1,721,041 research outputs found
Impact of microplastics and associated contaminants on reproduction and development: a comparative and multidisciplinary study on mechanisms of action and protective strategies
No full textThe always increasing use of disposable and plastic-made materials has inevitably allowed the spread in each compartment of the environment of new toxic contaminants. Once released, plastic is degraded into smaller particles that can reach the micro and nano scale size, known as microplastics (MPs). The impact of these substances on living beings is worrying, since they are continuously exposed, especially via the food web. Many research pointed out the ecological consequences of MPs, both on the environment and in aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, however their interaction with cells and tissues, at molecular level, remains still largely unknown. In addition, MPs can adsorb organic chemicals form the surrounding medium, increasing the exposure of wildlife to a mixture of toxic substances (the so-called Trojan-Horse effect). Once ingested or adsorbed through water and food, MPs may potentially have toxic effects on all the body districts, but one of the most susceptible systems is surely the reproductive one, since, in our era, a decline in gamete quality and fertility rate is evidenced, mostly due to the environmental factors. Considering that reproduction ensure the species survival, that it is constantly threatened by environmental pollutants, this project aims to reveal the reprotoxicity of MPs, alone or in combination with Bisphenol A and cadmium, on the reproductive function: from gametogenesis to embryo/larval development, as well as on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis and on metabolic pathways related to reproduction. The strength of the project lies in its multidisciplinary and multilevel approach, that goes from molecular to the organism level, in the attempt to clarify modes and mechanisms of action, at a comparative level, with the use of invertebrate and vertebrate animal models, aquatic and terrestrial, as well as murine and human cell lines.
The project intends not only to explore the mysterious fate of toxicity of MPs in the various animal models, to provide robust scientific data to improve health risk assessments and management for MPs, but also, and especially, to find molecules that could be used in preventing or counteracting their toxicity. Keeping this in mind, the efficiency of bioactive molecules, including those present in dietary supplements and nutraceuticals (i.e. melatonin, zinc, D-aspartate, beta-caryophyllene, algal phycocolloids) will be tested. All the participating Units, together with several stranger collaborators, will cooperate assembling their expertise in the field of comparative reproduction, physiology and ecotoxicology, aiming to an integrate approach that will have significant impacts in scientific, ecological and social fields. Public engagement and correct dissemination of project results will be undertaken through different channels, to contribute to a better understanding of the problem of environmental and health effects of MPs pollution, at local, national and international levels
Morphological and Molecular Evidence of Active Principle Glyphosate Toxicity on the Liver of the Field Lizard Podarcis siculus
No full textA comparative review on estrogen receptors in the reproductive male tract of non mammalian vertebrates
No full textEstrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) are transcription factors known to be involved in the regulation of many complex physiological processes in mammals. They are expressed primarily in the reproductive tract of all vertebrates females, thus indicating important and conserved functions in female reproductive success. ERs are also present in physiological different tissues as bone, brain, liver, skin and adipose tissues, in both females and males. In the latter, ERs have been found also in the genital tract, supporting the findings of a complex role for estrogen in spermatogenesis and, more generally, in male reproduction. This review provides an overview and update on ERα and ERβ expression and synthesis in male reproductive tract of non-mammalian vertebrates, with focus on their role in germ cells proliferation, maturation and survival. Data from studies on fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds were collated and common or species-specific distribution highlighted. The widespread distribution of estrogen receptors in testicular cells and ducts of all vertebrates so far investigated suggests that whatever are the roles that estrogens may exert on these structures, they are phylogenetically conserved and are possibly related to the physiological support given to achieve male reproductive success
CADMIUM UPTAKE AND DISTRIBUTION IN TISSUES OF SEA BREAM WITH DIFFERENT CADMIUM EXPOSURE HISTORIES: CORRELATION WITH METALLOTHIONEIN LEVELS
No full textHeavy metal bioaccumulation and metallothionein content in tissues of the sea bream Sparus aurata from three different fish farming systems
No full textThe distribution and potential bioaccumulation
of dietary and waterborne cadmium and
lead in tissues of sea bream (Sparus aurata), a
major aquaculture species, was studied in relation
to three different fish farming systems. Metallothionein
levels in fish tissues were also evaluated.
Results demonstrate that metal concentrations in
various tissues significantly vary among fish culture
systems. Different tissues show different capacity
for accumulating heavy metals. The content
of both cadmium and lead is not strictly correlated
with that of metallothionein. Indeed, the marked
accumulation of both metals in liver, as well as the
high lead content found in gills and kidney, are not
accompanied by a concomitant accumulation of
metallothioneins in these tissues. No correlation
is present between heavy metals and metallothionein
content in muscle tissue. The results also
demonstrate that cadmium accumulates mainly via dietary food, whereas lead accumulation is not
of food origin. Noteworthy is that the concentration
of the two metals found in muscle in all
instances is lower than the limits established by
European Union legislation for fish destined for
human consumption
Does thermal stress affect lizard embryonic development in the same way of chemical stress?
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