Cadmium-induced teratogenicity in lizard embryos: Correlation with metallothionein gene expression

Simoniello, Palma; Motta, Chiara Maria; Scudiero, Rosaria; Trinchella, Francesca; Filosa, Stefania

doi:10.1016/j.cbpc.2010.09.007

Cited by 22 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…Furthermore, sexually dimorphic patterns were observed in wild-caught juveniles from each of the sites; higher MT expression existed in females than males. The mildly elevated MT in male juveniles from Merritt Island NWR could be indicative of heavy metal exposure, as induction of MT by exposure to heavy metals has been observed in reptiles (Simoniello et al, 2010a; Simoniello et al, 2011; Simoniello et al, 2010b) and slightly elevated concentrations of metals (Li, Fe, Ni, Sr, In, Sb, Hg, Pb, Bi) have previously been reported in these animals (Horai et al, 2014). The sexually dimorphic patterns are interesting, as estrogen has been reported to up-regulate MT in other taxa and would be consistent with differences in circulating estrogen concentrations between males and females (Hofer et al, 2010; Rivera-Gonzalez et al, 1998).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 77%

“…Increases in MT can be indicative of metal (Cd, Hg, Ag, Cu, etc.) or chemical exposure, as these cysteine-rich proteins protect the cell against damage caused by high levels of essential trace and toxic metals (Klaassen and Liu, 1998; Livingstone, 1993; Simoniello et al, 2010a; Simoniello et al, 2013; Simoniello et al, 2011). Interestingly, estrogen induces MT in rat kidney and uterus, as well as enhances the uptake of cadmium and the corresponding induction of MT in rats (Blazka and Shaikh, 1991; Hofer et al, 2010; Rivera-Gonzalez et al, 1998).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…MT levels were not significantly different among captive-raised alligators from the three sites, suggesting that MT expression is not impacted by developmental factors that might include in ovo xenobiotic exposure (organizational regulation). Studies in the wall lizard ( Podarcis sicula ) report increases in MT in both embryos whose eggs were incubated in soils containing cadmium and in adult animals exposed to cadmium, either through intraperitoneal injection or diet (Simoniello et al, 2010a; Simoniello et al, 2013; Simoniello et al, 2011). However, adult Podarcis carbonelli chronically exposed to a Cd-rich diet showed no statistical differences in both liver and gut MT concentrations between controls and treated groups (Mann et al, 2007).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…MT is a small cysteine rich protein responsible for the sequestration of heavy metals and the scavenging of free radicals at the cellular level. Increased levels of MT can be indicative of heavy metal exposures, which include Cd, Hg, Ag and Cu (Hogstrand and Haux, 1990; Klaassen and Liu, 1998; Livingstone, 1993; Roch, 1985; Simoniello et al, 2010a; Simoniello et al, 2013; Simoniello et al, 2011; Simoniello et al, 2010b). In rodent models, MT can be induced by exposure to estrogen and estrogen-like compounds, (Hofer et al, 2010; Rivera-Gonzalez et al, 1998) making MT a potentially sensitive biomarker for several classes of contaminants to which alligators in this study are exposed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Variations in hepatic biomarkers in American alligators ( Alligator mississippiensis ) from three sites in Florida, USA

et al. 2016

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Sub-individual biomarkers are sub-lethal biological responses commonly used in the assessment of wildlife exposure to environmental contaminants. In this study, we examined the activity of glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and metallothionein (MT) concentrations among captive-raised alligator hatchlings, wild-caught juveniles, and wild-caught adults. Juveniles and adults were collected from three locations in Florida (USA) with varying degrees of contamination (i.e. Lake Apopka (organochlorine polluted site), Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) (metal polluted site), and Lake Woodruff NWR (reference site)). We examined whether changes in the response of these three biomarkers were age and sex dependent or reflected site-specific variations of environmental contaminants. Juvenile alligators from Merritt Island NWR had higher MT concentrations and lower GST activity compared to those from the other two sites. This outcome was consistent with higher metal pollution at this location. Sexually dimorphic patterns of MT and GST (F > M) were observed in juvenile alligators from all sites, although this pattern was not observed in adults. GST activity was lower in captive-raised alligators from Lake Apopka and Merritt Island NWR as compared to animals from Lake Woodruff NWR, suggesting a possible developmental modulator at these sites. No clear patterns were observed in LDH activity. We concluded that GST and MT demonstrate age and sex specific patterns in the alligators inhabiting these study sites and that the observed variation among sites could be due to differences in contaminant exposure.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 77%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Variations in hepatic biomarkers in American alligators ( Alligator mississippiensis ) from three sites in Florida, USA

et al. 2016

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“…For example, analysis of the embryonic messenger RNA following administration of thalidomide to pregnant Cynomolgus monkeys has now identified many key pathways implicated in thalidomide embryopathy (Simoniello et al, 2011).…”

Section: Application To In Vivo Testsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of current and “omics” methods for assessing the toxicity (genotoxicity, teratogenicity and nephrotoxicity) of herbal medicines and mushrooms

Ouédraogo

Baudoux

Stévigny

et al. 2012

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

124

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Cadmium contaminated soil affects retinogenesis in lizard embryos

et al. 2014

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Lizards are soil surface animals that represent an important link between invertebrates and higher predators. Being part of wild fauna, they can be affected by contamination from anthropic activities and in particular, pesticides and chemical substances of various nature that reach the soil surface directly or through fall out. Among these substances, heavy metals such as cadmium may exert particularly marked toxic effect on both adult and embryos. In lizards, recent studies show that cadmium may cause developmental defects, including alteration of eye development, with appearance of unilateral microphthalmia and retinal folding. In the present study, the effects of cadmium incubation on retinal development were investigated demonstrating that cadmium interferes with cell cycle regulation by increasing proliferation. An increased expression of Otx2 and Pax6 genes, markers of retinal differentiation, was also found. However, the cellular localization of Pax6 and Otx2 transcripts did not change in treated embryos: in the early stages of retinogenesis, the two genes were expressed in all retinal cells; in the differentiated retina, Otx2 remained in the cellular bodies of retinal cells forming the nuclear and the ganglion layers, whereas Pax6 was expressed only in the cells of the inner nuclear and the ganglion layers. Data suggest that the increased expression of Pax6 and Otx2 could be ascribed to the hyperproliferation of retinal cells rather than to an effective gene overexpression.

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Cadmium-induced teratogenicity in lizard embryos: Correlation with metallothionein gene expression

Cited by 22 publications

References 51 publications

Variations in hepatic biomarkers in American alligators ( Alligator mississippiensis ) from three sites in Florida, USA

Variations in hepatic biomarkers in American alligators ( Alligator mississippiensis ) from three sites in Florida, USA

Review of current and “omics” methods for assessing the toxicity (genotoxicity, teratogenicity and nephrotoxicity) of herbal medicines and mushrooms

Cadmium contaminated soil affects retinogenesis in lizard embryos

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