Association of heat shock protein70-2 genotypes with hypertension among textile workers occupationally exposed to noise

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Noise exposure is a primary cause of hearing loss with a broad range of auditory and non-auditory effects. It is one of the occupational health risks...     

Transcriptional responses of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) to thermal, bisphenol A, and copper stresses in the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum

The designation of biodiesel as an environmental-friendly alternative to diesel oil has improved its commercialization and use. However, most biodiesel environmental safety studies refer to air pollution and so far there have been very few literature data about its impacts upon other biotic systems, e.g. water, and exposed organisms. Spill simulations in water were carried out with neat diesel and biodiesel and their blends aiming at assessing their genotoxic potentials should there be contaminations of water systems. The water soluble fractions (WSF) from the spill simulations were submitted to solid phase extraction with C-18 cartridge and the extracts obtained were evaluated carrying out genotoxic and mutagenic bioassays [the Salmonella assay and the in vitro MicroFlow® kit (Litron) assay]. Mutagenic and genotoxic effects were observed, respectively, in the Salmonella/microsome preincubation assay and the in vitro MN test carried out with the biodiesel WSF. This interesting result may be related to the presence of pollutants in biodiesel derived from the raw material source used in its production chain. The data showed that care while using biodiesel should be taken to avoid harmful effects on living organisms in cases of water pollution.     

Effects of exposure to environmental pollutants on mitochondrial DNA copy number: a meta-analysis

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Exposure to environmental pollutants has been associated with alteration on relative levels of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn). However, the...     

Early-phase immunodetection of metallothionein and heat shock proteins in extruded earthworm coelomocytes after dermal exposure to metal ions

This paper provides direct evidence that earthworm immune cells, coelomocytes, are exposed to bio-reactive quantities of metals within 3 days after dermal exposure, and that they respond by upregulating metallothionein (MT) and heat shock protein (HSP70, HSP72) expression. Indirect support for the hypothesis that coelomocytes are capable of trafficking metals was also obtained. Coelomocytes were expelled from adult individuals of Eisenia fetida after 3-day exposure either to metal ions (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) or to distilled water (controls) via filter papers. The number of coelomocytes was significantly decreased after Cu, Pb, or Cd treatment. Cytospin preparations of coelomocytes were subjected to immunoperoxidase staining with monoclonal antibodies against human heat shock proteins (HSP70 or HSP72), or rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against metallothionein 2 (w-MT2) of Lumbricus rubellus. Applied antibodies detected the respective proteins of E. fetida and revealed that the expression of HSP70, HSP72 and w-MT2 proteins was either induced or significantly enhanced in coelomocytes from metal-exposed animals. In conclusion, stress protein expression in earthworm coelomocytes may be used as sensitive biomarkers of metal contaminations. Further experimentation is needed for quantitative analysis of kinetics of metal-induced stress protein expression in earthworm coelomocytes.     

Appropriateness of selecting different averaging times for modelling chronic and acute exposure to environmental odours

Odour emissions are episodic, characterised by periods of high emission rates, interspersed with periods of low emissions. It is frequently the short term, high concentration peaks that result in annoyance in the surrounding population. Dispersion modelling is accepted as a useful tool for odour impact assessment, and two approaches can be adopted. The first approach of modelling the hourly average concentration can underestimate total odour concentration peaks, resulting in annoyance and complaints. The second modelling approach involves the use of short averaging times. This study assesses the appropriateness of using different averaging times to model the dispersion of odour from a landfill site. We also examine perception of odour in the community in conjunction with the modelled odour dispersal, by using community monitors to record incidents of odour. The results show that with the shorter averaging times, the modelled pattern of dispersal reflects the pattern of observed odour incidents recorded in the community monitoring database, with the modelled odour dispersing further in a north easterly direction. Therefore, the current regulatory method of dispersion modelling, using hourly averaging times, is less successful at capturing peak concentrations, and does not capture the pattern of odour emission as indicated by the community monitoring database. The use of short averaging times is therefore of greater value in predicting the likely nuisance impact of an odour source and in framing appropriate regulatory controls.     

