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Luo S, Wu X, Wang H, Zhang Y, Xie L. Nitrate induced hepatic fibrosis in tadpoles of Bufo gargarizans by mediating alterations in toll-like receptor signaling pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2025; 270:120961. [PMID: 39875068 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.120961] [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: 11/18/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2025] [Accepted: 01/25/2025] [Indexed: 01/30/2025]
Abstract
The nitrate pollution has become an increasingly serious environmental problem worldwide, and the toxic effects of elevated nitrate levels in the environment on aquatic animals remain to be elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms of liver injury to tadpoles after exposure to nitrate from embryonic to metamorphic climax and to assess the recovery process of liver function after cessation of exposure. In the group with continuous nitrate exposure, the livers and thyroid of tadpoles showed remarkably histological lesions, of this with structural disorganization of the hepatocytes, cellular atrophy, and fibrosis, as well as significant reduction in the follicular and colloidal area of the thyroid. Meanwhile, the expression levels of genes related to inflammatory signaling pathways, such as TLR2, TLR6 and NF-κB, were significant elevated. After termination of exposure at Gs23, liver damage (histologic, ultrastructural, and molecular levels) was almost completely recovered, whereas thyroid gland damage was irreversible. Overall, this study shed light on the harmful effects of nitrate pollution on amphibian health and emphasizes the importance of controlling nitrate emissions in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyan Luo
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325003, Wenzhou, China; College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, 710119, Xi'an, China
| | - Xueyi Wu
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325003, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongyuan Wang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, 710119, Xi'an, China
| | - Yongpu Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325003, Wenzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, 325003, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Lei Xie
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325003, Wenzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, 325003, Wenzhou, China.
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Porras-Rivera G, Górski K, Colin N. Behavioral biomarkers in fishes: A non-lethal approach to assess the effects of chemical pollution on freshwater ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 260:119607. [PMID: 39002628 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119607] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The expansion of the human population and the escalating use of chemical products pose a considerable threat to aquatic biodiversity. Consequently, there is an imperative need for the implementation of non-lethal, cost-effective, and easily deployable biomonitoring tools. In this context, fish and their behavior as biomarkers have gained prominence in monitoring of freshwater ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the state of art in the use of behavioral biomarkers in ecotoxicology, emphasizing their role as informative tools for global environmental monitoring. Through a systematic literature search, ninety-two articles focusing on the evaluation of behavioral changes in freshwater fish in response to pollution were identified. The most prevalent keywords were "behavior" (7%) and "zebrafish" (6%). Experiments were conducted in countries with expansive territories, such as the United States (18%) and Brazil (17%). Exotic species were primarily employed (58%), with Danio rerio (26%) being the most frequently studied species. Among pollutants, pesticides (32%) and medicines (25%) were the most frequently studied, while locomotion (38%) and social behaviors (18%) were the most frequently evaluated behaviors. Across these studies, authors consistently reported significant changes in the behavior of fish exposed to contaminants, including decreased swimming speed and compromised feeding efficiency. The review findings affirm that evaluating behavioral biomarkers in freshwater fish offers an informative, non-lethal, cost-effective, and easily implementable approach to understanding pollution impacts on freshwater ecosystems. Although few studies on behavioral biomarkers were available to date, the number has rapidly increased in recent years. Furthermore, a variety of novel approaches and study models are being included. Research into behavioral biomarkers is crucial for understanding and managing environmental risks in freshwater ecosystems. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to enhance our understanding of behavioral toxicity indicators, considering factors such as life stage, sex, and breeding season in the tested species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Porras-Rivera
- Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5090000, Chile; Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5090000, Chile
| | - Konrad Górski
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5090000, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de La Santísima Concepción, Concepción, 4030000, Chile
| | - Nicole Colin
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5090000, Chile; Programa Austral Patagonia, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5090000, Chile.
