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1.
Genes (Basel) ; 15(5)2024 04 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38790169

ABSTRACT

Satellite DNA (sat-DNA) was previously described as junk and selfish DNA in the cellular economy, without a clear functional role. However, during the last two decades, evidence has been accumulated about the roles of sat-DNA in different cellular functions and its probable involvement in tumorigenesis and adaptation to environmental changes. In molluscs, studies on sat-DNAs have been performed mainly on bivalve species, especially those of economic interest. Conversely, in Gastropoda (which includes about 80% of the currently described molluscs species), studies on sat-DNA have been largely neglected. In this study, we isolated and characterized a sat-DNA, here named PcH-sat, in the limpet Patella caerulea using the restriction enzyme method, particularly HaeIII. Monomeric units of PcH-sat are 179 bp long, AT-rich (58.7%), and with an identity among monomers ranging from 91.6 to 99.8%. Southern blot showed that PcH-sat is conserved in P. depressa and P. ulyssiponensis, while a smeared signal of hybridization was present in the other three investigated limpets (P. ferruginea, P. rustica and P. vulgata). Dot blot showed that PcH-sat represents about 10% of the genome of P. caerulea, 5% of that of P. depressa, and 0.3% of that of P. ulyssiponensis. FISH showed that PcH-sat was mainly localized on pericentromeric regions of chromosome pairs 2 and 4-7 of P. caerulea (2n = 18). A database search showed that PcH-sat contains a large segment (of 118 bp) showing high identity with a homologous trait of the Nin-SINE transposable element (TE) of the patellogastropod Lottia gigantea, supporting the hypothesis that TEs are involved in the rising and tandemization processes of sat-DNAs.


Subject(s)
DNA, Satellite , Gastropoda , Animals , DNA, Satellite/genetics , Gastropoda/genetics , DNA Transposable Elements/genetics , Phylogeny
2.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(4)2024 Feb 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38396658

ABSTRACT

Psychotropic drugs and benzodiazepines are nowadays among the primary substances of abuse. This results in a large and constant release into aquatic environments where they have potentially harmful effects on non-target organisms and, eventually, human health. In the last decades, evidence has been collected on the possible interference of benzodiazepines with reproductive processes, but data are few and incomplete. In this study, the possible negative influence of delorazepam on fertilization and embryo development has been tested in Paracentrotus lividus, a key model organism in studies of reproduction and embryonic development. Sperm, eggs, or fertilized eggs have been exposed to delorazepam at three concentrations: 1 µg/L (environmentally realistic), 5 µg/L, and 10 µg/L. Results indicate that delorazepam reduces the fertilizing capacity of male and female gametes and interferes with fertilization and embryo development. Exposure causes anatomical anomalies in plutei, accelerates/delays development, and alters the presence and distribution of glycoconjugates such as N-Acetyl-glucosamine, α-linked fucose, and α-linked mannose in both morulae and plutei. These results should attract attention to the reproductive fitness of aquatic species exposed to benzodiazepines and pave the way for further investigation of the effects they may exert on human fertility. The presence of benzodiazepines in the aquatic environment raises concerns about the reproductive well-being of aquatic species. Additionally, it prompts worries regarding potential impacts on human fertility due to the excessive use of anxiolytics.


Subject(s)
Paracentrotus , Male , Female , Animals , Humans , Benzodiazepines/adverse effects , Semen , Fertility , Fertilization , Embryo, Nonmammalian
3.
Int J Mol Sci ; 24(23)2023 Dec 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38069390

