Biomedical subjects

Shinsuke Tanabe

Publications and source records attributed to Shinsuke Tanabe.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

Organochlorine and trace metal residues in adult southern bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii bassanii) in southeastern Australia.

In recent times, the apparent population decline of the southern bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii bassanii) at Bat Cave, Naracoorte has been ascribed to pesticide use in the region, following the finding of organochlorine and orgaonophosphate insecticide residues in bat guano. Adult southern bent-wing bats were collected from Bat Cave and Starlight Cave in 2003. Organochlorine contaminants were detected in all carcass samples: p,p'-DDE was by far the most dominant contaminant with concentrations ranging from 11,000 to 59,000ngg(-1), followed by p,p'-DDT (110-1600ngg(-1)), p,p'-DDD (35-620ngg(-1)), summation operatorPCBs (33-490ngg(-1)), summation operatorchlordane and related compounds (7.9-270ngg(-1)), HCB (1.6-120ngg(-1)), HP epox. (3.1-230ngg(-1)), TCPMOH (3.8-38ngg(-1)), summation operatorHCHs (1.4-9.6ngg(-1)), and TCPMe (0.1-4.2ngg(-1)) (all values on lipid-weight basis). No significant difference in DDE, DDD, DDT, summation operatorDDT, summation operatorPCB, trans-chlordane, heptachlor epoxide, trans-nonachlor, alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, TCPMOH or TCPMe concentrations were observed either between sexes within sites, or between sites (p>0.05). However, there were significant differences in HCB and oxychlordane concentrations between sexes and between sites (p<0.05), between site differences in cis-nonachlor concentrations in male bats (p<0.05), and cis-chlordane concentrations between sexes at Starlight Cave, and between males of each site (p<0.05). There were also significant differences in the liver concentrations of some metals between sexes within sites (Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Se, Zn), and between sites (Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se, V, Zn). Clustering or grouping of sites was observed when the OC data was expressed on a lipid-weight basis. These inter-site differences in OC concentrations reflect local exposure over a period of time, and do not unambiguously support any suggestion that we are witnessing incipient speciation. However, for conservation purposes, it may be prudent to assume that there are two sub-populations of M. s. bassani feeding in different locations in this region of southern Australia, rather than the single homogeneous population suggested by genetic studies.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Distribution and transportability of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in the Asia-Pacific region using skipjack tuna as a bioindicator.

The geographical distribution of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was investigated through analysis of muscle tissue of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) collected from offshore waters of Asia-Pacific region (Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Seychelles, Brazil, Japan Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea, Indian Ocean and North Pacific Ocean). HBCD was detected in almost all samples analyzed (<0.1 to 45 ng/g lipid weight basis), indicating widespread presence of this compound in the marine environment. Elevated concentrations of HBCD were found in skipjack tuna from areas around Japan, which have the larger modern industrial/urban societies, and implicated these areas as primary regional sources. All three individual HBCD isomers (alpha-, gamma- and beta-HBCD) were detected in almost all samples; the percentage contribution of the alpha-isomer to total HBCD increased with increasing latitude. The estimated empirical 1/2 distance for alpha-HBCD was 8500 km, which is one of the highest atmospheric transportability among various halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Trace elements accumulation and their variations with growth, sex and habitat: effects on Formosan squirrel (Callosciurus erythraeus).

Formosan squirrels are considered a useful bio-indicator because their habitat exists within that of humans. Therefore, concentrations of 19 trace elements were determined in tissues of this species for assessment of environmental pollution in urban Kamakura and rural Izuohshima. Results of analyses revealed high Cu concentrations in the livers of Formosan squirrels. Moreover, concentrations of some trace elements from automobile exhausts-V, Zn, Cu and As-in the specimens from Kamakura were higher than those from Izuohshima. These results reflect the presence of pollution caused by human activities in Kamakura.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Gene expression profiling in common cormorant liver with an oligo array: assessing the potential toxic effects of environmental contaminants.

