Genotoxic effects of cadmium and influence on fitness components of Lymantria dispar caterpillars.
The current study extends our previous findings concerning the sensitivity of Lymantria dispar larvae to cadmium in light of ecotoxicological risk assessment. Here we report the results of the comet assay performed for the first time on this species. We examined the chronic effects of two cadmium concentrations (50 and 100 μg Cd/g dry food) on DNA integrity and haemocyte viability, as well as on fitness-related traits (larval mass and development duration parameters). All parameters were assessed individually and then used to calculate the integrated biomarker response (IBR) index. Egg-masses of L. dispar were collected from two locations in Serbia - the uncontaminated Homolje mountains and a metal-polluted area near Bor copper mines, smelter and refinery. Distinctive patterns in the response of these populations to cadmium exposure were noticed. In haemocytes of larvae from the pollution-free location both cadmium treatments increased the level of DNA damage, although in a similar range. Haemocyte viability and larval mass were reduced, while duration of the fourth instar and total development time were prolonged in a concentration-dependent manner. Cadmium tolerance was noticeable in the population from the metal-contaminated site at all organizational levels. Nevertheless, haemocyte viability in that population was reduced by the stronger treatment. Haemocyte viability was recognized as a promising biomarker due to the evident response of both populations to dietary cadmium. Genotoxicity, fitness-related traits and the IBR index could be used for biomonitoring of sensitive populations not previously exposed to metals.
University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia. Electronic address: dragana.matic@ibiss.bg.ac.rs.
Dragana
D
Matić
University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia.
Milena
M
Vlahović
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Chair of Microbiology, Center for Genotoxicology and Ecogenotoxicology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Stoimir
S
Kolarević
University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia.
Vesna
V
Perić Mataruga
University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia.
Larisa
L
Ilijin
University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia.
Marija
M
Mrdaković
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Chair of Microbiology, Center for Genotoxicology and Ecogenotoxicology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Branka
B
Vuković Gačić
D000818:Animals; D002104:Cadmium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D020552:Comet Assay; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D006434:Hemocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects; D009036:Moths / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D002104:Cadmium
Cadmium; Comet assay; Fitness-related traits; Haemocyte viability; Lymantria dispar