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Wang Z, Liao J, Gai P, Guo X, Zheng W, Li X, Ran Y, Wang Z, Chen J. Metabolisms of both inorganic and methyl-mercury in hens reveal eggs as an effective bioindicator for environmental Hg pollution. J Hazard Mater 2024; 465:133191. [PMID: 38071775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a globally distributed toxic metal and could pose serious harm to birds, which may ultimately threaten human health through poultry consumption. However, the avian Hg metabolism remains unclear. Poultry, like chickens, are more accessible human dietary sources than wild birds and are ideal proxies to study Hg metabolism in birds. In this study, the avian Hg metabolism is carefully investigated with hens fed by Hg-spiked (both inorganic mercury IHg and methylmercury MeHg) foods. Our results demonstrate that feces and eggs are the main removal pathways of Hg from hens, rather than feathers. Eggs show particularly rapid responses towards Hg exposures, thus could be more sensitive to environmental Hg pollution than feathers, feces or internal organs (and tissues). Egg yolk (with THg peak of 55.92 ng/g on Day 6) and egg white (THg peak of 1195.03 ng/g on Day 4) react as an effective bioindicator for IHg and MeHg exposure, respectively. In 90-day-single-dose exposure, IHg is almost completely excreted, while approximately 11% of MeHg remains in internal organs. Our study provides new insight into the metabolism and lifetime of IHg and MeHg in birds, advancing the understanding of the dynamics for human exposure to Hg through poultry products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuhong Wang
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jing Liao
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Pengxue Gai
- School of Earth System Science, Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoling Guo
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wang Zheng
- School of Earth System Science, Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Xue Li
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yulin Ran
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhongwei Wang
- Guangdong Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Guangzhou 510220, China
| | - Jiubin Chen
- School of Earth System Science, Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China.
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Verzele P, Rodriguez CB, Bezerra MF, Lacerda LD. Regional differences in Hg contents in the liver and muscle of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) from three foraging grounds in Northeast Brazil. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2024; 31:3917-3925. [PMID: 38095795 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31407-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic pollutant that endangers several marine animals, including green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), particularly in their foraging grounds along Brazilian coastal waters. Environmental Hg levels differ along this extensive littoral, rendering mandatory Hg long-term assessments of the different Hg fate in different sectors of the Brazilian coast. This study quantifies total Hg concentrations in the liver and muscle of green sea turtle populations from three foraging coastal regions in northeastern Brazil and analyzes Hg concentration differences given the locality and size of 61 juvenile individuals sampled. The results showed wide variations in Hg concentrations in the liver (81-3135 ng g-1) and muscle (10.1-8569 ng g-1). There was no significant correlation between animal size and Hg concentrations. Also, no difference was found among areas, reflecting the opportunistic feeding habit of juveniles of this species. This suggests that, in the case of green turtles, the ontogenetic change of diet plays an important role in influencing Hg concentrations found in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Verzele
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências Do Mar, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Av. Abolição, Fortaleza, Ceará, 3207, 60165-081, Brazil.
- CNRS/INSU, IRD, MIO UM, Université de Toulon, La Garde, France.
| | - César B Rodriguez
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências Do Mar, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Av. Abolição, Fortaleza, Ceará, 3207, 60165-081, Brazil
| | - Moisés F Bezerra
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências Do Mar, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Av. Abolição, Fortaleza, Ceará, 3207, 60165-081, Brazil
| | - Luiz D Lacerda
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências Do Mar, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Av. Abolição, Fortaleza, Ceará, 3207, 60165-081, Brazil
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Mokarat M, Lomthaisong K, Robson MG, Keithmaleesatti S. Effects of blood mercury accumulation on DNA methylation levels in the Khorat snail-eating turtle (Malayemys khoratensis). Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2024; 269:115770. [PMID: 38043412 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) has adverse effects on humans and wildlife. Hg exposure can cause significant alterations in DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification that causes various illnesses. Hg accumulation in the blood of the Khorat snail-eating turtle (Malayemys khoratensis) from northeastern Thailand was previously reported. Thus, this study aimed to assess total mercury (THg) levels in M. khoratensis blood and to examine the impact of these concentrations on DNA methylation (5-methylcytosine, 5-mC) levels. We divided turtles based on morphological characteristics into two groups, normal and deformed, and then the levels of each variable in both groups were assessed. The deformed group presented higher mean THg concentration and DNA methylation levels compared to the normal group; however, the differences were not significant. Additionally, we found no correlation between DNA methylation levels and THg concentrations in both groups. This study is the first attempt to investigate the relationship between mercury accumulation and DNA methylation in the blood of deformed freshwater turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monthakarn Mokarat
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Khemika Lomthaisong
- Forensic Science Program, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Mark Gregory Robson
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Sarun Keithmaleesatti
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
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Fernández-Sanz H, Perrault JR, Stacy NI, Mancini A, Reyes-Bonilla H, Reséndiz E. Blood analyte reference intervals and correlations with trace elements of immature and adult Eastern Pacific green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in coastal lagoons of Baja California Sur, México. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 195:115547. [PMID: 37717495 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles can bioaccumulate high concentrations of potentially toxic contaminants. To better understand trace element effects on sea turtles' health, we established reference intervals for hematological and plasma biochemical analytes in 40 in-water, foraging immature and adult Eastern Pacific green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from two coastal lagoons in Baja California Sur, quantified whole blood concentrations of eight trace elements, and assessed their correlations. Rank-order trace element concentrations in both immature and adult turtles was zinc > selenium > nickel > arsenic > copper > cadmium > lead > manganese. Immature turtles had significantly higher copper and lower nickel and zinc concentrations. Additionally, a number of relationships between trace elements and blood analytes were identified. These data provide baseline information useful for future investigations into this population, or in other geographic regions and various life-stage classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Fernández-Sanz
- Departamento Académico de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, Carretera al Sur km 5.5, El Mezquitito 19-B, 23080 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico; Health Assessments in Sea Turtles From Baja California Sur, Villa Ballena 330, Villas del Encanto, 23085 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
| | - Justin R Perrault
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 US Highway 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA.
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Agnese Mancini
- Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias A.C., Calle Seis 141, Azaleas, 23098 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
| | - Héctor Reyes-Bonilla
- Departamento Académico de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, Carretera al Sur km 5.5, El Mezquitito 19-B, 23080 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
| | - Eduardo Reséndiz
- Health Assessments in Sea Turtles From Baja California Sur, Villa Ballena 330, Villas del Encanto, 23085 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico; Laboratorio de Investigación y Medicina de Organismos Acuáticos, Departamento Académico de Ciencia Animal y Conservación del Hábitat, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, Carretera al Sur km 5.5, El Mezquitito 19-B, 23080 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
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Tostes ECL, de Souza Viana LM, Agostinho KFF, de Almeida CMS, de Carvalho CEV. Trace element bioaccumulation in the hepatic tissue of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) stranded along the Campos and Espírito Santo basins, southeastern Brazil. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 195:115447. [PMID: 37716129 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzed the concentrations of 15 (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) toxicologically important trace elements in the livers of 110 green turtles stranded in two areas of the Brazilian coast. These areas are essential for the refuge, feeding, and reproduction of the species, and the information obtained is intended to support the development of conservation strategies. Higher concentrations were observed in the Região dos Lagos, RJ in almost all elements, except for Al, Mo, Pb, and V. This location showed statistically higher differences in the concentrations of Cd (4.66 ± 2.33 μg.g-1), Fe (846.62 ± 583.06 μg.g-1), and Zn (27.17 ± 10.90 μg.g-1). The differences in trace element concentration patterns between the two study areas are likely influenced by multiple factors, including the bioavailability of trace elements, oceanic upwelling events, anthropogenic activities, habitat characteristics, and organism-specific metabolic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloá Corrêa Lessa Tostes
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia -28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Luísa Maria de Souza Viana
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia -28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karoline Fernanda Ferreira Agostinho
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia -28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cibele Maria Stivanin de Almeida
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia -28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Veiga de Carvalho
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia -28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Ouyang C, Ma X, Zhao J, Li S, Liu C, Tang Y, Zhou J, Chen J, Li X, Li W. Oleanolic acid inhibits mercury chloride induced-liver ferroptosis by regulating ROS/iron overload. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2023; 258:114973. [PMID: 37163906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury chloride can cause severe liver injury, which involves multiple mechanisms. Ferroptosis plays an important role in regulating the development and progression of liver pathology. Oleanolic acid (OA), a triterpenoid compound widely exists in fruits, has liver protective properties. In this study, we investigated the role of ferroptosis in mercury chloride-induced liver injury and the intervention effect of OA, and clarified the potential mechanism. We found that mercury chloride-induced oxidative stress in liver tissues and cells, leading to lipid peroxidation and iron overload, thereby reducing the expression levels of GPX4 and SLC7A11, and increasing the expression level of TRF1, OA pretreatment improved the changes of GPX4, SLC7A11 and TRF1 induced by mercury chloride, which were related to its inhibition of oxidative stress. Furthermore, We pretreated cells with OA, VC, and Fer-1, respectively and found that VC pretreatment reduced oxidative stress and significantly reversed the gene and protein expressions of GPX4, SLC7A11, and TRF1 in mercury chloride-exposed cells (P < 0.05, vs. HgCl2 group), however, the protein expression level of GPX4 in OA pre-treatment group was lower than that in VC pre-treatment group (P < 0.05). Fer-1 pretreatment decreased the level of iron ions in cells, increased the gene and protein expression levels of GPX4 and SLC7A11, and decreased the gene and protein expression levels of TRF1 (P < 0.05, vs. HgCl2 group), however, the protein expression levels of GPX4 and SLC7A11 in OA pre-treatment group were lower than those in Fer-1 pre-treatment group (P < 0.05). Moreover, vivo experiments also demonstrated that pre-treatment with OA, VC, and Fer-1 reversed the changes in gene expression levels of Nrf2 and SOD1, and protein expression of GPX4 induced by mercury chloride (P < 0.05, vs. HgCl2 group), meanwhile, the difference was not statistically significant among OA, VC, and Fer-1 pretreatment. The improvement effect of OA pretreatment on the change in TFR1 protein expression caused by mercury chloride was similar to that of Fer-1 and VC, however, the intervention effect of OA on SLC7A11 protein expression was not as good as Fer-1 and VC pre-treatment. To sum up, all these results suggest that ferroptosis is involved in mercury chloride-induced liver injury, OA pretreatment alleviated mercury chloride-induced ferroptosis by inhibiting ROS production and iron ion overload, and then alleviate the liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Ouyang
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xuan Ma
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Jiali Zhao
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yunfeng Tang
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Junhao Chen
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Wanwei Li
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Weifang, Shandong, China.
