Protective Role of Quercetin on Polychlorinated Biphenyls (Aroclor‐1254) Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Liver of Adult Male Rats

The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of quercetin against Aroclor‐1254–induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were grouped into Group I control received vehicle (corn oil; 1 mL/kg bwt); Group II quercetin alone (50 mg/kg bwt/day orally); Group III Aroclor‐1254 (2 mg/kg bwt/day intraperitoneally); Group IV Aroclor‐1254 + quercetin treated for 30 days. The Aroclor‐1254 treatment caused significant alteration in the biochemical parameters (hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione levels, and alkaline phosphatase activity). The expressions of apoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins and the liver histology of Aroclor‐1254–exposed rats showed cytoplasmic degeneration along with infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells. Whereas simultaneous treatment with quercetin normalized all the biochemical parameters, consequently it inhibited apoptosis mediated by Aroclor‐1254 by downregulating aryl hydrocarbon receptor, p53 and apoptotic protein (Bax, caspase‐9, caspase‐3) and upregulating the antiapoptotic protein (Bcl‐2) expression patterns; thereby, quercetin reduces alteration in hepatocellular morphology. Thus quercetin exhibited hepatoprotective effect. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 26:522‐532, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com . DOI 10.1002/jbt.21466     

Circulating thyroid hormone levels and iodothyronine deiodinase activities in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) following dietary exposure to Endosulfan and Aroclor 1254

We evaluated the effects of two organochlorinated environmental contaminants, Endosulfan and Aroclor 1254 on peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism and thyroid hormone plasma levels in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Tilapia were exposed through diet to 0.1 and 0.5 microg g(-1) of Endosulfan and 0.5 microg g(-1) of Aroclor 1254 for 21 and 35 days. Decreased plasma T4 and rT3 levels were observed in tilapia exposed to the lower dose of Endosulfan, while treatment with a higher dose and Aroclor 1254 produced no changes. Plasma T3 levels were not affected by these compounds. Hepatic type I deiodinase (D1) activity was depressed by a lower dose of Endosulfan and hepatic type III (D3) activity was increased following 35 days of exposure to the lower dose of Endosulfan and following 21 and 35 days of exposure to Aroclor 1254; while type II (D2) remained unchanged in liver as well as in all other organs analysed. Apart from hepatic D3 activity, Endosulfan and Aroclor 1254 also increased D3 activity in gill, but not in other tested organs. It is concluded that dietary exposure of tilapia to Endosulfan or Aroclor 1254 can lead to changes in circulating thyroid hormone levels and/or in peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism. The changes in hormone metabolism differ between tissues, eventually reflecting tissue-specific differences in adaptation.     

The interference of polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1254) with membrane regulation of the activities of cytochromes P-450C21 and P-450(17) alpha,lyase in guinea-pig adrenal microsomes.

Regulation of cytochromes P-450 21-hydroxylase (P-450C21) and P-450 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase (P-450(17) alpha,lyase) activities and impairment of this regulation by Aroclor 1254 was studied in guinea-pig adrenal microsomes. In a membrane depleted system, a decrease in the normally predominant, P-450C21 activity and an increase in P-450(17) alpha,lyase activities was observed. The same deviations were observed in intact microsomes with increase in the reaction temperature (0-40 degrees C). Breaks in Arrhenius plots for activities of P-450C21 and P-450(17) alpha,lyase correlate with transition temperatures reported for the microsomal membrane. These results point to: (1) preference of a gel state membrane for catalytic expression of P-450C21 suggesting a clustered organization of this P-450 species with reductase; (2) preference of a fluid membrane for lyase activity suggesting a random collision mechanism for reduction of P-450(17) alpha,lyase. Aroclor 1254 introduced to reaction mixtures containing intact microsomes elicited basically the same changes as caused by depletion of the microsomal membrane or by increase in the incubation temperature. Lack of effect of Aroclor 1254 on P-450C21 and P-450(17) alpha,lyase activities in the membrane depleted system demonstrates that its interference with monooxygenase activities is mediated by the microsomal membrane. The similarities between altered cytochrome P-450 mediated activities in the presence of Aroclor 1254 and the deviations observed in the membrane depleted system or upon increase in the incubation temperature may suggest that this chemical exerts its impacts by influencing membrane fluidity.     

