actions are altering ecosystems worldwide. Among human‐released pollutants, ionizing radiation arises as a rare but potentially devastating threat to natural systems. The Chornobyl accident (1986) represents the largest release of radioactive material to the environment. Our aim was to examine how exposure to radiation from the Chornobyl accident influences dorsal skin coloration of Eastern tree frog (Hyla orientalis) males sampled across a wide gradient of radioactive contamination in northern Ukraine. We assessed the relationship between skin frog coloration (which can act as a protective mechanism against ionizing radiation), radiation conditions and oxidative stress levels. Skin coloration was darker in localities closest to areas with high radiation levels at the time of the accident, whereas current radiation levels seemed not to influence skin coloration in Chornobyl tree frogs. Tree frogs living within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone had a remarkably darker dorsal skin coloration than frogs from outside the Zone. The maintenance of dark skin coloration was not linked to physiological costs in terms of frog body condition or oxidative status, and we did not detect short‐term changes in frog coloration. Dark coloration is known to protect against different sources of radiation by neutralizing free radicals and reducing DNA damage, and, particularly melanin pigmentation has been proposed as a buffering mechanism against ionizing radiation. Our results suggest that exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, likely at the time of the accident, may have been selected for darker coloration in Chornobyl tree frogs. Further studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary consequences of the patterns found here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Burraco
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
- Doñana Biological Station (CSIC), 41092 Seville Spain
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Germán Orizaola
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
- IMIB‐Biodiversity Research Institute (Univ. Oviedo‐CSIC‐Princip. Asturias) University of Oviedo Mieres ‐Asturias Spain
- Zoology Unit, Department of Biology of Organisms and Systems University of Oviedo Oviedo ‐Asturias Spain
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Guo Q, Jiang Y, Wang Z, Bi Y, Chen G, Bai H, Chang G. Genome-Wide Association Study for Screening and Identifying Potential Shin Color Loci in Ducks. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081391. [PMID: 36011302 PMCID: PMC9407491 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Shin color diversity is a widespread phenomenon in birds. In this study, ducks were assessed to identify candidate genes for yellow, black, and spotted tibiae. For this purpose, we performed whole-genome resequencing of an F2 population consisting of 275 ducks crossed between Runzhou crested-white ducks and Cherry Valley ducks. We obtained 12.6 Mb of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, and the three shin colors were subsequently genotyped. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were performed to identify candidate and potential SNPs for the three shin colors. According to the results, 2947 and 3451 significant SNPs were associated with black and yellow shins, respectively, and six potential SNPs were associated with spotted shins. Based on the SNP annotations, the MITF, EDNRB2, POU family members, and the SLC superfamily were the candidate genes regulating pigmentation. In addition, the isoforms of EDNRB2, TYR, TYRP1, and MITF-M were significantly different between the black and yellow tibiae. MITF and EDNRB2 may have synergistic roles in the regulation of melanin synthesis, and their mutations may lead to phenotypic differences in the melanin deposition between individuals. This study provides new insights into the genetic factors that may influence tibia color diversity in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixin Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhixiu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yulin Bi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Guohong Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hao Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Guobin Chang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
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de Lacerda Valverde BS, Utsunomiya HSM, Dos Santos Carvalho C, Franco-Belussi L, de Oliveira C. Response of hepatic biomarkers in Physalaemus nattereri (Anura) to different benzo(α)pyrene exposure routes. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:516-523. [PMID: 35181860 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02527-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
For over 40 years, anurans have been used as a study model to assess the adverse effects of benzo(α)pyrene (BαP), which include genotoxic, hepatotoxic, and immunotoxic effects. In these studies, BαP is administered cutaneously or by injection, with no comparison between two or more routes. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the effect of BαP is influenced by its route of administration, using the response of hepatic biomarkers of Physalaemus nattereri. Specimens (n = 108) were collected and divided into three experimental treatments (cutaneous, injection, and oral) and three experimental times (one, three, and seven days). Specimens received 0.02 ml of pure mineral oil (control) or mineral oil containing 2 mg/kg of BαP. The BαP causes changes in morphological (melanin, hemosiderin, lipofuscin, and mast cells) and biochemical (superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase) hepatic biomarkers. Compared to biochemical, morphological biomarkers underwent a greater number of significant changes due to the treatment with BαP. The route of exposure alters the effects of BαP, mainly seen in morphological biomarkers, especially the pigments melanin, hemosiderin, and lipofuscin. In these pigments, the effect of the exposure pathway changes according to the analyzed biomarker, and the exposure time modulates the exposure pathway effect. These results are unprecedented for anurans and contribute to the field of herpetology and ecotoxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Serra de Lacerda Valverde
- Graduate Program in Biodiversity, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Heidi Samantha Moraes Utsunomiya
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, campus Sorocaba, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Microbiologia (LaBioM), Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, Km 11, SP-264, 18052-780, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cleoni Dos Santos Carvalho
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, campus Sorocaba, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Microbiologia (LaBioM), Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, Km 11, SP-264, 18052-780, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, campus Sorocaba, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, Km 11, SP-264, 18052-780, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lilian Franco-Belussi
- Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Cidade Universitária 79070-900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Classius de Oliveira
- Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Assis RA, Rezende WR, Dos Santos CGA, Benvindo-Souza M, Amorim NPL, Borges RE, Franco-Belussi L, De Oliveira C, de Souza Santos LR. Habitat differences affect the nuclear morphology of the erythrocytes and the hepatic melanin in Leptodactylus fuscus (Anura) in the Brazilian Cerrado savanna. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:60741-60752. [PMID: 34165732 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14974-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The sensitivity of anuran to the effects of habitat destruction and contamination has led to a preoccupying global decline in their populations. Morphological biomarkers such as micronuclei and other erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENAs), as well as the occurrence of hepatic melanin, can be used to evaluate the effects of habitat impacts. In the present study, these two parameters were combined for the in situ assessment of the effects of soybean cultivation on the grassfrog, Leptodactylus fuscus. Specimens were also collected from a protected area to provide a reference site (non-agricultural environment). The frequency of some of the nuclear abnormalities in the animals from the soybean plantation was much higher than that recorded at the reference site, in particular micronuclei, which were 3.6 times more frequent in the plantation, lobulated nuclei (3.4 times more frequent), and reniform nuclei, which were four times more common than at the reference site. The combined analysis of all the ENAs together also revealed a frequency approximately 1.4 times higher in the animals from the soybean plantation, in comparison with the protected area. Smaller areas of hepatic melanin were observed in the specimens from the soybean plantation. These results provide further evidence of the sensitivity of anurans to habitat impacts and indicate that animals found in soybean plantations are susceptible to systematic alterations of their cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhayane Alves Assis
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Animal Systematics (EcotoxSA), Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, Goiás, CEP 75901-970, Brazil.
- Department of Biology, Paulista State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, CEP 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Wadson Rodrigues Rezende
- Department of Biology, Paulista State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, CEP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Cirley Gomes Araújo Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Animal Systematics (EcotoxSA), Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, Goiás, CEP 75901-970, Brazil
| | - Marcelino Benvindo-Souza
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Animal Systematics (EcotoxSA), Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, Goiás, CEP 75901-970, Brazil
- Mutagenesis Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Nathan Pereira Lima Amorim
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Animal Systematics (EcotoxSA), Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, Goiás, CEP 75901-970, Brazil
| | | | - Lilian Franco-Belussi
- Department of Biology, Paulista State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, CEP 15054-000, Brazil
- Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, CEP 79002-970, Brazil
| | - Classius De Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Paulista State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, CEP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Lia Raquel de Souza Santos
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Animal Systematics (EcotoxSA), Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, Goiás, CEP 75901-970, Brazil.
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Lanctôt CM, Cresswell T, Lombi E, Bennett WW. Synchrotron-Based Imaging Reveals the Fate of Selenium in Striped Marsh Frog Tadpoles. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:11848-11858. [PMID: 34382781 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) coupled with X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) imaging was used to study selenium (Se) biodistribution and speciation in Limnodynastes peronii tadpoles. Tadpoles were exposed to dissolved Se (30 μg/L) as selenite (SeIV) or selenate (SeVI) for 7 days followed by 3 days of depuration. High-resolution elemental maps revealed that Se partitioned primarily in the eyes (specifically the eye lens, iris, and retinal pigmented epithelium), digestive and excretory organs of SeIV-exposed tadpoles. Speciation analysis confirmed that the majority of accumulated Se was converted to organo-Se. Multielement analyses provided new information on Se colocalization and its impact on trace element homeostasis. New insights into the fate of Se on a whole organism scale contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms and risks associated with Se pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal M Lanctôt
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4215, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4215, Australia
| | - Tom Cresswell
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, New South Wales 2232, Australia
| | - Enzo Lombi
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - William W Bennett
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4215, Australia
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4215, Australia
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Santos AT, Valverde BSL, De Oliveira C, Franco-Belussi L. Genotoxic and melanic alterations in Lithobates catesbeianus (anura) tadpoles exposed to fipronil insecticide. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:20072-20081. [PMID: 33405149 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11948-w] [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: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic and morphological systemic effects of both an acute and a chronic exposure of bullfrog tadpoles to fipronil. Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles had morphological biomarkers (skin, liver, and blood) analyzed at Gosner stages 36-38, when exposed to four different concentrations of Regent® 800 WG (80% fipronil): 0.00 (control), 0.04, 0.08, 0.4 mg/L, and four experimental times: 4, 8, 12, and 16 days. Body darkness responded directly to the treatment and exposure time. There was a treatment-dependent decrease in darkness of heads and tails. In relation to the biometric analysis, fipronil induced a decrease in the individual weight and liver mass at the end of the experiments, whereas the hepatosomatic index did not vary according to the treatment. For the exposed animals and for the control group, the area of hepatic melanin increased as exposure time increased. Fipronil has genotoxic effects on L. catesbeianus tadpoles even after short exposure times (e.g., 4 and 8 days), and the main nuclear abnormality is in the anucleate cells. A relevant correlation was observed between genotoxic biomarkers and cutaneous and internal melanin. The frequency of nuclear abnormalities is inversely correlated both with the hepatic melanin area and with the cutaneous melanin of animals. Fipronil has distinct systemic effects on tadpoles based on its concentration, as well as on its exposure time. Such alterations (pigmentation level and rate of erythrocyte abnormality) result in morphological and physiological effects, which may compromise the behavior and survival of the anurans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arleto T Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Campus São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno S L Valverde