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da Fonseca CF, da Silva IJS, da Silva Rodrigues M, de Souza Silva BH, Soares PC, de Moura GJB, de Oliveira JB. Evaluation of metal exposure through the composition of essential and toxic micro-minerals in freshwater turtles (Phrynops geoffroanus) from a Brazilian river. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:54871-54884. [PMID: 36881237 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26127-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate metal exposure through the concentration of essential and toxic micro-minerals in biological samples of Phrynops geoffroanus from an anthropized river. The work was carried out in four areas with different flow characteristics and uses of the river, where individuals of both sexes were captured during the dry and rainy seasons. The elements Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn were quantified in samples of serum (168), muscle (62), liver (61), and kidney (61) by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The concentration of the elements varied according to the sample type, being higher in the liver and the kidney. In the serum, many elements were below the limit of quantification, but it was possible to determine Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn. The liver showed high levels of Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn, and muscle for Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn, with most of the elements accumulated in the kidney (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, and Ni) relative to other tissues. There was no significant difference between the sexes in the accumulation of elements. Between seasons, Cu was higher in serum and Mn in muscle and liver in the dry period, while in the kidney, almost all the elements were higher in the rainy period. The concentrations of the elements in the samples indicated a high degree of environmental contamination, representing risk in the use of the river and consumption of food from local fisheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Farias da Fonseca
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal Tropical (PPGCAT), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Parasitologia (LAPAR), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil.
- Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA), Casa Forte, Av. 17 de Agosto 1057, Recife, Pernambuco, 52060-590, Brazil.
| | - Iago José Santos da Silva
- Departamento de Engenharia Civil e Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, 1235, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Midiã da Silva Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal Tropical (PPGCAT), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Bruna Higino de Souza Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Pierre Castro Soares
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Geraldo Jorge Barbosa de Moura
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal Tropical (PPGCAT), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia (PPGE), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Bianque de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal Tropical (PPGCAT), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
- Laboratório de Parasitologia (LAPAR), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia (PPGE), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
- Programa de Educação Tutorial Bacharelado em Ciências Biológicas (PET Biologia), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
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Nash A, Ryan EJ. Immunity in Sea Turtles: Review of a Host-Pathogen Arms Race Millions of Years in the Running. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13. [PMID: 36830343 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system of sea turtles is not completely understood. Sea turtles (as reptiles) bridge a unique evolutionary gap, being ectothermic vertebrates like fish and amphibians and amniotes like birds and mammals. Turtles are ectotherms; thus, their immune system is influenced by environmental conditions like temperature and season. We aim to review the turtle immune system and note what studies have investigated sea turtles and the effect of the environment on the immune response. Turtles rely heavily on the nonspecific innate response rather than the specific adaptive response. Turtles' innate immune effectors include antimicrobial peptides, complement, and nonspecific leukocytes. The antiviral defense is understudied in terms of the diversity of pathogen receptors and interferon function. Turtles also mount adaptive responses to pathogens. Lymphoid structures responsible for lymphocyte activation and maturation are either missing in reptiles or function is affected by season. Turtles are a marker of health for their marine environment, and their immune system is commonly dysregulated because of disease or contaminants. Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumorous disease that afflicts sea turtles and is thought to be caused by a virus and an environmental factor. We aim, by exploring the current understanding of the immune system in turtles, to aid the investigation of environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease and provide options for immunotherapy.
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Powolny T, Scheifler R, Raoul F, Coeurdassier M, Fritsch C. Effects of chronic exposure to toxic metals on haematological parameters in free-ranging small mammals. Environ Pollut 2023; 317:120675. [PMID: 36395915 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Blood circulates through the vascular system to carry oxygen, nutrients and metabolites to and away from tissues, and as such is a key-component of animal physiology. The impacts of metal pollution on blood, however, are poorly documented in free-ranging vertebrates. While the counteracting effect of selenium on mercury toxicity is well known in marine mammals, its potential role against the toxicity of other metals is less studied, especially on terrestrial wildlife. We explored the consequences of chronic exposure to two non-essential metals (cadmium and lead) along a pollution gradient in Northern France, on eleven haematological parameters in two free ranging small mammals, the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus and the bank vole Myodes glareolus. We hypothesized that haematology was related to metal concentrations in tissues, and that selenium might exert modulating effects. Concentrations of cadmium and lead in the tissues indicated an increased chronic exposure to and accumulation of metals along the gradient. Some haematological parameters were not explained by any measured variables while some others varied only with gender or age. Red blood cells, red blood cells distribution width, and blood iron concentration, however, decreased with increasing cadmium in the tissues in wood mice. Red blood cells and haemoglobin decreased with increasing renal lead and hepatic cadmium, respectively, in bank voles. Red blood cells distribution width in wood mice increased with cadmium concentrations in the liver but this was counteracted by high selenium levels in the same organ. An interaction of selenium and lead on red blood cells was also observed in bank voles. Further, selenium concentrations were associated with an increase of monocytes in wood mice. The present results show that toxic metals were related to haematology changes, particularly erythrocyte indicators, and that some essential elements like selenium should be measured as well since they may counteract toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Powolny
- UMR 6249 Chrono-environnement, CNRS / Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Renaud Scheifler
- UMR 6249 Chrono-environnement, CNRS / Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France.
| | - Francis Raoul
- UMR 6249 Chrono-environnement, CNRS / Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Michaël Coeurdassier
- UMR 6249 Chrono-environnement, CNRS / Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Clémentine Fritsch
- UMR 6249 Chrono-environnement, CNRS / Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
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10
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Çelik S, Beton D, Çiçek BA, Snape RTE, Başkale E. Metal accumulation in juvenile and sub-adult loggerhead and green turtles in northern Cyprus. Environ Pollut 2023; 316:120482. [PMID: 36279995 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles are considered pollution bioindicators due to their tendency to accumulate high metal levels in their tissues during their long lifespans. In this context, we aimed to analyse the concentrations of 12 elements in liver, kidney, heart and muscle samples from green turtles (Chelonia mydas; n = 41) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta; n = 14) found stranded in Northern Cyprus. The samples were collected between 2019 and 2021, stored in sterile Eppendorf tubes at -20 °C until metal analysis, and analysed with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. With this study, we contribute to the limited number of studies on metal accumulation in heart tissue and present the first data for Mg accumulation in the heart, liver, muscle and kidney tissues of both species. We found that metal accumulation levels differed among the two study species' tissues, with some elements in the same tissue (AlKidney, AsHeart, AsLiver, FeMuscle, FeKidney, FeHeart, MnHeart, PbHeart, ZnMuscle and ZnKidney) significantly differing between species. The observed variation likely resulted from their different feeding habits, which cause them to be exposed to different levels of metals. We also found significant associations among elements within tissues, as well as between the same element across different tissues in both species, which may indicate the differential accumulation of elements among organs due to physiological processes in turtle metabolism, bioaccumulation or excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sude Çelik
- Pamukkale University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Damla Beton
- Society for the Protection of Turtles, Gonyeli, Cyprus
| | - Burak Ali Çiçek
- Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, 99628, Famagusta, north Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey; Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Underwater Research and Imaging Center (URIC), 99628, Famagusta, north Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Robin T E Snape
- Society for the Protection of Turtles, Gonyeli, Cyprus; Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Eyup Başkale
- Pamukkale University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Denizli, Turkey.
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11
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Zavala-Félix KA, Reyes-López MA, Camacho-Sánchez FY, Acosta-Sánchez HH, Hart CE, Zavala-Norzagaray AA, Leal-Sepúlveda V, Leal-Moreno R, Espinoza-Romo BA, Aguirre AA, Ley-Quiñónez CP. Trace elements concentration in blood of nesting Kemp's Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) at Rancho Nuevo sanctuary, Tamaulipas, Mexico. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269346. [PMID: 36322564 PMCID: PMC9629633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The concentrations of trace elements including As, Zn, Cu, Se, Pb, Hg and Cd, were determined in the blood of nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) at Rancho Nuevo sanctuary, Tamaulipas, Mexico during 2018–2020. The sequential concentrations analyzed were Zn> Se> Cu> As> Pb; while Cd and Hg concentrations were below the limits of detection (0.01 μg g-1). No significant differences were observed between the concentrations of trace elements (p> 0.05) by year, except Se levels, possibly resulting from recorded seasonal differences in turtle size. No relationships among turtle size vs elements concentration were observed. In conclusion, essential and toxic trace elements concentrations in the blood of nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles may be a reflex of the ecosystem in which the turtles develop, that is, with low bioavailability of elements observed in the trophic webs in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Alan Zavala-Félix
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Reyes-López
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica-Conservation Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Fátima Yedith Camacho-Sánchez
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica-Conservation Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Héctor Hugo Acosta-Sánchez
- Programa de Conservación de Tortugas Marinas en el Santuario Playa de Rancho Nuevo, Terra Asesoría Ambiental S.C., Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
| | - Catherine E. Hart
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientales y Sociales AC, Tepic, Nayarit, México
| | - Alan A. Zavala-Norzagaray
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Valeria Leal-Sepúlveda
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Renato Leal-Moreno
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Brenda Aracely Espinoza-Romo
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - A. Alonso Aguirre
- Warner College of Natural Resources, Michael Smith Natural Resources Building, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - César P. Ley-Quiñónez
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
- * E-mail:
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12
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Lemaire J, Brischoux F, Marquis O, Mangione R, Caut S, Brault-Favrou M, Churlaud C, Bustamante P. Relationships between stable isotopes and trace element concentrations in the crocodilian community of French Guiana. Sci Total Environ 2022; 837:155846. [PMID: 35561901 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements in the blood of crocodilians and the factors that influence their concentrations are overall poorly documented. However, determination of influencing factors is crucial to assess the relevance of caimans as bioindicators of environmental contamination, and potential toxicological impact of trace elements on these reptiles. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of 14 trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn) in the blood of four French Guiana caiman species (the Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus [n = 34], the Black Caiman Melanosuchus niger [n = 25], the Dwarf Caiman Paleosuchus palpebrosus [n = 5] and the Smooth-fronted Caiman Paleosuchus trigonatus [n = 20]) from 8 different sites, and further investigated the influence of individual body size and stable isotopes as proxies of foraging habitat and trophic position on trace element concentrations. Trophic position was identified to be an important factor influencing trace element concentrations in the four caiman species and explained interspecific variations. These findings highlight the need to consider trophic ecology when crocodilians are used as bioindicators of trace element contamination in environmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Lemaire
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France; Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France.
