Copper sulphate (CuSO4) toxicity on tissue phosphatases activity and carbohydrates turnover in Achatina fulica

A time course study on the sublethal toxicity of CuSO4 on tissue carbohydrate metabolites level and their phosphatases activity in Achatina fulica revealed differential response. The levels of total carbohydrates and glycogen in the body mass muscle, foot muscle and hemolymph revealed their involvement in the endogenous derivation of energy during stress. The same metabolites in digestive gland revealed its importance to reproduction and development. The lactate accumulated in all the tissues implied the mechanism of CuSO4 toxicosis in the metabolic acidosis. The decrease of pyruvate in foot muscle, body mass muscle and hemolymph inferred the preponderance of glycolysis in energy derivation. In contrast, the pyruvate concentration in digestive gland revealed its differential response in the stress metabolic sequence of changes, as a unique tissue. The lactate/pyruvate ratio and the calcium content in tissues constitute direct evidences for the snails adaptation to toxic stress.     

A bacterial infection in the common shore crab Carcinus maenas and the fiddler crab Uca pugilator

A bacterial infection in Carcinus maenas and in Uca pugilator is described. The percentage of infections recorded in the field was between 0 and 10%, depending on season. Infected crabs remain about 3 times longer in Intermolt Stages C3 and C4 than do healthy crabs. In infected specimens of both species, the glucose level in the hemolymph is increased and protein, copper and lipid concentrations in the hemolymph as well as the glycogen content of various tissues are diminished. The coagulation process is disturbed in infected crabs. The hemocytes aggregate, but the formation of fibrin-like fibers, which can be observed in healthy crabs, does not occur.This paper forms part of a doctoral thesis presented at the University of Ulm (FRG).     

The effects of anthracene on biochemical responses of Mediterranean mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis

Mediterranean mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis is among the most widely used bioindicators, and anthracene (AN) is one of the most commonly found hydrocarbons in the aquatic environment. M. galloprovincialis were exposed to nominal concentrations of 0.05, 0.15 and 0.4?μg/L AN. Chemical analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the uptake of AN in the whole soft body and digestive gland at different amounts. After a short exposure (2, 4 and 8 days), the results revealed that AN induced malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in digestive gland. Our findings demonstrated also that AN reduced the filtration rates in a concentration-dependent manner. Increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA content) in digestive gland (p?M. galloprovincialis, where digestive gland constitutes a valuable organ for investigating AN biotransformation and toxicity.     

Impaired behavior and changes in some biochemical markers of bivalve (Ruditapes decussatus) due to zinc toxicity

Susceptibility and response of bivalves, the clam Ruditapes decussatus, to zinc (Zn) were studied by monitoring behavior using valve movement and some biochemical parameters. The LC₅₀ was 4.1 mg L^?1 at 7 days. Depuration of Zn from their tissues was also followed. Accumulation of Zn increased with concentration and duration of exposure. After 20 days, Zn caused impairment of valve movement as well as the antioxidant system, decreasing glutathione and protein levels and increasing the lipid peroxidation which is indicative of oxidative damage. Results suggested that behavior and biochemical parameters of clam R. decussatus were sensitive and suitable responses for assessing the effects of Zn on the aquatic ecosystems. It could be concluded that there is a time–dose–response relationship of Zn with behavior and oxidative stress of R. decussatus.     

Mercuric chloride induced proteotoxicity and structural destabilization in marine fish (Therapon jarbua)

The reaction byproducts derived from lipid peroxidation (LPO), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities were measured in tissues of marine fish (Therapon jarbua) exposed to mercuric chloride (HgCl) in water dispersions of 0.125 or 0.25 ppm. LPO was significantly increased in various tissues relative to control values after 96-h exposure. SOD and GPx activities significantly decreased after exposure to first two doses but significantly elevated CAT in Dose II kidney and liver tissues. The elevated levels of LPO, decreased activities of SOD and GPx, and increased CAT activities in all tissues examined in T. jarbua are an index of oxidative stress in fish. Structural analysis by scanning electron microscopy studies revealed the structural deformation in HgCl₂-exposed animals. These observations suggest that HgCl acts as a mediator in free radical generation. The increase in CAT and decrease in SOD and GPx activities in these tissues may be an adaptive response.     

