| 1. |
- Asker, Noomi, 1968, et al.
(author)
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A gene to organism approach-assessing the impact of environmental pollution in eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) females and larvae
- 2015
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In: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. - : Wiley. - 0730-7268 .- 1552-8618. ; 34:7, s. 1511-1523
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A broad biomarker approach was applied to study the effects of marine pollution along the Swedish west coast using the teleost eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) as the sentinel species. Measurements were performed on different biological levels, from the molecular to the organismal, including measurements of messenger RNA (mRNA), proteins, cellular and tissue changes, and reproductive success. Results revealed that eelpout captured in Stenungsund had significantly higher hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity, high levels of both cytochrome P4501A and diablo homolog mRNA, and high prevalence of dead larvae and nuclear damage in erythrocytes. Eelpout collected in Göteborg harbor displayed extensive macrovesicular steatosis, whereby the majority of hepatocytes were affected throughout the liver, which could indicate an effect on lipid metabolism. Results also indicate that eelpouts collected at polluted sites might have an affected immune system, with lower mRNA expression of genes involved in the innate immune system and a higher number of lymphocytes. Biomarker assessment also was performed on livers dissected from unborn eelpout larvae collected from the ovary of the females. No significant differences were noted, which might indicate that the larvae to some extent are protected from effects of environmental pollutants. In conclusion, usage of the selected set of biological markers, covering responses from gene to organism, has demonstrated site-specific biomarker patterns that provided a broad and comprehensive picture of the impact of environmental stressors.
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| 2. |
- Asker, Noomi, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Biomarker responses in eelpouts from four coastal areas in Sweden, Denmark and Germany
- 2016
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In: Marine Environmental Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0141-1136 .- 1879-0291. ; 120, s. 32-43
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To increase our understanding of possible chemical impacts on coastal fish populations in the Baltic Sea, Kattegat and Skagerrak, the viviparous eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) was used as sentinel species in two major sampling campaigns (spring and autumn) in 16 different coastal sites. Condition factor (CF), liver somatic index (LSI), gonad somatic index (GSI) were measured and the activity of the hepatic enzymes ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione reductase GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and muscular activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were assessed. PAH metabolites in bile were also analyzed. The most notable finding in the data set was the low EROD activity in eelpouts collected at the relatively polluted region in Germany compared to the other regions, which could be due to an inhibition of the CYP1A-system or to adaptation to chronic exposure of pollutants in this area. Additionally, low AChE activity was noted in the German region in the autumn campaign and low AChE activity detected in the Danish region in the spring campaign. These differences suggest possible season-specific differences in the use and release of AChE-inhibiting chemicals in the Danish and German regions. Clustering of biomarkers on site level indicated a relationship between CF and GSI and suggested that sites with a high CF contained eelpout that put a larger effort into their larvae development. Clustering of the oxidative stress markers GR, GST and CAT on the individual level reflected a possible coordinated regulation of these enzymes. Overall, the results support the importance of taking into account general regional differences and seasonal variation in biomarker activity when monitoring and assessing the effects of pollution. Despite the expected seasonal variation for most of the measured endpoint, several markers (GSI, EROD and CF) vary similarly between all selected sites in both spring and autumn. This suggests that the differences between sites for these endpoints are independent of season.
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| 3. |
- Asker, Noomi, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Hepatic transcriptome profiling indicates differential mRNA expression of apoptosis and immune related genes in eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) caught at Göteborg harbor, Sweden
- 2013
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In: Aquatic Toxicology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0166-445X .- 1879-1514. ; 130-131, s. 58-67
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The physiology and reproductive performance of eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) have been monitored along the Swedish coast for more than three decades. In this study, transcriptomic profiling was applied for the first time as an exploratory tool to search for new potential candidate biomarkers and to investigate possible stress responses in fish collected from a chronically polluted area. An oligonucleotide microarray with more than 15,000 sequences was used to assess differentially expressed hepatic mRNA levels in female eelpout collected from the contaminated area at Göteborg harbor compared to fish from a national reference site, Fjällbacka. Genes involved in apoptosis and DNA damage (e.g., SMAC/diablo homolog and DDIT4/DNA-damage-inducible protein transcript 4) had higher mRNA expression levels in eelpout from the harbor compared to the reference site, whereas mRNA expression of genes involved in the innate immune system (e.g., complement components and hepcidin) and protein transport/folding (e.g., signal recognition particle and protein disulfide-isomerase) were expressed at lower levels. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that genes involved biological processes associated with protein folding, immune responses and complement activation were differentially expressed in the harbor eelpout compared to the reference site. The differential mRNA expression of selected genes involved in apoptosis/DNA damage and in the innate immune system was verified by quantitative PCR, using the same fish in addition to eelpout captured four years later. Thus, our approach has identified new potential biomarkers of pollutant exposure and has generated hypotheses on disturbed physiological processes in eelpout. Despite a higher mRNA expression of genes related to apoptosis (e.g., diablo homolog) in eelpout captured in the harbor there were no significant differences in the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells between sites. The mRNA level of genes involved in apoptosis/DNA damage and the status of the innate immune system in fish species captured in polluted environments should be studied in more detail to lay the groundwork for future biomonitoring studies.