Chronic depression-like phenotype in male offspring mice following perinatal exposure to naturally contaminated eels with a mixture of organic and inorganic pollutants

Previously, we demonstrated that maternal exposure to high, intermediate, or lowly contaminated European eels with a mixture of chemicals, during pregnancy and lactation, resulted in adult despair-like behavior, selectively in male offspring mice. Here, we investigate if depression-like behavior in offspring males was transient or permanent by monitoring immobility behavior, a measure of behavioral despair, at three distinct stages of life, including young adult (post-natal day (PND) 55), mature adult (PND 200) and middle (PNDs 335–336) age, in the forced swimming (FST) and the tail suspension (TST) tests. Oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were evaluated in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum of middle-aged animals. Findings showed a significant enhancement of immobility behavior in the TST performed at young adult age (all p < 0.05) in the FST carried out at mature adult age (all p < 0.001) and in both behavioral tests realized at middle age (all p < 0.05, except one p = 0.06) in mice perinatally exposed to eels compared with non-exposed controls. Antioxidant-related enzyme activities, including SOD and CAT, were only elevated in the hippocampus of middle-aged males perinatally exposed to the two more polluted eels (all p < 0.05). Further, lipid peroxidation, assessed by MDA levels, was not found to be differentially regulated in the selected areas of middle-aged brains of exposed mice (all p > 0.05). Collectively, this suggested limited oxidative metabolism disturbances in middle-aged brains exposed to eels. In summary, our results highlighted that offspring males perinatally exposed to naturally contaminated reared and river eels with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals displayed chronic depression-like phenotype. As extrapolation of data to humans should be done with precaution, retrospective and prospective epidemiological studies are needed to clarify this potential relationship, stressed in our animal model, between maternal polluted fish consumption and chronically low mood in offspring.

     

环境暴露致秀丽线虫衰老毒性及相关作用机制研究进展

衰老作为一个重要的评价终点,目前已经广泛应用于秀丽线虫环境暴露评价以及相关毒理学研究.系统总结了各种金属以及有机污染物暴露所致秀丽线虫衰老毒性;分析了胰岛素信号、应激反应与氧化应激、线粒体呼吸链、金属硫蛋白、金属诱导胁迫响应蛋白NUMR-1和NUMR-2等在环境暴露致秀丽线虫衰老毒性形成中的重要调控功能;指出了代谢变化...     

Toxicity evaluation of vinasse and biosolid samples in diplopod midgut: heat shock protein in situ localization

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Large amounts of residues generated by agricultural, urban and industrial activities are dumped daily on the soil. This practice deserves special...     

Characterization of heat shock protein 40 and 90 in Chironomus riparius larvae: effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure on gene expressions and mouthpart deformities

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely distributed phthalate that organisms are frequently exposed to due to its wide range of commercial and manufacturing uses as a plasticizer. Indeed, DEHP is often found in freshwater systems that receive domestic waste water discharges. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of DEHP on the mRNA levels of heat shock protein (HSP) 40 and 90 in chironomids. In addition, we evaluated the effects of exposure to DEHP on the induction of morphological deformities in chironomids. To accomplish this, partial sequences of HSP 40 and 90 from Chironomus riparius larvae were amplified and sequenced. The inferred amino acid sequences were then aligned with those of other insect HSP 40 and 90 genes. The results of this alignment revealed that there was a high degree of similarity among the homologues. In addition, the HSP 40 and 90 mRNA expressions were significantly upregulated in response to short and long-term exposure to DEHP at concentrations of 1, 10, and 30 microgL(-1). Furthermore, the occurrence of mouthpart deformities was significantly higher in chironomids that were treated with DEHP (12-20%) than in controls (3-5%). Taken together, these results indicate that HSP 40 and 90 play important roles in the physiological changes related to metabolism and cell protection that occur in C. riparius larvae that have been exposed to DEHP.     

Internal exposure to pollutants measured in blood and urine of Flemish adolescents in function of area of residence

The Centre for Environment and Health in Flanders, the Northern part of Belgium, started a biomonitoring program on adolescents in 2003. 1679 adolescents residing in nine areas with different patterns of pollution participated in the study. Possible confounding effects of lifestyle and personal characteristics were taken into account. The geometric mean levels of cadmium and lead in whole blood amounted to 0.36 and 21.7 microg l(-1), those of PCBs, DDE and HCB in serum to 68, 94 and 20.9 ng g(-1) fat, and those of 1-hydroxypyrene and t,t'-muconic acid in urine to 88 ng g(-1) creatinine and 72 microg g(-1) creatinine. Significant regional differences in internal lead, cadmium, PCBs, DDE and HCB exposure were observed in function of area of residence, even after adjustment for age, sex, smoking (and body mass index for the chlorinated compounds). Compared to a reference mean, internal exposure was significantly higher in one or more of the areas: Cd and Pb in the Antwerp agglomeration, Cd in the Antwerp harbour, PCBs in the Ghent agglomeration, PCBs, DDE and HCB in the Ghent harbour, Cd, PCBs, DDE and HCB in the rural area, DDE in Olen and in the Albert canal areas. Adolescents living in an area with intensive fruit cultivation (showing overall the lowest values) and, surprisingly, in areas around household waste incinerators (average of six areas), had no significantly increased internal exposures. Subjects from separate areas around waste incinerators showed significant differences in body load of various environmental contaminants.     

