Assessment of tributyltin contamination based on imposex in Stramonita rustica (Mollusca: Gastropoda) along southern Bahia coast, northeastern Brazil / Avaliação da contaminação por tributil-estanho baseada em imposex em Stramonita rustica (Mollusca: Gastropoda) ao longo do Litoral Sul da Bahia

Abstract This study investigated the effects of tributyltin (TBT) on the morphology of the genital system of the gastropod Stramonita rustica in southern Bahia, Brazil. For this, 330 specimens were collected during the summer of 2014 at eight sampling points to ascertain whether male sex organs had developed in addition to the complete female genital tract in females (= imposex). The analyses were made under a stereoscopic microscope. Imposex and their associated indexes, and the sterile females, exhibited the highest rates in harbors and shipyards areas. Despite the total ban of TBT in anti-fouling paints on a global scale since 2003, the results of this and other studies indicate the continued use of those paints on the Brazilian coast. This shows the inefficiency of existing legislation and the need to strengthen enforcement of the ban.

Resumo Este estudo investigou os efeitos de tributil-estanho (TBT) sobre a morfologia do sistema genital do gastrópode Stramonita rustica (Lamarck, 1822) no Litoral Sul da Bahia, Brasil. Para isso, 330 espécimens foram coletados durante o verão de 2014 em oito pontos de amostragem, para verificar se os órgãos sexuais masculinos tinham se desenvolvido para além do trato genital feminino completo (= imposex). As análises foram feitas sob um microscópio estereoscópico. O imposex e seus índices associados, assim como as fêmeas estéreis, apresentaram as maiores taxas em áreas portuárias e estaleiros. Apesar da proibição total do TBT em tintas anti-incrustantes em escala global desde 2003, os resultados deste e de outros estudos indicam a continuidade de uso dessas tintas na costa brasileira. Isso mostra a ineficácia da legislação vigente e reforça a necessidade de se cumprir integralmente o banimento.

Biotransformation of Tributyltin chloride by Pseudomonas stutzeri strain DN2

A bacterial isolate capable of utilizing tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) as sole carbon source was isolated from estuarine sediments of west coast of India and identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri based on biochemical tests and Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis. This isolate was designated as strain DN2. Although this bacterial isolate could resist up to 3 mM TBTCl level, it showed maximum growth at 2 mM TBTCl in mineral salt medium (MSM). Pseudomonas stutzeri DN2 exposed to 2 mM TBTCl revealed significant alteration in cell morphology as elongation and shrinkage in cell size along with roughness of cell surface. FTIR and NMR analysis of TBTCl degradation product extracted using chloroform and purified using column chromatography clearly revealed biotransformation of TBTCl into Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTCl2) through debutylation process. Therefore, Pseudomonas stutzeri strain DN2 may be used as a potential bacterial strain for bioremediation of TBTCl contaminated aquatic environmental sites.

Imposex en Voluta musica (Caenogastropoda: Volutidae) en el Noreste de la Península de Araya, Venezuela / Imposex in Voluta musica (Caenogastropoda: Volutidae) from Northeastern Península de Araya, Venezuela

Voluta musica is a dioecious marine gastropod endemic of the South Caribbean. Tributyltin (TBT) and copper (Cu) are potential inducers of imposex, an endocrine disorder by which females develop a penis and/or vas deferens. The goal of this work was to determine the imposex incidence in V. musica populations from Northeastern Península de Araya. For this, we selected three sites (Isla Caribe, Isla Lobos and Bajo Cuspe) and made monthly samplings of 15 snails in each site, during one year, and determined: (1) sizes; (2) sex and imposex incidence and (3) the Relative Penis Length Index (RPLI). We also performed histological analysis of the gonads, and measured TBT and Cu concentrations in sediments from the studied localities. Our results showed that the total number of sampled females affected by imposex was 24.5% at Isla Caribe, 12% at Isla Lobos, and none at Bajo Cuspe. In sediments, Cu was detected mostly in Isla Lobos. The female gonads with imposex did not show any development of male cells in any of the sampled sites. The higher percentage of females with imposex matched with the higher boat traffic locality, and higher TBT level (Isla Caribe). No esterilization was evident in this work, nevertheless, the presence of TBT and Cu in the sediments and females with imposex were considered as a potential threat to V. musica populations in this region. In Venezuela there is no control over this particular issue, possibly because of the lack of information and research in this topic, but certainly, this information will be useful in biodiversity conservation policies.

