An integrated study of endocrine disruptors in sediments and reproduction-related parameters in bivalve molluscs from the Biosphere's Reserve of Urdaibai (Bay of Biscay)

Marine Environmental Research
Eunate Puy-AzurmendiM P Cajaraville

Abstract

Urdaibai was declared a Biosphere's Reserve by UNESCO in 1984. Because we observed a high prevalence of hermaphroditism in mussels sampled in Urdaibai in March 2004, we started the present research work in order to determine the presence of endocrine disruptors (EDs) in sediments and to study possible EDs effects on mussels and oysters using gonad index and vitellogenin (VTG)-like protein levels as biomarkers. Samples were collected at five localities in April 2007 and 2008, and in October 2007. Estrogenic hormones were not detected in sediments and levels of bisphenol A and organotin compounds were very low. Alkylphenols were found at moderate levels and showed a time-dependent decrease. Phthalates were found at levels up to 8000 ng/g. High prevalence of oocyte atresia and necrosis occurred in mussels sampled in April. Retarded gametogenesis was observed in an oyster population from a shipyard. Hermaphrodites or alterations in VTG-like protein levels were not found but the high prevalence of histopathological alterations in oocytes is of concern.

References

Dec 6, 2005·Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·M Ortiz-Zarragoitia, M P Cajaraville

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.