Studies on human lactoferrin by electron paramagnetic resonance, fluorescence, and resonance Raman spectroscopy

Investigations of metal-substituted human lactoferrins by fluorescence, resonance Raman, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy confirm the close similarity between lactoferrin and serum transferrin. As in the case of Fe(III)- and Cu(II)-transferrin, a significant quenching of apolactoferrin's intrinsic fluorescence is caused by the interaction of Fe(III), Cu(II), Cr(III), Mn(III), and Co(III) with specific metal binding sites. Laser excitation of these same metal-lactoferrins produces resonance Raman spectral features at ca. 1605, 1505, 1275, and 1175 cm-1. These bands are characteristic of tyrosinate coordination to the metal ions as has been observed previously for serum transferins and permit the principal absorption band (lambda max between 400 and 465 nm) in each of the metal-lactoferrins to be assigned to charge transfer between the metal ion and tyrosinate ligands. Furthermore, as in serum transferrin the two metal binding sites in lactoferrin can be distinguished by EPR spectroscopy, particularly with the Cr(III)-substituted protein. Only one of the two sites in lactoferrin allows displacement of Cr(III) by Fe(III). Lactoferrin is known to differ from serum transferrin in its enhanced affinity for iron. This is supported by kinetic studies which show that the rate of uptake of Fe(III) from Fe(III)--citrate is 10 times faster for apolactoferrin than for apotransferrin. Furthermore, the more pronounced conformational change which occurs upon metal binding to lactoferrin is corroborated by the production of additional EPR-detectable Cu(II) binding sites in Mn(III)-lactoferrin. The lower pH required for iron removal from lactoferrin causes some permanent change in the protein as judged by altered rates of Fe(III) uptake and altered EPR spectra in the presence of Cu(II). Thus, the common method of producing apolactoferrin by extensive dialysis against citric acid (pH 2) appears to have an adverse effect on the protein.     

Role of Quercetin on PCBs (Aroclor-1254) Induced Impairment of Dopaminergic Receptor mRNA Expression in Cerebral Cortex of Adult Male Rats

The present study is aimed to evaluate the putative neuroprotective effect of quercetin on PCB induced impairment of dopaminergic receptor mRNA expression in cerebral cortex of adult male Wistar rats. Group I (control) received only vehicle (corn oil; 0.1 ml/kg bwt) intraperitoneally (i.p); Group II Aroclor 1254 at a dose of 2 mg/kg bwt/day (i.p); Group III (Aroclor 1254—exposed (i.p), quercetin treated gavage (50 mg/kg bwt/day); Group IV received quercetin alone (gavage). 24 h after the 30th day treatment rats were euthanized. From each rat cerebral cortex tissues was collected and analyzed for mean activities of creatine kinase, acetylcholine esterase, Na⁺/K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ATPases, Hydrogen peroxide generation, protein carbonyl content and lipid peroxidation levels. The fates of the mRNA expression of dopaminergic receptors, Cacna1d on all the groups were studied by RT–PCR. Results evidenced that significant reduction of neurodegeneration in PCBs exposed rats treated with quercetin was ascertained suggesting, quercetin treatment precludes against PCB induced oxidative stress and protects dopaminergic receptor dysfunction in rat cerebral cortex.     

Metal regulation of siderophore synthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and functional effects of siderophore-metal complexes.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa synthesizes two siderophores, pyochelin and pyoverdin, characterized by widely different structures, physicochemical properties, and affinities for Fe(III). Titration experiments showed that pyochelin, which is endowed with a relatively low affinity for Fe(III), binds other transition metals, such as Cu(II), Co(II), Mo(VI), and Ni(II), with appreciable affinity. In line with these observations, Fe(III) and Co(II) at 10 microM or Mo(VI), Ni(II), and Cu(II) at 100 microM repressed pyochelin synthesis and reduced expression of iron-regulated outer membrane proteins of 75, 68, and 14 kDa. In contrast, pyoverdin synthesis and expression of the 80-kDa receptor protein were affected only by Fe(III). All of the metals tested, except Mo(VI), significantly promoted P. aeruginosa growth in metal-poor medium; Mo(VI), Ni(II), and Co(II) were more efficient as pyochelin complexes than the free metal ions and the siderophore. The observed correlation between the affinity of pyochelin for Fe(III), Co(II), and Mo(VI) and the functional effects of these metals indicates that pyochelin may play a role in their delivery to P. aeruginosa.     