ABSTRACT

Benzodiazepines, psychotropic drugs, are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment due to over-consumption and inefficient removal by sewage treatment plants. Bioaccumulation with consequent behavioral and physiological effects has been reported in many aquatic species. However, the responses are species-specific and still poorly understood. To improve the knowledge, we exposed the freshwater snail Planorbarius corneus to 1, 5, or 10 µg/L of delorazepam, the most widely consumed benzodiazepine in Italy. Conventional behavioral tests were used to assess the effects on locomotor and feeding behavior. Histological and biochemical analyses were also performed to detect possible changes in the structure and composition of the foot mucus and glands. The results show a paradoxical response with reduced feeding activity and locomotor hyperactivity. Pedal mucus was altered in texture but not in composition, becoming particularly rich in fibrous collagen-like material, and a significant change in the protein composition was highlighted in the foot. In conclusion, exposure to delorazepam induces disinhibited behavior in Planorbarius corneus, potentially increasing the risk of predation, and an increase in mucus protein production, which, together with reduced feeding activity, would severely compromise energy resources.


Subject(s)
Benzodiazepines , Snails , Animals , Snails/metabolism , Benzodiazepines/pharmacology , Benzodiazepines/metabolism , Fresh Water
4.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 13(17)2023 Sep 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37686995

ABSTRACT

Exposure to metal nanoparticles is potentially harmful, particularly when occurring during embryogenesis. In this study, we tested the effects of commercial AuNPs and AgNPs, widely used in many fields for their features, on the early development of Xenopus laevis, an anuran amphibian key model species in toxicity testing. Through the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus test (FETAX), we ascertained that both nanoparticles did not influence the survival rate but induced morphological anomalies like modifications of head and branchial arch cartilages, depigmentation of the dorsal area, damage to the intestinal brush border, and heart rate alteration. The expression of genes involved in the early pathways of embryo development was also modified. This study suggests that both types of nanoparticles are toxic though nonlethal, thus indicating that their use requires attention and further study to better clarify their activity in animals and, more importantly, in humans.

5.
Environ Toxicol Pharmacol ; 102: 104235, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37481049

ABSTRACT

Benzodiazepines, psychotropic drugs, are among the most frequently found pharmaceuticals in aquatic matrices. An increasing number of studies are reporting their harmful effects on adults' behaviour and physiology, while little information is available regarding developing organisms exposed since early stages. Improper activation of GABA receptors during embryonic development is likely to induce relevant consequences on the morphogenesis and, at later stages, on behaviour. This study investigated the negative effects of three increasing concentrations of delorazepam on Xenopus laevis retinal and skeletal muscle morphogenesis. Morphological and ultrastructural investigations were correlated with gene expression, while Raman spectroscopy highlighted the main biochemical components affected. Conventional phototactic response and orientation in the magnetic field were assessed as indicators of proper interaction between sensory organs and the nervous system. Results confirm the profound impact of delorazepam on development and return an alarming picture of the amphibians' survival potentialities in a benzodiazepine-contaminated environment.


Subject(s)
Benzodiazepines , Muscle, Skeletal , Female , Animals , Xenopus laevis , Benzodiazepines/toxicity , Psychotropic Drugs/toxicity , Retina
6.
Sci Total Environ ; 896: 165300, 2023 Oct 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37414173

ABSTRACT

Delorazepam, a derivative of diazepam, is a psychotropic drug belonging to the benzodiazepine class. Used as a nervous-system inhibitor, it treats anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy, but is also associated with misuse and abuse. Nowadays benzodiazepines are considered emerging pollutants: conventional wastewater treatment plants indeed are unable to eliminate these compounds. Consequently, they persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in non-target aquatic organisms with consequences still not fully clear. To collect more information, we investigated the possible epigenetic activity of delorazepam, at three concentrations (1, 5 and 10 µg/L) using Xenopus laevis embryos as a model. Analyses demonstrated a significant increase in genomic DNA methylation and differential methylation of the promoters of some early developmental genes (otx2, sox3, sox9, pax6, rax1, foxf1, and myod1). Moreover, studies on gene expression highlighted an unbalancing in apoptosis/proliferation pathways and an aberrant expression of DNA-repair genes. Results are alarming considering the growing trend of benzodiazepine concentrations in superficial waters, especially after the peak occurred as a consequence of the pandemic COVID-19, and the fact that benzodiazepine GABA-A receptors are highly conserved and present in all aquatic organisms.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Animals , Xenopus laevis , Benzodiazepines/toxicity , Benzodiazepines/metabolism , Epigenesis, Genetic , Water/metabolism
7.
Biology (Basel) ; 12(6)2023 Jun 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37372174

