Lipid metabolites as indicators of body condition in highly contaminant-exposed belugas from the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary population (Canada)

Bernier-Graveline, Alexandre; Lesage, Véronique; Cabrol, Jory; Lair, Stéphane; Michaud, Robert; Rosabal, Maikel; Verreault, Jonathan

doi:10.1016/j.envres.2020.110272

Cited by 19 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…Besides, these former studies largely focused on triacylglycerols, and so far, an exceedingly limited number of studies have focused on minor constituents, despite their essential functions (Bernier-Graveline et al, 2021). With the advent of state-of-the-art analytical methods, lipidomics enable a better systemic profiling.…”

Section: Lipidomic Fingerprint In Blubber Of Killer Whales and Humpback Whalesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Finally, blubber also serves as an efficient and adjustable thermal insulator, buoyancy adjuster, and hydrodynamic facilitator (Bagge et al, 2012;Iverson & Koopman, 2018;Lockyer, 1991). Consequently, investigating the lipid composition of blubber can provide key insights about the lifestyle of cetaceans including knowledge about dietary specialization, nutritional status, space-use strategy, physiological state, and reproductive stage (Aguilar & Borrell, 1990;Bernier-Graveline et al, 2021;Irvine et al, 2017;Mau, 2004.;Tang et al, 2018;Waugh et al, 2012;Linder et al, 2010;Ruchonnet et al, 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…capital breeder, cetacean, herring eater, income breeder, LION/web, lipid, seal eater, stable isotope Bernier-Graveline et al, 2021). (b) Through a unique combination of traditional statistical approaches, together with the use of a novel bioinformatic tool (Molenaar et al, 2019), we then compare the lipidomic fingerprint of both species.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A deep dive into fat: Investigating blubber lipidomic fingerprint of killer whales and humpback whales in northern Norway

Bories

Rikardsen

Leonards

et al. 2021

Ecology and Evolution

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In cetaceans, blubber is the primary and largest lipid body reservoir. Our current understanding about lipid stores and uses in cetaceans is still limited, and most studies only focused on a single narrow snapshot of the lipidome. We documented an extended lipidomic fingerprint in two cetacean species present in northern Norway during wintertime. We were able to detect 817 molecular lipid species in blubber of killer whales ( Orcinus orca ) and humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ). The profiles were largely dominated by triradylglycerols in both species and, to a lesser extent, by other constituents including glycerophosphocholines, phosphosphingolipids, glycerophosphoethanolamines, and diradylglycerols. Through a unique combination of traditional statistical approaches, together with a novel bioinformatic tool (LION/web), we showed contrasting fingerprint composition between species. The higher content of triradylglycerols in humpback whales is necessary to fuel their upcoming half a year fasting and energy‐demanding migration between feeding and breeding grounds. In adipocytes, we assume that the intense feeding rate of humpback whales prior to migration translates into an important accumulation of triacylglycerol content in lipid droplets. Upstream, the endoplasmic reticulum is operating at full capacity to supply acute lipid storage, consistent with the reported enrichment of glycerophosphocholines in humpback whales, major components of the endoplasmic reticulum. There was also an enrichment of membrane components, which translates into higher sphingolipid content in the lipidome of killer whales, potentially as a structural adaptation for their higher hydrodynamic performance. Finally, the presence of both lipid‐enriched and lipid‐depleted individuals within the killer whale population in Norway suggests dietary specialization, consistent with significant differences in δ 15 N and δ 13 C isotopic ratios in skin between the two groups, with higher values and a wider niche for the lipid‐enriched individuals. Results suggest the lipid‐depleted killer whales were herring specialists, while the lipid‐enriched individuals might feed on both herrings and seals.

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Section: Lipidomic Fingerprint In Blubber Of Killer Whales and Humpback Whalesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A deep dive into fat: Investigating blubber lipidomic fingerprint of killer whales and humpback whales in northern Norway

Bories

Rikardsen

Leonards

et al. 2021

Ecology and Evolution

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show abstract

“…The lack of information about lipid contents in our study precluded us from determining whether this trend was related to changes in the abundance of specific FAs and thus, whether fin whale body condition changed over time. Further sampling of fin whales in more recent years would help determine whether the changes in habitat use and vital rates documented recently in the segment of the fin whale population using the St. Lawrence have physiological foundations 57 , as recently demonstrated for St. Lawrence Estuary beluga 58 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…Fin whales accumulate energy reserves as lipid stored primarily in their blubber layer in the form of FAs assembled in triacylglycerol. A recent study in St. Lawrence Estuary beluga indicates that the absolute abundance of essential FAs can be used as a proxy for body condition 58 . Our study indicates a progressive increase in the relative abundance of major essential FAs from 1998 to 2000, and leveling off over the rest of our study period until 2006 (Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Individual and population dietary specialization decline in fin whales during a period of ecosystem shift

Cabrol

Lesage

Leclerc

et al. 2021

Sci Rep

Self Cite

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This study sought to estimate the effect of an anthropogenic and climate-driven change in prey availability on the degree of individual and population specialization of a large marine predator, the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). We examined skin biopsies from 99 fin whales sampled in the St. Lawrence Estuary (Canada) over a nine year period (1998–2006) during which environmental change was documented. We analyzed stable isotope ratios in skin and fatty acid signatures in blubber samples of whales, as well as in seven potential prey species, and diet was quantitatively assessed using Bayesian isotopic models. An abrupt change in fin whale dietary niche coincided with a decrease in biomass of their predominant prey, Arctic krill (Thysanoessa spp.). This dietary niche widening toward generalist diets occurred in nearly 60% of sampled individuals. The fin whale population, typically composed of specialists of either krill or lipid-rich pelagic fishes, shifted toward one composed either of krill specialists or true generalists feeding on various zooplankton and fish prey. This change likely reduced intraspecific competition. In the context of the current “Atlantification” of northern water masses, our findings emphasize the importance of considering individual-specific foraging tactics and not only population or group average responses when assessing population resilience or when implementing conservation measures.

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Trace element and lipidomic analysis of bottlenose dolphin blubber from the Yucatan coast: Lipid composition relationships

et al. 2022

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Lipid metabolites as indicators of body condition in highly contaminant-exposed belugas from the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary population (Canada)

Cited by 19 publications

References 48 publications

A deep dive into fat: Investigating blubber lipidomic fingerprint of killer whales and humpback whales in northern Norway

A deep dive into fat: Investigating blubber lipidomic fingerprint of killer whales and humpback whales in northern Norway

Individual and population dietary specialization decline in fin whales during a period of ecosystem shift

Trace element and lipidomic analysis of bottlenose dolphin blubber from the Yucatan coast: Lipid composition relationships

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