Oxidative stress in the kidney injury of mice following exposure to lanthanides trichloride

Environmental pollution from lanthanides (Ln) has been recognized as a major problem due to a grab exploitation of Ln mine in China. Exposure to Ln has been demonstrated to cause the nephrotoxicity, very little is known about the mechanism of oxidative damage to kidney in animals. In order to understand Ln-induced nephrotoxicity, various biochemical and chemical parameters were assayed in mouse kidney. Intragastric exposures of LaCl₃, CeCl₃, and NdCl₃ at doses of 2, 5, and 10 mg kg⁻¹ BW for 90 consecutive days caused nephritis or epithelial cell necrosis and oxidative stress to kidney. An increase in coefficients of the kidney, La, Ce, and Nd accumulation and histopathological changes in the kidney could be observed, followed by increased reactive oxygen species production and peroxidation levels of lipid, protein and DNA, and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reductase as well as antioxidants such as glutathione, ascorbic acid and thiol contents. Furthermore, La, Ce, and Nd significantly suppressed expression of genes and proteins of these antioxidative enzymes in mouse kidney. In addition, kidney functions were disrupted, including an increase of the creatinine, and reductions of uric acid, urea nitrogen, calcium and phosphonium. These findings suggest that nephritis generation or epithelial cell necrosis in mice following exposure to Ln is closely associated with oxidative stress. Of these damages, the most severe was in the Ce³⁺-exposed kidneys, next in the Nd³⁺-exposed kidneys, and the least in the La³⁺-exposed kidneys, which may be attributed to the 4f electron of Ln.     

Effects of environmental exposure and diet on levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in eggs of a top predator in the North Atlantic in 1980 and 2008

Concentrations of POPs in Great skua eggs from Shetland are among the highest in North Atlantic seabirds, with up to 11,600 μg/kg (ww) DDE and up to 17,900 μg/kg ww ∑PCB. Concentrations of legacy POPs were significantly lower in 2008 than 1980. Decreases were greatest for least persistent compounds. Median ∑PBDEs increased from 99 μg/kg ww in 1980 to 173 μg/kg ww in 2008. There were changes in Great skua breeding season diet, with more adult Herring and Mackerel and less Sandeel. These changes increase exposure to POPs, since Herring and Mackerel accumulate more POPs than Sandeels. In both years, eggs with higher δ¹⁵N had higher POP concentrations. In 1980, birds feeding more on demersal discard fish from trawl fisheries and less on Sandeels, had higher POP levels in eggs. In 2008, individuals feeding more on Herring and Mackerel, and less on discards, had higher POP levels in eggs.     

Health risks of environmental exposure to metals and herbicides in the Pardo River,Brazil

Mixture of metals and herbicides in rivers may pose relevant risks for the health of surrounding communities. Humans may be exposed to river pollution through intake of contaminated water and fish, as well as irrigated agricultural products. The aim of this study was to assess the human health risks of environmental exposure to metals and herbicides through water and fish intake in the Pardo River. Metals (Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Tl, Sn, V, and Zn) were analyzed in river water and in edible fish. Herbicides (ametryn, atrazine, diuron, hexazinone, simazine, and tebuthiuron) were analyzed in river water. Seasonal variances were also studied. Aluminum, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn levels in river water were higher than the USEPA benchmarks. Non-carcinogenic risks due to pollutants mixture exposure were above the limit, and carcinogenic risks of As exposure were >10^?6 in the sampling points during the rainy season. Metal levels in fish were lower than the Brazilian legislation and do not pose a threat to public health. Herbicides were detected in four sampling points, with atrazine concentrations (range 0.16–0.32 μg/L) below the Brazilian standard (2.0 μg/L), but above the European Union standard (0.1 μg/L). Considering the water supply needs of cities located in the Pardo River Basin and the persistence of metals and herbicides, the present study indicated that there was a seasonal influence on non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to human health, especially in the rainy season. Studies for water treatment plants implantation should consider the risks of exposure to persistent substances, in order to protect the population.     

Environment-health link in a context of urban agricultures: studies of oral exposure to pollutants in order promote the human health

Environmental Science and Pollution Research -     

The induction of metallothionein in tissues of the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus following exposure to cadmium, copper and zinc: the relationships between metallothionein and the metals

Nephrops norvegicus were exposed simultaneously to cadmium, copper and zinc over an 18-day period. Exposure concentrations were control, 1, 5 and 25 microg litre(-1) for cadmium and copper and 8, 40 and 200 microg litre(-1) for zinc. Concentrations of cadmium, copper, zinc and metallothionein were measured in homogenates of both the gill and the hepatopancreas. Quantification of metallothionein was carried out by differential pulse polarography. Cadmium concentrations increased significantly in the gill and hepatopancreas of both male and female animals in response to increases in exposure concentration. In contrast, the concentration of copper and zinc increased significantly in the gills of males, but not in females. In the hepatopancreas, neither copper nor zinc resulted in significant changes in concentrations of these metals. Metallothionein concentrations in the gill and hepatopancreas were increased significantly in relation to metal exposure in both males and females. Concentrations of cadmium and metallothionein in both the gill and hepatopancreas of males and females were positively correlated. Copper in the hepatopancreas also showed positive relationships with MT concentrations in males, but not in females. This study suggested that cadmium MTs in the gill and hepatopancreas of Nephrops norvegicus could be used as a sensitive tool to detect cadmium contamination in the lobsters, although this was not true for copper and zinc.     