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Oliver Marquis
- Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Parc Zoologique de Paris, 53 avenue de Saint Maurice, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Rosanna Mangione
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Caut
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), Departamento de Etologia y Conservation de La Biodiversidad - Estacion Biologica de Doñana - C/Americo Vespucio, S/n (Isla de La Cartuja), E-41092 Sevilla, Spain; ANIMAVEG Conservation, 58 Avenue Du Président Salvador Allende, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Carine Churlaud
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
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13
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Savoca D, Arculeo M, Arizza V, Pace A, Melfi R, Caracappa S, Caracappa G, Vullo C, Cambera I, Visconti G, Giudice V, D’oca G, Messina S, Maccotta A. Impact of Heavy Metals in Eggs and Tissues of C. caretta along the Sicilian Coast (Mediterranean Sea). Environments 2022; 9:88. [DOI: 10.3390/environments9070088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study we compared the heavy metal concentration found in different tissues and eggs of the loggerhead sea turtle and evaluated the potential ecotoxicological risk for this important species. Eighteen heavy metal elements were determined in different tissues (liver, gonads, fat, kidney, heart, brain, and spleen) of nine individuals of Caretta caretta found stranded along the coasts of Messina (Sicily, Italy) and in the shell and yolk of six eggs from the island of Linosa (Sicily, Italy). For the analysis of the heavy metals, we used the analytical procedures in accordance with the EPA 200.8 method supplemented by EPA 6020b with three replicates for each measurement. The elements analysed showed different organotropism even if the liver showed higher levels of bioaccumulation. Turtles’ tissues showed the highest values of iron in the liver, followed by zinc in the heart and arsenic in the kidney. Regarding eggs, zinc, iron, and barium were dominant in the yolk and iron, boron, and copper in the eggshell. From the analyses carried out the worrying levels of arsenic and cadmium in the kidneys and liver of C. caretta raise questions about the risk related to exposure to these non-essential elements. This study highlights the importance of multi-element biomonitoring by increasing knowledge on the biodistribution of 18 heavy metals and the related potential risks for C. caretta. We also exploring for the first time the presence of several heavy metals in the eggs and their possible implication for the survival of the species.
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14
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Miguel C, Costa PG, Bianchini A, Luzardo OLP, Vianna MRM, Santos MRDD. Health condition of Chelonia mydas from a foraging area affected by the tailings of a collapsed dam in southeast Brazil. Sci Total Environ 2022; 821:153353. [PMID: 35085636 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, the failure of the Fundão dam caused the release of 43 million m3 of tailings into the Doce River Basin, in southeast Brazil. It was considered the largest environmental disaster of the world mining industry. The tailings, composed mostly of heavy metals, caused massive destruction of the Doce River ecosystem endangering the organisms that live in the coastal zone where the mud reached the ocean. Among the exposed species are the sea turtles that use the region for food. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of contaminants on the health status of juvenile green sea turtles that feed in a coastal area exposed to ore mud (Santa Cruz) and to compare them with animals from an area not directly affected (Coroa Vermelha). A physical examination was performed to determine the health status. Blood samples were analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters, and metal concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Zn). Santa Cruz sea turtles had more ectoparasites and a higher incidence of fibropapillomatosis. Statistically significant differences between sites were found for levels of calcium, phosphorus, glucose, protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, CPK, ALT, and AST. The count of leukocytes, thrombocytes, and heterophils, as well as the concentrations of As and Cu were higher in Santa Cruz turtles. Together the results show a worse nutritional status and a greater degree of liver and kidney damage in animals affected by the tailings. The health status may indicate a physiological deficit that can affect their immune system and behavior, which is supported by the higher fibropapillomatosis tumor score and ectoparasite load in these animals. These results support the need for long-term monitoring of the exposed area to quantify the direct and indirect influence of the heavy metals levels on sea turtles and how this reflects the environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Miguel
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Avenida Ipiranga 6681 (Prédio 12, Bloco D, Sala 301), Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90619-900, Brazil; Projeto Chelonia mydas - Instituto Marcos Daniel, Av. Eugênio Pachêco de Queirós, s/n, Vitória, ES CEP 29092-170, Brazil.
| | - Patrícia Gomes Costa
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Determinações 2, Av. Italia, s/n, Km 8, Rio Grande, RS, CEP 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Adalto Bianchini
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Determinações 2, Av. Italia, s/n, Km 8, Rio Grande, RS, CEP 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Octavio Luis Pérez Luzardo
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Monica Ryff Moreira Vianna
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Avenida Ipiranga 6681 (Prédio 12, Bloco D, Sala 301), Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Renan de Deus Santos
- Projeto Chelonia mydas - Instituto Marcos Daniel, Av. Eugênio Pachêco de Queirós, s/n, Vitória, ES CEP 29092-170, Brazil
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15
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Bianchi L, Casini S, Vantaggiato L, Di Noi A, Carleo A, Shaba E, Armini A, Bellucci F, Furii G, Bini L, Caliani I. A Novel Ex Vivo Approach Based on Proteomics and Biomarkers to Evaluate the Effects of Chrysene, MEHP, and PBDE-47 on Loggerhead Sea Turtles ( Caretta caretta). Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19074369. [PMID: 35410049 PMCID: PMC8998652 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The principal aim of the present study was to develop and apply novel ex vivo tests as an alternative to cell cultures able to evaluate the possible effects of emerging and legacy contaminants in Caretta caretta. To this end, we performed ex vivo experiments on non-invasively collected whole-blood and skin-biopsy slices treated with chrysene, MEHP, or PBDE-47. Blood samples were tested by oxidative stress (TAS), immune system (respiratory burst, lysozyme, and complement system), and genotoxicity (ENA assay) biomarkers, and genotoxic and immune system effects were observed. Skin slices were analyzed by applying a 2D-PAGE/MS proteomic approach, and specific contaminant signatures were delineated on the skin proteomic profile. These reflect biochemical effects induced by each treatment and allowed to identify glutathione S-transferase P, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A, mimecan, and protein S100-A6 as potential biomarkers of the health-threatening impact the texted toxicants have on C. caretta. Obtained results confirm the suitability of the ex vivo system and indicate the potential risk the loggerhead sea turtle is undergoing in the natural environment. In conclusion, this work proved the relevance that the applied ex vivo models may have in testing the toxicity of other compounds and mixtures and in biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bianchi
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (E.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Silvia Casini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.B.); (I.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lorenza Vantaggiato
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (E.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Agata Di Noi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Alfonso Carleo
- Department of Pulmonology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Enxhi Shaba
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (E.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Alessandro Armini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Francesco Bellucci
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Giovanni Furii
- Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine Legambiente, Molo di Ponente, 71043 Manfredonia, Italy;
| | - Luca Bini
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (E.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Ilaria Caliani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.B.); (I.C.)
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Zhao G, Qi L, Wang Y, Li X, Li Q, Tang X, Wang X, Wu C. Antagonizing effects of curcumin against mercury-induced autophagic death and trace elements disorder by regulating PI3K/AKT and Nrf2 pathway in the spleen. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2021; 222:112529. [PMID: 34293585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a naturally occurring element and highly toxic to humans even at a low dosage. Curcumin is a polyphenol found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), widely used as a treatment strategy to improve antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential protective mechanisms of curcumin in spleen damage induced by HgCl2. The mice were given curcumin by intragastric administration 2 h before HgCl2 injection for 24 h. At first, splenic transcriptome analysis showed that 3334 genes (2134 up and 1200 down) were differently expressed in HgCl2-induced spleen damage model. Notably, KEGG enrichment showed phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT might be a key signaling pathways in HgCl2-induced spleen damage. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that HgCl2 could induce autophagic cell death, evidenced by increases the protein expression of PI3K, AKT, LC3-II and p62 and the number of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, we found that curcumin significantly combated autophagic cell death, sodium overload and calcium leak induced by HgCl2. Simultaneously, further studies demonstrated that curcumin significantly activated nuclear factor (erythroid-derived-2)-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, and subsequent enhancing antioxidant defenses. Taken together, our data indicated that inorganic mercury could result in autophagic cell death, which may be related to the regulation of PI3K-AKT signaling cascades. Furthermore, Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defenses may be the target of curcumin to confers an adaptive survival response to resist spleen damage induced by HgCl2. The present study perfects the mechanism theory of HgCl2-induced spleen damage and provides a way for pharmacological intervention to prevent spleen injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifang Zhao
- Department of Core Medical Laboratory, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, PR China
| | - Ling Qi
- Department of Core Medical Laboratory, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, PR China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Xinlian Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Qiuyue Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Xiali Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Chunling Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, PR China.
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Finlayson KA, van de Merwe JP. Differences in marine megafauna in vitro sensitivity highlights the need for species-specific chemical risk assessments. Aquat Toxicol 2021; 239:105939. [PMID: 34455206 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs can be exposed to large mixtures of contaminants due to the proximity of foraging locations to anthropogenic inputs. Differences in accumulation and effect result in differences of chemical risk to these species. However, little is known about the effect of contaminants in marine wildlife. Cell-based, or in vitro, exposure experiments offer an ethical alternative to investigate the effect of contaminants in wildlife. Data from in vitro studies can then be placed in an environmental context, by using screening risk assessments, comparing effect data with accumulation data from the literature, to identify risk to populations of marine wildlife. Cytotoxicity of Cr6+, Cd2+, Hg2+, 4,4'-DDE, and PFNA were investigated in primary skin fibroblasts of green turtles, loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles, dugongs, Burrunan dolphins, and common bottlenose dolphins. The general order of toxicity for all species was Hg2+> Cr6+ > Cd2+> 4,4'-DDE > PFNA, and significant differences in cytotoxicity were found between species for Cr6+, Cd2+ and PFNA. For Cd2+, in particular, cells from turtle species were less sensitive than mammalian species, and dugong cells were by far the most sensitive. The results from the cytotoxicity assay were then used in combination with published data on tissue contaminant concentrations to calculate risk quotients for identifying populations of each species most at risk from these chemicals. Cr, Cd and Hg were identified as posing risk in all six species. Dugongs were particularly at risk from Cd accumulation and dolphin species were particularly at risk from Hg accumulation. These results demonstrate the importance of using species-specific effect and accumulation data for developing chemical risk assessments and can be used to inform managers of priority contaminants, species, or populations. Development of additional in vitro endpoints, and improving links between in vitro and in vivo effects, would further improve this approach to understanding chemical risk in marine megafauna.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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Sposato P, Keating P, Lutz PL, Milton SL. EVALUATION OF IMMUNE FUNCTION IN TWO POPULATIONS OF GREEN SEA TURTLES (CHELONIA MYDAS) IN A DEGRADED VERSUS A NONDEGRADED HABITAT. J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:761-72. [PMID: 34460917 DOI: 10.7589/JWD-D-20-00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a strong correlation between degraded marine habitats and the prevalence of diseases such as green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP) in coastal populations. In GTFP, small to large tumors grow on the turtle's soft tissues and shell, while internal nodules may also occur. The disease primarily affects juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) that reside in nearshore waters. As a link has been shown between environmental pollution and immune suppression in a variety of animals, the objective of our research was to compare innate and adaptive immune responsiveness in green sea turtles from a severely degraded and a more pristine habitat, which differ greatly in rates of GTFP. We quantified phagocytosis by flow cytometry and performed in vitro stimulation analysis to measure activity of both the innate and adaptive immune systems in wild-caught Florida green turtles. Sea turtles from the degraded environment, both with and without visible cutaneous tumors, exhibited significantly reduced phagocytosis and stimulation indices than did those from the less polluted environment. Our results suggest that environmental factors may contribute to the development of GTFP and thus can impact the health of sea turtle populations.