To establish a monitoring system for gene expression profiles related to chemical contamination in wild common cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), the present study constructed an oligo array designed from expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences of the cormorant liver, where 1061 unique oligonucleotides were spotted. Common cormorants were collected from Lake Biwa, Japan in May 2001 and 2002. With the use of this oligo array, gene expression profiles in the liver of individual specimens were evaluated. To determine the expression patterns of genes altered by environmental contaminants, relationships between concentrations of persistent organochlorines including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, furans, polychlorinated biphenyls, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlordane compounds (CHLs), butyltins, and bisphenol A (BPA) and expression levels of each gene in the cormorant liver were examined using stepwise multiple regression analysis. The reliability of data obtained by the oligo array was further confirmed by quantifying the expression levels of certain genes using real-time RT-PCR. The 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalent (TEQ) level was positively correlated with both cytochrome P4501A4 and 1A5 gene expression. In addition, the mRNA level of an antioxidant enzyme, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, was negatively correlated with hepatic total TEQ. Other antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase 3 and glutathione S-transferase class mu, were negatively correlated with HCHs and BPA levels, respectively. The mRNA expression level of a nonenzymatic antioxidant, haptoglobin, was negatively but not significantly correlated with CHLs. These results led to a hypothesis that wild cormorant population may suffer from oxidative stress due to chemically induced formation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent reduction of antioxidant resistance. Thus, the cormorant oligo array may be a useful monitoring tool to identify specific gene expression profiles altered by various environmental contaminants. Although further research is required to clarify a definitive cause-and-effect relationship, the current study provides valuable information on contaminant-responsive genes to predict potential effects on wildlife in a real environment.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Geographical distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorines in small cetaceans from Asian waters.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are one of the flame retardants widely used in plastics, textiles, electronic appliances, and electrical household appliances. In this study, PBDEs and organochlorine compounds (OCs) were determined in the archived samples from the Environmental Specimen Bank for Global Monitoring (es-BANK) at Ehime University. The blubber of cetaceans found stranded along the coasts of Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and India during the period from 1990 to 2001 were employed for chemical analysis to understand the present status of contamination and the specific accumulation of PBDEs. PBDEs were detected in all the cetacean samples analyzed, and concentrations were one or two orders of magnitude lower than for PCBs and DDTs. Concentrations of PBDEs ranged from a low value of 6.0 ng/g lipid wt. in spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) from India to a high value of 6000 ng/g lipid wt. in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) from Hong Kong. No difference in PBDE levels between coastal and offshore species from Japan was observed, implying the existence of pollution sources in this region other than Japan. Highest concentrations of PBDEs were found in animals from Hong Kong, followed by Japan, and much lower levels from the Philippines and India, suggesting that developing nations may also have pollution sources of PBDEs. Geographical distribution of PBDEs in Asian waters was different from PCBs but similar to DDTs.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2006

Contamination status of persistent organochlorines in human breast milk from Japan: recent levels and temporal trend.

Contamination levels of persistent organochlorines (OCs) such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and chlordane compounds (CHLs) was examined in human breast milk collected during 2001-2004 from Fukuoka prefecture in Japan. The concentrations of OCs such as dioxins and related compounds, DDTs, CHLs and HCB in human breast milk from primiparae were comparable to or slightly higher than the data obtained during 1998, indicating that the levels of these contaminants in Japanese human breast milk have not decreased since 1998 and Japanese are continuously exposed to these chemicals, presumably via fish intake. In addition, OC levels in human breast milk from primiparae were significantly higher than those from multiparae, implying elimination of OCs via lactation. Furthermore, significant positive correlations were observed between levels of OCs in human breast milk and the age of primiparae. These results indicate that the mothers with higher age may transfer higher amounts of OCs to the first infant than to the infants born afterwards through breast-feeding, and hence the first born children might be at higher risk by OCs.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Congener-specific toxicokinetics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls in black-eared kites (Milvus migrans): cytochrome P4501A-dependent hepatic sequestration.