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| 4. |
- Bresolin de Souza, Karine, et al.
(author)
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Increased activity of lysozyme and complement system in Atlantic halibut exposed to elevated CO2 at six different temperatures.
- 2016
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In: Marine environmental research. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-0291 .- 0141-1136. ; 122, s. 143-147
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ocean acidification and rising seawater temperature are environmental stressors resulting from the continuous increase of the atmospheric CO2 concentration due to anthropogenic activities. As a consequence, marine fish are expected to undergo conditions outside of their tolerance range, leading to physiological challenges with possible detrimental implications. Our research group has previously shown that exposure to elevated CO2 modulated the immune system of the Atlantic halibut. To further investigate this finding, we analysed non-specific immune components in blood plasma of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) juveniles acclimated to six different temperatures (5, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 °C), and to water pH of 8.0 (control) or 7.6 (predicted for year 2100) for three months. Plasma ions (K(+), Na(+), Ca(++), Cl(-)) and lactate concentrations were also measured. The analysis of plasma ions did not show any trends related to temperature or CO2 exposure, and the majority of the experimental fish were able to maintain ionic balance. The results show that both innate immune components (lysozyme and alternative complement system) had increased activities in response to elevated CO2, representing a CO2-related impact on the halibut's immune system. The increased activity of lysozyme and complement system is possibly part of the acclimatization process, and might be protective.
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| 5. |
- Cuklev, Filip, 1981, et al.
(author)
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Diclofenac in fish : blood plasma levels similar to human therapeutic levels affect global hepatic gene expression
- 2011
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In: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. - New York : Pergamon. - 0730-7268 .- 1552-8618. ; 30:9, s. 2126-2134
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug frequently found in the aquatic environment. Previous studies have reported histological changes in the liver, kidney and gills of fish at concentrations similar to those measured in treated sewage effluents (approximately 1 µg/L). Analyses or predictions of blood plasma levels in fish allow a direct comparison with human therapeutic plasma levels, and may therefore be used to indicate a risk for pharmacological effects in fish. To relate internal exposure to a pharmacological interaction we investigated global hepatic gene expression together with bioconcentration in blood plasma and liver of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to waterborne diclofenac. At the highest exposure concentration (81.5 µg/L) the fish plasma concentration reached approximately 88% of the human therapeutic levels (C(max) ) after two weeks. Using an oligonucleotide microarray followed by quantitative PCR we found extensive effects on hepatic gene expression at this concentration, and some genes were found to be regulated down to the lowest concentration tested (1.6 µg/L) corresponding to approximately 1.5% of the human C(max) . Thus, at concentrations detected in European surface waters, diclofenac can affect the expression of multiple genes in exposed fish. Functional analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed effects on biological processes such as inflammation and immune response, in agreement with the mode of action of diclofenac in mammals. In contrast to some previously reported results, the bioconcentration factor was found to be stable (4.02 ± 0.75 for blood plasma and 2.54 ± 0.36 for liver) regardless of the water concentration. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. © 2011 SETAC.
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| 6. |
- Förlin, Lars, 1950, et al.
(author)
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mRNA Expression and Biomarker Responses in Perch at a Biomonitoring Site in the Baltic Sea - Possible Influence of Natural Brominated Chemicals
- 2019
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In: Frontiers in Marine Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-7745. ; 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Perch (Perca fluviatilis) has been used in biological effect monitoring in a program for integrated coastal fish monitoring at the reference site Kvadofjarden along the Swedish east coast, which is a site characterized by no or minor local anthropogenic influences. Using a set of physiological and biochemical endpoints (i.e., biomarkers), clear time trends for "early warning" signs of impaired health were noted in the perch from this site, possibly as a result of increased baseline pollution. The data sets also showed relatively large variations among years. To identify additional temporal variation in biological parameters, global mRNA expression studies using RNA sequencing was performed. Perch collected in 2010 and 2014 were selected, as they showed variations in several biomarkers, such as the activity of the detoxification enzyme CYP1A (EROD), the plasma levels of vitellogenin, markers for oxidative stress, white blood cells count and gonad sizes. The RNA sequencing study identified approximately 4800 genes with a significantly difference in mRNA expression levels. A gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes were involved in biological processes such as complement activation, iron ion homeostasis and cholesterol biosynthetic process. In addition, differences in immune system parameters and responses to the exposure of toxic substances have now been verified in two different biological levels (mRNA and protein) in perch collected in 2010 and 2014. Markedly higher mRNA expression of the membrane transporter (MATE) and the detoxification enzyme COMT, together with higher concentrations of bioactive naturally produced brominated compounds, such as brominated indoles and carbazoles, seem to indicate that the perch collected in 2014 had been exposed to macro- and microalga blooming to a higher degree than did perch from 2010. These results and the differential mRNA expression between the 2 years in genes related to immune and oxidative stress parameters suggest that attention must be given to algae blooming when elucidating the well-being of the perch at Kvadofjarden and other Baltic coastal sites.
