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Journal Article 2009; 30(Suppl 1): 242-247 PubMed PMID: 20027178 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Body Size:drug effects, Body Weight:drug effects, Czech Republic, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Herbicides:administration & dosage, Kidney:drug effects, Rivers, Toxicity Tests, Triazines:administration & dosage, Water Pollutants:administratio.   

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate effects of subchronic exposure to sublethal levels of terbutryn on growth and on histopathological changes in Danio rerio.r />r /> DESIGN: The acute toxicity tests were performed on the juvenile stage of Danio rerio according to OECD No. 203 Fish, Acute Toxicity Test. The juvenile growth tests were performed on D. rerio according to the OECD method No. 215. Fish at the age of 20 days were exposed to the terbutryn environmental concentration commonly detected in the Czech rivers (0.02 microg L-1) and the range of sublethal concentrations of terbutryn (0.06, 0.2, 0.6 and 2 mg L-1) for 28 days.r />r /> RESULTS: The 96hLC50 terbutryn mean value for the juvenile stage of D. rerio was 5.71 +/- 0.46 mg L-1. A significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the fish growth caused by terbutryn was observed in the concentration of 0.6 mg L-1. The value of NOEC was 0.2 mg L-1 and LOEC was 0.6 mg L-1 of terbutryn. We found the damage to tubular system of kidneys in the concentration of 0.6 mg L-1 of terbutryn.r />r /> CONCLUSION: The environmental concentration of terbutryn in the Czech rivers did not have any effects on growth and on histopathological changes in D. rerio and this concentration is lower than determined LOEC and NOEC values of terbutryn....

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Journal Article 2009; 30(Suppl 1): 236-241 PubMed PMID: 20027177 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Carps:physiology, Czech Republic, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Herbicides:administration & dosage, Random Allocation, Rivers, Simazine:administration & dosage, Toxicity Tests, Water Pollutants:administration & dosage,.   

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the subchronic effects of a triazine compound, simazine, on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) though, via by means of biometric, biochemical, hematological, and histological examination.r />r /> DESIGN: One-year-old fish were exposed to simazine at four concentrations, 0.06, (reported concentration in Czech rivers), 4, 20, and 50 microg L-1 for 28 days and compared to carp in a non-treated control group.r />r /> RESULTS: Exposure of fish to simazine at 0.06 microg L-1 had no effect on measured parameters. However, exposure to simazine at the concentrations of 4, 20, 50 microg L-1 showed significant differences in biochemical, hematological, and histopathological profiles of fish compared to controls.r />r /> CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that simazine in the recorded environmental concentration 0.06 microg L-1 had no effect on common carp. Subchronic exposure to 4, 20, and 50 microg L-1 of simazine was associated with alterations in biochemical and hematological indices and in fish organ tissues....

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Journal Article 2009; 30(Suppl 1): 230-235 PubMed PMID: 20027176 Citation  Keywords:  Aging, Animals, Biomarkers:blood, Carps:metabolism, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Herbicides:administration & dosage, Male, Random Allocation,.   

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of the herbicide preparation Successor 600 on biochemical and haematological indices and the histolopathological parameters of common carp after 28 day exposure. Furthermore, the hepatosomatic index and induction of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and biomarkers were assessed.r />r /> DESIGN: Juvenile fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Successor(R) 600 (0.06 mg L-1, 0.22 mg L-1 or 0.60 mg L-1) for 28 days. Haematological indices were assessed using unified methods of haematological examination in fish. Plasma biochemical indices were measured by biochemical analyzer, the vitellogenin concentration in male fish plasma was estimated by direct sandwich ELISA. In hepatopancreas, ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity was measured spectrofluorimetrically, concentration of total cytochrome P450 (CYP), glutathion (GSH) content and glutathion-S-transferase (GST) activity were determined spectrophotometrically. Histological changes in samples of hepatopancreas, skin, gills, spleen, head kidney and trunk kidney were examined by light microscopy.r />r /> RESULTS: Haemoglobin, MCH and MCHC were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in fish treated with Successor(R) 600 of 0.22 and 0.60 mg L-1. LDH was enhanced (p<0.05), in the highest concentration of the preparation. Vitellogenin was detected in all male fish, with no difference between groups. HSI, GSH and GST were elevated (p<0.05), owing to the exposure, whereas CYP and EROD were not affected. Slight histopathological changes were demonstrated in skin, gills and hepatopancreas, with steroid tissue in head kidney samples of 0.60 mg L-1 treated fish.r />r /> CONCLUSION: Successor 600 affected the haematological profile of the treated fish, while the effects on biochemical indices were less expressed. Male plasma vitellogenin concentrations were not indicative of estrogen disruptive effects after 28 days. The importance of GSH and GST for the metabolisation were demonstrated. In contrast, CYP and EROD were not influenced by any concentration tested. HSI was found to reflex pollution with Successor 600. Histopathological indices caused by the treatment were observed in various tissue samples of the treated fish....