Concentrations of dioxins and related compounds (DRCs), such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs), were determined in black-eared kites (BEKs; Milvus migrans) collected from the Kanto district in Japan. Total 2,3,7,8-tetra-CDD toxic equivalents (TEQs) were in the range of 99 to 3,800 pg/g lipid weight in the liver and 42 to 760 pg/g lipid weight in the pectoral muscle. Three congeners, including PCB 126, 2,3,4,7,8-penta-CDF, and 1,2,3,7,8-penta-CDD, made a greater contribution to total TEQs in both tissues. Levels of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity and a cross-reactive protein with anti-rat cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) polyclonal antibodies showed no significant correlation with hepatic TEQs. This may be attributed to low sensitivity and insufficient TEQ levels to cause CYP1A induction, high metabolic potential of a series of congeners, and influence of CYP1A inducers other than DRCs. Most of the PCDD/ Fs and non-ortho Co-PCBs exhibited a total TEQ- and CYP1A-dependent increase in the liver to muscle concentration ratios, implying their concentration-dependent hepatic sequestration in which CYP1A was involved. Comparison of the toxicokinetics in avian species revealed that BEKs possibly have higher potentials than common cormorants for metabolizing and sequestering certain congeners in the liver in terms of hepatic concentration profiles and liver:muscle concentration ratios, respectively. These results clearly indicate that the toxicokinetics of DRCs is congener-, tissue-, and species-specific as well as concentration-dependent. Therefore, CYP1A expression is one of the critical factors that determine the toxicokinetics in wild avian species.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers and persistent organochlorines in catfish and feed from Mekong River Delta, Vietnam.

Commercial feeds for aquaculture and catfish samples were collected from the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam, for determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and selected persistent organochlorines, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT and its metabolites (DDTs), chlordane-related compounds (CHLs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). The most abundant contaminants were DDTs, with concentrations ranging from 10 to 700 ng/g lipid weight, followed by PCBs (1.0-80 ng/g), CHLs (<0.01-8.2 ng/g), PBDEs (0.12-3.7 ng/g), HCHs (<0.03-5.1 ng/g), and HCB (<0.07-3.2 ng/g). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers were detected in all samples, suggesting their widespread contamination in the region. However, PBDE contamination levels in the present catfish specimens were low in comparison to levels worldwide. Interestingly, residue levels of all the contaminants were significantly higher in catfish collected near a municipal dumping site compared to farmed catfish. This suggests that runoffs from the dumping site during floods and rains may have brought pollutants to the surrounding areas. Contamination pattern in aquaculture feeds revealed elevated levels of PCBs and PBDEs in samples from foreign companies, perhaps implying their higher residues in some imported ingredients. Congener profiles of PBDEs and PCBs demonstrated similarity between the farmed catfish and the aquaculture feeds, suggesting these feeds as a major source of pollution to the farmed catfish. On the other hand, the PBDE and PCB profiles in the dumpsite catfish are clearly different from those of the farmed catfish, revealing their exposure to different sources. Risk assessment showed significantly higher intake of the contaminants by people who eat catfish cultured near the dumping areas. Further investigation regarding fate and occurrence of the contaminants in dumping sites is necessary.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2005

Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in inhabitants chronically exposed to arsenic in groundwater in Cambodia.

Arsenic concentrations in hair and urine, and urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, were examined for inhabitants of the Mekong Basin in Kratie Province, Cambodia. Also, the arsenic levels of tube-well water were determined. Total arsenic concentrations in tube-well water ranged from <1 to 886 microg L(-1), and 44.8% of these exceeded the WHO drinking water guideline of 10 microg L(-1). Elevated levels of arsenic were observed in the human hair and urine, and also a significant positive correlation was observed between the concentrations in hair and urine. These results suggest that the inhabitants are chronically exposed to arsenic through drinking the tube-well water. Levels of urinary 8-OHdG were higher for the subjects with higher arsenic levels in hair and urine, suggesting that induction of oxidative DNA damage was caused by chronic exposure to arsenic in tube-well water for the inhabitants in Kratie Province. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the oxidative DNA damage caused by chronic exposure to arsenic in groundwater for the inhabitants in Cambodia.

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine↗

PubMed2005

Trace elements and butyltins in a Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) from the Sanriku coast of Japan.

