Metabolic Responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis to Fullerenes in Mesocosm Exposure Experiments

In this study, Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were exposed through the diet to fullerene soot at three concentrations in parallel to a control group. Their metabolomics response was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS). The experiments were conducted in marine mesocosms, during 35 days (7 days of acclimatization, 21 days of exposure, and 7 days of depuration). Real conditions were emulated in terms of physicochemical conditions of the habitat. Results confirmed the bioaccumulation of fullerenes, and the metabolome of the exposed organisms revealed significant differences in the concentrations of seven free amino acids in comparison to the control group. An increase in small nonpolar amino acids (e.g., alanine) and branched chain amino acids (leucine and isoleucine) were observed. Also, glutamine concentrations decreased significantly, suggesting the activation of facultative anaerobic energy metabolism. Branched chain amino acids, such as leucine and isoleucine, followed the opposite trend after the highest level of exposure, which can imply hormesis effects. Other significant differences were observed on lipids content, such as the general increase of free fatty acids, i.e., long-chain fatty acids (lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids) when the concentration of exposure was increased. These results were consistent with hypoxia and oxidative stress.