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Campus São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Classius De Oliveira
- Departmento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Campus São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, CEP: 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Lilian Franco-Belussi
- Laboratório de Patologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Rezende WR, Santos LRDS, Franco-Belussi L, De Oliveira C. Testicular morphometric changes in neotropical anurans from agroecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 271:116265. [PMID: 33385891 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the causes of the global decline of amphibians is agricultural activity, responsible for causing habitat fragmentation and bringing a range of agrochemicals and fertilizers in the environment, compounds with a potential disrupting effect on non-target organisms, such as frogs. Exposure to these compounds has numerous harmful effects on the testes of these animals, which can compromise reproduction and, consequently, the maintenance of their communities. In this context, we compared the morphology and morphometry of the testes of three species of neotropical anurans (Physalaemus cuvieri, Dendropsophus minutus, and Boana albopunctata) from an agricultural area and a conservation unit. Histologically, the testicular morphology of the species was similar for both environments; however, morphometrically, there was a difference in the measured testicular parameters (locular area and area of spermatogenic cysts). Physalaemus cuvieri presented higher averages of locular and spermatogonial area in the agricultural environment, whereas the area occupied by the spermatozoa was smaller. Additionally, the testicular pigmentation, which is only present in this species, was greater in animal from the agricultural area. In D. minutus, the locular, spermatogonial, and sperm areas showed lower values in the agricultural area, whereas in B. albopunctata, the opposite pattern was found, with the area of the locule, spermatocytes, and spermatozoids being higher. Agricultural activities influence the testicular metric parameters in different species, and our results suggest that D. minutus is most sensitive to anthropic pressures. The least sensitive species is B. albopunctata. We highlight the importance of evaluating different species, since each species responds differently to agricultural activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wadson Rodrigues Rezende
- Laboratorio de Anatomia Comparada, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Campus São José do Rio Preto (IBILCE/UNESP), Brazil.
| | - Lia Raquel de Souza Santos
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia e Sistemática Animal (EcotoxSA) Instituto Federal Goiano Campus Rio Verde- GO (IF Goiano), Brazil
| | - Lilian Franco-Belussi
- Laboratório de Patologia Experimental, Instituto de Biociências - INBIO, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Classius De Oliveira
- Laboratorio de Anatomia Comparada, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Campus São José do Rio Preto (IBILCE/UNESP), Brazil
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Franco-Belussi L, Provete DB, Borges RE, De Oliveira C, Santos LRS. Idiosyncratic liver pigment alterations of five frog species in response to contrasting land use patterns in the Brazilian Cerrado. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9751. [PMID: 32913675 PMCID: PMC7456255 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in land use trigger environmental changes that can lead to decreased biodiversity and species loss. The liver is an essential detoxification organ that reflects systemic physiological responses to environmental changes. Here, we tested whether contrasting land use patterns influence the amount of substances from the hepatic cellular catabolism and melanomacrophages (MMs) of five anuran species in the Brazilian Cerrado. METHODS We collected the same five species of pond-dwelling frogs in one protected area and in an area with intense agricultural activity. We used routine histological and histochemical techniques to quantify the area occupied by lipofuscin, melanin, and hemosiderin in the liver of two frogs Leptodactylus fuscus, Physalaemus cuvieri, and three tree-frogs Dendropsophus minutus, Scinax fuscomarginatus, and Boana albopunctata. We classified land use types in a buffer around each pond based on satellite images. We then used a double-constrained Correspondence Analysis, a recently developed ecological method to relate functional traits to environmental variables, to test the effect of each land use type on the area of each liver pigment. RESULTS There was an increase in the amount of melanin in environments with high proportion of agriculture, as well as variation in the amount of lipofuscin and hemosiderin. Liver pigments of P. cuvieri and B. albopunctata varied more strongly in response to land use types, suggesting they could be good indicator species. Therefore, the area of MMs in the liver and the metabolic products in their cytoplasm can be used as biomarkers of environmental changes in regions with intense agricultural activities. Our results add a new perspective to the influence of land use patterns on environmental health by highlighting the effect of environmental changes on internal morphological aspects of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Franco-Belussi
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diogo B. Provete
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - Rinneu E. Borges
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Rio Verde, Rio Verde, Goias, Brazil
| | - Classius De Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lia Raquel S. Santos
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano, Rio Verde, Goias, Brazil