Metal regulation of siderophore synthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and functional effects of siderophore-metal complexes.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa synthesizes two siderophores, pyochelin and pyoverdin, characterized by widely different structures, physicochemical properties, and affinities for Fe(III). Titration experiments showed that pyochelin, which is endowed with a relatively low affinity for Fe(III), binds other transition metals, such as Cu(II), Co(II), Mo(VI), and Ni(II), with appreciable affinity. In line with these observations, Fe(III) and Co(II) at 10 microM or Mo(VI), Ni(II), and Cu(II) at 100 microM repressed pyochelin synthesis and reduced expression of iron-regulated outer membrane proteins of 75, 68, and 14 kDa. In contrast, pyoverdin synthesis and expression of the 80-kDa receptor protein were affected only by Fe(III). All of the metals tested, except Mo(VI), significantly promoted P. aeruginosa growth in metal-poor medium; Mo(VI), Ni(II), and Co(II) were more efficient as pyochelin complexes than the free metal ions and the siderophore. The observed correlation between the affinity of pyochelin for Fe(III), Co(II), and Mo(VI) and the functional effects of these metals indicates that pyochelin may play a role in their delivery to P. aeruginosa.     

Constitutive and Aroclor 1254-induced hepatic glutathione S-transferase, peroxidase and reductase activities in genetically inbred mice

1. Constitutive and Aroclor 1254-induced hepatic glutathione (GSH) S-transferases, GSH peroxidase and GSH reductase activities were determined in 12 strains of 8-10 week-old inbred male mice. 2. The constitutive GSH S-transferase activity varied from 2.5 (SJL/JCR) to 8.9 (C57BL/6N) mumol/min/mg protein and the corresponding values for the Aroclor 1254-treated mice were in the range of 7.1-23.0 mumol/min/mg protein. Aroclor 1254 significantly induced GSH S-transferase activity in all mice, however, significant interstrain differences were found in inducibility. 3. Aroclor 1254-treatment caused a 4.2-fold induction of GSH S-transferase in NFS/NCR but only a 1.4-fold increase in AKR/NCR mice. Aroclor 1254 significantly induced GSH reductase in all strains studied while GSH peroxidase activity decreased in these mice. 4. The range of hepatic GSH levels in control and Aroclor 1254-treated mice was relatively narrow for both groups (6.59-11.25 microM/g wet tissue).     

Two dimensional non-equilibrium pH gel electrophoresis mapping of cytosolic protein changes caused by dietary protein depletion in mouse liver

Two-dimensional non-equilibrium pH gel electrophoresis (2D-NEPHGE) analysis was used to evaluate the effects of dietary protein depletion on the protein composition of mouse liver cytosol. Analysing the cytosol from both normal and protein depleted liver, the position in gels of more than three hundred protein spots was determined. After 5 days of protein depletion, about 20% of the spots either increased or decreased more than 2 fold. Five spots of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were recognised by specific antibodies. The glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) subunits Yb1, Yc and Yf were identified by the simultaneous analysis of both glutathione-binding cytosolic proteins and the corresponding standards. As estimated by internal optical density (IOD) of spots, the changes caused by protein depletion in GAPDH and GST subunit contents were similar to those obtained by other methods. By means of mass spectrometric analysis of tryptic peptides generated from spots and/or comparison of two-dimensional gel electrophoretic patterns, carbonic anhydrase III (CAIII), Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and a cytochrome P450 cytosolic protein (cyt P450) were identified. These three proteins, as well as GSTs, are related with intracellular detoxification and free radical scavenging systems. Their contents were regulated by dietary protein restriction in a manner indicative of diminished liver defence against oxidising agents.     

Characterization of the binding of Cu(II) and Zn(II) to transthyretin: effects on amyloid formation

Although metal ions can promote amyloid formation from many proteins, their effects on the formation of amyloid from transthyretin have not been previously studied. We therefore screened the effects of Cu(II), Zn(II), Al(III), and Fe(III) on amyloid formation from wild-type (WT) transthyretin as well as its V30M, L55P, and T119M mutants. Cu(II) and Zn(II) promoted amyloid formation from the L55P mutant of transthyretin at pH 6.5 but had little effect on amyloid formation from the other forms of the protein. Zn(II) promoted L55P amyloid formation at pH 7.4 but Cu(II) inhibited it. Cu(II) gave dose-dependent quenching of the tryptophan fluorescence of transthyretin and the fluorescence of 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate bound to it. Zn(II) gave dose-dependent quenching of the tryptophan but not the 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate fluorescence. Apparent dissociation constants for Cu(II) and Zn(II) binding at pH 7.4 of approximately 10 nM and approximately 1 microM (approximately 0.4 microM and approximately 5 microM at pH 6.5), respectively, were obtained from the quenching data. Zn(II) enhanced urea-mediated the dissociation of the L55P but not the WT transthyretin tetramer. Cu(II), depending on its concentration, either had no effect or stabilized the WT tetramer but could enhance urea-mediated dissociation of L55P.     