ABSTRACT

In vitro systems have been mainly promoted by authorities to sustain research by following the 3Rs principle, but continuously increasing amounts of evidence point out that in vivo experimentation is also of extreme relevance. Xenopus laevis, an anuran amphibian, is a significant model organism in the study of evolutionary developmental biology, toxicology, ethology, neurobiology, endocrinology, immunology and tumor biology; thanks to the recent development of genome editing, it has also acquired a relevant position in the field of genetics. For these reasons, X. laevis appears to be a powerful and alternative model to the zebrafish for environmental and biomedical studies. Its life cycle, as well as the possibility to obtain gametes from adults during the whole year and embryos by in vitro fertilization, allows experimental studies of several biological endpoints, such as gametogenesis, embryogenesis, larval growth, metamorphosis and, of course, the young and adult stages. Moreover, with respect to alternative invertebrate and even vertebrate animal models, the X. laevis genome displays a higher degree of similarity with that of mammals. Here, we have reviewed the main available literature on the use of X. laevis in the biosciences and, inspired by Feymann's revised view, "Plenty of room for biology at the bottom", suggest that X. laevis is a very useful model for all possible studies.

8.
Environ Toxicol Pharmacol ; 97: 104030, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36455838

ABSTRACT

Psychoactive compounds, and benzodiazepines (BZPs) in particular, represent an important class of emerging pollutants due to their large (ab)use and high resistance to degradation. Nowadays it is known that sewage treatment does not completely eliminate these substances and, therefore, BZPs and their metabolites reach concern levels in most aquatic environments all over Europe, ranging from µg/L to ng/L. In this study, we investigated the effects of delorazepam on Mytilus galloprovincialis, a model organism in toxicity testing and a key species in coastal marine ecosystems. Given its psychoactive activity, the study primarily addressed discovering the effects on behavior, by conventional valve opening and closure tests. Possible cytotoxic activity was also investigated by analyzing valve abductor muscles, gills histology, and correlated oxygen consumption. Results demonstrate negative effects on mussel behavior, interference with metabolism, and alteration of gill morphology and protein content. In conclusion, delorazepam confirms its toxicity to aquatic environments, highlighting the possibility that BZDs can ultimately affect the structure of the food web and the functions of the coastal ecosystems.


Subject(s)
Mytilus , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Animals , Gills , Ecosystem , Benzodiazepines/metabolism , Benzodiazepines/pharmacology , Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism
9.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(1)2023 Dec 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38203182

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution is an important environmental problem, and microplastics have been shown to have harmful effects on human and animal health, affecting immune and metabolic physiological functions. Further, microplastics can interfere with commensal microorganisms and exert deleterious effects on exposure to pathogens. Here, we compared the effects of 1 µm diameter polystyrene microplastic (PSMPs) on Candida albicans infection in both in vitro and in vivo models by using HT29 cells and Galleria mellonella larvae, respectively. The results demonstrated that PSMPs could promote Candida infection in HT29 cells and larvae of G. mellonella, which show immune responses similar to vertebrates. In this study, we provide new experimental evidence for the risk to human health posed by PSMPs in conjunction with Candida infections.