Voluta musica es un gasterópodo dioico endémico del Caribe sur. El TBT y el Cu, son potenciales causantes del imposex, fenómeno donde las hembras desarrollan un pene y/o vaso deferente. El objetivo fue determinar la incidencia de imposex en V. musica en el noreste de la Península de Araya. Se seleccionaron tres localidades y se captura-ron mensualmente 15 individuos durante un año para determinar: (1) talla de los individuos; (2) sexo y presencia de imposex; (3) índice Largo Relativo del Pene (RPLI). Se realizó histología de la gónada de los individuos. Se determinó TBT y Cu en el sedimento de cada localidad. En Isla Caribe, el 24.5% de las hembras presentó imposex, y se halló 3.9ngSn/g de TBT; en Isla Lobos, el 12% de las hembras desarrollaron imposex; en Bajo del Cuspe no se observó imposex. Se halló Cu en mayor concentración en Isla Lobos. Las gónadas femeninas con imposex no demos-traron masculinización. El mayor porcentaje de imposex coincide con la localidad de mayor tráfico de embarcacio-nes y con mayor nivel de TBT (Isla Caribe). No se eviden-ció esterilización, sin embargo la presencia de TBT, Cu e imposex son potenciales amenazas para las poblaciones de V. musica en la región. Hasta ahora, en Venezuela no se está tomando ninguna medida de control sobre este tema en particular, posiblemente por la escasez de información y orientación de las investigaciones hacia este tema, pero que sin duda se debería tomar en cuenta en las políticas para la conservación de la biodiversidad.

Tributyltin increases the expression of apoptosis- and adipogenesis-related genes in rat ovaries / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Tributyltin (TBT), an endocrine disrupting chemical, has been reported to decrease ovarian function by causing apoptosis in the ovary, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, we examined whether TBT increases the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary and the increased expression of these genes is associated with apoptosis induction. METHODS: Three-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered TBT (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight) or sesame oil as a control for 7 days. The ovaries were obtained and weighed on day 8, and then they were fixed for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) or frozen for RNA extraction. Using the total RNA of the ovaries, adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The ovarian weight was significantly decreased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT compared to that in control rats. As determined by the TUNEL assay, the number of apoptotic follicles in ovary was significantly increased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT. The real-time PCR results showed that the expression of adipogenesis-related genes such as PPARgamma, aP2, CD36, and PEPCK was increased after TBT administration. In addition, apoptosis-related genes such as TNFalpha and TNFR1 were expressed more in the TBT-administered rats compared with the control rats. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that TBT induces the expression of adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes in the ovary leading to apoptosis in the ovarian follicles. These results suggest that the increased expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary by TBT exposure might induce apoptosis resulting in a loss of ovarian function.

Tributyltin increases the expression of apoptosis- and adipogenesis-related genes in rat ovaries / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Tributyltin (TBT), an endocrine disrupting chemical, has been reported to decrease ovarian function by causing apoptosis in the ovary, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, we examined whether TBT increases the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary and the increased expression of these genes is associated with apoptosis induction. METHODS: Three-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered TBT (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight) or sesame oil as a control for 7 days. The ovaries were obtained and weighed on day 8, and then they were fixed for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) or frozen for RNA extraction. Using the total RNA of the ovaries, adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The ovarian weight was significantly decreased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT compared to that in control rats. As determined by the TUNEL assay, the number of apoptotic follicles in ovary was significantly increased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT. The real-time PCR results showed that the expression of adipogenesis-related genes such as PPARgamma, aP2, CD36, and PEPCK was increased after TBT administration. In addition, apoptosis-related genes such as TNFalpha and TNFR1 were expressed more in the TBT-administered rats compared with the control rats. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that TBT induces the expression of adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes in the ovary leading to apoptosis in the ovarian follicles. These results suggest that the increased expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary by TBT exposure might induce apoptosis resulting in a loss of ovarian function.

Triorganotin as a compound with potential reproductive toxicity in mammals

Organotin compounds are typical environmental contaminants and suspected endocrine-disrupting substances, which cause irreversible sexual abnormality in female mollusks, called "imposex". However, little is known about the capability of triorganotin compounds, such as tributyltin and triphenyltin, to cause disorders in the sexual development and reproductive functions of mammals, including humans and rodents. Moreover, these compounds can act as potential competitive inhibitors of aromatase enzyme and other steroidogenic enzymes, affecting the reproductive capacity of male and female mammals. In this review, we discuss the cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms by which triorganotin compounds induce adverse effects in the mammalian reproductive function.

