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Estudo de ALP como biomarcador de disrupção endócrina em Mytilus galloprovincialis
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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
A wide range of compounds, continuously released into the aquatic environment and present in
complex mixtures, are able to interfere with the endocrine system of organisms causing adverse effects
on various levels. These chemicals, named ?endocrine disrupting compounds? (EDCs), include both
natural and synthetic estrogens, as well as a variety of estrogen-mimicking chemicals (xenoestrogens).
Such compounds include both natural (ex: estradiol) and synthetic (ex: ethinylestradiol) estrogens,
synthetic estrogenic compounds associated with detergents (ex: nonylphenol), plasticisers (ex:
bisphenol A), metals, as well as phytoestrogens, pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
These are usually associated with municipal and industrial wastewater discharges, and were detected
in freshwater, estuarine and marine environments, thus representing a potential hazard for aquatic
species.
Bivalves are important and abundant species of the aquatic ecosystems and susceptible to suffer
endocrine disruption. Xenoestrogens can affect particularly the reproductive functions through the
induction of vitellogenin-like (Vtg-like) proteins, which are precursors of energetic reserves in
embryonic development. These proteins are typically associated to females, presenting low levels in
males and juveniles. Hence, they have been proposed has a biomarker of endocrine disruption.
Recently, the levels of Vtg-like proteins were quantified in bivalves by an indirect method such as the
Alkali-labile Phosphates (ALP) assay. Several studies have proved its viability as a biomarker of ED,
revealing higher ALP concentrations especially in males and immature females, indicative of the
presence of environmental estrogens.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of EDCs in the south coast of Portugal, specifically
in harbours, marinas and main estuaries areas, using Vtg-like proteins as a biomarker of exposure to
xenoestrogenic compounds in mussels, through the use of the ALP assay in female and male gonads of
Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were sampled at eight sites along the Algarve coastal zone, in the
vicinity of the major urban areas, in comparison with mussels from a beach less exposed in terms of
anthropogenic influence.
Results indicate spatial and seasonal variability, and females showed generally higher ALP
concentrations than males. Mussels from Sagres (88.4?12.9?gPO
Description
Dissertação mest., Estudos Marinhos e Costeiros, Universidade do Algarve, 2009
Keywords
Teses Poluição da água Mexilhões Mytilus galloprovincialis Biomarcadores