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Effects of Dibenzo-p-Dioxins/Dibenzofurans on Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Histopathology of the Body Wall of Earthworm Eisenia andrei: a Potential Biomarker for Ecotoxicity Monitoring

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Abstract

The polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are persistent environmental pollutants. Recently, there have been an increasing demand to assess different biomarkers as early alarming indicators of environmental pollution. This study is the first to investigate the effects of PCDD/Fs on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and histopathology of the body wall (epidermis, circular, and longitudinal muscles) of earthworm Eisenia andrei (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) using acute filter paper toxicity test. It is also exploring the selected biomarkers as a potential tool for evaluating soil quality. Earthworms were exposed to 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 ng/cm2 PCDD/Fs. The treated worms expressed progressive abnormal morphological signs with incrementing doses of dioxins, such as coiling, curling, and body swelling. At the highest dose, some worms demonstrated skin discoloration, loss of body segmentation, and body part detachment. The AChE activity was significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in all treated animals compared to control. The mixture induced circular muscle hyperplasia at 0.5 ng/cm2. However, the mixture at 1.5 ng/cm2 caused epidermal atrophy with cell pyknosis and necrosis in all layers of the body wall. Image analysis revealed significant reduction in the thickness of the epidermis (p < 0.001) at all doses with relative to control. Herein, we report that 48 h of acute exposure of E. andrei to dioxins/furans induced morphological changes, reduced the activity of AChE, and induced histopathological alterations. The outcomes can be utilized as endpoints that could be added to earthworm’s standardized short tests for ecotoxicity studies.

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Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by a research grant [No. 20150303] from Jordan University of Science and Technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan

    Shreen Deeb Nusair

  2. Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

    Yousef Sa’id Abu Zarour

  3. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

    Ahmad A. Altarifi

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  1. Shreen Deeb Nusair
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Correspondence to Shreen Deeb Nusair.

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Nusair, S.D., Abu Zarour, Y.S. & Altarifi, A.A. Effects of Dibenzo-p-Dioxins/Dibenzofurans on Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Histopathology of the Body Wall of Earthworm Eisenia andrei: a Potential Biomarker for Ecotoxicity Monitoring. Water Air Soil Pollut 228, 266 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-017-3448-8

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