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| 7. |
- Kristiansson, Erik, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Characterization of the Zoarces viviparus liver transcriptome using massively parallel pyrosequencing
- 2009
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In: BMC Genomics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2164. ; 10:345
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The teleost Zoarces viviparus (eelpout) lives along the coasts of Northern Europe and has long been an established model organism for marine ecology and environmental monitoring. The scarce information about this species genome has however restrained the use of efficient molecular-level assays, such as gene expression microarrays. Results In the present study we present the first comprehensive characterization of the Zoarces viviparus liver transcriptome. From 400,000 reads generated by massively parallel pyrosequencing, more than 50,000 pieces of putative transcripts were assembled, annotated and functionally classified. The data was estimated to cover roughly 40% of the total transcriptome and homologues for about half of the genes of Gasterosteus aculeatus (stickleback) were identified. The sequence data was consequently used to design an oligonucleotide microarray for large-scale gene expression analysis. Conclusion Our results show that one run using a Genome Sequencer FLX from 454 Life Science/Roche generates enough genomic information for adequate de novo assembly of a large number of genes in a higher vertebrate. The generated sequence data, including the validated microarray probes, are publicly available to promote genome-wide research in Zoarces viviparus.
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| 8. |
- Lennquist, Anna, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Physiology and mRNA expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) after long-term exposure to the new antifoulant medetomidine.
- 2011
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In: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP. - : Elsevier BV. - 1532-0456. ; 154:3, s. 234-41
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Medetomidine is under evaluation for use as an antifouling agent, and its effects on non-target aquatic organisms are therefore of interest. In this study, rainbow trout was exposed to low (0.5 and 5.0nM) concentrations of medetomidine for up to 54days. Recently we have reported on effects on paleness and melanophore aggregation of medetomidine in these fish. Here, specific growth rates were investigated together with a broad set of physiological parameters including plasma levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and leptin, glucose and haemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), condition factor, liver and heart somatic indexes (LSI, HSI). Hepatic enzyme activities of CYP1A (EROD activity), glutathione S-transferases (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) were also measured. Additionally, hepatic mRNA expression was analysed through microarray and quantitative PCR in fish sampled after 31days of exposure. Medetomidine at both concentrations significantly lowered blood glucose levels and the higher concentration significantly reduced the LSI. The mRNA expression analysis revealed few differentially expressed genes in the liver and the false discovery rate was high. Taken together, the results suggest that medetomidine at investigated concentrations could interfere with carbohydrate metabolism of exposed fish but without any clear consequences for growth.
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| 9. |
- Weichert, Fabian, et al.
(author)
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A multi-biomarker study on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) affected by the emerging Red Skin Disease in the Baltic Sea
- 2021
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In: Journal of Fish Diseases. - : Wiley. - 0140-7775 .- 1365-2761. ; 44:4, s. 429-440
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- For half a decade, the Atlantic salmon in the Baltic Sea has been facing severe health issues. Clinical signs like haemorrhage, erosions and ulcerative/necrotic skin conditions in returning adults have been reported from different Swedish rivers. These primary disease signs precede a secondary, terminal fungal infection. As initial investigations of the disease did not provide conclusive answers regarding the pathogenesis, this study was initiated to gain insight into a possible link between this so-called Red Skin Disease and anthropogenic influences. Therefore, returning salmon were caught in rivers along the Swedish coast and different tissues were sampled. The focus was put on the measurements of a battery of biomarkers as well as biochemical and haematological parameters, which were analysed using multivariate statistics. The main findings were a severe osmotic haemodilution, an immune response and an alteration of the carbohydrate metabolism in diseased fish. Furthermore, oxidative stress does not seem to be a likely factor in the pathogenesis. Concluding, certain changes in physiological parameters were shown to be indicative for the disease patterns, while others were ruled out as significant factors. Thus, this study contributes to the understanding of the Red Skin Disease and may act as a hypothesis generator for future studies.
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