scholarly journals Amphibian embryos as an alternative model to study the pharmaceutical toxicity of cyclophosphamide and ibuprofen

2019 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blerta Turani ◽  
Valbona Aliko ◽  
Caterina Faggio
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Model ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Drugs ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
Cell Frequency ◽  
Cellular Physiology ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
Frog Tadpoles ◽  
Living Organisms

Pharmaceuticals are becoming potentially ubiquitous pollutants because of their extensive use by man. One of the most frequent groups of pharmaceuticals that have been identified as particularly concerning is that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and chemotherapeutic drugs. In Albania, studies to determine the risk of pharmaceuticals in conjunction with their occurrence in water bodies and their adverse effects on living organisms, including humans, are scarce. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the possible toxic effects of ibuprofen (IBU) and cyclophosphamide (CP) on cellular physiology of frog tadpoles. For this purpose, individuals of Pelophylax shqipericus belonging to stage 21 Gosner were exposed to sub-lethal concentration (5 μg/L) of IBU and CP for 48 hours, and erythrocyte abnormalities and micronucleated cell frequency were evaluated as endpoints. Blood smears from tadpoles exposed to CP for 48 hours showed a pronounced decrease in the number of red blood cells and an increase in the percentage of micronucleated erythrocytes through chromatin fragmentation, while abnormalities like cellular and nuclear vacuolization, collapse and rupture of the cell membrane were caused by IBU toxicity. Understanding the biological effects of these drugs on frog tadpoles can help in using these animals as reliable bio-indicator organisms in monitoring aquatic environments health.

scholarly journals First report on phytoplankton communities of Barishal City, Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
pp. 142-147
Author(s):  
Shaswati Chakraborty ◽  
Dipalok Karmaker ◽  
Subroto Kumar Das ◽  
Riyad Hossen
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Ecosystems ◽  
Species Number ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Primary Producers ◽  
First Report ◽  
Biodiversity Indices ◽  
Phytoplankton Communities ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
The City ◽  
Total Species

Phytoplanktons, also called microalgae, are microscopic photosynthetic living organisms that generally found in aquatic environments. Although they are considered as the most important primary producers and bioindicators of aquatic ecosystems, there was no previous report found for Barishal City about these tiny organisms. Consequently, the present study selected 10 freshwater reservoirs from the city to investigate phytoplankton communities and listed 110 taxa under 4 phyla, 7 classes, 18 orders, 24 families and 49 genera. The distribution of Chlorophytes was abundant relatively in terms of species number (45 taxa) followed by Euglenophytes, Chlorophytes and Cyanophytes in this area. Only Euglenaceae possessed one-third of the total species of this report. Among all stations, the highest number of taxa was recorded from station 2 and according to nine biodiversity indices, the station 2 and 9 showed comparatively good results. All of the recorded taxa were previously mentioned by different authors from Bangladesh.

THE INTERACTIONS OF VERTEBRATES AND INVERTEBRATES IN PEATLANDS AND MARSHES

1987 ◽  
Vol 119 (S140) ◽  
pp. 15-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry R. Murkin ◽  
Bruce D.J. Batt
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Avian Community ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Dead Plant ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
And Function

AbstractThis paper reviews the interactions of vertebrates and invertebrates in peatlands and marshes to assess current knowledge and future research needs. Living organisms may interact through a number of direct trophic and nutrient pathways and a variety of non-trophic, habitat-dependent relationships. Freshwater marshes and peatlands are dynamic aquatic environments and organisms that occupy these areas must be adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions. The avian community illustrates the main interactions of invertebrates and vertebrates in peatlands and marshes. Waterfowl, along with fish and furbearers, are the most economically important vertebrates using these habitats. Each of these groups has important trophic and habitat links to the invertebrates within wetlands.The most common interaction between vertebrates and invertebrates is the use of invertebrates as food by vertebrates. Few studies, however, have dealt with trophic dynamics or secondary production within wetlands. Waterfowl, fish, and many other wetland vertebrates, during all or part of their life cycles, regularly feed on invertebrates. Some invertebrates are vectors of disease and parasites to vertebrates. Vertebrates can directly affect the structural substrate that invertebrates depend on as habitat through consumption of macrophytes or through the use of living and dead plant material in the construction of houses and nests. Conversely, herbivorous invertebrates may directly affect the survival and distribution of macrophytes in wetlands. Macrophyte distribution, in turn, is an important factor in determining vertebrate use of wetlands. The general lack of both taxonomic and ecological information on invertebrates in wetlands is the main hindrance to future elucidation of vertebrate–invertebrate interactions in these environments. Development of invertebrate sampling techniques suitable for wetland habitats also is necessary. More specific research needs must be met to develop a better understanding of the structure and function of these dynamic systems.

scholarly journals Effect of 10 UV Filters on the Brine Shrimp Artemia salina and the Marine Microalga Tetraselmis sp.