In situ variation in heart rate of the shore crab Carcinus maenas in relation to environmental factors and physiological condition

Heart rate of Carcinus maenas was recorded continuously for two days in situ, together with water temperature, salinity, depth and light intensity. Of each sex, 25 crabs were used and assigned to groups on the basis of size and colour (the carapace changes colour with prolongation of the intermoult phase). Wet weight:dry weight ratios of midgut gland, muscle, gonads and whole body were examined together with midgut gland lipid content and haemolymph protein concentration. Heart rates and wet wt:dry wt ratios for all the tissues examined were higher in early intermoult than in late intermoult stages of the adult C. maenas (P<0.05). Heart rate, lipid content and haemolymph protein concentrations were higher and wet wt:dry wt ratios of midgut gland, gonads and whole body were lower in juvenile crabs than in adults (P<0.05). The relationship between heart rate and wet wt:dry wt of whole body differed among C. maenas in early and late intermoutl. Heart rate was positively correlated with midgut gland lipid content (a Darwinian fitness parameter) in crabs that were in late intermoult. Physico-chemical environmental parameters, sex and colour accounted for 12% of the variation in heart rate of C. maenas recorded in situ. Temperature and prolonged intermoult were the most important factors influencing heart rate. The findings are discussed in relation to laboratory studies of cardiac activity and observed behaviour of C. maenas in the field.     

Effects of benzo(k)fluoranthene,a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon on DNA damage,lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in marine gastropod Morula granulata

Benzo(k)fluoranthene [B(k)F] is one of the widespread priority pollutants of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that has been scarcely studied for exposure assessment. With studies reporting a high amount B(k)F in sediments and water samples around the world, it has become vital to study its effects on aquatic organisms. In this connection, this study is conducted to study the effect of different concentrations of B(k)F (1, 10, 25 and 50?µg/L) in marine gastropod Morula granulata exposed in vivo for 96?h. A concentration-dependent increase in percentage tail DNA (TDNA) as measured by comet assay was observed in snails exposed to B(k)F. Exposure concentrations above 1?µg/L B(k)F showed significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and lipid peroxidation value in snails. After 96?h, SOD activity was found to be doubled for 50?µg/L B(k)F in comparison to control. A significant increase in catalase and glutathione S-transferase activity was observed at all exposure conditions at the end of the exposure time. Our study showed that B(k)F induces oxidative stress in snails which further lead to genotoxic damage. To our knowledge, this is the first study on oxidative stress and genotoxic damage in gastropods exposed to B(k)F.     

Biomonitoring of heavy metal (Cd,Cu, Pb,and Zn) concentrations in the west intertidal area of Peninsular Malaysia by using Nerita lineata

Snails, Nerita lineata, were collected from 15 sites along the west intertidal area of Peninsular Malaysia from December 2005 until April 2006. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) were determined in the total soft tissues, operculums, and shells of the snails. Different patterns of heavy metal distributions were found in the different tissues (shell, operculums, and soft tissues) as well as spatial variations of heavy metal concentrations in the snails. This shows that the distribution of metals in the shells and the total soft tissues of N. lineata were not similar which could be due to different rates of metal accumulation, excretion, and sequestration. Since N. lineata is abundant on the rocky shores, below jetties and mangrove trees along the west intertidal area of Peninsular Malaysia and accumulate heavy metals, the snails are therefore potential biomonitors of heavy metal contamination for the west intertidal area of Peninsular Malaysia.     

