The present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and antioxidant responses of common carp after exposure to the antiepileptic and analgesic drug gabapentin at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/l for 4 weeks. The exposure to the highest two concentrations resulted in significant changes in plasma indices such as glucose (only group 100 μg/l), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipase, creatine kinase (CK), amylase as well as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Similar trends were found in both groups exposed to the environmentally relevant concentrations (i.e., 0.1 and 1 μg/l). In addition, a significant increase in the ferric-reducing power of the plasma was noted in all treated groups. Numerous changes in antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, as well as lipid peroxidation, were observed especially in the caudal kidney in the group exposed to 100 μg/l. Significant findings were also confirmed in the group exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration (1 μg/l), with a decrease in superoxide dismutase in the gill and an increased lipoperoxidation in the caudal kidney. Our research shows that subchronic exposure to gabapentin may pose a significant risk to non-target aquatic organisms, such as disruption of metabolic pathways or induction of oxidative stress, even at environmentally relevant concentrations.
- Klíčová slova
- enzyme activities, fish, oxidative stress, pharmaceuticals,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of emerging environmental contaminants, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) diclofenac (DCF) and ibuprofen (IBP), on physiological functions in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were exposed for 6 weeks, and for the first time, NSAIDs were administered through diet. Either substance was tested at two concentrations, 20 or 2000 μg/kg, resulting in four different treatments (DCF 20, DCF 2000, IBP 20, IBP 2000). The effects on haematological and biochemical profiles, the biomarkers of oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption were studied, and changes in RNA transcription were also monitored to obtain a comprehensive picture of toxicity. Fish exposure to high concentrations of NSAIDs (DCF 2000, IBP 2000) elicited numerous statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) in the endpoints investigated, with DCF being almost always more efficient than IBP. Compared to control fish, a decrease in total leukocyte count attributed to relative lymphopenia was observed. Plasma concentrations of total proteins, ammonia, and thyroxine, and enzyme activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly elevated in either group, as were the activities of certain hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase) in the DCF 2000 group. The transcriptomic profile of selected genes in the tissues of exposed fish was affected as well. Significant changes in plasma total proteins, ammonia, ALT, and ALP, as well as in the transcription of genes related to thyroid function and the antioxidant defense of the organism, were found even in fish exposed to the lower DCF concentration (DCF 20). As it was chosen to match DCF concentrations commonly detected in aquatic invertebrates (i.e., the potential feed source of fish), it can be considered "environmentally relevant". Future research is necessary to shed more light on the dietary NSAID toxicity to fish.
- Klíčová slova
- Fish, Gene expression, Haematological indices, Oxidative stress, Plasma biochemistry, Thyroid disruption,
- MeSH
- amoniak farmakologie MeSH
- antiflogistika nesteroidní toxicita MeSH
- antioxidancia metabolismus MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * toxicita MeSH
- dietární expozice MeSH
- diklofenak toxicita MeSH
- ibuprofen toxicita MeSH
- kapři * metabolismus MeSH
- oxidační stres MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- amoniak MeSH
- antiflogistika nesteroidní MeSH
- antioxidancia MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- diklofenak MeSH
- ibuprofen MeSH
Extensive, uncontrolled growth of algae and cyanobacteria is an environmental, public health, economic, and technical issue in managing natural and engineered water systems. Synthetic biomimetic polymers have been almost exclusively considered antimicrobial alternatives to conventional antibiotics to treat human bacterial infections. Very little is known about their applicability in an aquatic environment. Here, we introduce synthetic biomimetic polymethacrylates (SBPs) as a cost-effective and chemically facile, flexible platform for designing a new type of agent suitable for controlling and mitigating photosynthetic microorganisms. Since SBPs are cationic and membranolytic in heterotrophic bacteria, we hypothesized they could also interact with negatively charged cyanobacterial or algal cell walls and membranes. We demonstrated that SBPs inhibited the growth of aquatic photosynthetic organisms of concern, i.e., cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa and Synechococcus elongatus) and green algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Desmodesmus quadricauda), with 50% effective growth-inhibiting concentrations ranging between 95 nM and 6.5 μM. Additionally, SBPs exhibited algicidal effects on C. reinhardtii and cyanocidal effects on picocyanobacterium S. elongatus and microcystin-producing cyanobacterium M. aeruginosa. SBP copolymers, particularly those with moderate hydrophobic content, induced more potent cyanostatic and cyanocidal effects than homopolymers. Thus, biomimetic polymers are a promising platform for the design of anti-cyanobacterial and anti-algal agents for water treatment.
- Klíčová slova
- algae, antimicrobials, biomimetic polymers, cyanobacteria, polymethacrylates, water treatment,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
We summarized available data concerning contamination of the Czech part of the Elbe River by mercury and assessed the potential risks to humans connected with the consumption of contaminated fish. Total mercury concentrations were evaluated in dorsal muscle of chub (Squalius cephalus) and bream (Abramis brama) that were collected at 11 sampling sites in the period from 1991 to 2016. Significant differences among sites were found for both species. The highest contamination was observed near the non-ferrous Kovohute metal works at Celakovice and also downstream from the Spolana chemical plant at Neratovice. A significant decline in contamination with time (concentrations decreasing from 1.65 to 0.22 mg kg-1; p = 0.004) was revealed in chub downstream from the Spolana plant. Calculated hazard indices (HIs) were below 1, therefore, adverse health effects on the general Czech population connected with the consumption of fish from the Elbe River were not expected.