Toxics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Evane Thorel ◽  
Fanny Clergeaud ◽  
Lucie Jaugeon ◽  
Alice M. S. Rodrigues ◽  
Julie Lucas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brine Shrimp ◽  
Artemia Salina ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Uv Filters ◽  
Personal Care Product ◽  
Marine Microalga ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
First Time

The presence of pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP) residues in the aquatic environment is an emerging issue due to their uncontrolled release through gray water, and accumulation in the environment that may affect living organisms, ecosystems and public health. The aim of this study is to assess the toxicity of benzophenone-3 (BP-3), bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (BEMT), butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BM), methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (MBBT), 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (ES), diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB), diethylhexyl butamido triazone (DBT), ethylhexyl triazone (ET), homosalate (HS) and octocrylene (OC) on marine organisms from two major trophic levels, including autotrophs (Tetraselmis sp.) and heterotrophs (Artemia salina). In general, results showed that both HS and OC were the most toxic UV filters for our tested species, followed by a significant effect of BM on Artemia salina due to BM—but only at high concentrations (1 mg/L). ES, BP3 and DHHB affected the metabolic activity of the microalgae at 100 µg/L. BEMT, DBT, ET, MBBT had no effect on the tested organisms, even at high concentrations (2 mg/L). OC toxicity represents a risk for those species, since concentrations used in this study are 15–90 times greater than those reported in occurrence studies for aquatic environments. For the first time in the literature, we report HS toxicity on a microalgae species at concentrations complementing those found in aquatic environments. These preliminary results could represent a risk in the future if concentrations of OC and HS continue to increase.

scholarly journals Catalytic mechanism and allosteric regulation of an oligomeric (p)ppGpp synthetase by an alarmone

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (43) ◽  
pp. 13348-13353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wieland Steinchen ◽  
Jan S. Schuhmacher ◽  
Florian Altegoer ◽  
Christopher D. Fage ◽  
Vasundara Srinivasan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Catalytic Mechanism ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Second Messengers ◽  
Allosteric Regulation ◽  
Allosteric Site ◽  
Guanosine Tetraphosphate ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Cellular Physiology ◽  
Mechanistic Basis ◽  
Living Organisms

Nucleotide-based second messengers serve in the response of living organisms to environmental changes. In bacteria and plant chloroplasts, guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) and guanosine pentaphosphate (pppGpp) [collectively named “(p)ppGpp”] act as alarmones that globally reprogram cellular physiology during various stress conditions. Enzymes of the RelA/SpoT homology (RSH) family synthesize (p)ppGpp by transferring pyrophosphate from ATP to GDP or GTP. Little is known about the catalytic mechanism and regulation of alarmone synthesis. It also is unclear whether ppGpp and pppGpp execute different functions. Here, we unravel the mechanism and allosteric regulation of the highly cooperative alarmone synthetase small alarmone synthetase 1 (SAS1) fromBacillus subtilis. We determine that the catalytic pathway of (p)ppGpp synthesis involves a sequentially ordered substrate binding, activation of ATP in a strained conformation, and transfer of pyrophosphate through a nucleophilic substitution (SN2) reaction. We show that pppGpp—but not ppGpp—positively regulates SAS1 at an allosteric site. Although the physiological significance remains to be elucidated, we establish the structural and mechanistic basis for a biological activity in which ppGpp and pppGpp execute different functional roles.

scholarly journals Reactive Carbonyl SpeciesIn Vivo: Generation and Dual Biological Effects

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halyna M. Semchyshyn
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Reactive Carbonyl Species ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cross Links ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Direct Toxicity ◽  
Reactive Carbonyl

Reactive carbonyls are widespread species in living organisms and mainly known for their damaging effects. The most abundant reactive carbonyl species (RCS) are derived from oxidation of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids. Chemical modification of proteins, nucleic acids, and aminophospholipids by RCS results in cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. In addition to their direct toxicity, modification of biomolecules by RCS gives rise to a multitude of adducts and cross links that are increasingly implicated in aging and pathology of a wide range of human diseases. Understanding of the relationship between metabolism of RCS and the development of pathological disorders and diseases may help to develop effective approaches to prevent a number of disorders and diseases. On the other hand, constant persistence of RCS in cells suggests that they perform some useful role in living organisms. The most beneficial effects of RCS are their establishment as regulators of cell signal transduction and gene expression. Since RCS can modulate different biological processes, new tools are required to decipher the precise mechanisms underlying dual effects of RCS.

