Common and particular biochemical effects of gadolinium and yttrium in the bivalve mollusc Unio tumidus
Description
Environmental concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) are increasing rapidly due to their unique properties and widespread application in modern technologies. Since the biological effects of REEs are expected to be similar to those of essential metals, the goal of this study was to verify the impact of selected REEs on the zinc (Zn) related biochemical characteristics in the bivalve mollusc Unio tumidus. The mussels were treated with gadolinium (GdCl3, 30 nM) and yttrium (YCl3, 30 nM) for 14 days. The accumulation of Gd, Y, Zn (Zn t) in the tissue, level of metallothioneins (total MTSH and Zn-boind ZnMT) as well as the redox state and enzyme activities were analysed in the digestive gland. Molluscs accumulated the excess of Gd in the tissue, unlike Y in the corresponding exposure. Both exposures caused the signs of neurotoxicity indicated as choline esterase activity, and decreased the levels of Zn t, whereas the level of ZnMT was unchanged (Gd-group) or decreased (Y-group). In both exposures, the concentrations of GSH, GSSG, MTSH, NADH, and NAD+, as well as the NADH/NAD+ ratio increased dramatically, while lipid peroxidation (TBARS) decreased, attesting a reductive shift and antioxidant manifestations. Specific effects of the exposure to Gd was decrease in lysosomal integrity and depletion of caspase-3. IBRv2 indicated the higher magnitude of integrated response to Gd. These findings confirm the dependence of Zn functionality on REEs effect and can contribute to the assessment of REEs impact in the areas of concern.
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Institutions
- Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical UniversityTernopil, Ternopil