Molecular biomarkers in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) to evaluate pollutant exposure, health and immune status

A nutrigenomic approach to detect nutritional stress from gene expression in blood samples drawn from Steller sea lions

“…In summary, previous marine mammal studies of stress have mainly focussed on gene expression of immune responses (e.g., Fonfara et al, 2008;Müller et al, 2013;Weirup et al, 2013;Lehnert et al, 2014). Our study of gene expression is the first to investigate multiple pathways (including immune responses, stress responses, oxidative stress, and lipid and protein metabolism) in marine mammals subjected to nutritional express under controlled experimental conditions.…”

“…Among humans, gene expression profiles are commonly used as biomarkers of diseases or physiological stress (Strand et al, 2005;Abba et al, 2010;Zhou et al, 2012). Genomic responses to different stressors (such as thermal stress) have been reported in marine species (from coral to vertebrate species) under experimental and in situ conditions (Williams et al, 2003;Desalvo et al, 2008;Clark and Peck, 2009), while genes implicated in the immune response to pathogens or pollutants have also been studied in cell cultures as well as in whole organisms such as marine mammals (e.g., Fonfara et al, 2007;Mancia et al, 2007;Fonfara et al, 2008;Lehnert et al, 2014).…”

Prevalence of influenza A virus in live-captured North Atlantic gray seals: a possible wild reservoir

“…However, all samples fell within the normal healthy range for gray seal pups and the observed difference was not statistically significant (two-tailed t- test, P =0.08). 57 …”

Investigations On Water Circulation in Animal Sea-Water Basins – On the Example of Seals′ Breeding Pools

“…They should also ensure an appropriate circulation to prevent forming the stagnation zones which may lead to growing concentration of contamination or microbes. (Lehnert et al, 2014). The detrimental phenomena can be counteracted by extending the zone of active exchange of water as well as by forming appropriate hydraulic conditions aimed at elimination of stagnation zones.…”