Transcriptomics Analysis of the Toxicological Impact of Enrofloxacin in an Aquatic Environment on the Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Abstract

Enrofloxacin is an important antimicrobial drug that is widely used in aquaculture. Enrofloxacin residues can have negative effects on aquatic environments and animals. The toxicological effects of different concentrations of enrofloxacin residues in cultured water on Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) were compared. A histological analysis of the E. sinensis hepatopancreas demonstrated that the hepatopancreas was damaged by the different enrofloxacin residue concentrations. The hepatopancreas transcriptome results revealed that 1245 genes were upregulated and that 1298 genes were downregulated in the low-concentration enrofloxacin residue group. In the high-concentration enrofloxacin residue group, 380 genes were upregulated, and 529 genes were downregulated. The enrofloxacin residues led to differentially expressed genes related to the immune system and metabolic processes in the hepatopancreas of the Chinese mitten crab, such as the genes for alkaline phosphatase, NF-kappa B inhibitor alpha, alpha-amylase, and beta-galactosidase-like. The gene ontology terms “biological process” and “molecular function” were enriched in the carboxylic acid metabolic process, DNA replication, the synthesis of RNA primers, the transmembrane transporter activity, the hydrolase activity, and the oxidoreductase activity. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis determined that the immune and metabolic signal transduction pathways were significantly enriched. Furthermore, the nonspecific immune enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) and the metabolic enzyme system played a role in the enrofloxacin metabolism in the E. sinensis hepatopancreas. These findings helped us to further understand the basis of the toxicological effects of enrofloxacin residues on river crabs and provided valuable information for the better utilization of enrofloxacin in aquatic water environments.

Effects of Prometryn Exposure on Hepatopancreas Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Flora in Eriocheir sinensis (Crustacea: Decapoda)

“…In this study, 20 d of exposure to prometryn disrupted the structure of hepatic tubules and caused lumen swelling, which was similar to the results of our previous acute toxicity research [ 34 ], again proving the susceptibility of E. sinensis to exogenous herbicides. A similar pathology was observed in the hepatopancreas of E. sinensis after enrofloxacin exposure [ 63 ]. In addition, prometryn exposure significantly altered the structure of the intestinal morphology including shorter intestinal villi and thinner muscle layer, which is an important indicator of intestinal barrier function [ 64 ].…”

Occurrence, Bioaccumulation, Metabolism and Ecotoxicity of Fluoroquinolones in the Aquatic Environment: A Review

“…Liu et al [ 199 ] observed that exposure to 0.4 mg/L NOR for 7 days resulted in significant damage to the testicular DNA of male C. auratus ; a parallel effect was noted in embryos of embryos of D. rerio [ 202 ]. Additionally, heightened concentrations of ENR induce a differential expression of genes related to the immune system and metabolism in the hepatopancreas of Eriocheir sinensis (genes for alkaline phosphatase, NF-kappa B inhibitor alpha, alpha-amylase, and beta-galactosidase-like) [ 203 ]. Furthermore, research has unveiled that FQs impact not only the replication and transcription of enzyme genes but also have the potential to induce the generation of drug-resistant bacteria and promote the production of resistant genes.…”