scholarly journals Physico-Chemistry of Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes as a Determinant of Their Biological Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (19) ◽  
pp. 10356
Author(s):  
Anatoly F. Vanin
Keyword(s):  
Positive Charge ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Iron Complexes ◽  
Protonated Form ◽  
Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes ◽  
Resonance Structure ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Dinitrosyl Iron ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Donor Activity

In this article we minutely discuss the so-called “oxidative” mechanism of mononuclear form of dinitrosyl iron complexes (M-DNICs) formations proposed by the author. M-DNICs are proposed to be formed from their building material—neutral NO molecules, Fe2+ ions and anionic non-thiol (L−) and thiol (RS−) ligands based on the disproportionation reaction of NO molecules binding with divalent ion irons in pairs. Then a protonated form of nitroxyl anion (NO−) appearing in the reaction is released from this group and a neutral NO molecule is included instead. As a result, M-DNICs are produced. Their resonance structure is described as [(L−)2Fe2+(NO)(NO+)], in which nitrosyl ligands are represented by NO molecules and nitrosonium cations in equal proportions. Binding of hydroxyl ions with the latter causes conversion of these cations into nitrite anions at neutral pH values and therefore transformation of DNICs into the corresponding high-spin mononitrosyl iron complexes (MNICs) with the resonance structure described as [(L−)2Fe2+(NO)]. In case of replacing L− by thiol-containing ligands, which are characterized by high π-donor activity, electron density transferred from sulfur atoms to iron-dinitrosyl groups neutralizes the positive charge on nitrosonium cations, which prevents their hydrolysis, ensuring relatively a high stability of the corresponding M-DNICs with the resonance structure [(RS−)2Fe2+ (NO, NO+)]. Therefore, M-DNICs with thiol-containing ligands, as well as their binuclear analogs (B-DNICs, respective resonance structure [(RS−)2Fe2+2 (NO, NO+)2]), can serve donors of both NO and NO+. Experiments with solutions of B-DNICs with glutathione or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (B-DNIC-GSH or B-DNIC-NAC) showed that these complexes release both NO and NO+ in case of decomposition in the presence of acid or after oxidation of thiol-containing ligands in them. The level of released NO was measured via optical absorption intensity of NO in the gaseous phase, while the number of released nitrosonium cations was determined based on their inclusion in S-nitrosothiols or their conversion into nitrite anions. Biomedical research showed the ability of DNICs with thiol-containing ligands to be donors of NO and NO+ and produce various biological effects on living organisms. At the same time, NO molecules released from DNICs usually have a positive and regulatory effect on organisms, while nitrosonium cations have a negative and cytotoxic effect.

scholarly journals Proton-Cluster-Beam Lethality and Mutagenicity in Bacillus subtilis Spores

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Yoshihiro Hase ◽  
Katsuya Satoh ◽  
Atsuya Chiba ◽  
Yoshimi Hirano ◽  
Kengo Moribayashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
Linear Energy Transfer ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Target Surface ◽  
Cluster Ions ◽  
Radial Dose Distribution ◽  
Whole Genome Resequencing ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Cluster Beams ◽  
Linear Energy Transfer Radiation

The unique energy transfer characteristics of swift cluster ions have attracted the attention of many researchers working on the analysis or processing of material surfaces, but the effects on living organisms remain unclear. We irradiated B. subtilis spores with monomer and cluster proton beams and examined their lethality; the 2 MeV H2+ shows a clearly lower lethality than 340 keV H+, even though both have a comparable linear energy transfer. The 2 MeV H2+ dissociates into a pair of 1 MeV H+ by losing the bonding electrons at the target surface. The estimated internuclear distance and the radial dose distribution suggest that the spread of deposited total energy over two areas separated by just several nanometers greatly diminishes beam lethality and that the energy density in the very center of the trajectory, possibly within a 1 nm radius, has a great impact on lethality. We also performed a whole genome resequencing of the surviving colonies to compare the molecular nature of mutations but failed to find a clear difference in overall characteristics. Our results suggest that cluster beams may be a useful tool for understanding biological effects of high linear energy transfer radiation.

Microplastics in aquatic environments: Occurrence, accumulation, and biological effects

2020 ◽  
Vol 703 ◽  
pp. 134699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shen Xu ◽  
Jie Ma ◽  
Rong Ji ◽  
Ke Pan ◽  
Ai-Jun Miao
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Aquatic Environments
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