- Klíčová slova
- Heavy metals, Pollution, Risk assessment, Total mercury,
- MeSH
- časoprostorová analýza MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza MeSH
- Cyprinidae růst a vývoj MeSH
- hodnocení rizik MeSH
- kontaminace potravin analýza MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí metody MeSH
- řeky chemie MeSH
- rtuť analýza MeSH
- svaly chemie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
- rtuť MeSH
The effect of venlafaxine, a pharmaceutical commonly found in aquatic environment, was analyzed on non-target organism, Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1822). D. rerio embryos were treated by two different concentrations of venlafaxine: either concentration relevant in aquatic environment (0.3 μg/L) or concentration that was two orders of magnitude higher (30 μg/L) for the evaluation of dose-dependent effect. Time-dependent effect was rated at 24, 96, and 144 h post-fertilization (hpf). For gene expression, genes representing one of the phases of xenobiotic biotransformation (0 to III) were selected. The results of this study showed that the effect of venlafaxine on the zebrafish embryos is the most evident at hatching (96 hpf). At this time, the results showed a downregulation of gene expression in each phase of biotransformation and in both tested concentrations. In contrast, an upregulation of most of the genes was observed 144 hpf for both tested venlafaxine concentrations. The study shows that venlafaxine can affect the gene expression of biotransformation enzymes in D. rerio embryos even in the environmentally relevant concentration and thus disrupt the process of biotransformation. Moreover, the pxr regulation of genes seems to be disrupted after venlafaxine exposure in dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Klíčová slova
- : ABC transporters, Metabolism, Pharmaceutical, Regulation, Xenobiotics, Zebrafish, pxr,
- MeSH
- antidepresiva farmakologie MeSH
- biotransformace MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu farmakologie MeSH
- dánio pruhované * MeSH
- embryo nesavčí účinky léků enzymologie MeSH
- regulace genové exprese enzymů * MeSH
- venlafaxin hydrochlorid farmakologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antidepresiva MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
- venlafaxin hydrochlorid MeSH
We developed a simple and fast microplate assay for evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of electrospun nanofiber filtration membranes or similar porous materials for water treatment technologies. Resazurin (alamarBlue®) was used as an indicator of the amount of viable experimental microorganisms Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis, and natural wastewater treatment plant effluent bacteria. A bacterial inoculum of concentration 1-3 × 105 CFU mL-1 was pipetted onto the surface of assessed both functionalized and respective control membranes and incubated in 12-well plates for 4 h at 37 °C. Kinetics of resazurin metabolization, i.e. its reduction to fluorescent resorufin, was evaluated fluorimetrically (λex520/λem590 nm). A number of viable bacteria on the membranes expressed as CFU mL-1 was calculated from the kinetic curves by using calibration curves that were constructed for both experimental bacterial species. Antimicrobial activities of the membranes were evaluated by either resazurin assay or modified ISO 20743 plate count assay. Results of both assays showed the significant antimicrobial activity of membranes functionalized with silver nanoparticles for both bacterial species and wastewater treatment plant effluent bacteria as well (log CFU reduction compared to control membrane > 4), while membranes containing specific quaternary ammonium salts were inefficient (log CFU reduction < 1). The suitability of resazurin microplate assay for testing nanofiber filtration membranes and analogous matrices has proven to be a faster and less demanding alternative to the traditionally used approach providing comparable results.
- Klíčová slova
- Antimicrobial activity, Electrospun nanofiber filtration membranes, Quaternary ammonium salts, Resazurin, Silver nanoparticles,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Poly(ethylene imine)s (PEIs) have been widely studied for biomedical applications, including antimicrobial agents against potential human pathogens. The interactions of branched PEIs (B-PEIs) with environmentally relevant microorganisms whose uncontrolled growth in natural or engineered environments causes health, economic, and technical issues in many sectors of water management are studied. B-PEIs are shown to be potent antimicrobials effective in controlling the growth of environmentally relevant algae and cyanobacteria with dual-functionality and selectivity. Not only did they effectively inhibit growth of both algae and cyanobacteria, mostly without causing cell death (static activity), but they also selectively flocculated cyanobacteria over algae. Thus, unmodified B-PEIs provide a cost-effective and chemically facile framework for the further development of effective and selective antimicrobial agents useful for control of growth and separation of algae and cyanobacteria in natural or engineered environments.
