Comparative toxic potential of market formulation of two organophosphate pesticides in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ)

This study investigated the working hypothesis that two widely used organophosphate pesticides; Nuvan and Dimecron, exert toxic effects in Drosophila. Transgenic D. melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) was used as a model for assaying stress gene expression and AchE activity as an endpoint for toxicity and also to evaluate whether stress gene expression is sufficient to protect against toxic insult of the chemicals and to prevent tissue damage. The study was extended to investigate the effect of the pesticides on the life cycle and reproduction of the organism. The study showed that Nuvan affected emergence of the exposed flies more drastically than Dimecron and the effect was lethal at the highest tested concentration (0.075 ppm). While Nuvan at 0.0075 and 0.015 ppm concentrations affected reproduction of the flies significantly, the effect of Dimecron was significant only at 0.015 and 0.075 ppm. Nuvan-exposed third-instar larvae exhibited a 1.2-fold to 1.5-fold greater hsp70 expression compared to Dimecron at concentrations ranging from 0.0075 to 0.075 ppm following 12 and 18 h exposure. While maximum expression of hsp70 was observed in Nuvan-exposed third-instar larval tissues following 18 h exposure at 0.075 ppm, Dimecron at the same dietary concentration induced a maximum expression of hsp70 following 24 h exposure. Further, concomitant with a significant induction of hsp70, significant inhibition of AchE was observed following chemical exposure and temperature shock. Concurrent with a significant decline in hsp70 expression in Nuvan-exposed larvae after 48 h at 0.075 ppm, tissue damage was evident. Dimecron-exposed larvae exhibited a plateau in hsp70 induction even after 48 h exposure and moderate tissue damage was observed in these larvae. The present study suggests that Nuvan is more cytotoxic than Dimecron in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster.     

Induction of hsp70 in transgenic Drosophila: biomarker of exposure against phthalimide group of chemicals

The expression of stress genes is suggested to be a potentially sensitive indicator of any chemical or physical assault. This led us to explore the possibility of using expression of one of the major stress genes, hsp70, in Drosophila as a biomarker against phthalimide group of chemicals, which may accordingly provide an early indication of exposure to these hazardous chemicals. We exposed third instar larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg(9) to different concentrations of the test chemicals (Captan, Captafol and Folpet) for various time intervals (2-48 h) to evaluate expression of hsp70 by X-gal staining, ONPG assay and whole organ in situ immunohistochemistry. The study was further extended to examine the effect of the said chemicals on development of the organism and tissue damage occurring in them, thus raising the possibility of evaluating comparative deleterious effect inducing potential of the test chemicals. Our results showed a strong hsp70 expression in the Captafol-exposed larvae followed by weaker expression in Captan- and Folpet-treated larvae. The effect was further reflected on development as revealed by a delay in emergence of the flies by 3 days in 200 ppm Captafol-exposed group. Hsp70 was found not to be induced at 0.0002 ppm Captafol and at 0.002 ppm Captan and Folpet. The present study suggests that (a). hsp70 induction is sensitive enough to be used as a biomarker against phthalimide group of chemicals, (b). amongst the three test chemicals, Captafol is the most deleterious compound followed by Captan and Folpet, (c). 0.0002 ppm for Captafol and 0.002 ppm for Captan and Folpet, respectively, can be regarded as no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL).     

Hazardous effect of organophosphate compound, dichlorvos in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ): induction of hsp70, anti-oxidant enzymes and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase

We tested a working hypothesis that stress genes and anti-oxidant enzyme machinery are induced by the organophosphate compound dichlorvos in a non-target organism. Third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster transgenic for hsp70 were exposed to 0.1 to 100.0 ppb dichlorvos and 5.0 mM CuSO(4) (an inducer of oxidative stress and stress genes) and hsp70, and activities of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) product were measured. The study was further extended to examine tissue damage, if any, under such conditions. A concentration- and time-dependent increase in hsp70 and anti-oxidant enzymes was observed in the exposed organism as compared to control. A comparison of stress gene expression with SOD, CAT activities and LPO product under similar experimental conditions revealed that induction of hsp70 precedes the anti-oxidant enzyme activities in the exposed organism. Further, concomitant with a significant inhibition of AChE activity, significant induction of hsp70 was observed following chemical exposure. Mild tissue damage was observed in the larvae exposed to 10.0 ppb dichlorvos for 48 h when hsp70 expression reaches plateau. Dichlorvos at 0.1 ppb dietary concentration did not evoke significant hsp70 expression, anti-oxidant enzymes and LPO and AchE inhibition in the exposed organism, and thereby, was found to be non-hazardous to D. melanogaster. Conversely, 1.0 ppb of the test chemical stimulated a significant induction of hsp70 and anti-oxidant enzymes and significant inhibition of AchE; hence this concentration of test chemical was hazardous to the organism. The present study suggests that (a) both stress genes and anti-oxidant enzymes are stimulated as indices of cellular defense against xenobiotic hazard in D. melanogaster with hsp70 being proposed as first-tier bio-indicator of cellular hazard, (b) 0.1 ppb of the test chemical may be regarded as No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL), and 1.0 ppb dichlorvos as Low Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL).     

