title: 1H NMR-Based Metabolomic Analysis of Sub-Lethal Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Exposure to the Earthworm, Eisenia fetida, in Soil.
abstract: 1H NMR-based metabolomics was used to measure the response of Eisenia fetida earthworms after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in soil. Earthworms were exposed to a range of PFOS concentrations (five, 10, 25, 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg) for two, seven and fourteen days. Earthworm tissues were extracted and analyzed by 1H NMR. Multivariate statistical analysis of the metabolic response of E. fetida to PFOS exposure identified time-dependent responses that were comprised of two separate modes of action: a non-polar narcosis type mechanism after two days of exposure and increased fatty acid oxidation after seven and fourteen days of exposure. Univariate statistical analysis revealed that 2-hexyl-5-ethyl-3-furansulfonate (HEFS), betaine, leucine, arginine, glutamate, maltose and ATP are potential indicators of PFOS exposure, as the concentrations of these metabolites fluctuated significantly. Overall, NMR-based metabolomic analysis suggests elevated fatty acid oxidation, disruption in energy metabolism and biological membrane structure and a possible interruption of ATP synthesis. These conclusions obtained from analysis of the metabolic profile in response to sub-lethal PFOS exposure indicates that NMR-based metabolomics is an excellent discovery tool when the mode of action (MOA) of contaminants is not clearly defined.
authors: Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada. brian.lankadurai@mail.utoronto.ca.
authors: Brian P
authors: BP
authors: Lankadurai
authors: Ontario Ministry of the Environment, 125 Resources Road, Toronto, Ontario M9P 3V6, Canada. vasile.furdui@ontario.ca.
authors: Vasile I
authors: VI
authors: Furdui
authors: Ontario Ministry of the Environment, 125 Resources Road, Toronto, Ontario M9P 3V6, Canada. eric.reiner@ontario.ca.
authors: Eric J
authors: EJ
authors: Reiner
authors: Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada. andre.simpson@utoronto.ca.
authors: André J
authors: AJ
authors: Simpson
authors: Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada. myrna.simpson@utoronto.ca.
authors: Myrna J
authors: MJ
authors: Simpson