Characterisation and expression of four mRNA sequences encoding glutathione S-transferases pi,mu, omega and sigma classes in the Pacific oyster<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Crassostrea gigas</Emphasis> exposed to hydrocarbons and pesticides

Hydrocarbon and pesticide pollution in coastal ecosystems can disturb marine bivalve metabolism. In this study, we characterised four full-length cDNA sequences encoding glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. A BLAST X search showed that these four sequences encode GSTs from four different classes: GST pi, sigma, mu and omega. A phylogenetic analysis of GST was made to determine the position of oyster GST compared to invertebrate and vertebrate sequences. We developed a semi-quantitative, multiplex RT-PCR to follow the expression of these four GSTs in tissues of oysters exposed to hydrocarbons and two pesticide treatments (glyphosate and a mixture composed of atrazine, diuron and isoproturon) under experimental conditions. Our results showed strong differential expression of these four GSTs that was both tissue specific as well as time and treatment dependent. We observed that expression levels were higher in digestive gland than in gill tissues in pesticide-exposed oysters. Furthermore, omega and mu class GST mRNA expression in the digestive gland might be useful as a possible marker of hydrocarbon exposure, while pi and sigma class GST mRNA expression in the digestive gland may be similarly useful as a marker of pesticide exposure in monitoring programmes.Communicated by S.A. Poulet, Roscoff     

Responses of oxidative stress,genotoxicity and immunotoxicity as biomarkers in Theba pisana snails dietary exposed to silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are now being of a great interest by ecotoxicological researchers. Their potential hazards to humans and other non-target organisms had led to crucial concerns. In this research, white radish leaf extract was used for the green synthesis of AgNPs. UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been utilised to characterise the biosynthesised AgNPs. Furthermore, the present study aimed to investigate the ecotoxicological effects of 1?mM biosynthesised AgNPs on the land snail, Theba pisana after two weeks of exposure and one week recovery with respect to oxidative stress parameters; lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), cytogenetic parameters; DNA content and micronucleus test, as well as immunological parameters; cell death, phagocytosis, lysosomal membrane stability (LMS), lectins, superoxide anion (O₂^?) generation, phenoloxidase (PO), peroxidase (POD) and haemocyanin (Hc) were examined. AgNPs have been biosynthesised successfully; the UV–vis spectrum exhibited a single and broad absorption band located between 375 and 415?nm, TEM image shows AgNPs formed were nearly spherical in shape with a mean size of 2.18–19.87?nm and the crystalline nature of nanoparticles was confirmed by XRD. After two weeks exposure, the result showed that AgNPs significantly increased LPO level as well as CAT and GST activities, cell death, cell abnormalities and Hc level, whereas, significant decline was found in DNA and GSH contents, phagocytic activity, LMS, lectins, O₂^? generation, POD and PO activities compared to the controls. After a week of recovery, most of the tested biomarkers in AgNP-exposed snails did not completely return to the control levels. The multiple measured parameters could be effectively used as sensitive biomarkers in the risk assessment of contaminants in the terrestrial ecosystem.     

Effects of salinity stress on neurotransmission, energy metabolism, and anti-oxidant biomarkers of Carcinus maenas from two estuaries of the NW Iberian Peninsula