hsp70: Nuclear concentration during environmental stress and cytoplasmic storage during recovery

The intracellular distribution of the major Drosophila heat-shock protein hsp70 was determined by indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies. During heat shock the protein concentrates strongly in nuclei while a small quantity remains cytoplasmic. During recovery hsp70 leaves the nuclei and becomes distributed throughout the cytoplasm. With a second heat shock it is rapidly transported back into the nucleus. Nuclear translocation depends not on the temperature per se, but on the physiological state of the cell since it also occurs after exposure to an anoxic atmosphere at normal temperatures. We also provide evidence that hsps protect cells from the toxic effects of anoxia, as well as heat, and conclude that nuclear translocation of hsp70 is related to its function in protecting the organism from both forms of environmental stress.     

Toxicity of cypermethrin: hsp70 as a biomarker of response in transgenic Drosophila

Heat shock protein induction is often associated with a cellular response to a harmful environment or to adverse life conditions. The main aims of our study were (1) to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of cypermethrin; and (2) to investigate the suitability of stress-induced heat shock protein Hsp70 as a biomarker for environmental pollutants in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (Hsp70-lacZ)Bg⁹. Different concentrations of cypermethrin (0.002, 0.2, 0.5 and 50.0 p.p.m.) were mixed with food. Third instar larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster were allowed to feed on these mixtures for different time intervals (2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48h). Following feeding, hsp70 induction and tissue damage were evaluated. In the highest concentration treatment group (50 p.p.m.), 100% larval mortality was recorded after 12 h exposure. Hsp70 was found to be induced even at the lowest concentration (0.002 p.p.m.) of the insecticide, while tissue damage was observed in the larvae exposed for 48 h. While an insignificant decline in hsp70 expression was observed in the larvae exposed to cypermethrin at a dietary concentration of 0.002 p.p.m. after 48 h compared with those exposed for 24 h, in the next two higher concentrations of the toxicant, a similar but significant decline in hsp70 expression was evident in the exposed larvae after 48 h. The present study reveals the cytotoxic potential of cypermethrin and further proposes that hsp70 induction in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster could be used as a sensitive biomarker in risk assessment.     

Induction of hsp70, alterations in oxidative stress markers and apoptosis against dichlorvos exposure in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster: modulation by reactive oxygen species

We examined a hypothesis that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by organophosphate compound dichlorvos modulates Hsp70 expression and anti-oxidant defense enzymes and acts as a signaling molecule for apoptosis in the exposed organism. Dichlorvos (0.015-15.0 ppb) without or with inhibitors of Hsp70, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were fed to the third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster transgenic for hsp70 (hsp70-lacZ) Bg(9) to examine Hsp70 expression, oxidative stress and apoptotic markers. A concentration- and time-dependent significant increase in ROS generation accompanied by a significant upregulation of Hsp70 preceded changes in antioxidant defense enzyme activities and contents of glutathione, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl in the treated organisms. An inhibitory effect on SOD and CAT activities significantly upregulated ROS generation and Hsp70 expression in the exposed organism while inhibition of Hsp70 significantly affected oxidative stress markers induced by the test chemical. A comparison made among ROS generation, Hsp70 expression and apoptotic markers showed that ROS generation is positively correlated with Hsp70 expression and apoptotic cell death end points indicating involvement of ROS in the overall adversity caused by the test chemical to the organism. The study suggests that (a) Hsp70 and anti-oxidant enzymes work together for cellular defense against xenobiotic hazard in D. melanogaster and (b) free radicals may modulate Hsp70 expression and apoptosis in the exposed organism.     

Cadmium-induced stimulation of stress-protein hsp70 in lichen photobiont Trebouxia erici

The expression of stress protein 70 (hsp70) was studied in lichen photobiont Trebouxia erici during short-term exposition to cadmium and copper (0.0, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 μM). We found two isoforms of hsp70 in the untreated as well as in heavy metal-treated cells due to the maintenance of protein homeostasis. Cu-treated cells had a relatively constant amount of hsp70 over all the tested concentrations. However, Cd caused an increase in hsp70 expression, especially at the lowest concentration (1.0 μM). Higher Cd concentrations were associated with acute toxicity and a reduced expression of hsp70 in the cells.     