Effects of Aroclor 1254 on In Vivo Oocyte Maturation in the Mouse

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are stable, lipophilic compounds that accumulate in the environment and in the food chain. Though some studies provided evidence that PCBs had adverse effects on reproductive function, most of these results were from in vitro models. Therefore we investigated the effect of Aroclor 1254 (a commercial PCBs mixture) treatments on in vivo maturation and developmental potential of mouse oocytes. In the present study, female ICR mice were treated with different doses (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) of Aroclor 1254 (a commercial PCB mixture) once every 72 hours by intraperitoneal injection for 9 days. After three treatments of Aroclor 1254, the mice were superovulated to collect oocytes one day after the last exposure. The effects of Aroclor 1254 on oocyte maturation, fertilization, and preimplantation embryonic development were investigated. Immunofluorescence-stained oocytes were observed under a confocal microscope to assess the effects of Aroclor 1254 on spindle morphology. Parthenogenic activation and the incidence of cumulus apoptosis in cumulus-oocyte complexes were observed as well. Oocytes exposed to different doses of Aroclor 1254 in vivo were associated with a significant decrease in outgrowth potential, abnormal spindle configurations, and the inhibition of parthenogenetic activation of ovulated oocytes. Furthermore, the incidence of apoptosis in cumulus cells was increased after exposed to Aroclor 1254. These results may provide reference for the treatment of reproductive diseases such as infertility or miscarriage caused by environmental contaminants.     

多氯联苯促进毛白杨不定根分化的效应

多氯联苯是一种典型的持久性有机污染物。研究表明多氯联苯具有毒物兴奋效应, 但其影响植物生长发育的机制尚不清楚。以毛白杨(Populous tomentosa)组培苗为材料, 探讨3 mg·L^-1 Aroclor1254对不定根分化、植物激素水平、与生长素相关的P009g125900、P006g142600和P002g222700基因表达、与细胞分裂素相关的P005g2489和P005g2376基因表达的影响。结果显示, Aroclor1254可促进毛白杨组培苗不定根分化, 缩短不定根初根时间与分化率达100%的时间, 提高不定根数目; 在不定根诱导期, 用Aroclor1254单独诱导, IAA/(ZR+dhZR)比值与阳性对照无显著差异, P006g142600、P002g222700、P009g125900、P005g2489和P005g2376基因表达变化趋势与IBA单独诱导下各基因表达变化趋势一致。为验证Aroclor1254是否具有生长素效应, 以玉米(Zea mays)和转生长素报告基因DR5::GUS的拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)为材料, 观察Aroclor1254对胚芽鞘生长及DR5::GUS基因表达的影响。结果显示, 一定浓度的Aroclor1254对胚芽鞘的生长无显著影响, 但可诱导生长素报告基因表达。以上结果表明, 多氯联苯类化合物Aroclor1254虽不属于植物生长调节剂, 但具有毒物兴奋效应, 在一定浓度下具有类似生长素的生物学活性。     

Comparative proteome analysis of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm and planktonic cells and correlation with transcriptome profiling

Pathogenic staphylococci can form biofilms in which they show a higher resistance to antibiotics and the immune defense system than their planktonic counterparts, which suggests that the cells in a biofilm have an altered metabolic activity. Here, 2-D PAGE was used to identify secreted, cell wall-associated and cytoplasmic proteins expressed in Staphylococcus aureus after 8 and 48 h of growth. The proteins were separated at pH ranges of 4-7 or 6-11. The protein patterns revealed significant differences in 427 protein spots; from these, 258 non-redundant proteins were identified using ESI-MS/MS. Biofilm cells expressed higher levels of proteins associated with cell attachment and peptidoglycan synthesis, and in particular fibrinogen-binding proteins. Enzymes involved in pyruvate and formate metabolism were upregulated. Furthermore, biofilm cells expressed more staphylococcal accessory regulator A protein (SarA), which corroborates the positive effect of SarA on the expression of the intercellular adhesion operon ica and biofilm growth. In contrast, proteins, such as proteases and particularly immunodominant antigen A (IsaA) and staphylococcal secretory antigen (SsaA), were found in lower amounts. The RNA expression profiling largely supports the proteomic data. The results were mapped onto KEGG pathways.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of reduction of Cu(II) and Fe(III) complexes by soybean leghemoglobin alpha