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Villa-Villaseñor IM, Herrera-Vargas MA, Yáñez-Rivera B, Uribe MC, Rueda-Jasso RA, Phillips-Farfán BV, Mar-Silva V, Meléndez-Herrera E, Domínguez-Domínguez O. Realistic nitrate concentrations diminish reproductive indicators in Skiffia lermae, an endemic species in critical endangered status. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17876. [PMID: 39267944 PMCID: PMC11391940 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Goodeinae is a subfamily of critically endangered fish native to central Mexico. Populations of Skiffia lermae, a species belonging to this subfamily, have significantly decreased in the past two decades. A previous study showed that S. lermae is sensitive to acute nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) exposure, leading to noticeable changes in both behavioral and histopathological bioindicators. The aim herein was to determine the vulnerability of S. lermae to NO3-N exposure at realistic concentrations registered in freshwater ecosystems in central Mexico where the species was historically reported. Offspring of S. lermae were chronically exposed during 60 days to concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mg NO3-N/L, with 2 mg NO3-N/L used as the reference value (control). Survival rate, feeding behavior, aquatic surface respiration, body growth, scaled mass index, immature red blood cells, as well as histopathological changes in branchial, hepatic and gonadal tissues were evaluated. Additionally, this study analyzed water quality in freshwater ecosystems where S. lermae presently persists. The results showed decreased survival as NO3-N concentration increased, as well as increased feeding latency, aquatic surface respiration and histological damage in the gills and liver. These organs showed differential sex-dependent responses to NO3-N exposure; females were more sensitive than males. In the ovaries, a decreased density of stage III oocytes was associated with increased NO3-N concentrations. No changes were observed in body growth and number of immature red blood cells. Concentrations recorded in the three freshwater ecosystems that S. lermae inhabit were below 2 mg NO3-N/L. Together, the results could explain why the species has disappeared from more contaminated freshwater ecosystems where NO3-N levels exceed 5 mg/L. Moreover, the study warns about the risks of increasing NO3-N concentrations in the current sites where the species lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivette Marai Villa-Villaseñor
- Programa Institucional de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Ma Antonia Herrera-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones sobre Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Beatriz Yáñez-Rivera
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Mari Carmen Uribe
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, Departamento de Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rebeca Aneli Rueda-Jasso
- Laboratorio de Biología Acuática, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Bryan V Phillips-Farfán
- Laboratorio de Nutrición Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Valentin Mar-Silva
- Estancia Posdoctoral por México-CONACyT, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Esperanza Meléndez-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones sobre Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Omar Domínguez-Domínguez
- Laboratorio de Biología Acuática, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
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Villa-Villaseñor IM, Yáñez-Rivera B, Rueda-Jasso RA, Herrera-Vargas MA, Hernández-Morales R, Meléndez-Herrera E, Domínguez-Domínguez O. Differential sensitivity of offspring from four species of goodeine freshwater fish to acute exposure to nitrates. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1014814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) pollution related to anthropogenic activities is increasing in freshwater ecosystems. Knowledge about NO3-N sensitivity in freshwater wild fish is needed to understand the differential tolerance between species. Goodeinae is a subfamily of 41 endemic fishes that inhabit central Mexico, with 33 species in the IUCN red list and three extinct. Distributional patterns suggest tolerant and sensitive goodeines related to the conservation gradient of freshwater ecosystems. Four species with a differential distribution and tolerance were selected to evaluate their physiological responses to NO3-N. Fish were exposed to different NO3-N concentrations for 96 h and the median lethal concentration (LC50) was determined. Swimming disorders plus gill and liver histopathological indexes were estimated and incorporated into an Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) for each species. Skiffia lermae (LC50 = 474.332 mg/L) and Xenotoca variata (LC50 = 520.273 mg/L) were more sensitive than Goodea atripinnis (LC50 = 953.049 mg/L) and Alloophorus robustus (LC50 = 1537.13 mg/L). The typical histological damage produced by NaNO3-N exposure was fusion of secondary lamellae in gills. This was present in all species and cellular degeneration was observed at the highest concentrations. Secondary lamellae aneurysms were only observed in G. atripinnis. Liver alterations included vascular dilation in hepatic sinusoids, hyperemia and nuclear hypertrophy; higher concentrations produced hepatocyte cytoplasmic vacuolation and reduced frequency of cell nuclei. Behavioral and histopathological alterations could explain the differential species sensitivity. The results suggest that species which preserve gill function and transfer the task of detoxification to the liver might have the best chance of surviving in polluted environments. Moreover, species previously considered as tolerant may be highly susceptible to NaNO3-N exposure. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor NaNO3-N concentrations in freshwater ecosystems and, if possible, reduce their levels to avoid the loss of wild populations.
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Ríos-Sánchez E, González-Zamora A, Gonsebatt Bonaparte ME, Meza Mata E, González-Delgado MF, Zámago Amaro A, Pérez-Morales R. Regulation of the Tpo, Tg, Duox2, Pds, and Mct8 genes involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones after subchronic exposure to sodium nitrate in female Wistar rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:2380-2391. [PMID: 34409734 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23351] [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] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrates are natural compounds present in soil and water; however, the intense use of fertilizers has increased their presence in groundwater with deleterious effects on human health. There is evidence of nitrates acting as endocrine disruptors; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully described. Here, we investigated the effect of subchronic exposure to different concentrations of sodium nitrate in female Wistar rats, evaluating thyroid hormonal parameters, such as Nis transporter (Na+ /I- symporter, Slc5a5) and Tsh-R receptor protein expression, as well as transcription of the Tpo (thyroperoxidase), Tg (tiroglobulin), Duox2 (dual oxidase 2), Pds (pendrin), and Mct8 (Mct8 transporter, Slc16a2) genes. Hematological and histochemical changes in the liver and thyroid were also explored. Significant differences were found in platelet and leukocyte counts; although a significant increase in the weight of the thyroid gland was observed, no differences were found in the levels of the hormones Tsh, T3, and T4, but a modulation of the mRNA expression of the Tg, Tpo, Duox2, Mct8, and Pds genes was observed. Morphological changes were also found in liver and thyroid tissue according to the exposure doses. In conclusion, subchronic exposure to sodium nitrate induces leukocytosis consistent with an inflammatory response and upregulation of Sod2 in the liver and increases the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, keeping thyroid hormone levels stable. Histological changes in the thyroid gland suggest a goitrogenic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efraín Ríos-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Alberto González-Zamora
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - María Eugenia Gonsebatt Bonaparte
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Meza Mata
- Departamento de Patología, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad #71. Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Torreón, Mexico
| | - María Fernanda González-Delgado
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Zámago Amaro
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Rebeca Pérez-Morales
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango, Mexico
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