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Linking cortisol response with gene expression in fish exposed to gold nanoparticles
M Teles1, A M V M Soares2, L Tort3
1CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) exposure activated the fish hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis, increasing cortisol levels and altering gene expression in the head kidney, indicating a stress response. Different nanoparticle coatings induced distinct molecular responses.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Fish physiology
- Nanoparticle research
Background:
- Environmental stressors trigger adaptive responses in fish, including activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis and cortisol release.
- Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) are increasingly prevalent environmental contaminants, necessitating an understanding of their biological impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) on the HPI axis and associated gene expression in the marine teleost, gilthead sea bream.
- To determine if AuNP exposure elicits an acute stress response and how different nanoparticle coatings influence these effects.
Main Methods:
- Gilthead sea bream were exposed to varying concentrations of 40nm spherical AuNP with citrate or PVP coatings for 96 hours.
- Plasma cortisol and glucose levels were measured, and mRNA levels of target genes in the head kidney were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Exposure to high concentrations of AuNP-citrate and AuNP-PVP elevated plasma cortisol levels.
- AuNP modulated gene expression related to oxidative stress, repair, immunity, and apoptosis in the head kidney.
- Distinct response patterns were observed between citrate and PVP coatings, with AuNP-PVP showing an inverted U-shaped dose-response.
Conclusions:
- Gold nanoparticles activate the fish HPI axis, leading to increased cortisol and altered molecular marker expression in the head kidney.
- Nanoparticle coating significantly influences the toxicological effects and stress response pathways in fish.