Altered toxicity of organic pollutants in water originated from simultaneous exposure to UV photolysis and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots

The paper reports unforeseen results of increased toxicity of water, subsequent to interactions between CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), phenol and toluene under UV irradiation. The consistent pattern of changes in measured toxicity (TU) was observed and correlated with degradation of phenol and/or toluene. Spearman rank coefficients (SRCs) for data pairs sum-parameters vs. TU were calculated. The highest correlation between toxicity and degradation by-products was observed for hydroquinone (0.86) and catechol (0.89). The presence of QDs in tested concentration range in the absence of UV has shown low toxicity and no interactions with phenol and/or toluene. The leak of constituent core and shell metal ions was observed. The minor differences in physical characteristics of tested QDs of the same chemical composition led to rather different degradation patterns of phenol and toluene, and the amount of leak of the metal ions as well.     

Fluctuating asymmetry in Bobwhite quail chicks (Colinus virginianus) does not follow a predictable dose-response relationship following maternal exposure to four different herbicides

Most biomonitoring studies that have investigated the relationship between fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and anthropogenic stressors have measured organisms from polluted ecosystems and compared them to organisms at reference sites. What has received little attention is whether FA follows a dose-response relationship with stress, a key criterion of a useful biomarker. Using chicks from currently mandated avian reproductive tests we tested whether a composite index of FA (FAC), was related to the dose or duration of exposure of their parents to one of four different herbicides, and if FAC was indeed a more sensitive marker of stress than standard reproductive endpoints measured from this test. We found no consistent relationship between FAC and dose or duration of herbicide exposure in any of the four studies. Exposure to one of the four pesticides did result in significant reproductive toxicity but this was not accompanied or foreshadowed by higher levels of FAC. Our results do not support the hypothesis that FA is a reliable general biomarker of pesticide exposure.     

Intraspecific competition in populations of Helix aspersa with different histories of exposure to lead

A range of invertebrates have become adapted to certain toxic metals, such that, in the presence of the contaminant, some measure of their performance, typically growth or reproduction, is superior to that of an unexposed population. Under such a toxic stress, a population with a history of exposure might outperform a na?ve population in competition for limited resources. This study compared the shell growth of laboratory-bred juveniles from six populations of Helix aspersa with different histories of exposure to Pb. In 10 trials using various combinations of two populations, the snails competed for a limited supply of food that contained either no Pb or 500 micrograms/g-1 Pb, for 98 days. Each trial consisted of 10 juveniles, five from each population and was replicated four times. Nearly all of the food provided was consumed quickly after presentation. The total amount of shell growth within each replicate (the sum of the mean growth of the two populations) was highly consistent between trials so that the total amount of shell built was limited by food availability. The presence of Pb in the diet caused no measurable depression of shell growth and exposure history did not appear to confer any competitive advantage or disadvantage in any of the trials. One population consistently grew faster than its competitors in every trial of which it was a part. Shell growth tended to be greater in smaller juveniles. Snail activity is known to be inhibited at high densities and this may have contributed to the lower incremental growth in individuals kept at the higher densities. The competitive advantage enjoyed by one population may be primarily determined by their activity or perhaps their Ca metabolism.     

Bioavailability in soil or sediment: exposure of different organisms and approaches to study it

Soil and benthic organisms may be exposed to contaminants via different routes: (pore) water, soil or sediment, and food. Depuration of the contaminant from the organisms may take place via the same routes and, additionally, via biotransformation, reproduction, etc. Whereas uptake from and depuration to water can be predicted well, predictions for soil or sediment are less accurate. One of the reasons may be the reduced bioavailability of the contaminant in the soil or sediment. In biomimetic approaches, such as solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) or measurements with C18-discs, the freely dissolved concentration in the (pore) water is determined. The SPME-fiber or C18-disc may serve as a surrogate organism, but sometimes underestimates, and sometimes overestimates bioavailability. The soil (or sediment) availability ratio (SARA) method, that uses organisms to study the uptake of freshly added and 'aged' chemicals, is proposed to study the magnitude of the reduction in bioavailability. SARA also includes the organism-specific exposure and depuration routes.