Subject(s)
Candida albicans , Candidiasis , Animals , Humans , Microplastics/toxicity , Plastics/toxicity , Polystyrenes/toxicity , Larva
10.
Animals (Basel) ; 12(22)2022 Nov 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36428413

ABSTRACT

During development, sexual differentiation results in physiological, anatomical and metabolic differences that implicate not only the gonads but also other body structures. Sex in Leopard geckos is determined by egg incubation temperature. Based on the premise that the developmental decision of gender does not depend on a single gene, we performed an analysis on E. macularius to gain insights into the genes that may be involved in gonads' sexual differentiation during the thermosensitive period. All the genes were identified as differentially expressed at stage 30 during the labile phase of sex differentiation. In this way, the expression of genes known to be involved in gonadal sexual differentiation, such as WNT4, SOX9, DMRT1, Erα, Erß, GnRH, P450 aromatase, PRLand PRL-R, was investigated. Other genes putatively involved in sex differentiation were sought by differential display. Our findings indicate that embryo exposure to a sex-determining temperature induces differential expression of several genes that are involved not only in gonadal differentiation, but also in several biological pathways (ALDOC, FREM1, BBIP1, CA5A, NADH5, L1 non-LTR retrotransposons, PKM). Our data perfectly fit within the new studies conducted in developmental biology, which indicate that in the developing embryo, in addition to gonadal differentiation, sex-specific tissue and metabolic polarization take place in all organisms.

11.
Aquat Toxicol ; 250: 106244, 2022 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35878487

ABSTRACT

Benzodiazepines, psychotropics drugs used for treating sleep disorders, anxiety and epilepsy, represent a major class of emerging water pollutants. As occurs for other pharmaceutical residues, they are not efficiently degraded during sewage treatment and persist in effluent waters. Bioaccumulation is already reported in fish and small crustaceans, but the impact and consequences on other "non-target" aquatic species are still unclear and nowadays of great interest. In this study, we investigated the effects of a pharmaceutical preparation containing the benzodiazepine delorazepam on the embryogenesis of Xenopus laevis, amphibian model species, taxa at high risk of exposure to water contaminants. Environmental (1 µg/L) and two higher (5 and 10 µg/L) concentrations were tested on tadpoles up to stage 45/46. Results demonstrate that delorazepam interferes with embryo development and that the effects are prevalently dose-dependent. Delorazepam reduces vitality by decreasing heart rate and motility, induces marked cephalic and abdominal edema, as well as intestinal and retinal defects. At the molecular level, delorazepam increases ROS production, modifies the expression of some master developmental genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The resulting stress condition significantly affects embryos' development and threatens their survival. Similar effects should be expected as well in embryos belonging to other aquatic species that have not been yet considered targets for these pharmaceutical residues.


Subject(s)
Embryo, Nonmammalian , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Animals , Benzodiazepines , Embryonic Development , Nordazepam/analogs & derivatives , Pharmaceutical Preparations , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Xenopus laevis
12.
Pharmaceutics ; 14(6)2022 May 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35745740

ABSTRACT

During an infection, a single or multispecies biofilm can develop. Infections caused by non-dermatophyte molds, such as Fusarium spp. and yeasts, such as Candida spp., are particularly difficult to treat due to the formation of a mixed biofilm of the two species. Fusarium oxysporum is responsible for approximately 20% of human fusariosis, while Candida albicans is responsible for superficial mucosal and dermal infections and for disseminated bloodstream infections with a mortality rate above 40%. This study aims to investigate the interactions between C. albicans and F. oxysporum dual-species biofilm, considering variable formation conditions. Further, the ability of the WMR peptide, a modified version of myxinidin, to eradicate the mixed biofilm when used alone or in combination with fluconazole (FLC) was tested, and the efficacy of the combination of WMR and FLC at low doses was assessed, as well as its effect on the expression of some biofilm-related adhesin and hyphal regulatory genes. Finally, in order to confirm our findings in vivo and explore the synergistic effect of the two drugs, we utilized the Galleria mellonella infection model. We concluded that C. albicans negatively affects F. oxysporum growth in mixed biofilms. Combinatorial treatment by WMR and FLC significantly reduced the biomass and viability of both species in mature mixed biofilms, and these effects coincided with the reduced expression of biofilm-related genes in both fungi. Our results were confirmed in vivo since the synergistic antifungal activity of WMR and FLC increased the survival of infected larvae and reduced tissue invasion. These findings highlight the importance of drug combinations as an alternative treatment for C. albicans and F. oxysporum mixed biofilms.