Concentrations and body burdens of 14 trace elements (Hg, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ag, Cd, V, Se, Pb, Mo, and Fe) and butyltins (BTs) (tributyltin TBT, dibutyltin DBT, and monobutyltin MBT) were determined in various tissues of a mature male Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) collected off the Sanriku coast of Japan. Selective accumulation in this porpoise was observed for Hg, Mn, Cu, Ag, Mo, Fe, and total BTs (TBT, DBT, and MBT) in the liver, Cd in the kidney, Zn, Sr, V, Pb, and Co in the bone, and Se in the skin. In contrast, Cr concentrations in all tissues were similar. This distribution pattern in this mature porpoise was in general agreement with the accumulation characteristics of trace elements and butyltins reported for other marine mammals. The whole body of the porpoise contained approximately 62 g Fe, 8.8 g Zn, 4.0 g Sr, 0.6g Se, 0.41 g Cu, 0.19 g Hg, 0.17 g Cd, 0.16 g Mn, 0.05 g Cr, 0.009 g Ag, 0.008 g Mo, 0.005 g Pb, 0.004 g Co, and 0.7 mg of BTs (0.4 mg TBT, 0.2 mg DBT, and 0.1 mg MBT). Metabolism of TBT to its breakdown products of this porpoise seems to be limited, since TBT still accounted for about half of the total burden of BTs. As in the cases of Hg, Mn, Cu, Se, and Fe, the muscle was the most important reservoir (43%) for the whole body burden of total BTs, 80% of which was TBT, and thus muscle played a crucial role in the higher body composition of TBT in this Dall's porpoise.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Induction of cytochrome P450 1A5 mRNA, protein and enzymatic activities by dioxin-like compounds, and congener-specific metabolism and sequestration in the liver of wild jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) from Tokyo, Japan.

This study presents concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like coplanar PCBs (Co-PCBs) in the liver and breast muscle of jungle crows (JCs; Corvus macrorhynchos) collected from Tokyo, Japan. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) derived by WHO bird-TEF were in the range of 23 to 280 pg/g (lipid) in the liver, which are lower or comparable to the lowest-observed-effect-level of CYP induction in chicken, and 5.6-78 pg/g (lipid) in the pectoral muscle. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A-, 2B-, 2C-, and 3A-like proteins were detected using anti-rat CYP polyclonal antibodies in hepatic microsomal fractions. Significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations between hepatic TEQs and CYP1A or CYP3A-like protein expression levels were noticed, implying induction of these CYP isozymes by TEQs. On the other hand, there was no significant positive correlation between muscle TEQ and any one of analyzed CYP isozyme expression levels. CYP1A- and CYP3A-like protein expression levels represented better correlations with pentoxy- and benzyloxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activities rather than methoxy- and ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activities, indicating unique catalytic functions of these CYPs in JCs. Furthermore, we succeeded in isolating CYP1A5 cDNA from the liver of JC, having an open reading frame of 531 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 60.3 kDa. JC CYP1A5 mRNA expression measured by real-time RT-PCR had a significant positive correlation with hepatic TEQs, suggesting induction of CYP1A5 at the transcriptional level. Ratios of several Co-PCB congeners to CB-169 in the liver of JCs revealed significant negative correlations with CYP1A protein or CYP1A5 mRNA expression levels, implying metabolism of these congeners by the induced CYP1A. The liver/breast muscle concentration (L/M) ratios of PCDDs/DFs and CB-169 increased with an increase in hepatic CYP1A protein or CYP1A5 mRNA expression levels, suggesting congener-specific hepatic sequestrations by the induced CYP1A. The present study provides insights into the propensity of CYP1A induction to the exposure of dioxin-like chemicals, and unique metabolic and sequestration capacities of CYP1A in JC.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs in wild terrestrial mammals from Japan: congener specific accumulation and hepatic sequestration.