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Canzanella S, Danese A, Mandato M, Lucifora G, Riverso C, Federico G, Gallo P, Esposito M. Concentrations of trace elements in tissues of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian coastlines (Calabria, Italy). Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:26545-26557. [PMID: 33484457 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxic trace elements from both, natural and anthropogenic origin, pose a threat to aquatic environments and marine wildlife due to their long-range transport, bioaccumulative nature, and biomagnification through the food chain. Being long-lived and migratory animals, sea turtles can be exposed to elevated levels of toxic elements, and are therefore considered sentinel species for chemical pollution. In this study, concentrations of trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) were determined in tissues of 46 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded along Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts of Calabria, in Southern Italy, between 2014 and 2020. Curved carapace length (CCL), curved carapace width (CCW), body mass (BM), and sex were determined and the correlations of these parameters with toxic elements concentrations were investigated. During necropsy, kidney, liver, and muscle tissues were collected and the concentration and distribution of metals determined. Muscle tissues showed the lowest toxic element burdens, except for As that showed the highest mean concentrations in this tissue. The kidney was the main accumulation organ for Cd, while similar levels of Hg and Pb were measured in kidney, liver, and muscle tissues. The risk assessment performed for Cd, Hg, and Pb in sea turtles' liver highlighted possible negative effects on sea turtles' health and the need for marine turtle toxicology researches. This is the first study reporting levels and distribution of toxic elements in tissues of Caretta caretta turtles from the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts of Calabria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Canzanella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy.
| | - Amalia Danese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Maria Mandato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucifora
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Caterina Riverso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Giovanni Federico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Mauro Esposito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
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Olimón-Andalón V, Valdés-Flores J, Ley-Quiñonez CP, Zavala-Norzagaray AA, Aguirre AA, León-Sicairos N, Velázquez-Román J, Flores-Villaseñor H, Acosta-Smith E, Sosa-Cornejo I, Valdez-Flores M, Hart CE, Canizalez-Román A. Essential and trace metals in a post-nesting olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Ceuta beach, Sinaloa, Mexico. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:29998-30006. [PMID: 33576959 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Trace metals have been found in sea turtle blood and tissues and may represent a threat to these endangered species. Essential trace metal (Cu, Zn Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) concentrations were determined in blood of adult female, post-nesting olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 35) on Ceuta beach, Sinaloa, Mexico. Essential metals (Zn and Cu) analyzed were found in higher concentrations than toxic metals (Cd and Pb), while As and Hg concentrations were below the limits of detection (0.01 μg g-1). Low Pb concentrations (0.09 μg g-1) were previously observed in sea turtles in the Gulf of California. There were no significant correlations found between curved carapace length (61.00-71.00 ± 2.29) vs metal concentrations (p > 0.05). Cd levels were relatively high when compared to other species and populations of sea turtles worldwide and Cd may represent the greatest risk for sea turtles in the Mexican Pacific. Such concentrations of Cd may pose a further risk to sea turtles through bioaccumulation from the nesting female to offspring which may affect embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Olimón-Andalón
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Jorge Valdés-Flores
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Cesar Paul Ley-Quiñonez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CIIDIR-SINALOA, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientales y Sociales A.C. (ICSAS), 63160, Tepic, Mexico
| | - Alan A Zavala-Norzagaray
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CIIDIR-SINALOA, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientales y Sociales A.C. (ICSAS), 63160, Tepic, Mexico
| | - A Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Nidia León-Sicairos
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Jorge Velázquez-Román
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Hector Flores-Villaseñor
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
- Secretariat of Health, The Sinaloa State Public Health Laboratory, 80020, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Erika Acosta-Smith
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Igmar Sosa-Cornejo
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Marco Valdez-Flores
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Catherine Edwina Hart
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientales y Sociales A.C. (ICSAS), 63160, Tepic, Mexico
| | - Adrian Canizalez-Román
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico.
- Secretariat of Health, The Women's Hospital, 80127, Culiacan, Mexico.
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21
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Haskins DL, Brown MK, Meichner K, Tuberville TD, Gogal RM. Mercury immunotoxicity in the brown watersnake (Nerodia taxispilota): An in vitro study. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:180-189. [PMID: 34013568 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that enters the environment through natural and anthropogenic means. Once in the environment, Hg can biomagnify in food webs and is known to cause immunotoxic effects to wildlife. Compared with other vertebrates, knowledge of the reptilian immune system is lacking, especially in snakes. Further, even less is known about the impact of environmental contaminants on snake immunity. This gap in knowledge is largely due to an absence of established immune-based assays or specific reagents for these species. In this study, brown watersnakes (Nerodia taxispilota; n = 23) were captured on the Savannah River (Augusta, Georgia, USA), weighed, measured, bled, and released. Peripheral blood leukocytes (24 h old) were enriched and evaluated with an established mammalian in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assay. Enriched leukocytes were then exposed to mercury chloride (HgCl2 ) at 3.75, 37.5, and 75 μM. Total mercury (THg) in whole blood was also quantified. Snake peripheral blood leukocyte enrichment yielded >90% lymphocytes with viabilities averaging >70%. Exposure to HgCl2 resulted in significant dose-dependent suppression of proliferative responses relative to spontaneous proliferation at 37.5 and 75 μM (both p ≤ 0.01) but not 3.75 μM (p = 0.99). Mean ± 1 SE concentration of THg in whole blood was 0.127 ± 0.027 mg/kg (wet weight). Based on the in vitro findings with HgCl2 , snakes in systems with heavy Hg pollution may be at risk of immunosuppression, but N. taxispilota at the site in this study appear to be at low risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,D. B.Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - M Kyle Brown
- D. B.Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kristina Meichner
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Tracey D Tuberville
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Robert M Gogal
- Department of Biosciences and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Hernández-Fernández J, Pinzón-Velasco A, López EA, Rodríguez-Becerra P, Mariño-Ramírez L. Transcriptional Analyses of Acute Exposure to Methylmercury on Erythrocytes of Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Toxics 2021; 9:70. [PMID: 33805397 PMCID: PMC8066450 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9040070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
To understand changes in enzyme activity and gene expression as biomarkers of exposure to methylmercury, we exposed loggerhead turtle erythrocytes (RBCs) to concentrations of 0, 1, and 5 mg L-1 of MeHg and de novo transcriptome were assembled using RNA-seq. The analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated that 79 unique genes were dysregulated (39 upregulated and 44 downregulated genes). The results showed that MeHg altered gene expression patterns as a response to the cellular stress produced, reflected in cell cycle regulation, lysosomal activity, autophagy, calcium regulation, mitochondrial regulation, apoptosis, and regulation of transcription and translation. The analysis of DEGs showed a low response of the antioxidant machinery to MeHg, evidenced by the fact that genes of early response to oxidative stress were not dysregulated. The RBCs maintained a constitutive expression of proteins that represented a good part of the defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Hernández-Fernández
- Department of Natural and Environmental Science, Marine Biology Program, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Genetics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatic Research Group–GENBIMOL, Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, Cra. 4 No 22-61, Bogotá 110311, Colombia;
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Calle 45, Cra. 7, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Andrés Pinzón-Velasco
- Bioinformática y Biología de Sistemas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Calle 45, Cra. 30, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
| | - Ellie Anne López
- IDEASA Research Group-Environment and Sustainability, Institute of Environmental Studies and Services, Sergio Arboleda University, Bogotá 111711, Colombia;
| | - Pilar Rodríguez-Becerra
- Department of Natural and Environmental Science, Marine Biology Program, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Genetics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatic Research Group–GENBIMOL, Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, Cra. 4 No 22-61, Bogotá 110311, Colombia;
| | - Leonardo Mariño-Ramírez
- NCBI, NLM, NIH Computational Biology Branch, Building 38A, Room 6S614M 8600 Rockville Pike, MSC 6075, Bethesda, MD 20894-6075, USA;
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23
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Norris SB, Reistad NA, Rumbold DG. Mercury in neonatal and juvenile blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus). Part II: Effects assessment. Ecotoxicology 2021; 30:311-322. [PMID: 33447940 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As apex predators, blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) are highly susceptible to biomagnified mercury (Hg) particularly in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), which is known to contain fishes and invertebrates with elevated Hg levels. Blacktip sharks occur in the GOM year-round and are heavily fished both commercially and recreationally, but little is known about how Hg affects the species. In this study, blood, muscle, liver, and kidney samples were collected from neonatal (n = 57) and juvenile (n = 13) blacktip sharks in Charlotte Harbor, Florida. Hg concentrations in neonates and juveniles were found to be elevated in muscle (mean ± SE = 0.59 ± 0.23 mg kg-1), liver (0.39 ± 0.29 mg kg-1), kidney (0.56 ± 0.25 mg kg-1), and blood (0.059 ± 0.041 mg kg-1) compared to other local shark species and conspecifics from other areas. Blood plasma chemistry, hematology, and liver histology were evaluated to assess the relationship between Hg and tissue damage. Plasma chemistry parameters alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and phosphorus (PHOS) were not correlated with tissue Hg or liver condition index. Hematological effects were also not correlated with tissue Hg. However, melanomacrophage presence and lipid deposition, evaluated as part of histopathological analysis, were found to exhibit a statistically significant association with concentrations of Hg in tissue and ALT levels. These results suggest that Hg exposure potentially had a negative effect on the livers of the blacktip sharks evaluated in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Norris
- Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers, FL, 33965, USA.
| | - Nicole A Reistad
- Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers, FL, 33965, USA
| | - Darren G Rumbold
- Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers, FL, 33965, USA
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24
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Laghzaoui EM, Abbad A, El Mouden EH. Host-parasite association of Placobdella costata (Glossiphoniidae: Hirudinea) and Mauremys leprosa (Geoemydidae: Testudinoidea) in aquatic ecosystems of Morocco. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3459-3467. [PMID: 32677002 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06809-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) was considered as a specific host of Placobdella costata (Fr. Mûller, 1846). However, since the parasite was recorded from outside the distribution area of its host, some authors suggested a possible relationship with other hosts. Although two accidental associations were found with another turtle, Mauremys leprosa (Schweigger, 1812), the obtained data remain insufficient to better understand this discovered host-parasite ecological system. In this context, the present study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between the Mediterranean pond turtle, M. leprosa, and the freshwater rhynchobdellid leech, P. costata (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae), in aquatic ecosystems of Morocco. During the period from April to June 2018, we found leeches attached to turtles in five out of 30 populations sampled with a prevalence of infection significantly higher in adult than that in juvenile turtles. Moreover, the males are the most infested with 51% of the total, followed by females (33.3%) and juveniles (15.7%). The obtained results indicated that 51 turtles were infested by 139 leeches with a mean intensity of infestation of 4.17 ± 0.47 leeches/turtle (up to 10 leeches/turtle). It was higher in males than that in females in almost all sites. The posterior limbs are the most preferred attachment site, and the body condition of turtles was not affected by the intensity of infestation but it is rather a function of altitude. Our findings proved that M. leprosa-P. costata association is more than accidental and that M. leprosa is rather the main host of P. costata in aquatic ecosystems of Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Mustapha Laghzaoui
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climatic Change, Faculty of Sciences, Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz Abbad
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - El Hassan El Mouden
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climatic Change, Faculty of Sciences, Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco.