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Journal Article 2009; 30(Suppl 1): 225-229 PubMed PMID: 20027175 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Cyprinidae:blood, Endocrine Disruptors:toxicity, Estradiol:toxicity, Female, Male, Oocytes:drug effects, Ovary:drug effects, Sex Characteristics, Testis:drug effects, Testosterone:toxicity, Vitellogenins:blood,.   

OBJECTIVES: A controlled laboratory study was carried out to quantify vitellogenin (VTG) concentrations in a common cyprinid freshwater fish, the chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.), exposed to steroid hormones.r />r /> DESIGN: The effect of 17betaestradiol, testosterone and testosterone-estradiol mixture was investigated on vitellogenin induction. Gonad status was also determined.r />r /> RESULTS: Oral exposure to estradiol and a testosterone-estradiol mixture increased (p < 0.01) blood plasma concentrations of VTG in blood plasma of both sexes. The testosterone-estradiol mixture had a negative effect on the investigated chub gonads. The effects were signified by histological changes when compared to control fish.r />r /> CONCLUSION: Our results showed a significant VTG increase in blood plasma of both sexes, indicating that vitellogenic response in the chub is sensitive to steroid hormones....

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Journal Article 2009; 30(Suppl 1): 219-224 PubMed PMID: 20027174 Citation  Keywords:  Cholesterol:blood, Chronic Disease:epidemiology, Environmental Pollutants:blood, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Occupational Exposure, Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins:blood, Prevalence, Triglycerides:blood,.   

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study, performed in 2008, was to evaluate the consequences of severe occupational intoxication with 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) that occurred during production of the herbicide trichlorophenoxyacetic acid in the period 1965-1968.r />r /> DESIGN: Examination of 11 men, mean age 64.4+/-1.5 years, included: internal and neurological examination, eye fundus examination, TCDD in plasma, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), testosterone and serum lipids, ultrasonography of the carotid artery, nerve conduction study (NCS), electroencephalography (EEG), visual evoked potential (VEP), Lanthony test of acquired visual impairment, single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) of the brain, neuropsychological examination and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), a marker of chronic ethanol intake.r />r /> RESULTS: Mean TCDD level in 2008 was still 274.0+/-181.2 pg/g blood lipids (reference level is 2-3 pg/g). All (100%) patients had residues of chloracne/chloracne consequences, atherosclerotic changes on the eye fundus and plaques in the carotid arteries. Progression of intima-media thickness (IMT) from a mean of 0.84+/-0.14 mm in 2003 to 1.09+/-0.18 mm in 2008 was observed. Ninety-one per cents of patients had impairment in SPECT of the brain; and 55% of patients had hyperfixation of the perfusion indicator as a measure of increased neuronal activity. Additionally, 91 % of patients were treated for hyperlipidaemia, 73 % for hypertension, 55 % for diabetes type 2, 45 % for ischemic heart disease, and 36 % for psychological disorders. The Lanthony test demonstrated acquired dyschromatopsia in 80 % of patients. Mean colour confusion index (CCI) was 1.438, which indicates impairment since 2003, when the index was 1.302. CDT was in the normal range and did not correlate with CCI. Neuropsychological status appeared stabilized in all 8 patients examined, with impairment in one or more parameter (memory, attention, verbal fluency, psychomotor speed, motorics) in comparison to the norm.r />r /> CONCLUSION: Forty years after intoxication, the blood level of TCDD is still 100 times higher than in the general population. Other PCDD/Fs were not elevated. A high percentage of subjects suffer from neurological and vascular disorders. No association of alcohol consumption with neurological impairment was seen, and the highly significant correlation between CCI and TCDD blood concentration suggests that acquired colour impairment was associated with TCDD but not with alcohol consumption. IMT significantly increased during past 5 years. The patients obviously need complex treatment, including intense hypolipidaemic and antidepressant therapy....

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Journal Article 2009; 30(Suppl 1): 211-218 PubMed PMID: 20027173 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Biomarkers:analysis, Cyprinidae:metabolism, Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1:metabolism, Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System:metabolism, Czech Republic, DDT:analysis, Environmental Exposure, Liver:chemistry, Male, Muscle, Skeletal:chemistry, Polychlorinated Bi.   

OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to assess the pollution of the Svitava and Svratka rivers in and around the industrial city of Brno (Czech Republic) by persistent organic pollutants using selected biochemical markers in chub.r />r /> DESIGN: Levels of selected biochemical markers were measured in liver and plasma samples of chub. The concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in bottom sediment, semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and muscle samples, and consequently used for correlation with biochemical markers.r />r /> RESULTS: Significant alterations (p < 0.05) in some biochemical markers were observed and associated with combined exposure to pollutants. The highest levels of pollutants were found at sites situated downstream from Brno. The most widespread changes were identified in the function of phase I detoxifying enzymes. Significant positive correlations were observed in cytochrome P450 content and DDT concentration in the semi-permeable membrane device (p = 0.019, rs = 0.886), and between ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity and content of DDT (p = 0.041, rs = 0.352) and polychlorinated biphenyls (p = 0.034, rs = 0.365) in muscle tissues of indicator fish.r />r /> CONCLUSION: The results presented in our study indicate the highest contamination of sites situated downstream from Brno, where the intensive industrial and agricultural activities as well as domestic waste and sewage most probably comprise the main impact sources of the enhanced level of pollutants and some biochemical markers in fish....

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Journal Article 2009; 30(Suppl 1): 205-210 PubMed PMID: 20027172 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Coturnix:blood, Cyanobacteria, Diet, Female, L-Lactate Dehydrogenase:blood, Male, Ovum:physiology, Random Allocation, Reproduction:physiology, Time Factors,.   

OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed at evaluation of the response of Japanese quails to cyanobacterial biomass administered in feed using biochemical profiles and parameters of reproduction.r />r /> DESIGN: Effects of cyanobacterial biomass were studied according to the OECD 206 Guideline on Avian Reproduction Toxicity. A total of 16 control and 16 experimental pairs (32 males and 32 females) were analyzed. The chronic exposure of parent birds lasted eight weeks with the daily sum of 61.62 microg MCs including 26.54 microg MC-RR, 7.62 microg MC-YR and 27.39 microg MC-LR.r />r /> RESULTS: There was no mortality both in control and cyanobacterial-biomass-exposed adults during the present study. Nor did the birds show any clinical signs of intoxication. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was increased about three-fold in exposed birds. No other biochemical parameters were showing significant differences. A total of 824 and 821 eggs were laid by control and exposed birds, respectively, during the eight-week study period. Eggs laid by cyanobacterial-biomass-exposed hens had lower weight than in controls (11.99+/-1.13g and 12.40+/-1.27g, respectively; p<0.01). Egg viability, hatchability, and the effect of hatching in control and experimental birds were 79.6+/-9.3 and 86.8+/-8.2% (p<0.05), 83.2+/-12.6 and 90.1+/-9.3%, and 65.2+/-17.7 and 77.7+/-15.2% (p<0.05), respectively. There was also a statistically significant difference in the number of 14-day old survivors per hen per day in control and experimental birds (0.38+/-0.02 and 0.43+/-0.01 %, respectively).r />r /> CONCLUSION: The lower weight of eggs produced by exposed parental hens was not reflected in their biological quality. On the contrary, reproductive parameters in cyanobacterial-biomass-exposed birds were better than in the control group. It might be hypothesized that compounds of hormonal activity could be present in the complex cyanobacterial biomass. However, further research into this issue is necessary....

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Journal Article 2009; 30(Suppl 1): 199-204 PubMed PMID: 20027171 Citation  Keywords:  Acetylcholinesterase:blood, Aging, Animals, Antioxidants:metabolism, Biomass, Blood Glucose, Cholesterol, HDL:blood, Coturnix:blood, Cyanobacteria, Diet, Hypoproteinemia:blood, L-Lactate Dehydrogenase:blood, Male, Random Allocation, Stress, Physiological:.   

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences between juvenile and adult Japanese quails in responses to the exposure to cyanobacterial biomass in the diet.r />r /> DESIGN: The OECD 205 Guideline on Avian Dietary Toxicity Test (1984) was employed in the experiment. A total of 75 freshly hatched chicks and 30 adults were exposed to cyanobacterial biomass for 15 days and blood sampled daily and on days 5, 10 and 15, respectively. Japanese quail chicks and adults received the same daily dose of approximately 224.4 ng microcystins per gram of body weight. Biochemical responses were compared against controls.r />r /> RESULTS: No Japanese quail chicks and adults died during the acute 15-day-cyanobacterial-biomass exposure. Biochemical responses to the biomass in diet were first observed from day 5 post exposure to cyanobacterial biomass both in chicks and adults and there were age-related differences in the parameters changed. The responses of adult birds included an increase in lactate dehydrogenase, a drop in glucose and the total antioxidant capacity as well as a 15 to 20 % inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. Japanese quail chicks exposed to cyanobacterial biomass for the first 15 days after hatching reacted by having hypoproteinaemia, increased concentrations of triglycerides, uric acid and the total antioxidant capacity and a drop in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood.r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: Chicks were not found to be more susceptible to the effects of biomass exposure. It seems that, due to their physiological preparation for the oxidative stress associated with hatching, Japanese quail chicks were even better able to cope with the cyanobacterial-biomass-induced oxidative stress than adults....

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