Activity of Tri-N-Butyl Tin maleate in carpets against Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger, verified through two methodologies: Inhibition Halo (HZ) and Inhibition Surface (Print) / Atividade de tri-n-butyl tin maleate em carpetes contra Staphylococcus aureus e Aspergillus niger, verificada através de duas metodologias: Zona de Inibição (ZI) e Superfície de Inibição (Impressão)

The aim of the present study was to verify the activity of the Tri-N-Butyl Tin maleate compound against Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger, after its industrial application in 40 samples of carpets of different materials (polypropylene, polyester, polyamide and wool). The qualitative assays were performed through two methodologies: Inhibition Halo (HZ) and Inhibition of Surface (Print). The carpet with the product inhibited 100 percent of bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi (Aspergillus niger) growth, under the conditions of this study. The microbial inhibition was higher in upper portion of carpets. The methodologies employed appear to be adequate to test the bactericide and fungicide activities of the Tri-N-Butyl Tin maleate. The print methodology confirmed the results obtained by the inhibition zone assay. Further studies using the same methodologies are needed to confirm our results.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a atividade do composto maleato de estanho tri-n-butílico contra Staphylococcus aureus e Aspergillus niger, após sua aplicação industrial em 40 amostras de carpetes de diferentes materiais (polipropileno, poliéster, poliamida e lã). Os ensaios qualitativos foram realizados através de duas metodologias: Zona de Inibição (ZI) e Superfície de Inibição (Impressão). Os carpetes tratados com o produto apresentaram 100 por cento de inibição de crescimento bacteriano (Staphylococcus aureus) e fúngico (Aspergillus niger), sob as condições desse estudo. A inibição de crescimento microbiano foi mais elevada na porção superior dos carpetes. As metodologias empregadas parecem ser adequadas para testar a atividade bactericida e fungicida do maleato de estanho tri-n-butílico. A metodologia de impressão confirmou os resultados obtidos no ensaio de zona de inibição. Estudos futuros utilizando as mesmas metodologias são necessários para confirmação destes dados.

Effects of tributyl-tin on a marine microalga, Tetraselimis suecica.

Marine pollutants induce changes in microalgal metabolism. In this study effects of tributyl-tin chloride (TBTCl) on a marine microalga Tetraselmis suecica was studied. The changes induced by TBTCI on growth rate, viability and biochemicals were assessed. In acute exposure to TBTCl, EC50 estimated for 24 hr was 2.02 microg ml(-1), whereas total lethality was observed at 4 microg ml(-1). In chronic exposure to TBTCl, at higher concentrations (0.5-1 microg ml(-1)) growth rate, chlorophyll pigments, carbohydrate and protein contents were reduced. The results of this study indicate that TBTCl toxicity made drastic changes in growth and biochemical composition of T. suecica.

Effectiveness of house dust mite acaricide tri-n-butyl tin maleate on carpets, fabrics and mattress foam: a standardization of methodology

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a eficácia do acaricida maleato de estanho tri-n-butílico, aplicado industrialmente em amostras de carpetes, tecidos de revestimentos de móveis e de calçados, assim como de espumas de colchão. Aproximadamente 100 ácaros adultos da espécie Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus foram inoculados em placa de Petri contendo a amostra (pedaço de colchão, tecido ou carpete), tratada com o produto acaricida, coletados aleatoriamente. Foi acrescentado sobre a amostra, meio de cultivo para a manutenção dos ácaros. Cada placa foi examinada após 1, 2, 3, 7 e 30 dias de incubação a 25 ºC e 75% de U.R.A. (umidade relativa do ar), sob microscópio estereoscópico com 40X de aumento. O acaricida maleato de estanho tri-n-butílico apresentou 100% de eficácia acaricida após 30 dias da aplicação, em condições ótimas para a manutenção dos ácaros.

Effects of tributyltin chloride (TBT) and triphenyltin chloride (TPT) on rat testicular Leydig cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of tributyltin chloride (TBT) and triphenyltin chloride (TPT) on rat testicular Leydig cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat Leydig cells (LC-540) were incubated with 0 to 80 nmol/L TBT and TPT for 24 to approximately 96 h, and then the cell viability was determined by MTT. DNA fragmentation ladder formation of cell apoptosis was examined by agarose electrophoresis. Effects of chelator of intracellular Ca2+ (BAPTA) and the inhibitors of PKA, PKC and TPK on cell apoptosis induced by TBT were observed. Effects of TBT on testosterone production in primary cultured rat Leydig cells treated with or without hCG were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>TBT and TPT suppressed Leydig cell survival in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The suppressive effects of TBT and TPT on the cell survival was caused by apoptosis which was determined by DNA ladder formation. The apoptotic effect of TBT was possibly mediated by the rise in intracellular Ca2+ because it could be blocked by BAPTA, the chelator of intracellular Ca2+; PKA, PKC and TPK inhibitors did not prevent the apoptotic effects induced by TBT. TBT markedly suppressed testosterone production of primary cultured rat Leydig cells with or without hCG stimulation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TBT and TPT induced apoptosis in rat testicular Leydig cells possibly through increasing intracellular Ca2+. TBT reduced the testosterone production of rat Leydig cells.</p>

Fouling coverage of a green tide alga, Ulva pertusa on some antifouling test surfaces exposed to Ayagin harbor waters, east coast of South Korea.