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25
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Hernández-fernández J, López-barrera EA, Mariño-ramírez L, Rodríguez-becerra P, Pinzón-velasco A. Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Erythrocytes of Captive Pre-Juvenile Loggerhead Turtles Following Acute Exposure to Methylmercury. Applied Sciences 2020; 10:3602. [DOI: 10.3390/app10103602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the use of erythrocytes (RBCs) of loggerhead turtles as in vitro models for evaluating their toxicity to methylmercury. Blood samples of loggerhead turtles that were born in the Colombian Caribbean were used. The LC50 of RBCs to methylmercury was determined at 96 h using methylmercury concentrations of 0.5–100 mg L−1. Next, the viability of the RBCs and the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde (MDA) at 6 and 12 h of exposure to acute concentrations of 0, 1, and 5 mg L−1 were evaluated. The LC50 for loggerhead turtle RBCs was 8.32 mg L−1. The cell viability bioassay of RBCs exposed for 12 h only showed 100% cell viability. Increasing in vitro MeHg concentrations caused a corresponding increase in MDA concentration as well as decreases in the activities of SOD and GST. The RBCs represent an excellent model for ecotoxicological studies and SOD, GST, and MDA are biomarkers of environmental pollution and oxidative stress in loggerhead turtles. This was the first study conducted on loggerhead turtle where the response of RBCs to MeHg-induced oxidative stress is evaluated.
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26
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Lettoof DC, Bateman PW, Aubret F, Gagnon MM. The Broad-Scale Analysis of Metals, Trace Elements, Organochlorine Pesticides and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Wetlands Along an Urban Gradient, and the Use of a High Trophic Snake as a Bioindicator. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2020; 78:631-645. [PMID: 32123945 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00724-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wetlands and their biodiversity are constantly threatened by contaminant pollution from urbanisation. Despite evidence suggesting that snakes are good bioindicators of environmental health, the bioaccumulation of contaminants in reptiles is poorly researched in Australia. We conducted the first broad-scale analysis of 17 metals and trace elements, 21 organochlorine pesticides, and 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments (4 samples per site, December 2018) from four wetlands along an urban gradient in Perth, Western Australia, and from the livers (5 livers per site, February-April 2019) of western tiger snakes Notechis scutatus occidentalis captured at those sites. All 17 metals and trace elements were detected in the sediments of wetlands as well as 16 in the livers of tiger snakes. Arsenic, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se, and Zn were at concentrations exceeding government trigger values in at least one sediment sample. Two organochlorine pesticides and six of seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in the sediments of a single wetland, all exceeding government trigger values, but were not detected in tiger snakes. Metals and trace elements were generally in higher concentration in sediments and snake livers from more heavily urbanised wetlands. The least urbanised site had some higher concentrations of metals and trace elements, possibly due to agriculture contaminated groundwater. Concentrations of nine metals and trace elements in snake livers were statistically different between sites. Arsenic, Cd, Co, Hg, Mo, Sb, and Se near paralleled the pattern of contamination measured in the wetland sediments; this supports the use of high trophic wetland snakes, such as tiger snakes, as bioindicators of wetland contamination. Contamination sources and impacts on these wetland ecosystems and tiger snakes are discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Lettoof
- Behavioural Ecology Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Brand Drive, Bentley, WA, Australia.
| | - P W Bateman
- Behavioural Ecology Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Brand Drive, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - F Aubret
- Behavioural Ecology Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Brand Drive, Bentley, WA, Australia
- CNRS, Station d'Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UMR 5321 CNRS - Université Paul Sabatier, 09200, Moulis, France
| | - M M Gagnon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Brand Drive, Bentley, WA, Australia
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Gómez-Ramírez P, Espín S, Navas I, Martínez-López E, Jiménez P, María-Mojica P, Peñalver J, García-Fernández AJ. Mercury and Organochlorine Pesticides in Tissues of Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) Stranded Along the Southwestern Mediterranean Coastline (Andalusia, Spain). Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2020; 104:559-567. [PMID: 32185428 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-02822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Nineteen loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded along the southwestern Mediterranean coastline (Andalusia) were used in this study. A total of 68 samples of fat (n = 18), liver (n = 15), kidney (n = 13), pectoral muscle (n = 19), and brain (n = 3) were analysed for total mercury (Hg) and organochlorine pesticides [OC: ∑Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (∑DDT), ∑Hexachlorocyclohexane (∑HCH), ∑Heptachlor, ∑Drins and ∑Endosulfan]. These loggerhead sea turtles showed tissue Hg and OC concentrations similar to or lower than those reported in other studies. Few growth-related variations in Hg or OC levels in relation to straight carapace length were found, probably because the specimens were mostly juveniles. This study will help to fill the gap on spatio-temporal exposure data and ascertain the real world-wide picture of the contamination levels in loggerhead sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Espín
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Isabel Navas
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emma Martínez-López
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro Jiménez
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro María-Mojica
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Peñalver
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB-Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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28
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Yang L, Zhang Y, Wang F, Luo Z, Guo S, Strähle U. Toxicity of mercury: Molecular evidence. Chemosphere 2020; 245:125586. [PMID: 31881386 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Minamata disease in Japan and the large-scale poisoning by methylmercury (MeHg) in Iraq caused wide public concerns about the risk emanating from mercury for human health. Nowadays, it is widely known that all forms of mercury induce toxic effects in mammals, and increasing evidence supports the concern that environmentally relevant levels of MeHg could impact normal biological functions in wildlife. The information of mechanism involved in mercurial toxicity is growing but knowledge gaps still exist between the adverse effects and mechanisms of action, especially at the molecular level. A body of data obtained from experimental studies on mechanisms of mercurial toxicity in vivo and in vitro points to that disruption of the antioxidant system may play an important role in the mercurial toxic effects. Moreover, the accumulating evidence indicates that signaling transduction, protein or/and enzyme activity, and gene regulation are involving in mediating toxic and adaptive response to mercury exposure. We conducted here a comprehensive review of mercurial toxic effects on wildlife and human, in particular synthesized key findings of molecular pathways involved in mercurial toxicity from the cells to human. We discuss the molecular evidence related mercurial toxicity to the adverse effects, with particular emphasis on the gene regulation. The further studies relying on Omic analysis connected to adverse effects and modes of action of mercury will aid in the evaluation and validation of causative relationship between health outcomes and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Zidie Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Shaojuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Uwe Strähle
- Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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Becker DJ, Albery GF, Kessler MK, Lunn TJ, Falvo CA, Czirják GÁ, Martin LB, Plowright RK. Macroimmunology: The drivers and consequences of spatial patterns in wildlife immune defence. J Anim Ecol 2020; 89:972-995. [PMID: 31856309 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence and intensity of parasites in wild hosts varies across space and is a key determinant of infection risk in humans, domestic animals and threatened wildlife. Because the immune system serves as the primary barrier to infection, replication and transmission following exposure, we here consider the environmental drivers of immunity. Spatial variation in parasite pressure, abiotic and biotic conditions, and anthropogenic factors can all shape immunity across spatial scales. Identifying the most important spatial drivers of immunity could help pre-empt infectious disease risks, especially in the context of how large-scale factors such as urbanization affect defence by changing environmental conditions. We provide a synthesis of how to apply macroecological approaches to the study of ecoimmunology (i.e. macroimmunology). We first review spatial factors that could generate spatial variation in defence, highlighting the need for large-scale studies that can differentiate competing environmental predictors of immunity and detailing contexts where this approach might be favoured over small-scale experimental studies. We next conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess the frequency of spatial studies and to classify them according to taxa, immune measures, spatial replication and extent, and statistical methods. We review 210 ecoimmunology studies sampling multiple host populations. We show that whereas spatial approaches are relatively common, spatial replication is generally low and unlikely to provide sufficient environmental variation or power to differentiate competing spatial hypotheses. We also highlight statistical biases in macroimmunology, in that few studies characterize and account for spatial dependence statistically, potentially affecting inferences for the relationships between environmental conditions and immune defence. We use these findings to describe tools from geostatistics and spatial modelling that can improve inference about the associations between environmental and immunological variation. In particular, we emphasize exploratory tools that can guide spatial sampling and highlight the need for greater use of mixed-effects models that account for spatial variability while also allowing researchers to account for both individual- and habitat-level covariates. We finally discuss future research priorities for macroimmunology, including focusing on latitudinal gradients, range expansions and urbanization as being especially amenable to large-scale spatial approaches. Methodologically, we highlight critical opportunities posed by assessing spatial variation in host tolerance, using metagenomics to quantify spatial variation in parasite pressure, coupling large-scale field studies with small-scale field experiments and longitudinal approaches, and applying statistical tools from macroecology and meta-analysis to identify generalizable spatial patterns. Such work will facilitate scaling ecoimmunology from individual- to habitat-level insights about the drivers of immune defence and help predict where environmental change may most alter infectious disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Becker
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Tamika J Lunn
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caylee A Falvo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lynn B Martin
- Department of Global and Planetary Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Raina K Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
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Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant that has been reported in many wildlife species worldwide. The organic form of Hg bioaccumulates in higher trophic levels, and thus, long-lived predators are at risk for higher Hg exposure. Although ecological risk assessments for contaminants such as Hg include pertinent receptor species, snakes are rarely considered, despite their high trophic status and potential to accumulate high levels of Hg. Our current knowledge of these reptiles suggests that snakes may be useful novel biomarkers to monitor contaminated environments. The few available studies show that snakes can bioaccumulate significant amounts of Hg. However, little is known about the role of snakes in Hg transport in the environment or the individual-level effects of Hg exposure in this group of reptiles. This is a major concern, as snakes often serve as important prey for a variety of taxa within ecosystems (including humans). In this review, we compiled and analyzed the results of over 30 studies to discuss the impact of Hg on snakes, specifically sources of exposure, bioaccumulation, health consequences, and specific scientific knowledge gaps regarding these moderate to high trophic predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Robert M Gogal
- Department of Biosciences and Diagnostic Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Sinaei M, Zare R. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and some biomarkers in the green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 146:336-342. [PMID: 31426165 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Selected blood biochemical parameters (Glutathione S transferase: GST; Alanine aminotransferase: ALT; Aspartate aminotransferase: AST; Lactate dehydrogenase: LD and glucose) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in blood samples from 18 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the Iranian coastline on the northern shore of the Sea of Oman. Mean total PAH concentration in the blood samples was 17.802 ± 1.006 ng/gdw. The study found no significant correlation between blood biochemical parameters and PAHs (p > 0.01), however significant correlations were found between total PAHs and GST activity (p < 0.01). The GST activity measured in this study was useful as a first investigation into the biological effects of PAH pollution as well as in determining the bioavailability of pollution. The results suggest that PAHs might be a factor influencing a reduction in green sea turtle egg fertilization and hatching success. Further study is needed concerning the effects of PAHs and other pollutants on green sea turtles, and specifically on the potential impact on the fetal development of green sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Sinaei
- Department of fisheries, Chabahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chabahar, Iran.