Expression of microinjected hsp 70/CAT and hsp 30/CAT chimeric genes in developing Xenopus laevis embryos

The expression of microinjected chimeric genes containing Drosophila hsp 70 and Xenopus hsp 70 and hsp 30 promoters linked to the reporter gene coding for bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) was examined during early development of Xenopus laevis. Heat-inducible expression of fusion genes containing either the Drosophila hsp 70 promoter (1100 bp) or the Xenopus hsp 70 promoter (750 bp) was first detectable after the midblastula stage of development. This coincides with the embryonic stage at which the endogenous hsp 70 gene is first heat-inducible. A Xenopus hsp 30/CAT fusion gene containing 350 bp of promoter sequences was also heat-inducible after the midblastula stage unlike the endogenous hsp 30 genes which were not heat-inducible until the early tailbud stage (stage 23-24). Sequences that are present within either the coding or 3' region of the hsp 30 clone do not cause the microinjected hsp 30 gene to be developmentally regulated in a normal manner. Additionally, microinjected hsp 30 gene sequences have no effect on the developmental regulation of endogenous hsp 30 genes which continue to be activated at the tailbud stage of development. Our data suggest, that an inhibitory system, which may control the expression of the endogenous hsp 30 gene during development, does not regulate the expression of the injected hsp 30 gene.     

Toxicity of argemone oil: Effect on hsp70expression and tissue damage in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster(hsp70-lacZ) Bg 9

The effect of argemone oil on hsp70expression and tissue damage was investigated by studying β-galactosidase activity, Western blotting and hybridization, and trypan blue staining in the larval tissues of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster(hsp70-lacZ)Bg ⁹. Different concentrations of argemone oil were mixed with food and third-instar larvae were allowed to feed on them for different time intervals (2, 4, 24, and 48 h). Argemone oil was found to induce hsp70even in the lowest concentration of the adulterant while maximum tissue damage was observed in the higher two treatment groups. Malpighian tubules and midgut tissue reflected maximum damage as evidenced by both high β-galactosidase activity and trypan blue staining in these tissues. A prior temperature shock treatment to the larvae was enough to protect the larvae from argemone oil-induced tissue damage as evidenced by little or no trypan blue staining. The present study suggests the cytotoxic potential of argemone oil and further strengthens the evidence for the use of hsp70as a biomarker in risk assessment. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Oxysterols from oxidized LDL are cytotoxic but fail to induce hsp70 expression in endothelial cells

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) possesses several proatherogenic characteristics, among which a marked cytotoxicity. In vitro, cytotoxicity of OxLDL to endothelial cells is associated with an increase in the expression of the inducible form of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), generally regarded as a cytoprotective protein. Oxidized derivatives of cholesterol which form upon LDL oxidation are cytotoxic. Moreover, most of the OxLDL cytotoxicity is due to its lipid moiety, in particular to oxysterols. In this report we demonstrate that although oxysterols identified in OxLDL are cytotoxic, they cannot trigger the increase in hsp70 expression observed with intact oxidized lipoproteins. We speculate therefore that oxysterols may represent the most toxic form of oxidized lipids in LDL because they cannot activate a rescue mechanism (i.e. the hsp response) and may contribute significantly to cell death within atherosclerotic plaques.     

热应激和吡虫啉对大豆蚜hsp70和hsc70基因mRNA表达的影响

【目的】昆虫在高温或农药的胁迫下,通过高效表达热休克蛋白(HSP)等建立应激自我保护机制。本研究为从转录组水平上认识大豆蚜Aphis glycines在热应激和吡虫啉胁迫下hsp70和hsc70 mRNA表达分子机制,进而寻找自我保护应激反应中的薄弱环节,为大豆蚜的生物防治提供理论基础。【方法】采用同源克隆、RACE技术和实时荧光定量PCR等方法研究不同热激时间和热激后不同恢复时间及不同吡虫啉浓度对大豆蚜4龄若虫hsp70和hsc70的表达影响。【结果】37℃热激后,大豆蚜4龄若虫中hsp70表达量先上调,1 h时升至对照组的10.36倍（P<0.05）,然后逐渐下降。同样热激后恢复时间的长短对大豆蚜若蚜中hsp70的表达具有显著影响。热激处理后,大豆蚜若蚜中hsp70立即大量表达,表达量为对照组的8.78倍（P<0.05）,随后表达量下降至对照组水平,而hsc70的表达量并没有显著变化（P>0.05）。大豆蚜若蚜受吡虫啉的胁迫时,其hsp70和hsc70的表达量受吡虫啉的浓度及胁迫的时间的影响,呈现先升高后下降的趋势,具有明显的短期效应。【结论】吡虫啉诱导大豆蚜hsp70和hsc70表达量的上调;而热胁迫对hsp70和hsc70 mRNA具有不同的表达模式,高温可以诱导hsp70的表达,但对hsc70没有明显的诱导作用。     

Eimeria tenella: hsp70 expression during sporogony.

