This review summarises the current knowledge on the effects of microplastics and their additives on organisms living in the aquatic environment, particularly invertebrates and fish. To date, microplastics have been recognised to affect not only the behaviour of aquatic animals but also their proper development, causing variations in fertility, oxidative stress, inflammations and immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and changes in metabolic pathways and gene expression. The ability of microplastics to bind other xenobiotics and cause combined toxicity along side the effect of other agents is also discussed as well. Microplastics are highly recalcitrant materials in both freshwater and marine environments and should be considered extremely toxic to aquatic ecosystems. They are severely problematic from ecological, economic and toxicological standpoints.
One of the main contributors to pharmaceutical pollution of surface waters are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that contaminate the food chain and affect non-target water species. As there are not many studies focusing on toxic effects of NSAIDs on freshwater fish species and specially effects after dietary exposure, we selected rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as the ideal model to examine the impact of two NSAIDs - diclofenac (DCF) and ibuprofen (IBP). The aim of our study was to test toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of these drugs together with exposure doses of 100× higher, including their mixture; and to deepen knowledge about the mechanism of toxicity of these drugs. This study revealed kidneys as the most affected organ with hyalinosis, an increase in oxidative stress markers, and changes in gene expression of heat shock protein 70 to be signs of renal toxicity. Furthermore, hepatotoxicity was confirmed by histopathological analysis (i.e. dystrophy, congestion, and inflammatory cell increase), change in biochemical markers, increase in heat shock protein 70 mRNA, and by oxidative stress analysis. The gills were locally deformed and showed signs of inflammatory processes and necrotic areas. Given the increase in oxidative stress markers and heat shock protein 70 mRNA, severe impairment of oxygen transport may be one of the toxic pathways of NSAIDs. Regarding the microbiota, an overgrowth of Gram-positive species was detected; in particular, significant dysbiosis in the Fusobacteria/Firmicutes ratio was observed. In conclusion, the changes observed after dietary exposure to NSAIDs can influence the organism homeostasis, induce ROS production, potentiate inflammations, and cause gut dysbiosis. Even the environmentally relevant concentration of NSAIDs pose a risk to the aquatic ecosystem as it changed O. mykiss health parameters and we assume that the toxicity of NSAIDs manifests itself at the level of mitochondria and proteins.
- MeSH
- antiflogistika nesteroidní metabolismus MeSH
- biologické markery metabolismus MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * metabolismus MeSH
- diklofenak metabolismus MeSH
- dysbióza MeSH
- ekosystém MeSH
- epidemický výskyt choroby MeSH
- ibuprofen metabolismus toxicita MeSH
- kyslík metabolismus MeSH
- léčivé přípravky metabolismus MeSH
- messenger RNA metabolismus MeSH
- Oncorhynchus mykiss * metabolismus MeSH
- oxidační stres MeSH
- proteiny tepelného šoku HSP70 metabolismus MeSH
- reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus MeSH
- střevní mikroflóra * MeSH
- voda metabolismus MeSH
- zánět chemicky indukované MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Due to the fact that plastic pollution is a global environmental problem of modern age, studies on the impact of these synthetic materials on aquatic, and especially fish organisms, are an important part of the ecosystem and human nutrition. In our study, the toxicity of pristine polyethylene (PE) microparticles (approx. 50 μm) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was tested in three different dietary concentrations - 0.5%, 2% and 5%. After six weeks of exposure, various health indices were evaluated. Electron microscopy of the intestine revealed the disintegration of PE particles to <5 μm in size, and thus we concluded that microplastics are able to reach tissues. The haematological profile revealed changes in total red blood cells count and haematocrit (5% PE) which could be associated with spleen congestion observed histologically. The marker of lipid peroxidation was increased in gills suggesting the disruption of balance in antioxidant enzymes capacity and histopathological imaging revealed inflammation in higher PE concentrations. In addition, ammonia was decreased and calcium elevated in biochemical profile, confirming the gill damage. Electron microscopy of the gills showed lesions of lamellae and visible rings around the mucinous cell opening indicating their higher activity. Another injured was the liver tissue, as confirmed by hepatodystrophies and increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes in 2% PE. Impaired innate immunity was confirmed by an increased presence of mucinous cells and a decrease in leukocytes. Kidney damage manifested itself by higher expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and histopathology. The damage in gills, liver and kidney together correlated with the increased antioxidant capacity of plasma. In conclusion, PE microparticles are able to affect health indices of O. mykiss. The potential problem for aquatic ecosystems and even human consumption should be considered.
