Evidence of altered fertility in female roach (Rutilus rutilus) from the River Seine (France)

A large variety of anthropogenic chemicals present in the aquatic environment have been shown to be able to alter the endocrine system of exposed organisms, potentially impacting their reproductive function. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of environmental pollution on the reproductive system of wild female roach (Rutilus rutilus) from the Seine River (Normandy, France). A suite of biomarkers of endocrine disruption including gonado-somatic index, plasmatic vitellogenin, gonadal aromatase activity and histological parameters (oocyte diameter and gonad maturation) were studied. Female fish from the polluted sites showed a number of reproductive alterations, including inhibited gonad maturation, reduced oocyte growth, reduced levels of plasmatic vitellogenin and 3-fold lower gonadal aromatase activity than females collected in the reference site. Overall, these results highlight the presence of endocrine disruption in female roach from the Seine River. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Ligula intestinalis infection is associated with alterations of both brain and gonad aromatase expression in roach (Rutilus rutilus)

International audienc

CYP19A and B gene expression and activity in roach (Rutilus rutilus)

Estrogens are steroid hormones involved in the control of important reproduction-related processes including sexual differentiation and maturation. Careful spatial and temporal balance of estrogens in the body is crucial for proper functioning. At the final step of estrogen biosynthesis, cytochrome P450 aromatase, encoded by the cyp19 gene, converts androgens into estrogens. Modulation of aromatase CYP19 expression and function can dramatically alter the rate of estrogen production, disturbing the local and systemic levels of estrogens. This activity has been shown to be sensitive to many endocrine disruptive compounds (EDC) released in the environment and thus could be used as a biomarker to screen for EDC effects. Teleosts are becoming increasingly important indicators of environmental health, and roach, Rutilus rutilus, was suggested as a sensitive model organism to assess the impact of xenobiotic in freshwater. A study has been undertaken to characterise both gene expression and activity of aromatase in the brain and gonad. Subsequently, seasonal variations, incidence of physical factors, biological factors (sex, age), presence of chemicals and association with pathological features (parasites, intersex) have been studied

Molecular isolation and characterization of the kisspeptin system, KISS and GPR54 genes in roach Rutilus rutilus.

European program Interreg III and IV