There is an increasing interest in identifying the parasite components involved in the maturation, development, and infectivity of intracellular protozoan parasites. In the present study, a heat shock protein (hsp) of the family of 70 kDa hsp (hsp70), which play important roles in the stage conversion and virulence of these parasites, was examined. Whereas hsp70 expression has been examined in Eimeria tenella within host tissues, in the present study, oocysts of E. tenella were used to investigate the expression of hsp70 during sporulation without interference from the host; hsp70 expression during excystation was induced by incubating sporulated oocysts under various experimental conditions to produce the stimuli necessary for sporozoites to become active and to excyst in vitro. Hsp70 was detected by immunohistochemical techniques; quantitative flow cytometric analysis was also been carried out using specific monoclonal antibodies against hsp70. Hsp70 was expressed during sporulation but was not found in sporulated oocysts after the completion of sporulation. Oocysts re-expressed hsp70 when excystation was induced. The presence of hsp70 prior to infection may preadapt the parasite for additional stress in the host and may be involved in the formation of sporozoites.     

Evaluation of the Toxic Potential of Graphene Copper Nanocomposite (GCNC) in the Third Instar Larvae of Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ)Bg9

Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon sheet with single-atom thickness, have attracted the scientific world for its potential applications in various field including the biomedical areas. In the present study the graphene copper nanocomposite (GCNC) was synthesized, characterized and evaluated for its toxic potential on third instar larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ)Bg⁹. The synthesized GCNC was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The GCNC in 0.1% DMSO was sonicated for 10 min and the final concentration of 0.033, 0.099, 0.199 and 3.996 µg/µl of diet were established. The third instar larvae were allowed to feed on it separately for 24 and 48 hrs. The hsp70 expression was measured by O-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside assay, tissue damage by trypan blue exclusion test and β-galactosidase activity was monitored by in situ histochemical β-galactosidase staining. Oxidative stress was monitored by performing lipid peroxidation assay and total protein estimation. Ethidium bromide/acridine orange staining was performed on midgut cells for apoptotic index and the comet assay was performed for the DNA damage. The results of the present study showed that the exposure of 0.199 and 3.996 µg/µl of GCNC were toxic for 24 hr of exposure and for 48 hr of exposure: 0.099, 0.199 and 3.996 µg/µl of GCNC was toxic. The dose of 0.033 µg/µl of GCNC showed no toxic effects on its exposure to the third instar larvae for 24 hr as well as 48 hrs. This dose can be considered as No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL).     

Heat Shock Proteins hsp90 and hsp70 Protect Neuronal Cells from Thermal Stress but Not from Programmed Cell Death

Abstract: Prior exposure to a mild thermal stress can protect neuronal cells from a subsequent more severe stress including high temperature, ischemia, glutamate toxicity, or stimuli inducing apoptosis. Although the protective effect of thermal stress correlates with the elevated expression of the heat shock proteins (hsps), the protective effect of individual hsps has never been directly demonstrated in neuronal cells. Here we show that the constitutive overexpression of either of the major hsps, hsp90 or hsp70, can protect neuronal cells from thermal stress but not from stimuli that induce apoptosis. The possible mechanisms by which thermal stress can protect neuronal cells from apoptosis are discussed.     

Echinococcus granulosus: in vitro effects of ivermectin and praziquantel on hsp60 and hsp70 levels.

Martinez, J., Perez-Serrano, J., Bernadina, W. E., Rodriguez-Caabeiro, F. 1999 Echinococcus granulosus: In vitro effects of ivermectin and praziquantel on hsp60 and hsp70 levels. Experimental Parasitology93, 171-180. Organisms or cells exposed to injurious stresses such as heat shock or chemicals respond by increased (or altered) expression of heat-shock proteins (HSPs). Conversely, an earlier exposure to stress can prepare cells to cope with a subsequent more severe stress. In the present study, protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus were subjected to several anthelmintic treatments, involving storage of the protoscolices for 18, 30, and 50 h with 0.1 mg/ml of ivermectin (IV), praziquantel (PZ), and a combination of each with albendazole (ALB). The organisms were analyzed for the effects of drug treatment on cell integrity and on levels of hsp60 and hsp70 production. Drug efficacy was evaluated by microscopy and by protein content measurement. Hsp60 and hsp70 were detected by Western blotting and incubation with anti-hsp60 and anti-hsp70 antibody, respectively, and quantitation of these proteins was obtained using image analysis. Incubation with IV alone produced the most damage to the protoscolices as indicated by viability loss, decreased protein content, and altered hsp60 and hsp70 levels; incubation with IV + ALB produced less damage as manifested by fewer changes in the aforementioned damage parameters but PZ and PZ + ALB, in this context, were poor anthelmintics. Exposure of protoscolices to thermal stress prior to anthelmintic treatment, in most cases, increased drug efficacy. It is concluded that in the E. granulosus model system drug efficacy is associated with decreased levels of hsp70 expression and increased levels of hsp60 expression.