Understanding indirect, trophic-level effects of genetically engineered plants, expressing insecticidal proteins derived from the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), is essential to the ecological risk assessment process. In this study, we examine potential indirect, trophic-level effects of Bt-sensitive prey using the predator, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), feeding upon Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) larvae, which had delayed development (lower body mass) following ingestion of Cry1Ab maize leaves. We found no adverse effects on development and survival when H. axyridis larvae were fed S. frugiperda larvae that had fed on Cry1Ab maize tissue. Presence of Cry1Ab in H. axyridis decreased considerably after switching to another diet within 48 h. In a no-choice assay, H. axyridis larvae consumed more Bt-fed S. frugiperda than non-Bt-fed larvae. Preference for S. frugiperda feeding on Bt maize was confirmed in subsequent choice assays with H. axyridis predation on Bt-fed, 1-5-d-old S. frugiperda larvae. We suggest that H. axyridis preferred prey, not based on whether it had fed on Bt or non-Bt maize, but rather on larval mass, and they compensated for the nutritional deficiency of lighter larvae through increased consumption. Pest larvae with variable levels of resistance developing on Bt diet are often stunted versus sensitive larvae developing on non-Bt diet. It is possible that such larvae may be preferentially removed from local field populations. These results may have implications for insect resistance management and may be played out under field conditions where seed blends of Bt and non-Bt hybrids are planted.
- MeSH
- Bacillus thuringiensis klasifikace MeSH
- bakteriální proteiny metabolismus MeSH
- biologická kontrola škůdců * MeSH
- brouci růst a vývoj fyziologie MeSH
- endotoxiny metabolismus MeSH
- geneticky modifikované rostliny genetika růst a vývoj fyziologie MeSH
- hemolyziny metabolismus MeSH
- kukuřice setá genetika růst a vývoj fyziologie MeSH
- larva růst a vývoj mikrobiologie fyziologie MeSH
- potravní řetězec * MeSH
- predátorské chování * MeSH
- Spodoptera růst a vývoj mikrobiologie fyziologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Staphylinid beetles are recommended bioindicators for the pre-market environmental risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) insect protected maize expressing the Cry3Bb1 toxin. Our multiannual study is a unique European analysis of a staphylinid community within a 14 ha maize field. GM maize, its near-isogenic hybrid (with or without insecticide treatment), and two other reference hybrids were each grown in five 0.5 ha plots. The opportunity for exposure to Cry toxin from plant residues ploughed into the soil was shown by the presence of saprophagous dipteran larvae that are common prey of predatory staphylinid species and hosts of the parasitoid species. 2587 individuals belonging to 77 staphylinid species were sampled using pitfall traps. Lesteva longoelytrata (31%), Oxypoda acuminata (12%), Aloconota sulcifrons (8%) and Anotylus rugosus (7%) were the most abundant beetles in the field. Bionomics, food specialization, temperature requirements and size group were assigned for 25 most common species. These traits determine the occurrence of staphylinid beetles in the field, the food sources they could utilize and thus also their likely contact with the Cry3Bb1 toxin. Statistical analysis of activity abundance, Rao indices and multivariate analysis of distribution of particular categories of functional traits in the field showed negligible effects of the experimental treatments, including the GM maize, upon the staphylinid community. Staphylinid beetles represent a considerably diverse part of epigeic field fauna with wide food specialization; these features render them suitable for the assessment of environmental safety of GM insect protected maize. However, the availability of prey and the presence of particular staphylinid species and their abundance are highly variable; this complicates the interpretation of the results.
- MeSH
- bakteriální proteiny analýza genetika MeSH
- brouci fyziologie MeSH
- Diptera účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- endotoxiny analýza genetika MeSH
- geneticky modifikované rostliny škodlivé účinky MeSH
- hemolyziny analýza genetika MeSH
- hodnocení rizik MeSH
- insekticidy škodlivé účinky MeSH
- kukuřice setá genetika metabolismus MeSH
- larva účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu analýza toxicita MeSH
- potravní řetězec MeSH
- predátorské chování MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Macroscopically visible lipid deposition varying in size from pinpoint to 8-mm diameter was found in spleens of a population of intensively farmed perch, Perca fluviatilis L. over a 24-month rearing period. Large agglomerates of adipocytes distinguishable from surrounding normal tissue occurred in all individuals with spleen lipidosis. Several affected fish presented total dystrophy of large clusters of hepatocytes. Prevalence of lipidosis was 5.0% at 12 months and 16.6% at 24 months. There was no significant difference between fatty acid profiles of liver or perivisceral fat of perch with and without lipidosis except for linoleic, myristic, γ-linoleic, cis-eicosatrienic, palmitooleic acid. Body weight and hepatosomatic, perivisceral fat and splenosomatic indices were not associated with lipidosis. There was no significant effect of lipidosis on mortality or growth.
- MeSH
- hepatocyty patologie MeSH
- játra chemie MeSH
- krmivo pro zvířata analýza MeSH
- lipidózy epidemiologie patologie veterinární MeSH
- mastné kyseliny analýza MeSH
- nemoci ryb epidemiologie patologie MeSH
- nemoci sleziny epidemiologie patologie veterinární MeSH
- nitrobřišní tuk chemie MeSH
- okounovití * MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- rybářství MeSH
- slezina chemie patologie MeSH
- tukové buňky patologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
The objective of this work was to evaluate antioxidant defence and oxidative damage in organs (liver, gills, kidney, and brain) of five fish species (Aspius aspius, Esox lucius, Sander lucioperca, Abramis brama, Rutilus rutilus) from the long-term mercury-contaminated Skalka Reservoir in the Czech Republic. Special emphasis was placed on a comprehensive assessment of the factors that may affect the antioxidant response to mercury in fish. Antioxidant enzymes (glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase) did not significantly respond to mercury contamination. Levels of the analysed enzymes and oxidative damage to lipids were predominantly determined by a separate organ factor or species factor, or by the combination of both (p < 0.001). Levels of total glutathione and the reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio were influenced by mercury contamination in combination with their specific organ distribution (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that species and type of organ alone or in combination are more important factors than chronic exposure to mercury contamination with respect to effects on antioxidant defence in fish under field conditions. Our findings suggest that the main antioxidant defensive mechanism in fish from the studied long-term mercury contaminated site was the inter-tissue distribution of glutathione.
- MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza toxicita MeSH
- glutathion metabolismus MeSH
- glutathionperoxidasa metabolismus MeSH
- glutathionreduktasa metabolismus MeSH
- glutathiontransferasa metabolismus MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
- okounovití fyziologie MeSH
- rtuť analýza toxicita MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
BACKGROUND: Effects of acute and subchronic exposure of fish to s-triazine herbicides have been well documented, but data on the effects of prometryn on blood analytes in carp at environmentally realistic concentrations are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether biometrics, blood analytes, and histopathology could serve as bioindicators in fish living in waters polluted by triazine. METHODS: Fish were exposed to prometryn at concentrations of 0.51 (reported concentration in Czech rivers), 8.0, and 80 μg/L for 14, 30, and 60 days. Prior to and during this period, biometrics, blood analytes, and histopathology were evaluated. RESULTS: After 60 days' exposure to 8.0 and 80 μg/L of prometryn, spleen weights (P < .05) and lactate (P < .01) levels were significantly lower, and concentrations of HGB (P < .01) and MHC (P < .01) and MCHC (P < .01) were higher, relative to controls. After 30 and 60 days' exposure to 0.51, 8.0, and 80 μg/L of prometryn, AST activity, calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphate levels were lower (P < .01), while creatinine concentration and ALT activity were higher (P < .01) than in controls. Glucose was higher after exposure to 80 μg/L after 30 and 60 days, and after 60 days' exposure to 8.0 μg/L. Renal histology revealed severe hyaline degeneration of the epithelial cells of caudal kidney tubules in fish at all exposure levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows effects in fish blood at a concentration of 0.51 μg/L of prometryn, a significant finding in view of prometryn reaching a maximum of 4.4 μg/L or less in European rivers. Select blood analytes, such as creatinine, and histologic changes in caudal kidney are potential biomarkers for monitoring residual triazine pesticides in Common Carp.
- MeSH
- biochemická analýza krve veterinární MeSH
- biologické markery krev MeSH
- biometrie MeSH
- časové faktory MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu krev farmakologie MeSH
- chování zvířat účinky léků MeSH
- hematologické testy veterinární MeSH
- herbicidy krev farmakologie MeSH
- kapři krev fyziologie MeSH
- ledviny účinky léků MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
- prometryn krev farmakologie MeSH
- řeky MeSH
- slezina účinky léků MeSH
- vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Alkylphenols and their precursors, alkylphenol etoxylates, are a group of manmade chemicals used mainly as surfactants in domestic and industrial applications worldwide. It has been well established that they have endocrine disruption activity, hepatotoxic, genotoxic and other negative effects on animal and human health. In spite of the effort to reduce their use, they persist in the environment not only in industrial but also in remote regions, and were detected in the variety of natural matrices including air, water, soil as well as food products, and human blood and urine worldwide. This article summarizes their occurrence, fate in natural conditions, and toxicity including mode of action. A subject of our concern was the aquatic environment as the most important reservoir and target of their deleterious impact.
- MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu chemie MeSH
- fenoly chemie MeSH
- molekulární struktura MeSH
- odpad tekutý - odstraňování MeSH
- průmyslový odpad MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of subchronic exposure to atrazine on fish growth and the development of histopathological changes in selected organs (gill, kidney, liver) in Danio rerio. Juvenile growth tests were performed on D. rerio according to OECD method No. 215. For 28 days, fish at an initial age of 30 days were exposed to the environmental atrazine concentration commonly detected in Czech rivers (0.3 microg/L) and a range of sublethal concentrations of atrazine (3.0, 30.0 and 90.0 microg/L). The results showed decreasing growth rates and morphological changes in the liver (dystrophic lesions of hepatocytes) at 90.0 microg/L of atrazine. The environmental concentration of atrazine in Czech rivers did not have any effect on fish growth and development of histopathological changes in D. rerio. The value of NOEC was 30.0 microg/L and the value of LOEC was 90.0 microg/L.
- MeSH
- atrazin toxicita MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu toxicita MeSH
- chování zvířat MeSH
- dánio pruhované růst a vývoj MeSH
- herbicidy toxicita MeSH
- játra účinky léků MeSH
- ledviny účinky léků MeSH
- řeky chemie MeSH
- rozvrh dávkování léků MeSH
- vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
- žábry účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