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Nicolaï MPJ, Shawkey MD, Porchetta S, Claus R, D'Alba L. Exposure to UV radiance predicts repeated evolution of concealed black skin in birds. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2414. [PMID: 32415098 PMCID: PMC7229023 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15894-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Plumage is among the most well-studied components of integumentary colouration. However, plumage conceals most skin in birds, and as a result the presence, evolution and function of skin colour remains unexplored. Here we show, using a database of 2259 species encompassing >99% of bird genera, that melanin-rich, black skin is found in a small but sizeable percentage (~5%) of birds, and that it evolved over 100 times. The spatial distribution of black skin follows Gloger’s rule, which states that pigmentation of endothermic animals increases towards the equator. Furthermore, most black-skinned birds inhabit high irradiation regions, and tend to be bald and/or have white feathers. Thus, taken together, our results suggest that melanin-rich, black skin helps to protect birds against ultraviolet irradiation. More generally, our results illustrate that feathered skin colour varies taxonomically, ontogenetically and temporally, providing an additional dimension for avian colour research. In contrast to bird plumage, little is known about the evolution of bird skin color. Here, Nicolaï et al. find that black skin has evolved over 100 times in birds and is associated with baldness and/or white feathers as well as with high irradiation habitats, suggesting a role in UV protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël P J Nicolaï
- Biology Department, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. .,Department of Recent Vertebrates, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Biology Department, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara Porchetta
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium.,von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium
| | - Ruben Claus
- Biology Department, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liliana D'Alba
- Biology Department, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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Vitt S, Bakker TCM, Rick IP. Differential investment in pre- and post-mating male sexual traits in response to prolonged exposure to ambient UVB radiation in a fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 712:136341. [PMID: 31931223 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasing UVB radiation (UVB) reaching earth's surface following stratospheric ozone depletion is linked to serious consequences for organisms. While studies have focused on direct cytocidal and immunomodulatory effects of UVB, indirect consequences for fitness-related life-history traits are largely unexplored, although knowledge is needed to understand organismal responses to climate change. The present study investigates the effects of developmental exposure to enhanced, but ecologically relevant, ambient UVB levels on growth (body size), parental behavior (nest-building), fitness-enhancing traits of pre-mating (sexual ornamentation) and post-mating (sperm traits) sexual selection as well as their interrelationships in male three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Moreover, potentially underlying direct UVB effects, testicular antioxidant capacity (TAC) and testes and skin melanization were quantified. Juvenile full-siblings were split into two groups and raised until adulthood in a semi-natural set-up under light conditions including either natural (UVBnormal) or elevated UVB levels (UVBenhanced). When becoming reproductive, males were kept individually before data collection took place at their reproductive peak. The results showed that males from the UVBenhanced-group were smaller than their brothers from the UVBnormal-treatment, whereas no treatment differences were observed for sexual ornamentation, sperm traits and TAC. Moreover, UVB-stressed males built their nests faster and the relationship between body size and nest size was negative for UVBenhanced-males while being positive for UVBnormal-males. These results demonstrate that, depending on physical state, UVB-stressed males adjusted their behavior to some extent. Additionally, a trade-off between the investment in pre- and post-mating traits was found for UVBenhanced-males, i.e. the intensity of their breeding coloration was negatively correlated with sperm number whereas this relationship was reversed for UVBnormal-males, thus showing an interaction between pre- and post-mating traits regarding exposure treatment. The interaction provides first experimental evidence that differential allocation to energetically demanding pre- and post-mating components of male fitness is triggered by a key environmental stressor of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Vitt
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Theo C M Bakker
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ingolf P Rick
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
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da Costa Araújo AP, de Melo NFS, de Oliveira Junior AG, Rodrigues FP, Fernandes T, de Andrade Vieira JE, Rocha TL, Malafaia G. How much are microplastics harmful to the health of amphibians? A study with pristine polyethylene microplastics and Physalaemus cuvieri. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 382:121066. [PMID: 31473515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are critical emerging pollutants found in the environment worldwide; however, its toxicity in aquatic in amphibians, is poorly known. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess the toxicological potential of polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) in Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles. According to the results, tadpoles' exposure to MP PE at concentration 60 mg/L for 7 days led to mutagenic effects, which were evidenced by the increased number of abnormalities observed in nuclear erythrocytes. The small size of erythrocytes and their nuclei area, perimeter, width, length, and radius, as well as the lower nucleus/cytoplasm ratio observed in tadpoles exposed to PE MPs confirmed its cytotoxicity. External morphological changes observed in the animal models included reduced ratio between total length and mouth-cloaca distance, caudal length, ocular area, mouth area, among others. PE MPs increased the number of melanophores in the skin and pigmentation rate in the assessed areas. Finally, PE MPs were found in gills, gastrointestinal tract, liver, muscle tissues of the tail and in the blood, a fact that confirmed MP accumulation by tadpoles. Therefore, the present study pioneering evidenced how MPs can affect the health of amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Pereira da Costa Araújo
- Biological Research Laboratory, Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernando Postalli Rodrigues
- Biological Research Laboratory, Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Thiago Fernandes
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Julya Emmanuela de Andrade Vieira
- Biological Research Laboratory, Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Biological Research Laboratory, Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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12