This study investigated the effects of salinity on biomarkers of oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and neurotransmission of Carcinus maenas from an estuary low impacted by pollution and from an estuary under chemical stress in the NW Iberian Peninsula. Crabs were collected in the field and, following an acclimation period, they were exposed for 7 days to five salinity levels ranging from 4 to 45 psu. At the end of the exposure period, stress biomarkers were determined in samples of muscle and digestive gland. The biomarkers assessed in the muscle were the activities of the enzymes cholinesterases (ChE), of which acetylcholinesterase is involved in neurotransmission, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) that are involved in energy metabolism. The biomarkers assessed in the digestive gland were (1) the activities of the enzymes glutathione S-transferases (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), involved in phase II biotransformation and the anti-oxidant defence system; (2) the levels of total glutathiones (TG), also belonging to the anti-oxidant system; and (3) the levels of lipid peroxidation as a measure of oxidative damage. The results showed a significant influence of salinity on neurotransmission, energy metabolism, anti-oxidant status, and oxidative damage of C. maenas. For some biomarkers, this influence was dependent on whether the crabs were collected at the low-polluted estuary or at the contaminated estuary. In particular, crabs collected at the low-polluted estuary showed altered neurotransmission and anti-oxidant defences (GR). Crabs collected at the impacted estuary showed alterations in neurotransmission, energy metabolism (IDH and LDH), biotransformation, and anti-oxidant defences (GST, GR, GPx, and TG), as well as in oxidative damage, indicating that salinity change superimposes higher stress on these organisms. For ChE, IDH, and TG, altered responses were induced by both hypo- and hypersalinity.     

Susceptibility of the freshwater pulmonate snail Lymnea luteola L. to copper oxide nanoparticle

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONP) are among the most widely used engineered nanoparticles and thus likely to permate the environment predominantly in sediments. The present study was designed to examine the adverse effects of CuONP in freshwater snail Lymnea luteola L. (L. luteola) exposed for 5 days. Induction of oxidative stress in digestive gland was evidenced by a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) whereas lipid peroxidation levels were increased at CuONP 7 or 21 µg/L. Superoxide dismutase activity was numerically higher at lower concentration of CuONP at 1 day but significantly decreased at 5 days. Catalase activity was reduced at 2 days but elevated at lower concentration of CuONP at 5 days. DNA impairment was noted in L. luteola based upon comet assay findings and expressed in terms of % tail DNA and olive tail moment. Results indicate that interaction of CuONP with snail produces toxicity, which is mediated by oxidative stress.     

Molecular level toxicological evaluation of a dental composite implanted in albino rats

Dental composite (DC) resins are synthetic resins which are used as restorative material or adhesives in dentistry. Monomers and other components released into the oral environment from the DC material even after polymerization might affect the surrounding tissues and even the whole body gradually. Biocompatibility of DC has to be stringently evaluated since the fillings are in close contact with mucosa, tooth, and pulp. Common difficulties with various current dental materials include allergies, chemical leakage from the material, and pulpal irritation which are due to the byproducts of chemical reactions during different stages of material hardening. Dental Products Laboratory of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology developed a new BIS-GMA-based DC. In this study the oxidative stress induced by this DC material in vivo was tested for a period of 1, 4, 8, 26, or 52 weeks in albino rats. Dental materials were implanted intramuscularly into the gluteus muscle and oxidative biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation, 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration, and total glutathione content analyzed. Data showed no significant changes in antioxidant defense system and 8-OHdG levels in nuclear DNA of the tissue. Serum biochemical results confirmed that animals were in normal functioning physiological state.     

硫酸锰废渣浸出液对斑马鱼的毒性及抗氧化酶活性的影响

已有研究表明,堆积在湘西花垣河河岸的硫酸锰废渣含有多种重金属,可能是导致花垣河河水和沉积物重金属污染的主要原因.为了评价硫酸锰废渣的潜在生态风险和对水生动物的毒性,本研究分析了硫酸锰废渣浸出液中的主要重金属成分,用漫出液对斑马鱼进行了急性毒性实验,观察在急性胁迫下斑马鱼的体征变化,测定了斑马鱼在亚致死浓度下的生化指标的...     

Effect of hydrogen sulfide in comparison to atorvastatin on endothelial damage in cholesterol-fed rabbits

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an endogenous gaseous molecule, functioning as a physiological regulator. This study aimed to investigate the role of H₂S in atherosclerosis. Rabbits receiving high cholesterol were given atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day, orally) or sodium sulfide (1.1 mg/kg/day, intramuscular) 2 weeks after commencement of high-cholesterol diet and continued for 4 weeks. Serum lipid profiles, lipid peroxidation indexed as malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, the vascular adhesion molecule-1, and aortic vascular endothelial growth factor were determined. Rabbits receiving a high-cholesterol diet showed elevated levels of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, malondialdehyde and vascular adhesion molecule-1, and aortic vascular endothelial growth factor expression and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. Treatment with atorvastatin and sodium sulfide has beneficial effects on serum lipid profile, oxidative damage, vascular adhesion molecule-1, and aortic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor.     