13.
Chemosphere ; 289: 133233, 2022 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34896176

ABSTRACT

The exposure of organisms to the nanoparticulate is potentially hazardous, particularly when it occurs during embryogenesis. The effects of commercial SiO2NPs in early development were studied, using Xenopus laevis as a model to investigate their possible future employment by means of the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus test (FETAX). The SiO2NPs did not change the survival but produced several abnormalities in developing embryos, in particular, the dorsal pigmentation, the cartilages of the head and branchial arches were modified; the encephalon, spinal cord and nerves are anomalous and the intestinal brush border show signs of suffering; these embryos are also bradycardic. In addition, the expression of genes involved in the early pathways of embryo development was modified. Treated embryos showed an increase of reactive oxygen species. This study suggests that SiO2NPs are toxic but non-lethal and showed potential teratogenic effects in Xenopus. The latter may be due to their cellular accumulation and/or to the effect caused by the interaction of SiO2NPs with cytoplasmic and/or nuclear components. ROS production could contribute to the observed effects. In conclusion, the data indicates that the use of SiO2NPs requires close attention and further studies to better clarify their activity in animals, including humans.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Drug-Induced , Teratogenesis , Animals , Embryo, Nonmammalian , Embryonic Development , Humans , Teratogens/pharmacology , Xenopus laevis
14.
Biology (Basel) ; 10(12)2021 Dec 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34943222

ABSTRACT

Tattooing is a technique that introduces colored substances under the skin in order to color it permanently. Decomposition products of tattoo pigments produce numerous damages for the skin and other organs. We studied the effects of a commercial red ink tattoo, PR170, on Xenopus laevis embryos and Daphnia magna nauplii using concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mg/L. For Xenopus, we applied the FETAX protocol analyzing survival, malformations, growth, heart rate, and the expression of genes involved in the development. In D. magna, we evaluated the toxicity with an immobilization test. Moreover, we investigated the production of ROS, antioxidant enzymes, and the expression of the ATP-binding cassette in both models. Our results indicate that PR170 pigment has nanoparticle dimensions, modifies the survival and the ATP-binding cassette activity, and induces oxidative stress that probably produces the observed effects in both models. Deformed embryos were observed in Xenopus, probably due to the modification of expression of genes involved in development. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also modified in this amphibian. We think that these effects are due to the accumulation of PR170 and, in particular, to the presence of the azoic group in the chemical structure of this pigment. Further studies needed to better understand the effects of commercial tattoo inks.

15.
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf ; 188: 109940, 2020 Jan 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31757510

ABSTRACT

Copper is an essential micronutrient but its excess in the dietary can be toxic. Both copper deficiency and abundance can occur in natural conditions and can lead to pathological dysfunctions. Many of the toxic effects of copper, such as increased lipid peroxidation in cell membranes and DNA damage, are due to its role in the generation of oxygen free radicals. Copper is released into the environment by both natural sources and human activities and it can damage organisms and ecosystems. In the present work the effects of copper has been studied on Xenopus laevis, an interesting model organism, after three weeks of exposure at 1 mg/L of CuCl, concentration allowed in the water for human use. The effects of this metal were analysed on the liver at light microscope by Hematoxylin-Eosin, Mallory, Pas and Perls stainings to evaluate the general histology, the glycogen metabolism and presence of hemosiderin. Moreover the number and area of melanomoacrophages, known as inflammation parameters, were assessment. Finally, we investigated the expression of atp7b gene and localization of respective ATP7B protein, the membrane protein involved in Cu detoxication. The achieved results showed that copper, even at a low concentration, causes serious histological alterations of liver. It induces an increase in the size and number of melanomacrophages and higher amount of hemosiderin in the treated than controls. Moreover, it alters the gene expression and localization of ATP7B protein. The data are indicative that an exposition at low and chronic concentration of copper in Xenopus laevis damages seriously the liver. For this reason it's important to consider this metal one of the pollutants involved in the decline of the amphibians and for its possible effects in other vertebrates including humans.