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Seleem AA. Induction of hyperpigmentation and heat shock protein 70 response to the toxicity of methomyl insecticide during the organ development of the Arabian toad, Bufo arabicus (Heyden,1827). J Histotechnol 2019; 42:104-115. [PMID: 31492089 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2019.1619653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Methomyl (MET) is a carbamate insecticide which is used as a substitute for organophosphorus compounds to protect crops against insects. The present study aims to evaluate the cytoprotection response of pigment cells and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) after exposure to MET during the tadpole developmental stages of the Arabian toad, Bufo arabicus. Three developmental larval stages of the toad were selected and divided into two groups; Control and MET-exposed (MET-EX) tadpoles (10ppm). MET-EX tadpoles showed an increased number of pigment cells in the liver, kidney, anterior eye chamber, and skin tissues as compared to the control. The glycogen content in the developing liver and muscles (myotomes) of MET-EX tadpoles was decreased as compared to the control. In the MET-EX tadpoles, immunohistochemical staining showed an increase of HSP70 expression in the liver hepatocytes, the nucleated red blood cells (nRBC) in kidney glomeruli, the iridocorneal angle of anterior eye chamber, and the skin as compared to the control. The current study concluded that pigment cells and HSP70 represented a cytoprotecting response against MET insecticide during the organ development of B. arabicas tadpoles. Therefore, MET use should be regularly monitored in the environment to protect animals and human from exposure to this insecticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Abdou Seleem
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University , Sohag , Egypt.,Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Arts, Al-Ula, Taibah University , Medina , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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13
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Bian F, Yang X, Ou Z, Luo J, Tan B, Yuan M, Chen T, Yang R. Morphological Characteristics and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Three Different Phenotypes of Pristella maxillaris. Front Genet 2019; 10:698. [PMID: 31428133 PMCID: PMC6687772 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pristella maxillaris is known as the X-ray fish based on its translucent body. However, the morphological characteristics and the molecular regulatory mechanisms of these translucent bodies are still unknown. In this study, the following three phenotypes, a black-and-gray body color or wild-type (WT), a silvery-white body color defined as mutant I (MU1), and a fully transparent body with a visible visceral mass named as mutant II (MU2), were investigated to analyze their chromatophores and molecular mechanisms. The variety and distribution of pigment cells in the three phenotypes of P. maxillaris significantly differed by histological assessment. Three types of chromatophores (melanophores, iridophores, and xanthophores) were observed in the WT, whereas MU1 fish were deficient in melanophores, and MU2 fish lacked melanophores and iridophores. Transcriptome sequencing of the skin and peritoneal tissues of P. maxillaris identified a total of 166,089 unigenes. After comparing intergroup gene expression levels, more than 3,000 unigenes with significantly differential expression levels were identified among three strains. Functional annotation and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified a number of candidates melanophores and iridophores genes that influence body color. Some DEGs that were identified using transcriptome analysis were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. This study serves as a global survey of the morphological characteristics and molecular mechanism of different body colors observed in P. maxillaris and thus provides a valuable theoretical foundation for the molecular regulation of the transparent phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Bian
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuefen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhijie Ou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Fisheries, Guangdong Maoming Agriculture & Forestry Technical College, Maoming, China
| | - Junzhi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bozhen Tan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingrui Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tiansheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Changde, China
| | - Ruibin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Scaia MF, de Gregorio LS, Franco-Belussi L, Succi-Domingues M, de Oliveira C. Gonadal, body color, and genotoxic alterations in Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles exposed to nonylphenol. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:22209-22219. [PMID: 31152429 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05403-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are one of the most important factors contributing to worldwide amphibian decline. The 4-nonylphenol (NP) is a degradation product of several compounds, such as detergents and pesticides, affecting the aquatic environment. Here, we test whether treatment with NP has an effect on developing ovarian tissue, nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes, and body darkness in pre-metamorphic tadpoles of the bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus. Tadpoles were exposed for 14 days to three different concentrations of NP (1, 10, and 100 μg/L) besides the control group, which was maintained only with water. After determining body coloration, animals were euthanized and gonads and blood were collected and processed for histology and genotoxic analysis. Even though most animals were females, intersex tadpoles were observed in control and treated groups and there were no males in any group. The highest concentration of NP showed an increase in atretic oocytes, but the area corresponding to somatic compartment and early and late germ cells were not affected. Furthermore, all treated groups presented higher amount of nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes and body darkening when compared with the control group. These results suggest that NP causes genetic damage and morphological alterations in L. catesbeianus tadpoles by disrupting oogenesis, inducing genotoxicity and increasing body coloration. Its effects on gonadal development could cause future impairments in reproduction, while its deleterious effects on genotoxicity and body pigmentation could be used as a biomarker of effect to this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Scaia
- Post-graduate Program in Animal Biology, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 15054-000, Brazil
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada-CONICET, C1428EGA, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas - UNESP/IBILCE, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Bairro: Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Lara Salgueiro de Gregorio
- Post-graduate Program in Animal Biology, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Lilian Franco-Belussi
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas - UNESP/IBILCE, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Bairro: Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil.
