Physiological responses (Hsps 60 and 32, caspase 3, H2O2 scavenging, and photosynthetic activity) of the coral Pocillopora damicornis under thermal and high nitrate stresses

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This study explored the physiological responses of the coral Pocillopora damicornis to high nitrate concentrations and thermal stresses. The expression of heat shock proteins Hsp60 and Hsp32, Symbiodiniaceae density, Chl a concentration, Fv/Fm, H2O2 scavenging, and caspase 3 activity varied during 60 h incubations at 28 °C or 32 °C, ambient or high nitrate (~10 μM) concentrations, and their combinations. In combined stresses, corals showed a rapid and high oxidation level negatively affecting the Symbiodiniaceae density and Chl a concentration at 12 h, followed by caspase 3 and Hsps upregulations that induced apoptosis, bleaching and tissue detachment. Corals under thermal stress showed the highest oxidation and upregulation of Hsps and caspase 3 resulting in coral discoloration. High nitrate treatment alone did not seriously affect the coral function. Results showed that combined stress treatment severely affected coral physiology and, judging from the condition of detached tissues, these corals might have lower chances to recover.