| | - Rouhollah Zare
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar, Province of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran
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Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Rodríguez A, Pareja-Carrera J, Mateo R, Martinez-Haro M. Tools for non-invasive sampling of metal accumulation and its effects in Mediterranean pond turtle populations inhabiting mining areas. Chemosphere 2019; 231:194-206. [PMID: 31129400 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Among reptiles, freshwater turtle species have high potential for metal accumulation because of their long lifespan or their aquatic and terrestrial habits. In order to monitor metal bioaccumulation, determine potential toxic effects, and investigate tools for non-invasive metal sampling in reptiles, we studied lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) accumulation in Mediterranean pond turtles (Mauremys leprosa) inhabiting two former mining areas, one of them with high environmental concentrations of Pb (Sierra Madrona-Alcudia Valley district) and the other one with high environmental concentrations of Hg (Almadén district). Individuals from the Pb mining area showed mean blood concentrations (i.e. 5.59 μg Pb/g dry weight, d.w.) that were higher than those measured in other populations. Blood Hg concentrations were highest (8.83 μg Hg/g d.w.) in the site close to the former Hg mines, whereas blood Hg concentrations in terrapins from another site of Almadén district, located ∼28 km downstream, were not different from locations at the non-mining area. Animals from the Pb-contaminated site showed evidence of oxidative stress, whereas those from the Hg-contaminated site showed increased activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, as well as reduced circulating levels of the main endogenous antioxidant peptide, glutathione. Concentrations measured in feces and carapace scutes were useful indicators to monitor blood concentrations of Pb, but not of Hg. Our results provide evidence of the usefulness of freshwater turtles as sentinels of chronic metal pollution, and validate non-invasive tools to advance Pb monitoring in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM. Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Antonio Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM. Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Jennifer Pareja-Carrera
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM. Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM. Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Mónica Martinez-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM. Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Gaus C, Villa CA, Dogruer G, Heffernan A, Vijayasarathy S, Lin CY, Flint M, Hof CM, Bell I. Evaluating internal exposure of sea turtles as model species for identifying regional chemical threats in nearshore habitats of the Great Barrier Reef. Sci Total Environ 2019; 658:732-743. [PMID: 30583168 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Marine megafauna that forage in proximity to land can be exposed to a diverse mixture of chemicals that - individually or combined - have the potential to affect their health. Characterizing such complex exposure and examining associations with health still poses considerable challenges. The present study summarizes the development and application of novel approaches to identifying chemical hazards and their potential impacts on the health of coastal wildlife, using green sea turtles as model species. We used an epidemiological study approach to collect blood and keratinized scute samples from free-ranging turtles foraging in nearshore areas and an offshore control site. These were analyzed using a combination of non-targeted, effect-based and multi-chemical analytical screening approaches to assess internal exposure to a wide range of chemicals. The screening phase identified a suite of elements (essential and non-essential) as priority for further investigation. Many of these elements are not commonly analyzed in marine wildlife, illustrating that comprehensive screening is important where exposure is unknown or uncertain. In particular, cobalt was present at highly elevated concentrations, in the order of those known to elicit acute effects across other vertebrate species. Several trace elements, including cobalt, were correlated with clinical indicators of impaired turtle health. In addition, biomarkers of oxidative stress (e.g. 3-indolepropionic acid and lipid peroxidation products) identified in the blood of turtles showed significant correlations with clinical health markers (particularly alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin), as well as with cobalt. To assist interpretation of trace element blood data in the absence of sufficient information on reptile toxicity, we established exposure reference intervals using a healthy control population. In addition, trace element exposure history was investigated by establishing temporal exposure indices using steady-state relationships between blood and scute. Overall, the data provide a strong argument for the notion that trace element exposure is having an impact on the health of coastal sea turtle populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gaus
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia.
| | - C Alexander Villa
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Gülsah Dogruer
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Amy Heffernan
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Soumini Vijayasarathy
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Chun-Yin Lin
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Mark Flint
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, The Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA
| | | | - Ian Bell
- Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Threatened Species Unit, Townsville, Australia
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Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, van de Merwe JP. Primary green turtle (Chelonia mydas) skin fibroblasts as an in vitro model for assessing genotoxicity and oxidative stress. Aquat Toxicol 2019; 207:13-18. [PMID: 30502692 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the effects of contaminants that accumulate in sea turtles. When in vivo exposure studies have ethical and logistical barriers, as is the case with sea turtles, in vitro tools can provide important information on the effects of contaminants. Several in vitro studies have assessed cytotoxicity of contaminants to sea turtles cells, however to gain a more refined mechanistic understanding of the effects of contaminants, sub-lethal effects also require investigation. Considering the complex mixture of contaminants that sea turtles are potentially exposed to, high throughput testing methods are necessary so that a large number of contaminants (and mixtures) can be rapidly tested. This study examined oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species production) and genotoxicity (micronucleus formation) in primary green turtle skin fibroblasts in response to 16 organic and inorganic contaminants found in coastal environments. Significant induction of oxidative stress was found with Cu, Co, Cr, and Hg. Significant effects on genotoxicity were found with Cu, Co, Cr, Hg, Pb and metolachlor. Effect concentrations from the bioassays were used in a simple risk assessment of turtles worldwide using accumulation values from the literature to identify populations at risk. Cu, Co, Cr and Hg were identified as posing the biggest threat to sea turtles. This study demonstrated the validity of using primary turtle cell cultures in the assessment of risk associated with a large number of contaminants using a high-throughput toxicity testing format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Finlayson
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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35
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Caliani I, Poggioni L, D’agostino A, Fossi MC, Casini S. An immune response-based approach to evaluate physiological stress in rehabilitating loggerhead sea turtle. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2019; 207:18-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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36
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Bower DS, Brannelly LA, McDonald CA, Webb RJ, Greenspan SE, Vickers M, Gardner MG, Greenlees MJ. A review of the role of parasites in the ecology of reptiles and amphibians. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah S. Bower
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland 4811 Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science; University of New England; Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Laura A. Brannelly
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Cait A. McDonald
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Cornell University; Ithaca New York USA
| | - Rebecca J. Webb
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Sasha E. Greenspan
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa Alabama USA
| | - Mathew Vickers
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Michael G. Gardner
- College of Science and Engineering; Flinders University; Adelaide South Australia Australia
- Evolutionary Biology Unit; South Australian Museum; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Matthew J. Greenlees
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Abstract
Mercury contamination in consumed foods poses a significant threat to human health globally. The consumption of mercury-contaminated turtle meat is of special concern due to mercury's capability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify in organisms. Turtles are long-lived predators, allowing for a high degree of bioaccumulation and biomagnification of contaminants. In the U.S., diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are legally harvested in several states throughout their range. Harvested turtles are usually sold to both local and global markets mainly for human consumption, which results in a human consumption threat. The objective of this study was to analyze mercury concentrations to determine if the consumption of terrapins poses a threat to human health. Diamondback terrapins were collected from two study sites: Cape May and Hackensack Meadowlands, New Jersey, relatively pristine and contaminated estuaries, respectively. Turtle carapace, blood, and muscle samples were analyzed for total mercury concentrations. Results showed significant difference between study sites and females' and males' blood mercury concentrations. Similarly, results showed blood mercury correlated with carapace length. Results also showed that 50% of Cape May muscle samples and 72.7% Meadowlands muscles samples surpassed the New Jersey sensitive threshold of 0.18 ppm. Furthermore, 27.3% of Cape May muscle samples and 45.5% of Meadowlands muscles samples surpassed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's mercury threshold of 0.3 ppm for seafood consumption for the general public. Overall, the harvest of terrapins could pose a threat to consumers, and terrapins should be monitored closely or possibly banned for human consumption, especially in areas with known contamination history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Sherwood
- Environmental Management Program, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Meiyin Wu
- Department of Biology, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Peddrick Weis
- Department of Radiology, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07101, USA
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Stacy NI, Lynch JM, Arendt MD, Avens L, Braun McNeill J, Cray C, Day RD, Harms CA, Lee AM, Peden-Adams MM, Thorvalson K, Segars AL, Norton TM. Chronic debilitation in stranded loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the southeastern United States: Morphometrics and clinicopathological findings. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200355. [PMID: 29990325 PMCID: PMC6039040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronically debilitated loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) (DT) are characterized by emaciation, lethargy, and heavy barnacle coverage. Although histopathological findings associated with this condition have been reported, only limited data is available on health variables with clinical application. The objectives of this study were to 1) to compare morphometrics, clinicopathological variables, and immune functions of DTs to a group of apparently healthy loggerhead turtles to better understand the pathophysiology of the condition and 2) to assess health parameters in live debilitated turtles as they recovered during rehabilitation in order to identify potential prognostic indicators. We examined and sampled 43 DTs stranded from North Carolina to Florida for 47 health variables using standardized protocols to further characterize the condition. DTs were grouped into categories of severity of the condition, and those that survived were sampled at four time points through rehabilitation. All groups and time points were compared among DTs and to clinically healthy loggerhead turtles. Compared to healthy turtles, DTs had significantly lower body condition index, packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocytes, glucose (Glc), total protein, all protein fractions as determined by electrophoresis, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), Ca:P ratio, potassium (K), lymphocyte proliferation, and greater heterophil toxicity and left-shifting, uric acid (UA), aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lysozyme, and respiratory burst. From admission to recovery, hematology and plasma chemistry data improved as expected. The most informative prognostic indicators, as determined by correlations with a novel severity indicator (based on survival times), were plastron concavity, P, albumin, total solids, UA, lymphocyte proliferation, WBC, K, Glc, Ca:P, and PCV. The results of this study document the wide range and extent of morphometric and metabolic derangements in chronically debilitated turtles. Monitoring morphometrics and clinicopathological variables of these animals is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis during rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole I. Stacy
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jennifer M. Lynch
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Arendt
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Larisa Avens
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Beaufort Laboratory, Beaufort, NC, United States of America
| | - Joanne Braun McNeill
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Beaufort Laboratory, Beaufort, NC, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Rusty D. Day
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Craig A. Harms
- North Carolina State University, Center for Marine Science and Technology, Morehead City, NC, United States of America
| | - A. Michelle Lee
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | | | - Kelly Thorvalson
- South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Al L. Segars
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Terry M. Norton
- Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island Authority, GA, United States of America
- St. Catherines Island Foundation, Midway, GA, United States of America
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Ma Y, Zheng YX, Dong XY, Zou XT. Effect of mercury chloride on oxidative stress and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signalling molecule in liver and kidney of laying hens. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2018; 102:1199-1209. [PMID: 29974977 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of mercury chloride (HgCl2 ) on the deposition of mercury (Hg), histopathology and oxidative stress in liver and kidney of laying hens. The gene expressions of antioxidant enzymes and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) were further studied to uncover the molecular mechanism. A total of 960 40-week-old Hyline brown laying hens were randomly allocated to five treatments with eight pens per treatment and 24 hens per pen. The hens were fed with five experimental diets containing graded levels of Hg at 0.270, 1.250, 3.315, 9.405 and 27.230 mg/kg respectively. Results revealed that both deposition of Hg and score of injury in liver and kidney were significantly increased as dietary Hg dosage up to 27.230 mg/kg diet. Deposition of Hg was positively related to score of injury in liver and kidney of laying hens. Besides, the activities of superoxidative dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) content all significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly increased (p < 0.05) after Hg exposure in liver and kidney of laying hens. In addition, positive relationships occurred between antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant enzyme gene expressions except between SOD activity and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene expression in liver. Meanwhile, Nrf2 gene expression was positively related to antioxidant gene expressions and negatively connected with Keap1 gene expression. Negative relationships occurred between Nrf2 and Keap1 protein levels in liver and kidney. In conclusion, Hg could dose-dependently damage liver and kidney and induced hepatic and renal oxidative stress by means of suppressing Nrf2-Keap1 signalling molecule in laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Feed Science Institute, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Y X Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Feed Science Institute, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - X Y Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Feed Science Institute, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - X T Zou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Feed Science Institute, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Pignati MT, Pezzuti JCB, Souza LCD, Lima MDO, Pignati WA, Mendes RDA. Assessment of Mercury Concentration in Turtles ( Podocnemis unifilis) in the Xingu River Basin, Brazil. IJERPH 2018; 15:E1185. [PMID: 29882772 PMCID: PMC6028911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many studies on mercury contamination in aquatic biota deal with the effect of consuming metal-contaminated organisms on human health. In this study, we examined the factors that cause mercury contamination in Podocnemis unifilis in the Xingu River Basin of Mato Grosso and Pará States, Brazil. We quantified by atomic absorption spectroscopy with cold vapor the total mercury (THg) content in the liver and muscle samples of 50 Podocnemis unifilis specimens collected from the basin. The liver and muscle samples contained 134.20 ± 119.30 ng g−1 THg and 24.86 ± 26.36 ng g−1 THg, respectively. Each chelonian or meal has, on average, 5.34× more Hg than the highest level established as acceptable. From the results it can be inferred that, given the weekly consumption of chelonians, the riverine and indigenous communities in the Xingu River Basin are at risk of chronic consumption of Hg in amounts beyond the acceptable limit. The potential high risk to the health of this population is evident; however, the risk classification needs to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Teófilo Pignati
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Pará e Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi/CZO, Av. Perimetral, n.1, B. Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-750, Brazil.