Subject(s)
Copper-Transporting ATPases/genetics , Copper/toxicity , Liver/drug effects , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Animals , Down-Regulation , Ecosystem , Gene Expression/drug effects , Hemosiderin/metabolism , Humans , Liver/metabolism , Liver/pathology , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Oxidative Stress/genetics , Xenopus laevis
16.
Pharmaceutics ; 11(7)2019 Jul 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31295834

ABSTRACT

The problem of drug resistance is very worrying and ever increasing. Resistance is due not only to the reckless use of antibiotics but also to the fact that pathogens are able to adapt to different conditions and develop self-defense mechanisms such as living in biofilms; altogether these issues make the search for alternative drugs a real challenge. Antimicrobial peptides appear as promising alternatives but they have disadvantages that do not make them easily applicable in the medical field; thus many researches look for solutions to overcome the disadvantages and ensure that the advantages can be exploited. This review describes the biofilm characteristics and identifies the key features that antimicrobial peptides should have. Recalcitrant bacterial infections caused by the most obstinate bacterial species should be treated with a strategy to combine conventional peptides functionalized with nano-tools. This approach could effectively disrupt high density infections caused by biofilms. Moreover, the importance of using in vivo non mammalian models for biofilm studies is described. In particular, here we analyze the use of amphibians as a model to substitute the rodent model.

17.
Front Physiol ; 9: 411, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29755364

ABSTRACT

The increase in the use of refined food, which is rich in fructose, is of particular concern in children and adolescents, since the total caloric intake and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome are increasing continuously in these populations. Nevertheless, the effects of high fructose diet have been mostly investigated in adults, by focusing on the effect of a long-term fructose intake. Notably, some reports evidenced that even short-term fructose intake exerts detrimental effects on metabolism. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the metabolic changes induced by the fructose-rich diet in rats of different age, i.e., young (30 days old) and adult (90 days old) rats. The fructose-rich diet increased whole body lipid content in adult, but not in young rats. The analysis of liver markers of inflammation suggests that different mechanisms depending on the age might be activated after the fructose-rich diet. In fact, a pro-inflammatory gene-expression analysis showed just a minor activation of macrophages in young rats compared to adult rats, while other markers of low-grade metabolic inflammation (TNF-alpha, myeloperoxidase, lipocalin, haptoglobin) significantly increased. Inflammation was associated with oxidative damage to hepatic lipids in young and adult rats, while increased levels of hepatic nitrotyrosine and ceramides were detected only in young rats. Interestingly, fructose-induced hepatic insulin resistance was evident in young but not in adult rats, while whole body insulin sensitivity decreased both in fructose-fed young and adult rats. Taken together, the present data indicate that young rats do not increase their body lipids but are exposed to metabolic perturbations, such as hepatic insulin resistance and hepatic oxidative stress, in line with the finding that increased fructose intake may be an important predictor of metabolic risk in young people, independently of weight status. These results indicate the need of corrective nutritional interventions for young people and adults as well for the prevention of fructose-induced metabolic alterations.

18.
C R Biol ; 341(4): 219-227, 2018 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29705198

ABSTRACT

At the beginning of diplotene, the oocyte of Xenopus laevis is a cell of about 10-20 microns destined to increase 10,000-fold its size when the oocyte becomes filled with yolk platelets and has accumulated a great number of pigment granules in a half of its periphery. Its internal architecture is gradually accomplished during growth because of several factors, especially because of cytoskeletal changes. In the fully-grown oocyte, the cytoskeleton appears to sustain the eccentrically located germinal vesicle through arms radiating from the cortex to the germinal vesicle, a unique organization not to be found in other Amphibians. In this report, we summarized and analysed steps of cytoskeletal proteins and related mRNAs organization and function throughout diplotene stage, highlighting our studies in this animal model. The cytoskeletal proteins appear to exploit their activity with respect to ribosomal 60S subunit maturation and during translation. Most importantly, the polarity of the oocyte is achieved through a sophisticated and highly organized localization of mRNAs and cytoskeletal proteins in one side of the cell. This asymmetry will start the construction of the oocyte polarity that is instrumental for determining the characteristic of this cell, which will become an embryo. Moreover, in the same time membrane composition, conditioned by the underlying cytoskeletal organization, will acquire the prerequisites for sperm binding and fusion.