The reduction of low-molecular-weight Cu(II) and Fe(III) complexes by soybean leghemoglobin alpha was characterized using both kinetic analysis and 1H-NMR experiments. Whereas Fe(III) (CN)6(3-) was reduced through an outer sphere transfer over the exposed heme edge, all other Cu(II) and Fe(III) complexes investigated were reduced via a site-specific binding of the metal to the protein. Reduction of all metal complexes was enhanced by decreasing pH while only Fe(III)NTA reduction kinetics were altered by changes in ionic strength. Rates of reduction for both Cu(II) and Fe(III) were also affected inversely by the effective binding constant of the metal chelate used. NMR data confirmed that both Cu(II)NTA and Fe(III)NTA were bound to specific sites on the protein. Cu(II) bound preferentially to distal His-61 and Fe(III) exerted its greatest effect on two surface lysine residues with epsilon proton resonances at 3.04 and 3.12 ppm. The Fe(III)NTA complex also had a mild but noticeable line broadening effect on the distal His-61 singlet resonance near 5.3 ppm. Like hemoglobin and myoglobin, leghemoglobin might function not only as an oxygen carrier, but also as a biological reductant for low-molecular-weight Cu(II) and Fe(III) complexes.     

Phosphatase activity in corn and soybean roots: Conditions for assay and effects of metals

Studies with sterile root materials showed that the optimum pH values of phosphatase activity in three varieties of each of corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max. L.) were 4 and 5, respectively. The activity on either side of the optimum pH fell sharply, and there was no activity at pH 9. Thus, these roots contain acid but no alkaline phosphatase activity. Acid phosphatase activity was not uniformly distributed in roots and root hairs. Studies with 20 metals showed that their effectiveness in inhibiting acid phosphatase activity of roots varied with the type of plant used. When the metals were compared at 250 μM (1.25 μmole. 5 mg⁻¹ of homogenized roots), the inhibition of acid phosphatase of corn and soybean roots showed that Ag(I), Fe(III), Se(IV), V(IV), As(V) and Mo(VI) were the most effective inhibitors of this enzyme in corn roots, with percentage inhibition ≥30%. In addition to these metals, Sn(II), Hg(II), and W(VI) inhibited acid phosphatase in soybean roots by >30%. Other metals and one non-metallic element that inhibited acid phosphatase activity in corn and soybean roots were: Cu(I), Cu(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Fe(II), Pb(II), Ba(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), B(III), As(III), Cr(III), and Al(III); their degrees of effectiveness varied with type of roots used. Generally, the inhibitory effect of the metals was much less when their concentration was decreased by 10-fold. In addition to the effect of these elements, phosphate ion inhibited acid phosphatase activity of corn and soybean roots. Related anions such as NO ₂ ⁻ , NO ₃ ⁻ , Cl⁻, and SO ₄ ²⁻ were not inhibitory.     

Structural and chemical requirements for hydroxychlorobiphenyls to uncouple rat liver mitochondria and potentiation of uncoupling with aroclor 1254

Rat hepatic mitochondrial permeability and succinate + valinomycin-dependent swelling were studied in the presence of hydroxy derivatives of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBOHs), Aroclor 1254 (ARO) and combinations of both. PCBOHs with two or more chlorines and pKas greater than 8.0 (PCBOH I) induced passive swelling in a potassium acetate-sucrose medium (pH 7.2), maximally stimulated succinate respiration, and suppressed ADP-stimulated H+ uptake. Mono- and certain dichlorinated biphenylols with similar high pKas (PCBOH II) were ineffective. Para-hydroxy PCBs with chlorines substituted in the 3,5 positions and with pKas near 6.8 (PCBOH III) inhibited succinate + valinomycin swelling and ADP-stimulated H+ and oxygen uptake. The efficacy of both PCBOH I and III derivatives required the presence of a hydroxyl moiety and increased directly with the degree of chlorination. Coplanarity was not a determining factor for PCBOH I compounds. ARO activated succinate + valinomycin swelling at low concentrations (3-25 nmol/mg protein) but inhibited at higher concentrations (greater than 40 nmol/mg). Activating concentrations of ARO potentiated the influence of PCBOHs on mitochondria. The uncoupling effects of the PCBOHs and ARO involved permeability changes of the inner membrane, respiratory inhibition, or combinations of both.     