The present study determined the contamination levels and congener-specific accumulation features of dioxins and related compounds (DRCs) in wild terrestrial mammals such as large Japanese field mice (LJFM), lesser Japanese moles (LJMs), and raccoon dogs (RDs) collected from Kanto region in Japan during 2001. The toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) levels in the carcasses or adipose tissues were in the order of RDs > or = LJMs > LJFM. Comparison of DRC congener profiles in the three species and principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated a higher contribution of OCDD, T4CB77, and P5CB118 in LJMs. Analysis of liver-adipose distribution of DRC congeners in RDs showed that livers contained significantly higher TEQs than adipose tissues, indicating that liver is a depository organ and critical for determining the toxicokinetics of DRCs. As for most T4, P5, H6CDD/DFs and for P5CB126, H6CB169 and mono-ortho PCB congeners, their liver/adipose concentration ratios in RDs revealed a tendency to increase with hepatic TEQ levels, suggesting TEQ-dependent hepatic sequestration.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

Molecular cloning and mRNA expression of cytochrome P4501A1 and 1A2 in the liver of common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata).

This study presents full-length cDNA sequences of CYP1A1 and 1A2, in common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) from the North Pacific. Both CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 cDNAs had an open reading frame of 516 amino acid residues, and predicted molecular masses were 58.3 kDa and 58.1 kDa, respectively. The deduced full-length amino acid sequence of CYP1A1 revealed higher identities with those of sheep (86%) and pig (87%), and that of CYP1A2 was most closely related to human (82%) and monkey CYP1A2 (82%) among species from which CYP1A2 has been isolated so far. Differences in certain conserved and functional amino acid residues of CYP1A1 and 1A2 between common minke whale and other mammalian species indicate the possibility of their specific metabolic function. Concentrations of organochlorine compounds (OCs) including PCBs and DDTs analyzed in common minke whale liver showed no significant correlation with hepatic mRNA expression levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, indicating no induction of these enzymes by such OCs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

A comparison between integrated risk assessment and classical health/environmental assessment: emerging beneficial properties.

Both humans and wildlife are exposed to various types of halogenated organic compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), typically old chemicals, and tris(4-chlorophenyl) methane (TCPM) and brominated flame retardants, some new chemicals, simultaneously. Classical risk assessment has evaluated health and ecological risks independently by experts from different disciplines. Taking into considerations the recent concerns about endocrine disrupting chemicals and the progress of research in related areas, we integrated and assessed data on exposure and potential effects in humans and wildlife. Comparisons were made for organ concentrations, body burdens of several organochlorine compounds (OCs), metabolic capacities between humans and various wildlife. When we integrate the knowledge on effects and exposure in humans and in wildlife, new insights were suggested about similarities and/or differences in potential effects among various human populations living on different foods and having different body burdens. Combining existing information with emerging knowledge of mechanisms of actions on endocrine disrupting chemicals after exposure to above chemicals during early developmental stages will further elucidate potential risks from exposure to those chemicals.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Persistent organochlorine compounds in human breast milk from mothers living in Penang and Kedah, Malaysia.

This study determined the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine (OC) pesticides, and tris(4-chlorophenyl) methane (TCPMe) in human breast milk samples collected in 2003 from primipara mothers living in Penang, Malaysia. OCs were detected in all the samples analyzed with DDTs, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), and PCBs as the major contaminants followed by chlordane compounds (CHLs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and TCPMe. The residue levels of DDTs, HCHs, and CHLs were comparable to or higher than those in general populations of other countries, whereas PCBs and HCB were relatively low. In addition, dioxins and related compounds were also detected with a range of dioxin equivalent concentrations from 3.4 to 24 pg-TEQs/g lipid wt. Levels of toxic equivalents (TEQs) were slightly higher than those in other developing countries but still much lower than those of industrialized nations. One donor mother contained a high TEQs level, equal to the mean value in human breast milk from Japan, implying that some of the residents in Malaysia may be exposed to specific pollution sources of dioxins and related compounds. No association was observed between OCs concentrations and maternal characteristics, which might be related to a limited number of samples, narrow range of age of the donor mothers, and/or other external factors. The recently identified endocrine disrupter, TCPMe, was also detected in all human breast milk samples of this study. A significant positive correlation was observed between TCPMe and DDTs, suggesting that technical DDT might be a source of TCPMe in Malaysia. The present study provides a useful baseline for future studies on the accumulations of OCs in the general population of Malaysia.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Status of butyltin pollution along the coasts of western Japan in 2001, 11 years after partial restrictions on the usage of tributyltin.

