A multi-trial diagnostic tool in fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) skin biopsies of the Pelagos Sanctuary (Mediterranean Sea) and the Gulf of California (Mexico).
The main objective of this study was to apply a set of sensitive non-lethal biomarkers in skin biopsies of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) to evaluate the toxicological status of this mysticete in the Pelagos Sanctuary (Mediterranean Sea) and in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez-Mexico). We developed a "multi-trial diagnostic tool" (based on field and in vitro studies), combining molecular biomarkers (western blot of CYP1A1, CYP2B) and gene expression (qRT-PCR of HSP70, ERα, AHR, E2F-1) with the analysis of OCs, PAHs and PBDEs. The study revealed a higher level of toxicological stress in the Mediterranean fin whales.
Fossi
Maria Cristina
MC
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy. Fossi@unisi.it
Urban
Jorge
J
Casini
Silvia
S
Maltese
Silvia
S
Spinsanti
Giacomo
G
Panti
Cristina
C
Porcelloni
Serena
S
Panigada
Simone
S
Lauriano
Giancarlo
G
Niño-Torres
Carlos
C
Rojas-Bracho
Lorenzo
L
Jimenez
Begoña
B
Muñoz-Arnanz
Juan
J
Marsili
Letizia
L
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D015153:Blotting, Western; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D050617:Fin Whale; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D008297:Male; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D008800:Mexico; D012867:Skin; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D015415:Biomarkers; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical