Genotoxic and stress inductive potential of cadmium in Xenopus laevis larvae

The present investigation evaluates the toxic potential of Cd in larvae of the frog Xenopus laevis after 12 days of exposure to environmentally relevant contamination levels, close to those measured in the river Lot (France). Several genotoxic and detoxification mechanisms were analyzed in the larvae: clastogenic and/or aneugenic effects in the circulating blood by micronucleus (MN) induction, metallothionein (MT) production in whole larvae, gene analyses and Cd content in the liver and also in the whole larvae. The results show: (i) micronucleus induction at environmental levels of Cd contamination (2, 10, 30 μg L−1); (ii) an increased and concentration-dependent quantity of MT in the whole organism after contamination with 10 and 30 μg Cd L−1 (a three- and six-fold increase, respectively) although no significant difference was observed after contamination with 2 μg Cd L−1; (iii) Cd uptake by the whole organism and by the liver as a response to Cd exposure conditions; (4) up-regulation of the genes involved in detoxification processes and response to oxidative stress, while genes involved in DNA repair and apoptosis were repressed. The results confirm the relevance of the amphibian model and highlight the complementarity between a marker of genotoxicity, MT production, bioaccumulation and genetic analysis in the evaluation of the ecotoxicological impact

Roles of regional hydrodynamic and trophic contamination in cadmium bioaccumulation by Pacific oysters in the Marennes-Oléron Bay (France)

International audienceThe Marennes-Oléron Bay, hosting the largest oyster production in France, is influenced by the historic polymetallic pollution of the Gironde Estuary. Despite management efforts and decreasing emissions in the Gironde watershed, cadmium levels in oysters from the bay are close to the consumption limit (5 lg g À1 dw, EC). From mid April to mid July 2009, we investigated the role of tidal resuspension and regional hydrodynamics on Cd speciation (seawater, SPM, phytoplankton, sediment, microphytobenthos) and bioaccumulation in 18 month-old oysters (gills, digestive glands, rests of tissues) reared under natural conditions (i) at $60 cm above the sediment and (ii) on the sediment surface. Dissolved and particulate Cd concentrations in surface and bottom waters were similar and constant over tidal cycle suggesting the absence of Cd release during sediment resuspension. Temporal dissolved and particulate Cd concentrations were closely related to Gironde Estuary water discharges, showing increasing concentrations during flood situations and decreasing concentrations afterwards. Cd depletion in the water column was associated with increasing Cd in the [20-100 lm] plankton fraction, suggesting Cd bioaccumulation. After 3 months, enrichment factors of Cd in tissues of oysters exposed in the water column and directly on the sediment were respectively 3.0 and 2.2 in gills, 4.7 and 3.2 in digestive glands and 4.9 and 3.4 in remaining tissues. Increasing Cd bioaccumulation in gills, digestive glands and remaining tissues can be related to elevated dissolved Cd in the bay, suggesting gill contamination via the direct pathway and subsequent internal redistribution of Cd to other organs and tissues. Elevated Cd contents in oysters reared on tables could be attributed to different trophic Cd transfer (phytoplankton versus micro-phytobenthos) or to different oyster metabolisms between the rearing conditions as suggested by metal-lothionein concentrations

Molecular Impacts of Dietary Exposure to Nanoplastics Combined or Not with Arsenic in the Caribbean Mangrove Oysters (Isognomon alatus)

Nanoplastics (NPs) are anthropogenic contaminants that raise concern, as they cross biological barriers. Metals’ adsorption on NPs’ surface also carries ecotoxicological risks to aquatic organisms. This study focuses on the impacts of three distinct NPs on the Caribbean oyster Isognomon alatus through dietary exposure. As such, marine microalgae Tisochrysis lutea were exposed to environmentally weathered mixed NPs from Guadeloupe (NPG), crushed pristine polystyrene nanoparticles (PSC), and carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles of latex (PSL). Oysters were fed with NP-T. lutea at 10 and 100 µg L−1, concentrations considered environmentally relevant, combined or not with 1 mg L−1 pentoxide arsenic (As) in water. We investigated key gene expression in I. alatus’ gills and visceral mass. NP treatments revealed significant induction of cat and sod1 in gills and gapdh and sod1 in visceral mass. As treatment significantly induced sod1 expression in gills, but once combined with any of the NPs at both concentrations, basal mRNA levels were observed. Similarly, PSL treatment at 100 µg L−1 that significantly induced cat expression in gills or sod1 in visceral mass showed repressed mRNA levels when combined with As (reduction of 2222% and 34%, respectively, compared to the control). This study suggested a protective effect of the interaction between NPs and As, possibly by decreasing both contaminants’ surface reactivity

Metallothionein gene identification and expression in the cockle ( Cerastoderma edule) under parasitism (trematodes) and cadmium contaminations

Parmi les organismes benthiques, les bivalves sont souvent utilisés comme bioindicateurs des pollutions environnementales, du fait de leur importante capacité de bioaccumulation des métaux lourds conduisant à l'induction des métallothionéines (MT). Les MT sont de petites protéines cytosoliques capables de fixer les métaux et qui sont impliquées dans l'homéostasie et la détoxication de ces métaux chez les organismes. Ces protéines peuvent être induites par un grand nombre de facteurs tels que les hormones, les stress physiques, le parasitisme. La quantification des MT en relation avec le parasitisme est rarement reportée dans la littérature, bien que le parasitisme soit omniprésent et très délétère chez les bivalves. De plus, seulement un petit nombre de gènes de MT ont été identifiés chez les mollusques. Cette étude décrit la caractérisation de la séquence partielle d'un gène de MT (Cemt1) chez la coque Cerastoderma edule, qui présente plus de 80 % d'homologie avec de nombreuses séquences de MT de bivalves. A partir de cette séquence, des amorces spécifiques, utilisables en PCR quantitative en temps réel, ont été déterminées. Le niveau d'expression du gène Cemt1, ainsi que la quantité de protéine MT ont été analysés chez des individus soumis à différents paramètres : sans parasites ou infestés par le trématode digène Himasthla elongata, et lors d'expositions au cadmium à 15 µg Cd L−1. Des résultats concordants ont été obtenus lors de la quantification des protéines MT et de l'analyse de l'expression du gène Cemt1. Ceux-ci mettent en évidence que les concentrations en MT augmentent significativement par les deux types de traitement (infestation parasitaire et exposition au cadmium).Among benthic organisms, bivalves are often used as bioindicators of environmental pollution because of their high bioaccumulation capacities for heavy metals leading to metallothioneins (MT) induction. MT are small cytosolic metal-binding proteins involved in metal homeostasis and detoxification in living organisms. These proteins can also be induced by a wide range of factors, such as hormones, physical stress, parasitism. MT quantification in relation to parasitism is rarely reported in literature, while parasites are omnipresent and have deleterious impacts on bivalves. Moreover, only a few number of MT genes have been characterized in molluscs. This study describes the partial sequence of the MT gene (Cemt1) in the edible cockle Cerastoderma edule. The cockle's MT cDNA was sequenced and showed over 80% homology to several other bivalve MT sequences. This sequence was then used to determine MT specific primers which can be used in quantitative real time PCR. MT protein and gene expression levels were quantified for individuals selected under different conditions: free from or infected by the digenean trematode Himasthla elongata, and under cadmium exposure at 15 mu g Cd L-1. Results evidenced that MT concentrations were significantly increased by both treatments; parasite infection and Cd exposure. Moreover, congruent results between MT protein and gene expression levels were obtained

Captive breeding of European freshwater mussels as aconservation tool: A review

1. Freshwater mussels are declining throughout their range. Their importantecological functions along with insufficient levels of natural recruitment haveprompted captive breeding for population augmentation and questions about the usefulness and applicability of such measures. 2. This article reviews the current state of captive breeding and rearing programmes for freshwater mussels in Europe. It considers the various species, strategies, andtechniques of propagation, as well as the different levels of effort requiredaccording to rearing method, highlighting the key factors of success. 3. Within the last 30 years, 46 breeding activities in 16 European countries have been reported, mainly of Margaritifera margaritifera and Unio crassus. Some facilities propagate species that are in a very critical situation, such as Pseudunio auricularius, Unio mancus, and Unio ravoisieri, or multiple species concurrently. Insome streams, the number of released captive-bred mussels already exceeds the size of the remaining natural population. 4. Rearing efforts range from highly intensive laboratory incubation to lowerintensity methods using in-river mussel cages or silos. Most breeding efforts are funded by national and EU LIFE(+) grants, are well documented, and consider the genetic integrity of the propagated mussels. Limited long-term funding perspectives, the availability of experienced staff, water quality, and feeding/survival during early life stages are seen as the most important challenges. 5. Successful captive breeding programmes need to be combined with restoration ofthe habitats into which the mussels are released. This work will benefit from anevidence-based approach, knowledge exchange among facilities, and an overall breeding strategy comprising multiple countries and conservation units. aquaculture, captive breeding, conservation translocation, freshwater mussel culturing, Margaritifera margaritifera, propagation, reintroduction, Unio crassusCaptive breeding of European freshwater mussels as aconservation tool: A reviewpublishedVersio

Consecuencias económicas de la prohibición del Plástico en Colombia

Trabajo de InvestigaciónEl plástico es un material orgánico y que durante su fabricación son muchos los usos para obtener diferentes formas, además de su utilización económica para la industria y su bajo costo de fabricación, es inevitable no estar rodeados de artículos hechos a base de este componente. Sin embargo, el plástico se ha convertido en un problema que con el pasar de los días se va creciendo, dado que se encuentra en casi todos los productos que utilizamos a diario, ya sea en consumo personal o en las actividades y hasta en los alimentos. La producción y consumo de plásticos en el mundo durante los últimos años ha aumentado de forma acelerada, alcanzando cifras alarmantes y cuya consecuencia principal es la contaminación del entorno y el medio ambiente, poniendo en peligro las especies que habitan los ecosistemas del planeta, principalmente los océanos, mares y ríos; razón por la cual se es necesario empezar a revisar este tema y así tomar las diferentes decisiones que permitan dar una solución de fondo y así reducir el consumo, apoyándose en programas para la reutilización y el reciclaje de desechos impulsados por el Estado y la población en general.1. Capítulo 1: Introducción 2. Capítulo 2: Marco de Referencia 3. Resultados y Discusión de resultados 4. Conclusiones 5. ReferenciasPregradoEconomist

Why is Asari (=Manila) clam Ruditapes philippinarum fitness poor in Arcachon Bay: A meta-analysis to answer?