Restrictions on the use of tributyltin (TBT) in aquaculture and on boats in coastal regions, except for ocean-going vessels, have been in place in Japan since 1990 due to the strong toxic effects of TBT on marine organisms. However, TBT pollution along the Japanese coasts has been reported after this legislation was enacted. In order to elucidate the present status of contamination by butyltin (BT) compounds, we measured the levels of BTs [monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and TBT] in seawater and Caprella spp. samples obtained from the western part of Seto Inland Sea, Uwa Sea and Uranouchi Bay in western Japan during March to September, 2001. Butyltins were detected in more than 90% of the seawater samples (n = 59), with average concentrations of 8.2+/-9.2 (SD) ng MBT L(-1), 3.3+/-3.0 ng DBT L(-1) and 9.0+/-7.0 ng TBT L(-1). Among 41 stations situated on coastal lines, a sufficient number of Caprella organisms for chemical analysis could be collected from only 16 stations. The butyltin concentrations in seawater and Caprella samples from Uwa Sea and Uranouchi Bay, in which the dominant industry in both waters is aquaculture, showed significantly higher than or no significant differences from those samples from the western part of Seto Inland Sea, a major heavy-industry area in Japan. As the TBT concentration in seawater increased, the number of Caprella organisms collected decreased. The mean TBT concentration among the seawater samples was above the estimated lowest observable effect concentration (LOEC) that reduces the survival rate of Caprella danilevskii. Thus, the present study indicates that TBT is still a potential ecological hazard to the survival of marine invertebrates inhabiting coasts along western Japan, even 11 years after the partial ban on TBT usage was implemented.

Amphipoda↗

PubMed2005

Trace element accumulation in fishes collected from coastal waters of the Caspian Sea.

Concentrations of 13 trace elements (V, Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Hg, Tl and Pb) were determined in muscle of bony fishes collected from coastal areas of the Caspian Sea (Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iran). In all the fishes, Zn concentration was highest, followed by Cu, Se, Mn and Co, while levels of toxic elements (Ag, Cd, Cd, Tl and Pb) were relatively low. Concentrations of several elements were significantly varied between the species in each sampling area. For most of the trace elements examined, the concentrations decreased significantly with body weight of fishes. In contrast, a positive correlation with body weight was found for Co, Se and Pb concentrations in one fish species, and Hg in 2 fish species. Geographical difference in the concentrations of trace elements was examined using the Caspian roach collected from five stations of Iranian coastal waters. The concentrations of Co, Mo, Ag, Cd and Tl were higher in fishes from western stations than those from eastern stations, whereas the opposite trend was observed for Hg, indicating that local sources of trace metal pollution may be present in the Iranian coastal areas of the Caspian Sea. Levels of trace elements in Caspian fishes were relatively low in comparison to those of other regions, but Zn and Hg levels in some specimens exceeded the guideline values for food.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2005

Distribution of trace elements in subcellular fractions of three aquatic birds.

This study investigated the subcellular distribution of Cu, Zn, Cd and Ag in liver of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), spot-billed duck (A. poecilorhyncha) and great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) to better understand metal fractionation and dynamics in avian liver. Most of the total Cu, Zn, Cd and Ag were present in hepatocytosol, and their concentrations increased with total hepatic levels in all the three avian species. Copper, Zn and Cd in hepatocytosol were present mostly in metallothionein fractions (MTs), and Cu and Cd contents in this fraction were positively correlated with hepatocytosol levels in all the species. Silver was observed mostly in both high-molecular weight and MT fractions in hepatocytosol in mallard and great cormorant, whereas it was present in both low-molecular weight and MT fractions in spot-billed duck, suggesting that distribution of Ag in the hepatocytosol was species-specific. The elution profile of metals in MT fractions revealed six metallic peaks in mallard and spot-billed duck, and three peaks in great cormorant, implying the presence of multiple MT isoforms in the liver of these avian species. The present study demonstrated that MTs are closely associated with metal regulation, especially Cu and Cd, in these three aquatic birds.

Animals↗