- Instituto de Biociências (InBio), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul UFMS, Campo Grande, Brazil.
| | - Maysa Succi-Domingues
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas - UNESP/IBILCE, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Bairro: Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Classius de Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas - UNESP/IBILCE, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Bairro: Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil
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15
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D'Alba L, Shawkey MD. Melanosomes: Biogenesis, Properties, and Evolution of an Ancient Organelle. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1-19. [PMID: 30255724 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00059.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanosomes are organelles that produce and store melanin, a widespread biological pigment with a unique suite of properties including high refractive index, semiconducting capabilities, material stiffness, and high fossilization potential. They are involved in numerous critical biological functions in organisms across the tree of life. Individual components such as melanin chemistry and melanosome development have recently been addressed, but a broad synthesis is needed. Here, we review the hierarchical structure, development, functions, and evolution of melanosomes. We highlight variation in melanin chemistry and melanosome morphology and how these may relate to function. For example, we review what is known of the chemical differences between different melanin types (eumelanin, pheomelanin, allomelanin) and whether/how melanosome morphology relates to chemistry and color. We integrate the distribution of melanin across living organisms with what is known from the fossil record and produce hypotheses on its evolution. We suggest that melanin was present in life forms early in evolutionary history and that melanosomes evolved at the origin of organelles. Throughout, we discuss the (sometimes gaping) holes in our knowledge and suggest areas that need particular attention as we move forward in our understanding of these still-mysterious organelles and the materials that they contain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana D'Alba
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent , Ghent , Belgium
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16
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Borges RE, de Souza Santos LR, Assis RA, Benvindo-Souza M, Franco-Belussi L, de Oliveira C. Monitoring the morphological integrity of neotropical anurans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:2623-2634. [PMID: 30474816 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3779-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Amphibians are considered to be excellent bioindicators to their morphophysiological characteristics and life cycle. In this context, the present study investigated the morphological integrity of anuran larvae collected in preserved environments in the Emas National Park, in the municipality of Mineiros (Goiás state, Brazil), and in environments representative of the agricultural matrix of the Rio Verde region, also in Goiás, where there is a long history of the use of agricultural pesticides. Samples of water from temporary ponds, permanent dams, and veredas were analyzed for the presence of pesticides and, especially atrazine (5350 μg/L), found at significantly higher concentrations in the agricultural matrix. We observed a high percentage (approximately 10%) of morphological malformations including alterations of the fins in Boana albopunctatus and Scinax fuscovarius; alteration in oral structures in B. albopunctatus, Dematonotus muelleri, Physalaemus centralis, Physalaemus cuvieri, and Leptodactylus fuscus mainly in the tadpoles collected in the agricultural environment in comparison with those from the protected area (3.5%; P < 0.0001, χ2 31.75). However, changes in the eyes, mouth, intestines, and nostrils, as well as amelia were observed only in the agricultural environment. The vast majority of the observed malformations were associated with the tail and oral disc, which suggests that these anatomical parameters may be used as sensitive morphological biomarkers. Given these findings, we reinforce that areas of agricultural land may have a deleterious effect on the morphological integrity of the tadpoles and consequently, on their development, and that these features may be used as indicators of environmental quality and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinneu Elias Borges
- Department of Biology, Universidade de Rio Verde, UniRV, Fazenda Fontes do Saber, Rio Verde, GO, CEP 75.901-970, Brazil.
| | - Lia Raquel de Souza Santos
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, Instituto Federal Goiano, IF Goiano, campus Rio Verde, Rodovia Sul Goiana, Km 01, Zona Rural, Rio Verde, GO, CEP 75.901-970, Brazil
| | - Rhayane Alves Assis
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, Instituto Federal Goiano, IF Goiano, campus Rio Verde, Rodovia Sul Goiana, Km 01, Zona Rural, Rio Verde, GO, CEP 75.901-970, Brazil
| | - Marcelino Benvindo-Souza
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, Instituto Federal Goiano, IF Goiano, campus Rio Verde, Rodovia Sul Goiana, Km 01, Zona Rural, Rio Verde, GO, CEP 75.901-970, Brazil
| | - Lilian Franco-Belussi
- Department of Biology, Universidade Estadual Paulista -Júlio de Mesquita Filho, UNESP, campus São José do Rio Preto, R. Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, CEP 15.054-000, Brazil
- Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, CEP 79002970, Brazil
| | - Classius de Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Universidade Estadual Paulista -Júlio de Mesquita Filho, UNESP, campus São José do Rio Preto, R. Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, CEP 15.054-000, Brazil
