Effects of diclofenac and caffeine on reproductive physiological adjustments of Astyanax altiparanae males (lambari-do-rabo-amarelo) (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae)

Author(s)

Filipe Guilherme Andrade de Godoi

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB)
• Defense date: 2019-10-08

Examining board members

Renata Guimarães Moreira Whitton; Maria Ines Borella; Fernando Ribeiro Gomes; Cassiana Carolina Montagner Raimundo

• Advisor: Renata Guimarães Moreira Whitton; Fabiana Laura Lo Nostro

Abstract

The contamination of the aquatic ecosystems caused by anthropogenic pollutants has enhanced the disturbance of the environment balance in a global scale. The overgrowing population and ageing increase the pharmaceuticals consumption, like diclofenac (DCF) and caffeine (CAF) characterized by the ubiquitous presence and persistence in the aquatic environments. The emerging concern behind these compounds is based on the pharmaceuticals mixtures that occur in the environment and the effects of these substances in the reproductive physiology of aquatic organisms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physiological reproductive adjustments of Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei: Characidae) males exposed to DCF and CAF, as well as, the potential synergism of these pharmaceuticals in the physiological responses of the animals. A. altiparanae is considered an important species in the ecological and social development context, also this species is currently used as biological model in ecotoxicological studies. The DCF and CAF decay were 5% of the total initial value (1 mgL-1) in 24 h, then the Range Finding Test (RFT) was carried out. The lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of the DCF and CAF for the species were 95,9 mgL-1 e 30,8 mgL-1, respectively. In the acute exposure (96h, using 10% of LC50), males exhibited a reduction of 17β Estradiol (E2) plasma concentration when exposed to DCF (3,08 mg.L-1) and CAF (9,5 mg.L-1). Similarly, the concentration of testosterone (T) was also reduced under DCF exposure, but this response was not observed in plasma 11 ketotestosterone (11-KT) concentration. Animals exposed to DCF+CAF did not show any difference in T, E2 e 11-KT plasma concentrations. The vitellogenin (vtg) gene expression was also measured but none of the treatments altered significantly the expression, as well as the spermatic concentration. Moreover, the acute exposure did not reveal any morphological alteration in liver and testes. The present study elucidated the effects of single pharmaceuticals in the male steroid profile of A. altiparane and the annul response caused by the mixture. Despite of the absence of interference in the vtg expression, as well as lack of damage within testes and liver, this study showed that pharmaceuticals can impact hormone profile. Considering the presence of mixtures in the environment and the importance of reproduction in species conservation, it is necessary to evaluate the impacts of drug mixtures on both acute and chronic exposures, as the toxic effects of drugs on the reproductive physiology of fish can be hidden by the mixtures (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/07139-5 - Adjustments on males reproductive physiology of Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei:Characidae) exposed to emerging compounds
• Grantee: Filipe Guilherme Andrade de Godoi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master