A Metabolomic Analysis to Assess the Responses of the Male Gonads of Mytilus galloprovincialis after Heavy Metal Exposure

Abstract

In recent years, metabolomics has become a valuable new resource in environmental monitoring programs based on the use of bio-indicators such as Mytilus galloprovincialis. The reproductive system is extremely susceptible to the effects of environmental pollutants, and in a previous paper, we showed metabolomic alterations in mussel spermatozoa exposed to metal chlorides of copper, nickel, and cadmium, and the mixture with these metals. In order to obtain a better overview, in the present work, we evaluated the metabolic changes in the male gonad under the same experimental conditions used in the previous work, using a metabolomic approach based on GC-MS analysis. A total of 248 endogenous metabolites were identified in the male gonads of mussels. Statistical analyses of the data, including partial least squares discriminant analysis, enabled the identification of key metabolites through the use of variable importance in projection scores. Furthermore, a metabolite enrichment analysis revealed complex and significant interactions within different metabolic pathways and between different metabolites. Particularly significant were the results on pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, which highlighted the complex and interconnected nature of these biochemical processes in mussel gonads. Overall, these results add new information to the understanding of how certain pollutants may affect specific physiological functions of mussel gonads.

Potential Causal Association between Plasma Metabolites, Immunophenotypes, and Female Reproductive Disorders: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis

“…This suggests that dietary modifications and mannose-targeted therapies could be effective GDM management strategies. Moreover, the impact of environmental factors [56][57][58] must be considered in the broader context of GDM etiology. Given these findings, future research should A growing number of studies have explored the genetic and metabolic basis of GDM, spurred by its rising prevalence and role in the global upswing of T2D.…”

“…This suggests that dietary modifications and mannose-targeted therapies could be effective GDM management strategies. Moreover, the impact of environmental factors [56][57][58] must be considered in the broader context of GDM etiology. Given these findings, future research should focus on larger sample sizes and more diverse populations to validate the observed relationships and to explore the underlying mechanisms.…”

Multiomics Reveals the Microbiota and Metabolites Associated with Sperm Quality in Rongchang Boars

“…This finding implies that the gut microbiota may modulate folate utilization by influencing the activity of key enzymes involved in folate metabolism, consequently impacting DNA synthesis and spermatogenesis. Furthermore, akin to gluconolactone’s role in nucleic acid biosynthesis, an unfavorable environment with exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides [ 53 ], heavy metals [ 54 , 55 ], and other pollutants [ 56 ] can directly compromise sperm DNA integrity. Hence, fostering a favorable living environment is pivotal to preserving optimal reproductive health in boars.…”