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17
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Pérez-Iglesias JM, Franco-Belussi L, Natale GS, de Oliveira C. Biomarkers at different levels of organisation after atrazine formulation (SIPTRAN 500SC ®) exposure in Rhinella schineideri (Anura: Bufonidae) Neotropical tadpoles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:733-746. [PMID: 30384079 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Brazil is an important consumer of herbicides. In sugarcane cultivation-the country's most extensive agricultural crop-atrazine-based formulations are the principal form of weed control. Several studies have investigated adverse effects of atrazine or their formulations on anurans, but not specifically on Brazilian species. Our aim was therefore to investigate the lethal and sublethal effects of an atrazine-based herbicide in Rhinella schneideri tadpoles and, in particular, effects on the pigmentation system as a new endpoint in ecotoxicological studies. Rhinella schneideri tadpoles at the Gosner-30 stage were exposed to the atrazine-based herbicide formulation, SIPTRAN 500 SC®, in acute bioassays at concentrations of 1.5-25 mg/L. The lethal and sublethal effects induced were analysed at different ecotoxicological levels: organismal level (alterations in behaviour, growth, development, and body mass; morphologic abnormalities), histological level (liver histopathology), the pigmentation system (melanomacrophages and dermal-melanophores), and cellular level (erythrocyte micronucleus formation and other nuclear-abnormalities). This herbicide induced sublethal effects at the organismal level with alterations in swimming and growth and morphologic abnormalities. These results demonstrated that, in anuran tadpoles, the atrazine-based agrochemical increased the frequency of micronucleus formation and other nuclear-abnormalities in erythrocytes and caused liver damage. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time effects of an atrazine-based formulation on the pigmentation system of anuran tadpoles, specifically an increase in the number of melanomacrophages and dermal melanophores. This study is the first to use several widely differing endpoints at different ecotoxicological levels in a comprehensive manner for assessment of the effects of environmental stressors in order to determine the health status of Neotropical anuran species. In doing so, this study establishes a foundation for future ecological assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Pérez-Iglesias
- Instituto de Química de San Luis, INQUISAL (UNSL-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Chacabuco y Pedernera, 5700 San Luis, Argentina; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Departamento de Biologia, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lilian Franco-Belussi
- UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Departamento de Biologia, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto de Biociências (InBio), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, UFMS, Brazil.
| | - Guillermo Sebastián Natale
- Centro de Investigaciones del Medio Ambiente, CIM (UNLP-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 1900 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Classius de Oliveira
- UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Departamento de Biologia, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Pshennikova ES, Voronina AS. Melanophores inside Frogs. INTERNATIONAL LETTERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.56431/p-6k7upo] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Melanocytes/melanophores were known for some decades as pigment cells in skin. The origin of these cells in embryogenesis from neural crest cells is actively investigated now. Some melanocytes/melanophores were described inside adult vertebrates. Historically, these internal melanocytes have been largely ignored, until recently. In frogs, the melanophores populate not only the skin, but all the inner connective tissues: epineurium, peritoneum, mesentery, outer vascular layer and skin underside. In adult avian, melanocytes were also found in visceral connective tissues, periostea, muscles, ovaries and the peritoneum. In mammals and humans, melanocytes are also revealed in eyes, ears, heart and brain. A black-brownish pigment, which can be found in brains of humans and some mammals, was called neuromelanin. Currently, attempts are being made to treat neurodegenerative diseases and various nerve injuries with medications containing melanin. In this micro-review, we wanted to remind again about the inner melanophores on visceral organs and lining blood vessels and nerves, their importance in organisms resistance to adverse environmental factors.
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Abstract
Melanocytes/melanophores were known for some decades as pigment cells in skin. The origin of these cells in embryogenesis from neural crest cells is actively investigated now. Some melanocytes/melanophores were described inside adult vertebrates. Historically, these internal melanocytes have been largely ignored, until recently. In frogs, the melanophores populate not only the skin, but all the inner connective tissues: epineurium, peritoneum, mesentery, outer vascular layer and skin underside. In adult avian, melanocytes were also found in visceral connective tissues, periostea, muscles, ovaries and the peritoneum. In mammals and humans, melanocytes are also revealed in eyes, ears, heart and brain. A black-brownish pigment, which can be found in brains of humans and some mammals, was called neuromelanin. Currently, attempts are being made to treat neurodegenerative diseases and various nerve injuries with medications containing melanin. In this micro-review, we wanted to remind again about the inner melanophores on visceral organs and lining blood vessels and nerves, their importance in organisms resistance to adverse environmental factors.