Antioxidative response of Lemna polyrrhiza L. to cadmium stress

Growth, lipid peroxidation, different antioxidative enzymes and metal accumulation were studied in Lemna polyrrhiza treated with different concentrations (1-40 ppm) of CdSO4. The growth of the plant was slightly enhanced with 1 ppm, while higher concentrations retarted growth and multiplication of fronds, the effect being concentration and dose dependant. Increase in malondialdehyde content was insignificant after the first week but a prolonged exposure led to significant (p < 0.05) increase of about 38% and 45% over the control in 20 and 30 ppm, respectively after four weeks. Catalase (EC 1.11.1.6; CAT) activity increased at low concentration, but it declined to 42% and 54% at 40 ppm after 6 and 30 days, respectively Superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1; SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11;APx) and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) increased at both low as well at high concentrations, but a prolonged exposure to high concentration of Cd (40 ppm) led to significant (p < 0.05) decline in the mean activities of these antioxidant enzymes. Accumulation of Cd in biomass was concentration and time dependant However at high concentration of 40 ppm, Cd accumulation did not increase significantly (p < 0.05) with time. Increased activities of antioxidant enzymes in Cd treated plants suggest that metal tolerance in L. polyrrhiza might be associated to the changes of antioxidant enzymatic activities.     

Protective role of L-ascorbic acid against cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats

Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used for pest control in agriculture and as an acaricide in man and animals. This study was undertaken with the objective to investigate the propensity of cypermethrin to induce oxidative stress in rats following repetitive dermal exposure and its possible attenuation by L-ascorbic acid. Results obtained showed that cypermethrin significantly (p < 0.05) increased malonaldehyde levels, activity of catalase in rat erythrocytes and plasma protein levels. Whereas, activities of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the cypermethrin exposed rats as compared to the control. Supplementation of L-ascorbic acid in cypermethrin-exposed rats decreased lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes, total plasma protein and catalase activity significantly (p < 0.05) compared to non-cypermethrin-exposed group. However, L-ascorbic acid did not alleviate the negative effects of cypermethrin on the activities of SOD and GSH. This study revealed that the presence of L-ascorbic acid diminishes the adverse effects of cypermethrin on some oxidative stress parameters.     

氨基甲酸酯类农药对蛋白核小球藻联合毒性作用特点及机制

氨基甲酸酯类农药广泛应用于农业生产中,其在环境中的残留及其对非靶标生物的毒性作用引起关注。以5种氨基甲酸酯类农药包括残杀威、灭多威、抗蚜威、涕灭威和呋喃丹为研究对象,以蛋白核小球藻为受试生物,应用微板毒性分析法系统测定每种农药及其五元混合物对蛋白核小球藻在不同暴露时间(12、24、48、72和96 h)的生长抑制作用,并同步分析农药对蛋白核小球藻的生理特性如叶绿素含量、蛋白质含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和脂质过氧化物丙二醛(MDA)含量的影响。结果表明,5种农药对蛋白核小球藻的浓度-效应均具有明显的时间依赖性,农药抗蚜威在中低浓度促进绿藻生长,呈现非单调J型浓度-效应曲线(CRC)特征,其余4种农药的CRC呈现经典S型;以半数效应浓度的负对数(p EC50)为毒性大小指标,5种农药在96 h时毒性大小为:呋喃丹(p EC50=3.43)残杀威(p EC50=2.76)抗蚜威(p EC50=2.12)灭多威(p EC50=2.11)涕灭威(p EC50=1.89)。浓度为EC50的5种农药处理后的蛋白核小球藻中叶绿素和蛋白质含量随暴露时间的延长而减少,但不同农药处理的绿藻中叶绿素和蛋白质含量减少率随暴露时间延长变化趋势稍有不同; SOD酶活性随着暴露时间延长逐渐下降,MDA含量逐渐增加,这说明藻细胞受到破坏,脂质过氧化的损害程度超过细胞修复能力,SOD活性被抑制,细胞的抗氧化能力下降,藻细胞内的H2O2不断积累,导致MDA含量升高。五元混合物对蛋白核小球藻的毒性也具有一定的时间依赖性,并表现出刺激作用,即hormesis现象,且混合物毒性与组分浓度比具有良好的线性相关性;暴露于混合物的小球藻均在96 h出现了刺激效应,其叶绿素与蛋白质含量随暴露时间延长不断增加,SOD活性不断升高,MDA含量不断减少;五元混合物均在96 h呈现出拮抗作用,且与混合物的浓度和组分浓度比相关。     