00000 ; International audience ; Asari (= Manila) clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, is the second bivalve mollusc in terms of production in the world and, in many coastal areas, can beget important socio-economic issues. In Europe, this species was introduced after 1973. In Arcachon Bay, after a decade of aquaculture attempt, Asari clam rapidly constituted neo-naturalized population which is now fished. However, recent studies emphasized the decline of population and individual performances. In the framework of a national project (REPAMEP), some elements of fitness, stressors and responses in Arcachon bay were measured and compared to international data (41 publications, 9 countries). The condition index (CI=flesh weight/shell weight) was the lowest among all compared sites. Variation in average Chla concentration explained 30% of variation of CI among different areas. Among potential diseases, perkinsosis was particularly prevalent in Arcachon Bay, with high abundance, and Asari clams underwent Brown Muscle Disease, a pathology strictly restricted to this lagoon. Overall element contamination was relatively low, although arsenic, cobalt, nickel and chromium displayed higher values than in other ecosystems where Asari clam is exploited. Finally, total hemocyte count (THC) of Asari clam in Arcachon Bay, related to the immune system activity, exhibited values that were also under what is generally observed elsewhere. In conclusion, this study, with all reserves due to heterogeneity of available data, suggest that the particularly low fitness of Asari clam in Arcachon Bay is due to poor trophic condition, high prevalence and intensity of a disease (perkinsosis), moderate inorganic contamination, and poor efficiency of the immune system

Pathologies bégnines de l'oeil (rôle du pharmacien d'officine)

BORDEAUX2-BU Santé (330632101) / SudocSudocFranceF

Evidence of an altered protective effect of metallothioneins after cadmium exposure in the digenean parasite-infected cockle (Cerastoderma edule)

International audienceThe aim of the present study was to analyse the relation between parasitism and subsequent metallothioneins (MT) in the case of metal contamination. Experimental exposure of parasitized and unparasitized cockles (Cerastoderma edule) to cadmium (Cd) was performed, with the cockle as first or second intermediate host of 2 digenean species. After 7 days of Cd exposure in microcosms, cockles infected as first intermediate host byLabratrema minimusexhibited metal concentrations in tissues double that in uninfected cockles. Jointly, MT concentrations of parasitized cockles were not modified in comparison with uninfected individuals in which concentrations were increased 4·3-fold compared with controls. In cockles experimentally infected as the second intermediate host byHimasthla elongata, cadmium concentrations significantly increased again in parasitized cockles compared with uninfected individuals in contaminated conditions. Simultaneously, MT concentrations in healthy cockles increased, whereas they significantly decreased in parasitized individuals. Therefore, the presence of digenean parasites in Cd-exposed cockles leads to a maintenance or a decrease in MT concentrations compared with healthy individuals, whereas Cd accumulation in tissues is significantly increased. These experiments indicate a significant alteration of the protective effect of metallothioneins towards metals which could consequently enhance cockle vulnerability. Moreover, these results highlight the limit of the use of MT as a biomarker of metal pollution in field monitoring if parasitism is not taken into account

Evidence of an altered protective effect of metallothioneins after cadmium exposure in the digenean parasite-infected cockle (Cerastoderma edule)

The aim of the present study was to analyse the relation between parasitism and subsequent metallothioneins (MT) in the case of metal contamination. Experimental exposure of parasitized and unparasitized cockles (Cerastoderma edule) to cadmium (Cd) was performed, with the cockle as first or second intermediate host of 2 digenean species. After 7 days of Cd exposure in microcosms, cockles infected as first intermediate host byLabratrema minimusexhibited metal concentrations in tissues double that in uninfected cockles. Jointly, MT concentrations of parasitized cockles were not modified in comparison with uninfected individuals in which concentrations were increased 4·3-fold compared with controls. In cockles experimentally infected as the second intermediate host byHimasthla elongata, cadmium concentrations significantly increased again in parasitized cockles compared with uninfected individuals in contaminated conditions. Simultaneously, MT concentrations in healthy cockles increased, whereas they significantly decreased in parasitized individuals. Therefore, the presence of digenean parasites in Cd-exposed cockles leads to a maintenance or a decrease in MT concentrations compared with healthy individuals, whereas Cd accumulation in tissues is significantly increased. These experiments indicate a significant alteration of the protective effect of metallothioneins towards metals which could consequently enhance cockle vulnerability. Moreover, these results highlight the limit of the use of MT as a biomarker of metal pollution in field monitoring if parasitism is not taken into account