| | - Juarez Carlos Brito Pezzuti
- Universidade Federal do Pará, Núcleo de Altos Estudos Amazônicos, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Larissa Costa de Souza
- Instituto Evandro Chagas, Seção de Meio Ambiente, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Rodovia BR 316 km 07, Levilândia, Ananindeua, PA 67010-000, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Instituto Evandro Chagas, Seção de Meio Ambiente, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Rodovia BR 316 km 07, Levilândia, Ananindeua, PA 67010-000, Brazil.
| | - Wanderlei Antonio Pignati
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa, 2367, Boa Esperança, Cuiabá, MT CEP 78060-900, Brazil.
| | - Rosivaldo de Alcântara Mendes
- Instituto Evandro Chagas, Seção de Meio Ambiente, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Rodovia BR 316 km 07, Levilândia, Ananindeua, PA 67010-000, Brazil.
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Buenfil-Rojas AM, Alvarez-Legorreta T, Cedeño-Vázquez JR. Mercury and metallothioneins in blood fractions and tissues of captive Morelet's crocodiles in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Chemosphere 2018; 199:630-636. [PMID: 29459354 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Even though studies of heavy metals and their relation with metallothioneins (MTs) in reptile tissues have been conducted, research on heavy metals and MTs in organs and blood fractions of crocodylians is limited. To date there are no studies on the distribution of MTs in organs and their relation with mercury (Hg), or the concentration of MTs in plasma and erythrocytes of crocodylians. In order to understand the role of MTs in crocodiles, our aim was to assess the detoxification mechanisms for exposure to metals in Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) by using two biomarkers (Hg and MTs) in blood fractions and tissues, and comparing them with concentrations between two populations of crocodiles, one previously wild and currently captive (Theme Park) and another raised in a Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). The caudal scutes from the Theme Park showed higher concentrations of Hg than those from the skin in the WMU samples, and significant negative relationships were observed between the total length (TL) and Hg in the scutes. The significant negative relationship between Hg and hemoglobin (Hb) may be due to disorders in the oxidation process and even denature of this protein, while the positive trend observed between MTs and Hb is consistent with the detoxifying functions and the protection against oxidative damage. This study is the first to report Hg in the erythrocytes of crocodylians and the use of MTs for testing the potential of these biomarkers as a tool to assess Hg exposure in crocodile's habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Buenfil-Rojas
- Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Sustainability Sciences, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Centenario Km 5.5, 77014 Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
| | - T Alvarez-Legorreta
- Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Sustainability Sciences, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Centenario Km 5.5, 77014 Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - J R Cedeño-Vázquez
- Systematics, Ecology and Management of Aquatic Resources, Department of Systematics and Aquatic Ecology, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Centenario Km 5.5, 77014 Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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Monzón-Argüello C, Cardona L, Calabuig P, Camacho M, Crespo-Picazo JL, García-Párraga D, Mayans S, Luzardo OP, Orós J, Varo-Cruz N. Supplemental feeding and other anthropogenic threats to green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Canary Islands. Sci Total Environ 2018; 621:1000-1011. [PMID: 29066195 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Green turtles are found in the waters of the Canary Islands but little is known about the ecology and anthropogenic pressures that threaten them. Our results have revealed that juvenile green turtles, ranging in curve carapace length from 26.9-81.0cm, are regularly found in the archipelago and originate from rookeries in both the eastern and western Atlantic. Photo-identification and satellite tracking showed high levels of site fidelity to coastal foraging grounds associated with seagrass meadows, but stable isotope analysis indicated animal-based omnivorous diets after settlement on the continental shelf, with no increase in the consumption of macrophytes as the turtles grew. Most turtles exhibited high levels of some blood biochemical markers associated with a high consumption of proteins and fat. In addition, we determined levels of some organic and inorganic pollutants. Supplemental feeding may also contribute to explain the high prevalence of hooking and boat strikes in the green turtles brought to wildlife rescue centers as compared with loggerhead turtles. Regulatory measures and surveillance should be urgently implemented in order to improve the status of the species in the archipelago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Monzón-Argüello
- EcoAqua University Institute, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Ctra. de Taliarte, s/n, 35200 Telde, Las Palmas, Spain; Asociación para el Desarrollo Sostenible y Conservación de la Biodiversidad, C/Blas de Lezo 55, 1° G, 35118 Agüimes, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Luis Cardona
- IRBio and Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pascual Calabuig
- Tafira Wildlife Rescue Center, Ctra. del Centro km 7, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - José Luis Crespo-Picazo
- Veterinary Services, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Ciudad de Las Artes y las Ciencias, C/ Eduardo primo Yúfera 1B, 46013, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Veterinary Services, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Ciudad de Las Artes y las Ciencias, C/ Eduardo primo Yúfera 1B, 46013, Valencia, Spain
| | - Santiago Mayans
- La Tahonilla Wildlife Rescue Center, C/Las Macetas s/n, 38108 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Jorge Orós
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Nuria Varo-Cruz
- Asociación para el Desarrollo Sostenible y Conservación de la Biodiversidad, C/Blas de Lezo 55, 1° G, 35118 Agüimes, Las Palmas, Spain
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Rodgers ML, Toline CA, Rice CD. Humoral Immune Responses to Select Marine Bacteria in Loggerhead Sea Turtles Caretta caretta and Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles Lepidochelys kempii from the Southeastern United States. J Aquat Anim Health 2018; 30:20-30. [PMID: 29595888 DOI: 10.1002/aah.10012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Serum from Kemp's ridley sea turtles Lepidochelys kempii and loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta was collected during summer in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Serum immunoglobulin Y (IgY) recognition of lysate proteins from nine bacterial species and whole bacterium-specific IgY titers to these pathogens were quantified. Serum and purified IgY recognized proteins of all bacteria, with protein recognition for some species being more pronounced than others. Circulating IgY titers against Vibrio vulnificus, V. anguillarum, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, and Brevundimonas vesicularis changed over the years in Kemp's ridley sea turtles, while IgY titers against V. vulnificus, Escherichia coli, V. parahaemolyticus, B. vesicularis, and Mycobacterium marinum were different in loggerhead sea turtles. Serum lysozyme activity was constant for loggerhead sea turtles over the 3 years, while activity in Kemp's ridley sea turtles was lower in 2011 and 2012 than in 2013. Blood packed cell volume, glucose, and serum protein levels were comparable to those of healthy sea turtles in previous studies; therefore, this study provides baseline information on antibody responses in healthy wild sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Rodgers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Catherine A Toline
- U.S. National Park Service, Southeast Region Oceans Program, 177 Hobcaw Road, Georgetown, South Carolina, 29440, USA
| | - Charles D Rice
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
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Perrault JR, Stacy NI, Lehner AF, Mott CR, Hirsch S, Gorham JC, Buchweitz JP, Bresette MJ, Walsh CJ. Potential effects of brevetoxins and toxic elements on various health variables in Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles after a red tide bloom event. Sci Total Environ 2017; 605-606:967-979. [PMID: 28693110 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural biotoxins and anthropogenic toxicants pose a significant risk to sea turtle health. Documented effects of contaminants include potential disease progression and adverse impacts on development, immune function, and survival in these imperiled species. The shallow seagrass habitats of Florida's northwest coast (Big Bend) serve as an important developmental habitat for Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles; however, few studies have been conducted in this area. Our objectives were (1) to evaluate plasma analytes (mass, minimum straight carapace length, body condition index [BCI], fibropapilloma tumor score, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, plasma protein electrophoresis, cholesterol, and total solids) in Kemp's ridleys and green turtles and their correlation to brevetoxins that were released from a red tide bloom event from July-October 2014 in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida's Big Bend, and (2) to analyze red blood cells in Kemp's ridleys and green turtles for toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, thallium) with correlation to the measured plasma analytes. Positive correlations were observed between brevetoxins and α2-globulins in Kemp's ridleys and α2- and γ-globulins in green turtles, indicating potential immunostimulation. Arsenic, cadmium, and lead positively correlated with superoxide dismutase in Kemp's ridleys, suggesting oxidative stress. Lead and mercury in green turtles negatively correlated with BCI, while mercury positively correlated with total tumor score of green turtles afflicted with fibropapillomatosis, suggesting a possible association with mercury and increased tumor growth. The total tumor score of green turtles positively correlated with total protein, total globulins, α2-globulins, and γ-globulins, further suggesting inflammation and immunomodulation as a result of fibropapillomatosis. Lastly, brevetoxin concentrations were positively related to tumor score, indicating potential tumor promotion by brevetoxin. These results signify that brevetoxins and toxic elements elicit various negative effects on sea turtle health, including immune function, oxidative stress, and possibly disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 Southwest 16th Avenue, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Andreas F Lehner
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
| | - Cody R Mott
- Inwater Research Group, 4160 Northeast Hyline Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
| | - Sarah Hirsch
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA
| | - Jonathan C Gorham
- Inwater Research Group, 4160 Northeast Hyline Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
| | - John P Buchweitz
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
| | - Michael J Bresette
- Inwater Research Group, 4160 Northeast Hyline Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
| | - Catherine J Walsh
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
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Perrault JR, Stacy NI, Lehner AF, Poor SK, Buchweitz JP, Walsh CJ. Toxic elements and associations with hematology, plasma biochemistry, and protein electrophoresis in nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from Casey Key, Florida. Environ Pollut 2017; 231:1398-1411. [PMID: 28939125 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, thallium) are a group of contaminants that are known to elicit developmental, reproductive, general health, and immune system effects in reptiles, even at low concentrations. Reptiles, including marine turtles, are susceptible to accumulation of toxic elements due to their long life span, low metabolic rate, and highly efficient conversion of prey into biomass. The objectives of this study were to (1) document concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, and thallium in whole blood and keratin from nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from Casey Key, Florida and document correlations thereof and (2) correlate whole blood toxic element concentrations to various hematological and plasma biochemistry analytes. Baselines for various hematological and plasma analytes and toxic elements in whole blood and keratin (i.e., scute) in nesting loggerheads are documented. Various correlations between the toxic elements and hematological and plasma biochemistry analytes were identified; however, the most intriguing were negative correlations between arsenic, cadmium, lead, and selenium with and α- and γ-globulins. Although various extrinsic and intrinsic variables such as dietary and feeding changes in nesting loggerheads need to be considered, this finding may suggest a link to altered humoral immunity. This study documents a suite of health variables of nesting loggerheads in correlation to contaminants and identifies the potential of toxic elements to impact the overall health of nesting turtles, thus presenting important implications for the conservation and management of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 Southwest 16th Avenue, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Andreas F Lehner
- Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA.