纳米氧化镍颗粒对长牡蛎(Crassostreagigas)抗氧化防御体系的影响

纳米氧化镍(nNiO)作为一种广泛使用的纳米颗粒,其水生毒理效应研究还很有限。为探索n Ni O对海洋贝类的毒性机制,本研究将长牡蛎(Crassostrea gigas)置于不同浓度(0、1、10、100 mg·L~(-1))的n Ni O中暴露96 h,分别测定鳃和消化腺组织的丙二醛(MDA)含量和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)以及过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性,并通过实时荧光定量PCR技术测定了鳃和消化腺中应激蛋白HSP70和AOX基因的表达变化。结果显示:在100 mg·L~(-1)n Ni O处理下,2种组织中MDA含量均显著性升高(P0.01),显示纳米颗粒造成了长牡蛎的脂质过氧化,并可能引起相应的氧化损伤。同时,n Ni O暴露也诱导了长牡蛎抗氧化酶(SOD、CAT和POD)活性的改变。其中,SOD和CAT活性在10 mg·L~(-1)浓度处理组达到最高,而POD活性在1 mg·L~(-1)浓度组即达最高值。在高浓度n Ni O(100 mg·L~(-1))胁迫下,3种抗氧化酶的活性均比低浓度(1和10 mg·L~(-1))处理组降低,表明抗氧化酶的保护作用在较低浓度暴露下更有效;而热激蛋白(hsp70)和交替氧化酶(aox)基因却分别在长牡蛎消化腺和鳃组织中上调表达(P0.01),并表现出一定的组织差异。说明高浓度纳米颗粒暴露中主要是应激蛋白发挥了作用。本文结果为纳米氧化镍对海洋双壳贝类的毒性机制研究及生态风险评估提供了基础数据。     

Sub-lethal effect of chlorpyrifos on protein metabolism of the food fish Clarias batrachus and monitoring of recovery

The effect of sub-lethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos on protein metabolism in physiological important tissues, namely gills, kidney, liver, and muscle of the freshwater fish, Clarias batrachus, was studied. Fish were exposed to 1/20th and 1/10th of 96?h LC₅₀ concentrations for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. After 28 days of exposure, fish were released into fresh water and kept in the same for 21 days in order to study the recovery. Fish were sacrificed at the stipulated periods and gills, kidney, liver, and muscle tissues were used for the estimation of total protein, amino acids, ammonia, urea, glutamine, protease, transaminases, and phosphatases. Total protein, amino acid, and ammonia contents were decreased in all tissues for 28 days and recovery was observed during the recovery period. Urea and glutamine levels were elevated, except in kidneys, and recovered at the end of the recovery period. The activities of protease, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferases, and acid and alkaline phosphatases were elevated in the tissues for 28 days exposure at both concentrations. Recovery of these enzymes activities was noticed during depuration.