DNA damage as an indicator of chronic stress: Correlations with corticosterone and uric acid

Gormally, Brenna M. G.; Fuller, Rory G.; McVey, Mitch; Romero, L. Michael

doi:10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.10.007

Cited by 39 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…Our study indicates water‐borne sampling requires additional research to determine the species‐specific physiological consequences of variation in water‐borne hormone levels. Our study also echoes concerns around the inconsistent pattern of corticosterone levels among life stages and species (Dickens & Romero, ; Gormally, Fuller, McVey, & Romero, ; Scott & Ellis, ). The interpretation of water‐borne hormone levels will depend upon physiological validation and demonstrated biological meaning.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

Water‐borne and plasma corticosterone are not correlated in spotted salamanders

Millikin

Woodley

Davis

et al. 2019

Ecology and Evolution

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Water‐borne hormone measurement is a noninvasive method suitable for amphibians of all sizes that are otherwise difficult to sample. For this method, containment‐water is assayed for hormones released by the animal. Originally developed in fish, the method has expanded to amphibians, but requires additional species‐specific validations. We wanted to determine physiological relevance of water‐borne corticosterone in spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) by comparing concentrations to those taken using established corticosterone sampling methods, such as plasma. Using a mixture of field and laboratory studies, we compared water‐borne corticosterone levels to other traditional methods of sampling corticosterone for spotted salamander larvae, metamorphs, and adults. Despite multiple attempts, and detecting differences between age groups, we found no correlations between water‐borne and plasma corticosterone levels in any age group. Water‐borne sampling measures a rate of release; whereas plasma is the concentration circulating in the blood. The unique units of measurement may inherently prevent correlations between the two. These two methods may also require different interpretations of the data and the physiological meaning. We also note caveats with the method, including how to account for differences in body size and life history stages. Collectively, our results illustrate the importance of careful validation of water‐borne hormone levels in each species in order to understand its physiological significance.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

Water‐borne and plasma corticosterone are not correlated in spotted salamanders

Millikin

Woodley

Davis

et al. 2019

Ecology and Evolution

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“…They were housed in male–female pairs in cages (45 cm × 37 cm × 33 cm), and provided seed, grit, and water ad libitum. Birds were permitted a minimum of 3 months of acclimation to stabilize glucocorticoid and fight‐or‐flight responses (Fischer et al, 2018; Gormally, Fuller, McVey, & Romero, 2019).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…All comet assays were performed using previously established methods (Gormally, Estrada et al, 2019; Gormally, Fuller et al, 2019). Briefly, whole blood samples were diluted in PBS (Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ free) and combined with low‐melt agarose (R&D Systems) at a 1:10 dilution.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beyond corticosterone: The acute stress response increases DNA damage in house sparrows

et al. 2020

Self Cite

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Although corticosterone (Cort) has been the predominant metric used to assess acute stress in birds, it does not always accurately reflect how an animal copes with a stressor. Downstream measurements may be more reliable. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that acute increases in DNA damage could be used to assess stressor exposure. Studies have shown DNA damage increases in response to stress‐related hormones in vitro; however, this has not yet been thoroughly applied in wild animals. We exposed house sparrows (Passer domesticus) to a 30‐ or 120‐min restraint stressor and took blood samples at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min to measure Cort, DNA damage, and uric acid. Both treatments increased DNA damage and Cort, and decreased uric acid. It thus appears that DNA damage can reflect acute stressor exposure. To improve the usability of DNA damage as a metric for stress, we also tested the impacts of sample storage on DNA damage. Leaving red blood cells on ice for up to 24 hr, only slightly influenced DNA damage. Freezing blood samples for 1–4 weeks substantially increased DNA damage. These findings emphasize the importance of reducing variation between samples by assaying them together whenever possible. Overall, these results indicate that assessing DNA damage is a valid method of assessing acute stressor exposure that is suitable for both laboratory‐ and field‐based studies; however, additional research is needed on the molecular dynamics of nucleated red blood cells, including whether and how their DNA is repaired.

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“…These changes include increase in circulating glucose and lactate levels, development of osmoregulatory disorders, and hematological and immunological changes [1, 2]. The persistence of these stressors, characterizing the tertiary response, may induce a significant impairment of well-being, negatively influencing physiological aspects such as immunity [3], behavior, and reproduction [2] in fish [4] and other species [5, 6, 7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of anesthetic tricaine on stress and reproductive aspects of South American silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) male

Teixeira

Marques

Rodrigues

et al. 2019

Preprint

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Anesthesia is a common practice used in fish research and aquaculture. For both applications, it is important to understand anesthetics effects on the animal and tissues of interest to ensure the validity of data and to improve animal welfare. Captive fish production is only possible with artificial reproduction, and it is known that manipulation is a stressor stimulus in fish. The most common method of determining fish stress responses is measuring the circulating level of cortisol. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations (100, 200, and 300 mg L-1) of the anesthetic tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) on cortisol levels and their influence on the sperm quality maintenance in Rhamdia quelen. After hormonal induction, 28 sexually mature males (average weight = 363.00 ± 71.24 g) were randomly distributed among treatments, and their semen and blood samples were collected. Anesthesia induction time, motility rate, sperm concentration and morphology, plasma cortisol levels, and reproductive hormones concentrations (testosterone, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, and estradiol) were evaluated. Anesthesia with 100 mg L-1 MS-222 presented a longer induction time than that with 200 and 300 mg L-1 MS-222. Sperm motility rate was significantly higher in the control than in the 300 mg L-1 treatment but did not differ among the control, 100, and 200 mg L-1 treatments. Estradiol level was significantly higher in non-anesthetized than in anesthetized fish, but plasma cortisol levels did not differ significantly between treatments (182.50 ± 42.03 ng mL-1). MS-222 anesthetizes fish by blocking the sodium channels, preventing the development of nerve action potentials. However, MS222 at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg L-1 did not prevent stress in South American silver catfish males. In addition, its use did not maintain sperm quality, as it impaired motility and decreased levels of plasma estradiol.

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DNA damage as an indicator of chronic stress: Correlations with corticosterone and uric acid

Cited by 39 publications

References 59 publications

Water‐borne and plasma corticosterone are not correlated in spotted salamanders

Water‐borne and plasma corticosterone are not correlated in spotted salamanders

Beyond corticosterone: The acute stress response increases DNA damage in house sparrows

Effects of anesthetic tricaine on stress and reproductive aspects of South American silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) male

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