| | - Savannah K Poor
- University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | - John P Buchweitz
- Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA.
| | - Catherine J Walsh
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
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Sinaei M, Bolouki M. Metals in Blood and Eggs of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Nesting Colonies of the Northern Coast of the Sea of Oman. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2017. [PMID: 28631031 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0421-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) has been a species of global concern for decades. In this study, heavy metals (mercury: Hg; Cadmium: Cd; Lead: Pb; Copper: Cu; and Zinc: Zn) were measured in blood and three egg fraction of green sea turtles nesting on the northern coast of Sea of Oman. Heavy metals concentrations in blood, yolk, albumen, and egg shell ranged between 0.16-36.78, 0.006-33.88, 0.003-4.02, and 0.002-6.85 μg/g (ww), respectively. According to the results, all heavy metals found in blood samples (n = 12) also were detected in the various parts of the eggs (n = 48). Moreover, there were no significant differences between concentrations of heavy metals in different clutches laid in a nesting season. However, Pb concentrations in blood samples significantly increased in later clutches (p < 0.05), whereas Cu concentrations in blood samples exhibit a declining trend (p < 0.05). These results reveal the existence of maternal transfer phenomenon in green sea turtles on the northern coast of Sea of Oman. Results of this study suggest that heavy metals could be one of the factors influencing reductions in fertilization and hatching success. Results also indicate that green sea turtle on the northern coast of Sea of Oman have high capacity in rapid response and detoxification of heavy metals and/or from the low exposure levels of these turtles to the heavy metals. Further research is required concerning the effects of heavy metals on green sea turtles, especially on their possible influence of fetal development of turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Sinaei
- Department of Fisheries, Chabahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chabahar, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Bolouki
- Department of Environmental, P.O. Box 14155-7383, Tehran, Iran
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Adel M, Cortés-Gómez AA, Dadar M, Riyahi H, Girondot M. A comparative study of inorganic elements in the blood of male and female Caspian pond turtles (Mauremys caspica) from the southern basin of the Caspian Sea. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2017; 24:24965-24979. [PMID: 28918536 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0067-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Due to their bioaccumulation and biomagnification pathways, inorganic elements can accumulate in high-level aquatic organisms in the food web. Then, this species can be used to monitor the quality of the environment. Blood concentration of nine inorganic elements, including possible toxic metals (An, Cu, Mn, Se, As, Ni, Cd, Pb, and Hg), in 20 males and 20 females from eight different locations with high industry and agriculture activities in Iran were evaluated in this work. Additionally, size, sex, condition index, and locations were also included and analyzed. Among the essential elements, Zn and Se presented very high concentrations (56.14 ± 2.66 and 8.44 ± 0.77 μg/g ww, respectively) in all locations. Regarding possible toxic elements, Pb and Cd presented concerning concentrations as well (0.52 and 0.58 μg/g ww); this is especially true for Pb, an element found in very high concentrations in tissues of turtles from the same area in a previous study. The sex and the size of the individuals also had significant differences in concentration of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Adel
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health and Diseases, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agriculture Research Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Adriana A Cortés-Gómez
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR 8079, Université Paris Sud, CNRS et AgroParisTech, 91405, Orsay cedex, France
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Riyahi
- DVM Graduated, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Marc Girondot
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR 8079, Université Paris Sud, CNRS et AgroParisTech, 91405, Orsay cedex, France
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Naranjo-Gómez JS, Vargas-Rojas LF, Rondón-Barragán IS. Toxicidad aguda de cloruro de mercurio (HGCL2) en Cachama blanca; <i>Piaractus brachypomus</i> (Cuvier, 1818). Actual Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.17533/udea.acbi.329220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
La disposición inapropiada de sustancias que contienen mercurio puede causar toxicidad y acumulación en tejidos de peces. En el presente estudio se registra la concentración letal cincuenta (CL50) a 96 horas del mercurio para la cachama blanca [Piaractus brachypomus (Cuvier, 1818)]. Se calculó a través de una prueba semiestática de toxicidad aguda utilizando cloruro de mercurio (HgCl2) como fuente del metal. El experimento fue realizado en el Laboratorio de Toxicología de la Universidad del Tolima (Colombia), en condiciones controladas (28,09 ± 1,86 °C) y un fotoperiodo 12:12 (luz:oscuridad). Los alevinos (6,55 ± 1,3 g) fueron mantenidos en acuarios de vidrio con aireación constante, sin filtro y la alimentación fue suprimida 24 horas antes del inicio del experimento. Se emplearon 4 concentraciones de mercurio (Hg), con su respectiva replica, incluyendo un grupo control. Las concentraciones fueron: 0,45, 0,55, 0,65 y 0,75 mg Hg/l. Se realizó un análisis histopatológico con dos peces de cada tratamiento tomando muestras de branquias, cerebro y hígado. Los especímenes expuestos a las concentraciones más bajas (0,45 y 0,55 mg Hg/l) mostraron hiperactividad, a diferencia de los de las concentraciones más altas (0,65 y 0,75 mg Hg/l) los cuales evidenciaron disminución de su actividad. El análisis histopatológico mostró anomalías en branquias e hígado, como hiperplasia interlamelar y vaculizaciones lipídicas respectivamente, en respuesta a procesos de detoxificación. El valor de la CL50-96 h fue estimado utilizando el programa TSK (Trimmed-Spearman-Karber) y presentó un valor de 0,56 mg Hg/l. Este valor es cercano a lo registrado en otras especies de peces y representa el primer registro de toxicidad aguda para el mercurio en cachama blanca.
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Cortés-Gómez AA, Romero D, Girondot M. The current situation of inorganic elements in marine turtles: A general review and meta-analysis. Environ Pollut 2017; 229:567-585. [PMID: 28688307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic elements (Pb, Cd, Hg, Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se and Zn) are present globally in aquatic systems and their potential transfer to marine turtles can be a serious threat to their health status. The environmental fate of these contaminants may be traced by the analysis of turtle tissues. Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are the most frequently investigated of all the sea turtle species with regards to inorganic elements, followed by Green turtles (Chelonia mydas); all the other species have considerably fewer studies. Literature shows that blood, liver, kidney and muscle are the tissues most frequently used for the quantification of inorganic elements, with Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn being the most studied elements. Chelonia mydas showed the highest concentrations of Cr in muscle (4.8 ± 0.12), Cu in liver (37 ± 7) and Mg in kidney (17 μg g-1 ww), Cr and Cu from the Gulf of Mexico and Mg from Japanese coasts; Lepidochelys olivacea presented the highest concentrations of Pb in blood (4.46 5) and Cd in kidney (150 ± 110 μg g-1 ww), both from the Mexican Pacific; Caretta caretta from the Mediterranean Egyptian coast had the highest report of Hg in blood (0.66 ± 0.13 μg g-1 ww); and Eretmochelys imbricata from Japan had the highest concentration of As in muscle (30 ± 13 13 μg g-1 ww). The meta-analysis allows us to examine some features that were not visible when data was analyzed alone. For instance, Leatherbacks show a unique pattern of concentration compared to other species. Additionally, contamination of different tissues shows some tendencies independent of the species with liver and kidney on one side and bone on the other being different from other tissues. This review provides a general perspective on the accumulation and distribution of these inorganic elements alongside existing information for the 7 sea turtle species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana A Cortés-Gómez
- Laboratoire Écologie, Systématique et Évolution, Université Paris-Sud, AgroParisTech, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum". Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Diego Romero
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum". Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Marc Girondot
- Laboratoire Écologie, Systématique et Évolution, Université Paris-Sud, AgroParisTech, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France.
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50
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Nicolau L, Monteiro SS, Pereira AT, Marçalo A, Ferreira M, Torres J, Vingada J, Eira C. Trace elements in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded in mainland Portugal: Bioaccumulation and tissue distribution. Chemosphere 2017; 179:120-126. [PMID: 28364647 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.03.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pollution is among the most significant threats that endanger sea turtles worldwide. Waters off the Portuguese mainland are acknowledged as important feeding grounds for juvenile loggerheads. However, there is no data on trace element concentrations in marine turtles occurring in these waters. We present the first assessment of trace element concentrations in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) occurring off the coast of mainland Portugal. Also, we compare our results with those from other areas and discuss parameters that may affect element concentrations. Trace element concentrations (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Se, Zn) were determined in kidney, liver and muscle samples from 38 loggerheads stranded between 2011 and 2013. As was the only element with higher concentrations in muscle (14.78 μg g-1 ww) than in liver or kidney. Considering non-essential elements, Cd presented the highest concentrations in kidney (34.67 μg g-1) and liver (5.03 μg g-1). Only a weak positive link was found between renal Cd and turtle size. Inter-elemental correlations were observed in both liver and kidney tissues. Hepatic Hg values (0.30 ± 0.03 μg g-1) were higher than values reported in loggerheads in the Canary Islands but lower than in Mediterranean loggerheads. Cd concentrations in the present study were only exceeded by values found in turtles from the Pacific. Although many endogenous and exogenous parameters related with complex life cycle changes and wide geographic range may influence trace element accumulation, the concentrations of Cd are probably related to the importance of crustaceans in loggerhead diet in the Portuguese coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Nicolau
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Sílvia S Monteiro
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Andreia T Pereira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Marçalo
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & Centro Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (CBMA), Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Jordi Torres
- Departament de Biología, Sanitat i Medi ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & Centro Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (CBMA), Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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