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20
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Fanali LZ, Franco-Belussi L, Bonini-Domingos CR, de Oliveira C. Effects of benzo[a]pyrene on the blood and liver of Physalaemus cuvieri and Leptodactylus fuscus (Anura: Leptodactylidae). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:93-102. [PMID: 29477119 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a bio-accumulative toxic compound found in the atmosphere, water, and soil that may affect the life cycle of amphibians. In this study, a few contamination biomarkers, such as hepatic melanomacrophages (MMs), mast cells, erythrocyte micronuclei (MN) and white blood cells were used to determine how BaP acts in these cells in the anurans Physalaemus cuvieri and Leptodactylus fuscus. Animals of both species were divided into three treatment groups: 1 day, 7 days and 13 days, subcutaneously injected 2 mg/kg BaP diluted in mineral oil and control group with only mineral oil. After 7 days, BaP caused the frequency of MN to increase in both species while reducing melanin area. The micronucleus frequency increased due to the genotoxicity of BaP, while the decreasing melanin area may be related to the inhibition of tyrosinase activity, an enzyme responsible for regulating melanogenesis, decreasing the synthesis of melanin. The mast cell density increased in all groups and in both species as a response to the inflammatory action of BaP. These cells respond to nonspecific inflammatory effects leading, therefore, to this response in all treatments. The percentage of leukocytes remained unchanged probably due to great intraspecific variability. Additionally, the leukocyte profiles of both species were characterized and the differences were attributed to extrinsic factors. In short, BaP can affect the integrity of several organs and tissues, and cell functions leading to the conclusion that this compound is hepatotoxic, genotoxic and immunotoxic for anurans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Zácari Fanali
- Graduate Program in Animal Biology, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Lilian Franco-Belussi
- Department of Biology, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 15054-000, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biotechnology and Environmental monitoring, CCTS, Federal University of São Carlos, 18052-780, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Classius de Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 15054-000, Brazil
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21
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UV-B affects the immune system and promotes nuclear abnormalities in pigmented and non-pigmented bullfrog tadpoles. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2018; 180:109-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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22
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Franco-Belussi L, Provete DB, De Oliveira C. Environmental correlates of internal coloration in frogs vary throughout space and lineages. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:9222-9233. [PMID: 29187963 PMCID: PMC5696405 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Internal organs of ectotherms have melanin‐containing cells that confer different degrees of coloration to them. Previous experimental studies analyzed their developmental origin, role in immunity, and hormonal regulation. For example, melanin increases with ultraviolet radiation (UV) and temperature in frogs and fish. However, little is known about how environmental variables influence the amount of coloration on organs among amphibian species over a large spatial extent. Here, we tested how climatic variables (temperature, UV, and photoperiod) influence the coloration of internal organs of anurans. We recorded the level of melanin pigmentation using four categories on 12 internal organs and structures of 388 specimens from 43 species belonging to six anuran families. Then, we tested which climatic variables had the highest covariation with the pigmentation on each organ after controlling for spatial autocorrelation in climatic variables and phylogenetic signal in organ coloration using the extended version of the RLQ ordination. Coloration in all organs was correlated with the phylogeny. However, the coloration of different organs was affected by different variables. Specifically, the coloration of the heart, kidneys, and rectum of hylids, Rhinella schneideri, some Leptodactylus, and Proceratophrys strongly covaried with temperature and photoperiod, whereas that of the testicle, lumbar parietal peritoneum, lungs, and mesenterium of Leiuperinae, Hylodidae, Adenomera, and most Leptodactylus had highest covariation with UV‐B and temperature. Our results support the notion that melanin pigmentation on the surface of organs of amphibians has an adaptive function conferred by the protective functions of the pigment. But most importantly, internal melanin seems to respond differently to climatic variables depending on the lineage and locality in which species occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Franco-Belussi
- Department of Biology São Paulo State University (UNESP) São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo Brazil.,Present address: Graduate program in Biotechnology and Environmental monitoring CCTS Federal University of São Carlos Sorocaba São Paulo Brazil
| | - Diogo Borges Provete
- FAPESP postdoctoral fellow Department of Environmental Sciences Federal University of São Carlos Sorocaba São Paulo Brazil.,Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre Göteborg Sweden.,Present address: Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul Campo Grande Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
| | - Classius De Oliveira
- Department of Biology São Paulo State University (UNESP) São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo Brazil
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Grant T, Rada M, Anganoy-Criollo M, Batista A, Dias PH, Jeckel AM, Machado DJ, Rueda-Almonacid JV. Phylogenetic Systematics of Dart-Poison Frogs and Their Relatives Revisited (Anura: Dendrobatoidea). SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-17-00017.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taran Grant
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Amphibian Collection, Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo, 04263-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco Rada
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marvin Anganoy-Criollo
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Abel Batista
- Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí, David, Republic of Panama
- Los Naturalistas, David 0426-01459, Chiriquí, Panama
| | - Pedro Henrique Dias
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Moriguchi Jeckel
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Denis Jacob Machado
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Steinel NC, Bolnick DI. Melanomacrophage Centers As a Histological Indicator of Immune Function in Fish and Other Poikilotherms. Front Immunol 2017; 8:827. [PMID: 28769932 PMCID: PMC5512340 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) are aggregates of highly pigmented phagocytes found primarily in the head kidney and spleen, and occasionally the liver of many vertebrates. Preliminary histological analyses suggested that MMCs are structurally similar to the mammalian germinal center (GC), leading to the hypothesis that the MMC plays a role in the humoral adaptive immune response. For this reason, MMCs are frequently described in the literature as “primitive GCs” or the “evolutionary precursors” to the mammalian GC. However, we argue that this designation may be premature, having been pieced together from mainly descriptive studies in numerous distinct species. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the MMC literature, including a phylogenetic analysis of MMC distribution across vertebrate species. Here, we discuss the current understanding of the MMCs function in immunity and lingering questions. We suggest additional experiments needed to confirm that MMCs serve a GC-like role in fish immunity. Finally, we address the utility of the MMC as a broadly applicable histological indicator of the fish (as well as amphibian and reptilian) immune response in both laboratory and wild populations of both model and non-model vertebrates. We highlight the factors (sex, pollution exposure, stress, stocking density, etc.) that should be considered when using MMCs to study immunity in non-model vertebrates in wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Steinel
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Department of Medical Education, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Daniel I Bolnick
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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