Obesogens in the aquatic environment: an evolutionary and toxicological perspective

Abstract

The rise of obesity in humans is a major health concern of our times, affecting an increasing proportion of the population worldwide. It is now evident that this phenomenon is not only associated with the lack of exercise and a balanced diet, but also due to environmental factors, such as exposure to environmental chemicals that interfere with lipid homeostasis. These chemicals, also known as obesogens, are present in a wide range of products of our daily life, such as cosmetics, paints, plastics, food cans and pesticide-treated food, among others. A growing body of evidences indicates that their action is not limited to mammals. Obesogens also end up in the aquatic environment, potentially affecting its ecosystems. In fact, reports show that some environmental chemicals are able to alter lipid homeostasis, impacting weight, lipid profile, signaling pathways and/or protein activity, of several taxa of aquatic animals. Such perturbations may give rise to physiological disorders and disease. Although largely unexplored from a comparative perspective, the key molecular components implicated in lipid homeostasis have likely appeared early in animal evolution. Therefore, it is not surprising that the obesogen effects are found in other animal groups beyond mammals. Collectively, data indicates that suspected obesogens impact lipid metabolism across phyla that have diverged over 600 million years ago. Thus, a consistent link between environmental chemical exposure and the obesity epidemic has emerged. This review aims to summarize the available information on the effects of putative obesogens in aquatic organisms, considering the similarities and differences of lipid homeostasis pathways among metazoans, thus contributing to a better understanding of the etiology of obesity in human populations. Finally, we identify the knowledge gaps in this field and we set future research priorities.

Shotgun lipidomics and mass spectrometry imaging unveil diversity and dynamics in Gammarus fossarum lipid composition

“…As a result of anthropogenic activities, especially the intense use of chemical products, various kinds of pollutants are continuously released into the aquatic environment. Increasing evidence has shown that some of these pollutants are endocrine disrupting chemicals, also referred to as obesogens, which could interfere lipid homeostasis and cause toxic effects on a number of aquatic animal species (Capitao, et al, 2017;Fuertes, et al, 2020). Therefore, it is highly desirable to get retrospective and prospective comprehensive profiles of the lipidome in sentinel organisms in order to understand which, and how, the lipid species could be altered by chemical pollutants and to further assess the ecological risk incurred by the contaminated aquatic environment.…”

Of Retinoids and Organotins: The Evolution of the Retinoid X Receptor in Metazoa

“…Besides natural ligands, RXRs have also been shown to be exploited by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are substances with the potential to alter endocrine functions causing physiological imbalances, leading to developmental, reproductive, and metabolic defects [38][39][40]. The organotins tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) were extensively used as biocides in anti-fouling paints, being now persistent organic pollutants in aquatic environments [41]. These compounds serve as a significant example, with TBT-dependent activation of gastropod mollusc RXRs suggested as the prime cause of imposex development [24,26].…”

Shotgun lipidomics and mass spectrometry imaging unveil diversity and dynamics in lipid composition inGammarus fossarum

“…As a result of anthropogenic activities, especially the intense use of chemical products, various kinds of pollutants are continuously released into the aquatic environment. Increasing evidence has shown that some of these pollutants are endocrine disrupting chemicals, also referred to as obesogens, which could interfere lipid homeostasis and cause toxic effects on a number of aquatic animal species (Capitao, et al, 2017; Fuertes, et al, 2020). Therefore, it is highly desirable to get retrospective and prospective comprehensive profiles of the lipidome in sentinel organisms in order to understand which and how the lipid species could be altered by chemical pollutants, and to further assess the ecological risk incurred by the contaminated aquatic environment.…”