Toxic antifouling chemicals released into the seawaters leads to marine environmental degradation. In order to identify a nontoxic antifoulant, an assessment of antifouling (AF) efficacy of some AF candidates was made at Ayagin harbor, east coast of South Korea. In this static panel study conducted during October 2000-March 2001, some commercial antifoulants, seaweed and seagrass extracts were screened. On panel surfaces coated with a seaweed extract, Ishige okamurae exhibited effective AF activity. Ulva pertusa was encountered as a 'monospecific' fouler with fairly high fouling coverage on many of the test panel surfaces. In recent years the increased influx of inorganic pollutants in the coastal waters causes exorbitant growth of fouling marine algae found all along the Korean peninsula. Especially, a cosmopolitan ship fouling alga U. pertusa occur with high abundance. It was largely suggested that the proposed international ban on the toxic antifoulant tributyltin (TBT) had significant effect on the 'green tide' phenomenon occurring in different parts of the world. However, it appears that Korean scenario of 'green tide' is a localized. Antifouling efficacy of some AF coatings and fouling coverage of a green tide alga, U. pertusa are discussed.

Effects of Tributyltin Chloride on the Reproductive System in Pubertal Male Rats

Detrimental effects of tributyltin (TBT) chloride on the reproductive system were investigated in pubertal male rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats aged with 35 days were assigned to six different groups; negative control receiving vehicle, positive control receiving methyltestosterone (10 mg/kg B.W.), TBT chloride (5 mg/kg B.W., 10 mg/kg B.W., and 20 mg/kg B.W.), and a combination of TBT chloride (10 mg/kg B.W.) and flutamide (10 mg/kg B.W). The animals were treated with test compounds by oral gavage daily for 10 days and sacrificed on the next day of the final treatment. The treatment with TBT chloride at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg B.W. significantly decreased seminal vesicle weights, compared to the negative control. The combined treatment of TBT chloride and flutamide caused a significant decrease in accessory sex organ weights, compared to the control and TBT chloride treatments. The treatment with TBT chloride or in the combination with flutamide increased detached debris and sloughed cells in the tubules of epididymis and narrowed seminal vesicles. In addition, the combined treatment with TBT chloride and flutamide caused a noticeable increase in serum androgen level, compared to the negative control.These results suggest that TBT chloride exposed during pubertal period cause partial reproductive disorders in male rats.

Minimum effective release rate of antifoulants. 2. Effects of TBTCI, 2-furyl-n-pentyl ketone and coumaric acid at Snug harbor, Hawaii.

Minimum effective release rate (MERR) of three antifoulants was examined at Snug harbor, Hawaii using a dynamic diffusion system. Among the three antifoulants tested TBTCI was found to be effective in preventing the settlement of Hydroides elegans and Crisea sp at 0.5 microg cm(-2) d(-1) flux rate. At a maximum flux rate of 10 microg cm(-2) d(-1) of 2-furyl-n-pentyl ketone larval settlement of both the test species were 32-36% reduced. More or less similar effect was seen at 10 microg cm(-2) d(-1) of coumaric acid. Non-toxic antifoulants, 2-furyl-n-pentyl ketone and coumaric acid exhibit specific activity against target species. MERR obtainedfor the three antifoulants is discussed.

Interaction of EDTA with tributyltin induced cellular toxicity.

Tributyltin inhibited the growth of cells in concentration dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of tributyltin on E. coli was enhanced in the presence of metal ion chelator, EDTA. This was due to EDTA induced increase of permeability of bacterial cell envelope to tributyltin. In case of EDTA treated cells the rate of uptake of tributyltin was more pronounced as compared to control.

The effect of controlled release copper sulfate and tributyltin fluoride on the mortality and infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni miracidia.

The experiments were conducted to assess the effect of sublethal concentration of controlled release copper sulfate (EC-8) and tribultyltin fluoride (CBL-9B) on the mortality and infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni miracidia. It was found that LC50 and LC90 of EC-8 to the miracidia were 8.5 mg/l per hr and 15.75 mg/l per hr respectively. For CBL-9B, LC50 was 19.75 microgram/l per hr and LC90 was 32.0 microgram/l per hr. Exposing of the miracidia to 0.5 mg/l of EC-8 or 4.0 microgram/l of CBL-9B respectively, for only one hour can prevent their transmission to the snail host. The results indicate that immobilization of the free living stages of the schistosome parasite was not required to interrupt their transmission to the next hosts.