- Klíčová slova
- algae, antimicrobials, cyanobacteria, flocculants, poly(ethylene imine)s,
- MeSH
- antiinfekční látky chemie farmakologie MeSH
- Chlamydomonas reinhardtii růst a vývoj MeSH
- flokulace MeSH
- iminy * chemie farmakologie MeSH
- Microcystis růst a vývoj MeSH
- polyethyleny * chemie farmakologie MeSH
- Synechococcus růst a vývoj MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antiinfekční látky MeSH
- iminy * MeSH
- poly(ethylene imine) MeSH Prohlížeč
- polyethyleny * MeSH
Despite the fact that pharmaceuticals occur in surface water in low concentrations, they can still have adverse effect on aquatic biota, because these substances are designed to have a specific mode of action even at low concentrations. To our knowledge, only little is known about the long-term effect of tricyclic antidepressant residues on non-target animals, especially fish. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of subchronic exposure to selected tricyclic antidepressants - namely, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and clomipramine and their mixture - on early-life stages of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Two embryo-larval toxicity tests with common carp were performed, each taking 30 days. For the experiment, three tricyclic antidepressants as well as their mixtures were tested at three different concentrations - 10, 100 and 500 μg/L. Hatching and mortality were recorded twice a day. In addition, samples were taken at regular intervals in order to record developmental stage, morphometric and condition characteristics and morphological anomalies. At the end of the test, additional samples were taken for histopathological examination and also for the determination of antioxidant and biotransformation enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation. Long-term exposure resulted in a significant increase in mortality, developmental retardation, morphological anomalies, and pathological changes in brain, heart, and cranial and caudal kidney. In addition, changes in antioxidant enzyme activity as well as increased lipid peroxidation were observed, even at the lowest tested concentrations. Hence, environmentally relevant concentrations of TCAs have the potential to cause harmful effects on early-life stages of fish.
- Klíčová slova
- Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Mixture toxicity, Nortriptyline, Oxidative stress,
- MeSH
- antidepresiva tricyklická metabolismus toxicita MeSH
- antioxidancia metabolismus MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu metabolismus toxicita MeSH
- embryo nesavčí účinky léků MeSH
- kapři fyziologie MeSH
- larva účinky léků MeSH
- peroxidace lipidů účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antidepresiva tricyklická MeSH
- antioxidancia MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of a novel electrospun polyurethane nanofibre material for water-treatment purposes. Bacterial removal efficiency was tested in the laboratory by filtering artificial water spiked with Escherichia coli through a 0.25 µm nanofibre membrane. The results were compared with those obtained using a commercial microfiltration material (MV020T) with a similar pore size (0.20 µm). Alongside the laboratory experiments, we also determined filtration efficiency with semi-pilot scale experiments using actual wastewater from the secondary sedimentation tank of a wastewater treatment plant. The laboratory experiments indicated very high log10 removal efficiency, ranging from 5.8 to 6.8 CFU (colony-forming units)/ml. These results were better than those of the commercial membrane (3.8-4.6 CFU/ml). The semi-pilot scale experiment confirmed the membrane's suitability for microbial filtration, with both E. coli and total culturable microorganisms (cultured at both 22 and 36 °C) showing a significant decline compared to the non-filtered control (wastewater from the secondary outlet).
- MeSH
- čištění vody přístrojové vybavení MeSH
- Escherichia coli MeSH
- filtrace přístrojové vybavení MeSH
- membrány umělé * MeSH
- nanovlákna * MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- polyurethany chemická syntéza MeSH
- povidon MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- hodnotící studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- membrány umělé * MeSH
- polyurethany MeSH
- povidon MeSH
We analyzed antibacterial effects of several novel phthalocyanines against Escherichia coli and evaluated the suitability of flow cytometry for the detection of antibacterial effects of phthalocyanines in comparison with routinely used cultivation. After 3h of exposure under cool white light eight cationic phthalocyanines showed very high antibacterial activity in the concentration of 2.00 mg L(-1) and four of them were even efficient in the concentration of 0.20 mg L(-1). Antibacterial activity of neutral and anionic compounds was considerably lower or even negligible. No antibacterial effect was detected when bacteria were exposed without illumination. Binding affinity to bacterial cells was found to represent an important parameter influencing phthalocyanine antibacterial activity that can be modified by total charge of peripheral substituents and by the presence of suitable functional groups inside them. Agglomeration of cells observed in suspensions treated with a higher concentration of certain cationic phthalocyanines (the strongest binders to bacterial membrane) affected cytometric measurements of total cell counts, thus without appropriate pretreatment of the sample before analysis this parameter seems not to be fully valid in the evaluation of phthalocyanine antibacterial activity. Cytometric measurement of cell membrane integrity appears to be a suitable and even more sensitive parameter than cultivation.
- Klíčová slova
- Antibacterial effect, Binding affinity, Cell membrane integrity, Cultivation techniques, Flow cytometry, Photosensitizers, Phthalocyanines, Singlet oxygen,
- MeSH
- antibakteriální látky chemie farmakologie MeSH
- Escherichia coli účinky léků MeSH
- fotosenzibilizující látky chemie farmakologie MeSH
- indoly chemie farmakologie MeSH
- isoindoly MeSH
- průtoková cytometrie MeSH
- singletový kyslík metabolismus MeSH
- světlo MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- hodnotící studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antibakteriální látky MeSH
- fotosenzibilizující látky MeSH
- indoly MeSH
- isoindoly MeSH
- phthalocyanine MeSH Prohlížeč
- singletový kyslík MeSH
