Endocrine Disruptors in Mediterranean top marine predators |
| |
Authors: | Fossi M Cristina Casini Silvia Marsili Letizia |
| |
Institution: | (1) M. Cristina Fossi Department of Environmental Sciences University of Siena Via Mattioli, 4 53100, Siena ITALY, , ,;(2) Silvia Casini Department of Environmental Sciences University of Siena Via Mattioli, 4 53100, Siena ITALY, , ,;(3) Letizia Marsili Department of Environmental Sciences University of Siena Via Mattioli, 4 53100, Siena ITALY, , , |
| |
Abstract: | - DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1065/espr2006.01.018
Background, Aims and Scope
Man-made Endocrine Disruptors (EDs) range across all continents and oceans. Some geographic areas are potentially more threatened
than others: one of these is the Mediterranean Sea. Levels of some xenobiotics are much higher here than in other seas and
oceans. In this paper we review the final results of a project in which the hypothesis that Mediterranean top predator species
(such as large pelagic fish and marine mammals) are potentially at risk due to EDs was investigated.
Methods In a four-year survey on the Mediterranean population of swordfish (Xiphias gladius), the potential toxicological effects
of organochlorine compounds (OCs) on specimens of swordfish and tuna fish (Thunnus thynnus thynnus), caught in the spawning
seasons from 1999 to 2002 in the Straits of Messina, Sicily (Italy), were investigated using vitellogenin (Vtg), Zona radiata
proteins (Zrp), and cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) activities (EROD, BPMO). Tissues (skin and blubber) were obtained from Stenella
coeruleoalba, Tursiops truncatus, Delphinus delphis and Balaenoptera physalus from the western Ligurian Sea, between Corsica
and the French-Italian coast, and Ionic Sea using biopsy darts launched with a crossbow. Benzo(á)pyrene monoxigenase (BPMO)
activity was mesured in biopsies and cholrinated hydrocarbon levels were detected.
Results and Discussion We illustrate the need to develop and apply sensitive methodological tools, such as biomarkers (Vitellogenin, Zona Radiata
proteins and CYP1A activities) for evaluation of toxicological risk in Xiphias gladius and Thunnus thynnus thynnus), and nondestructive
biomarkers (CYP1A activities and fibroblast cell culture in skin biopsy), for the hazard assessment of threatened marine mammals
species (Stenella coeruleoalba, Tursiops truncatus, Delphinus delphis and Balaenoptera physalus) exposed to EDs.
Conclusion The present research shows that: a) Vtg and Zrp can be used as diagnostic tools for fish stocks hazard assessment in the
Mediterranean Sea; b) that CYP1A1 (BPMO) induction in cetaceans skin biopsy may be an early sign of exposure to EDs such as
OCs and a potential alert for transgenerational effects.
Recommendation and Outlook This research represents a warning signal of the potential reproductive alterations in marine top predators and suggest the
need for continuous monitoring to avoid reductions in population and biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. |
| |
Keywords: | Xiphias gladius endocrine disruptors marine mammals fibroblast cell culture Mediterranean Sea top predators skin biopsy Vitellogenin Zona Radiata proteins |
本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|