Abstract
BackgroundExposure to vinylcyclohexene (VCH) and methylmercury (MeHg+) can induce oxidative stress and gene modulation. Several studies have been evaluating the effects of VCH and MeHg+, but little is known about interactive effects between them. This work aimed to assess the exposure and co-exposure effects of MeHg+ and VCH on oxidative stress and gene modulation in Drosophila melanogaster.MethodsReactive species production, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities were evaluated after exposure and co-exposure to VCH (1 mM) and MeHg+ (0.2 mM) for one or three days in the head and body (thorax and abdomen) of flies. The expression of genes related to redox state and inflammatory response was evaluated after exposure and co-exposure to VCH and MeHg+ for three days.ResultsSurvival decreased only in flies co-exposed to VCH and MeHg+ for three days. All treatments increased total reactive species production after one day of exposure. However, no significant changes were observed in the head after three days of exposure. One day of exposure to VCH caused an increase in the head GST activity, whereas MeHg+ induced an increase after three days of exposure. Regarding the body, all treatments increased GST activity after one day of exposure, but only the flies exposed to MeHg+ presented an increase in GST activity after three days of exposure. Treatments did not alter AChE activity in the head. As for gene expression, there was a significant increase in the Relish transcription factor gene in the flies’ body, but Nrf2, Keap1, Jafrac1, TrxR1, and NF-κβ were not altered.ConclusionThe results suggest that exposure to VCH and MeHg+ induce oxidative stress and activation of an inflammatory response in fruit flies.
Highlights
Exposure to vinylcyclohexene (VCH) and methylmercury (MeHg+) can induce oxidative stress and gene modulation
MeHg+ modified a higher number of endpoints than did VCH, likely reflecting its higher electrophilicity
The response of glutathione S-transferase (GST) to both toxicants indicates that the study of the expression of specific isoforms of this gene family might contribute to better understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the toxicity of two important environmental contaminants
Summary
Exposure to vinylcyclohexene (VCH) and methylmercury (MeHg+) can induce oxidative stress and gene modulation. This work aimed to assess the exposure and co-exposure effects of MeHg+ and VCH on oxidative stress and gene modulation in Drosophila melanogaster. The plastic derivative vinylcyclohexene (VCH) and the ubiquitous metal, mercury (Hg) are examples of environmental contaminants. VCH can be oxidized by cytochromes P450, and its double bonds are transformed into epoxy groups [8]. Thiol-containing proteins can be targeted by epoxides in cells representing one of the mechanisms of VCH metabolites toxicity. Exposure to VCH or its epoxides has been shown to cause toxic effects in various organs in rodents [15,16,17,18,19]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