Mutagenic activities of cyclophosphamide (NSC-26271) and its main metabolites in Salmonella typhimurium, human peripheral lymphocytes and Chinese hamster ovary cells

Cyclophosphamide (CPA) and its main metabolites were analyzed with respect to their mutagenic activities in Salmonella, human peripheral lymphocytes (PL), and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. In Salmonella, the compounds were activated with S9 mix from rat livers, which were unstimulated or stimulated with Aroclor 1254 or phenobarbital. For the enzyme inducers the following order of efficiency was found for all test compounds except carboxyphosphamide: phenobarbital greater than Aroclor 1254 greater than non-induced. The most potent mutagens in all 3 test systems were 4-OH-CPA, PAM and nor-HN2. S9 mix transforms 4-OH-CPA to strong mutagenic compounds in the Salmonella assay. All metabolites tested in the Salmonella assay were activated by S9 mix to higher mutagenic potential.     

不同植被恢复模式下中亚热带黄壤坡地土壤微量元素效应

以武陵山区女儿寨小流域为例,研究了中亚热带黄壤坡地7种典型植被恢复模式下土壤微量元素有效性及其与土壤有机质、pH值之间的关系.结果表明： 0～20 cm土层荒草灌丛的B、Mn含量、油桐人工林Mo、Cu含量、杜仲人工林Zn含量和毛竹 杉木混交林Fe含量最高;20～40 cm土层润楠次生林B、Fe、Mn含量、荒草灌丛模式Mo含量、油桐人工林Zn含量和杜仲人工林Cu含量最高;毛竹 杉木混交林B、Mo、Cu、Mn含量在各层土壤均最低.各元素有效性指数以Mn最高,Cu最低,排序为Mn>Zn>Fe>Mo>B>Cu;土壤微量元素有效性综合指数以荒草灌丛模式最高(12.28),毛竹 杉木混交林最低(2.95),排序为Ⅶ>Ⅴ>Ⅲ>Ⅳ＞Ⅰ＞Ⅱ＞Ⅵ.土壤有机质含量与B、Zn有效态含量之间线性关系显著,二次多项式亦可较好地描述有机质与有效态Mn之间的关系,而有机质与Mo、Fe、Cu之间曲线回归关系不显著.土壤pH值与土壤Zn、Cu呈显著正相关,与Mn、Mo也有较好的相关性,而与B相关性较低,与Fe为弱负相关.     

Disruption of the Thyroid System by the Thyroid-Disrupting Compound Aroclor 1254 in Juvenile Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of persistent organochlorine compounds that have the potential to disrupt the homeostasis of thyroid hormones (THs) in fish, particularly juveniles. In this study, thyroid histology, plasma TH levels, and iodothyronine deiodinase (IDs, including ID₁, ID₂, and ID₃) gene expression patterns were examined in juvenile Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) following 25- and 50- day waterborne exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of a commercial PCB mixture, Aroclor 1254 (10, 100, and 1000 ng/L) with two-thirds of the test solutions renewed daily. The results showed that exposure to Aroclor 1254 for 50 d increased follicular cell height, colloid depletion, and hyperplasia. In particular, hypothyroidism, which was induced by the administration of 1000 ng/L Aroclor 1254, significantly decreased plasma TT₄, TT₃, and FT₃ levels. Profiles of the changes in mRNA expression levels of IDs were observed in the liver and kidney after 25 and 50 d PCB exposure, which might be associated with a reduction in plasma THs levels. The expression level of ID₂ mRNA in the liver exhibited a dose-dependent increase, indicating that this ID isotype might serve as sensitive and stable indicator for thyroid-disrupting chemical (TDC) exposure. Overall, our study confirmed that environmentally relevant concentrations of Aroclor 1254 cause significant thyroid disruption, with juvenile Japanese flounder being suitable candidates for use in TDC studies.