Subject(s)
Cytoskeleton/physiology , Oocytes/metabolism , Xenopus laevis , Animals , Cytoplasm/physiology , Female , Microtubules/metabolism , Oogenesis/physiology , RNA, Messenger
19.
Int J Mol Sci ; 18(11)2017 Nov 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29156651

ABSTRACT

chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphate insecticide used to control pests on a variety of food and feed crops. In mammals, maternal exposure to CPF has been reported to induce cerebral cortex thinning, alteration of long-term brain cognitive function, and Parkinson-like symptoms, but the mechanisms of these processes are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the alterations induced in the brains of mice chronically exposed to CPF by dietary intake. For our purpose, we analysed F1 offspring (sacrificed at 3 and 8 months) of Mus musculus, treated in utero and postnatally with 3 different doses of CPF (0.1-1-10 mg/kg/day). Using RT² Profiler PCR Arrays, we evaluated the alterations in the expression of 84 genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases. In the brains of exposed mice, we evidenced a clear dose-response relationship for AChE inhibition and alterations of gene expression. Some of the genes that were steadily down-regulated, such as Pink1, Park 2, Sv2b, Gabbr2, Sept5 and Atxn2, were directly related to Parkinson's onset. Our experimental results shed light on the possibility that long-term CPF exposure may exert membrane signalling alterations which make brain cells more susceptible to develop neurodegenerative diseases.


Subject(s)
Brain/metabolism , Chlorpyrifos/toxicity , Maternal Exposure/adverse effects , Parkinson Disease, Secondary/genetics , Animals , Brain/drug effects , Brain/pathology , Dietary Exposure/adverse effects , Female , Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects , Humans , Insecticides/toxicity , Mice , Parkinson Disease, Secondary/chemically induced , Parkinson Disease, Secondary/pathology , Protein Biosynthesis/drug effects
20.
Molecules ; 22(9)2017 Aug 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28858240

ABSTRACT

Nano-based products are widespread in several sectors, including textiles, medical-products, cosmetics, paints and plastics. Nanosafety and safe-by-design are driving nanoparticle (NP) production and applications through NP functionalization (@NPs). Indeed, @NPs frequently present biological effects that differ from the parent material. This paper reviews the impact of quantum dots (QDs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and polystyrene-cored NPs (PSNPs), evidencing the role of NP functionalization in toxicity definition. Key biological models were taken into consideration for NP evaluation: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, fresh- (F) and saltwater (S) microalgae (Raphidocelis subcapitata (F), Scenedesmus obliquus (F) and Chlorella spp. (F), and Phaeodactylum tricornutum (S)), Daphnia magna, and Xenopus laevis. QDs are quite widespread in technological devices, and they are known to induce genotoxicity and oxidative stress that can drastically change according to the coating employed. For example, AuNPs are frequently functionalized with antimicrobial peptides, which is shown to both increase their activity and decrease the relative environmental toxicity. P-NPs are frequently coated with NH2- for cationic and COOH- for anionic surfaces, but when positively charged toxicity effects can be observed. Careful assessment of functionalized and non-functionalized NPs is compulsory to also understand their potential direct and indirect effects when the coating is removed or degraded.


Subject(s)
Gold/toxicity , Metal Nanoparticles/toxicity , Polystyrenes/toxicity , Quantum Dots/toxicity , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Animals , Chlorella/drug effects , Daphnia/drug effects , Humans , Microalgae/drug effects , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/drug effects , Xenopus laevis
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