Exposure to 17β-Oestradiol Induces Oxidative Stress in the Non-Oestrogen Receptor Invertebrate Species Eisenia fetida

Abstract

BackgroundThe environmental impacts of various substances on all levels of organisms are under investigation. Among these substances, endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) present a threat, although the environmental significance of these compounds remains largely unknown. To shed some light on this field, we assessed the effects of 17β-oestradiol on the growth, reproduction and formation of free radicals in Eisenia fetida.Methodology/Principal FindingsAlthough the observed effects on growth and survival were relatively weak, a strong impact on reproduction was observed (50.70% inhibition in 100 μg/kg of E2). We further demonstrated that the exposure of the earthworm Eisenia fetida to a contaminant of emerging concern, 17β-oestradiol (E2), significantly affected the molecules involved in antioxidant defence. Exposure to E2 results in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the stimulation of antioxidant systems (metallothionein and reduced oxidized glutathione ratio) but not phytochelatins at both the mRNA and translated protein levels. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-imaging revealed the subcuticular bioaccumulation of oestradiol-3,4-quinone, altering the levels of local antioxidants in a time-dependent manner.Conclusions/SignificanceThe present study illustrates that although most invertebrates do not possess oestrogen receptors, these organisms can be affected by oestrogen hormones, likely reflecting free diffusion into the cellular microenvironment with subsequent degradation to molecules that undergo redox cycling, producing ROS, thereby increasing environmental contamination that also perilously affects keystone animals, forming lower trophic levels.

Sarcosine Up-Regulates Expression of Genes Involved in Cell Cycle Progression of Metastatic Models of Prostate Cancer

“…Information about the PCR primers is available upon request to the corresponding author. SQ-RT-PCR experiments were performed in conditions described in our previous study [16]. For evaluation of differences in gene expression between sarcosine treatment and non-treated controls, 10 μL of each SQ-RT-PCR product was electrophoresed on a 2.0% agarose gel and stained with ethidium bromide.…”

Comparative gene expression profiling of human metallothionein-3 up-regulation in neuroblastoma cells and its impact on susceptibility to cisplatin

“…The list of primers for validation of microarray by SQ-RT-PCR is shown in the Supplementary Table 2 . SQ-RT-PCR experiments were performed in conditions described in our previous study [ 56 ].…”

Sarcosine influences apoptosis and growth of prostate cells via cell‐type specific regulation of distinct sets of genes

“…Primers sequences are shown in Supplementary Table S1. SQ‐RT‐PCR experiments were performed under the conditions described in our previous study . To evaluate differences in gene expression between sarcosine treated and non‐treated controls, 10 μL of each SQ‐RT‐PCR product was electrophoresed using a 2.0% agarose gel and stained with ethidium bromide.…”