Metformin is routinely detected in
aquatic ecosystems because of
its widespread use as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Laboratory
studies have shown that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations
of metformin can alter metabolic pathways and impact the growth of
early life stage (ELS) fish; however, it is unknown whether these
effects occur in wild populations. Herein, we evaluate whether findings
from laboratory studies are representative and describe the relative
sensitivities of both populations. Duplicate exposures (0, 5, or 50
μg/L metformin) were conducted using wild- and lab-spawned fathead
minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos.
Apart from the water source, exposure conditions remained constant.
Wild embryos were exposed to previously dosed lake water to account
for changes in bioavailability, while reconstituted freshwater was
used for the laboratory study. Developmental metformin exposure differentially
impacted the growth and morphology of both cohorts, with energy dyshomeostasis
and visual effects indicated. The fitness of wild-spawned larvae was
impacted to a greater extent relative to lab-spawned fish. Moreover,
baseline data reveal important morphological differences between wild-
and lab-spawned ELS fatheads that may diminish representativeness
of lab studies. Findings also confirm the bioavailability of metformin
in naturally occurring systems and suggest current exposure scenarios
may be sufficient to negatively impact developing fish.
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