Anthelmintics in the environment: Their occurrence, fate, and toxicity to non-target organisms.

Anthelmintics are drugs used for the treatment and prevention of diseases caused by parasitic worms (helminths). While the importance of anthelmintics in human as well as in veterinary medicine is evident, they represent emerging contaminants of the environment. Human anthelmintics are mainly used in tropical and sub-tropical regions, while veterinary anthelmintics have become frequently-occurring environmental pollutants worldwide due to intensive agri- and aquaculture production. In the environment, anthelmintics are distributed in water and soil in relation to their structure and physicochemical properties. Consequently, they enter various organisms directly (e.g. plants, soil invertebrates, water animals) or indirectly through food-chain. Several anthelmintics elicit toxic effects in non-target species. Although new information has been made available, anthelmintics in ecosystems should be more thoroughly investigated to obtain complex knowledge on their impact in various environments. This review summarizes available information about the occurrence, behavior, and toxic effect of anthelmintics in environment. Several reasons why anthelmintics are dangerous contaminants are highlighted along with options to reduce contamination. Negative effects are also outlined.

The role of UDP-glycosyltransferases in xenobioticresistance.

Uridine diphosphate sugar-utilizing glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are an enzyme superfamily that catalyzes glycosyl residues transfer from activated nucleotide sugars to acceptor molecules. In addition to various endogenous compounds, numerous xenobiotics are substrates of UGTs. As the glycosides formed are generally less active/toxic and more hydrophilic than aglycones, UGTs effectively protect organisms from potentially harmful xenobiotics. Therefore, increased UGT expression and/or activity improve the protection of the organism and may contribute to the development of individuals that become more resistant to certain xenobiotics. While the function of UGTs in the resistance of human cancer cells to chemotherapy is now well known, other organisms and other xenobiotics have attracted much less attention. This review was designed to fill this knowledge gap by presenting complex information about the role of UGTs in xenobiotic-resistance in various organisms. This summarization and evaluation of the available information reveals that UGTs play an important role in defense against xenobiotics not only in humans, but in countless other organisms such as parasites, insects, and plants. Moreover, many recent studies clearly show the participation of UGTs in the resistance of nematodes to anthelmintics, insects to insecticides, weeds to herbicides as well as humans to various drugs (not only those used in cancer therapy but also in the treatment of epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and HIV infection). Nevertheless, although the contribution of UGTs to xenobiotic resistance in diverse organisms has become obvious, many pieces of information remain missing, for example with regard to the mechanisms of UGT regulation.

Benzimidazoles and Plants: Uptake, Transformation and Effect.

In recent years, there has been increasing concern over the environmental risks of the so called "Emerging pollutants (EPs)" that are defined as synthetic or naturally occurring chemicals that are not commonly monitored in the environment but which have the potential to enter the environment and cause adverse ecological and (or) human health effects [...].

Soybean (Glycine max) Is Able to Absorb, Metabolize and Accumulate Fenbendazole in All Organs Including Beans.

Although manure is an important source of minerals and organic compounds it represents a certain risk of spreading the veterinary drugs in the farmland and their permeation to human food. We tested the uptake of the anthelmintic drug fenbendazole (FBZ) by soybean, a common crop plant, from the soil and its biotransformation and accumulation in different soybean organs, including beans. Soybeans were cultivated in vitro or grown in a greenhouse in pots. FBZ was extensively metabolized in roots of in vitro seedlings, where sixteen metabolites were identified, and less in leaves, where only two metabolites were found. The soybeans in greenhouse absorbed FBZ by roots and translocated it to the leaves, pods, and beans. In roots, leaves, and pods two metabolites were identified. In beans, FBZ and one metabolite was found. FBZ exposure did not affect the plant fitness or yield, but reduced activities of some antioxidant enzymes and isoflavonoids content in the beans. In conclusion, manure or biosolids containing FBZ and its metabolites represent a significant risk of these pharmaceuticals entering food consumed by humans or animal feed. In addition, the presence of these drugs in plants can affect plant metabolism, including the production of isoflavonoids.

The Identification of Metabolites and Effects of Albendazole in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa).

Albendazole (ABZ), a widely used anthelmintic drug, enters the environment mainly via livestock excrements. To evaluate the environmental impact of ABZ, the knowledge of its uptake, effects and metabolism in all non-target organisms, including plants, is essential. The present study was designed to identify the metabolic pathway of ABZ and to test potential ABZ phytotoxicity in fodder plant alfalfa, with seeds and in vitro regenerants used for these purposes. Alfalfa was chosen, as it may meet manure from ABZ-treated animals in pastures and fields. Alfalfa is often used as a feed of livestock, which might already be infected with helminths. The obtained results showed that ABZ did not inhibit alfalfa seed germination and germ growth, but evoked stress and a toxic effect in alfalfa regenerants. Alfalfa regenerants were able to uptake ABZ and transform it into 21 metabolites. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed three new ABZ metabolites that have not been described yet. The discovery of the parent compound ABZ together with the anthelmintically active and instable metabolites in alfalfa leaves shows that the contact of fodder plants with ABZ-containing manure might represent not only a danger for herbivorous invertebrates, but also may cause the development of ABZ resistance in helminths.

The Uptake of Ivermectin and Its Effects in Roots, Leaves and Seeds of Soybean (Glycine max).

In recent years interest has grown in the occurrence and the effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment. The aim of this work is to evaluate the risk of fertilizing crops with manure from livestock treated with anthelmintics. The present study was designed to follow the fate of the commonly used anthelmintic drug, ivermectin (IVM) and its metabolites in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), a plant that is grown and consumed world-wide for its high content of nutritional and health-beneficial substances. In vitro plantlets and soybean plants, cultivated in a greenhouse, were used for this purpose. Our results showed the uptake of IVM and its translocation to the leaves, but not in the pods and the beans. Four IVM metabolites were detected in the roots, and one in the leaves. IVM exposure decreased slightly the number and weight of the beans and induced changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, the presence of IVM affected the proportion of individual isoflavones and reduced the content of isoflavones aglycones, which might decrease the therapeutic value of soybeans. Fertilization of soybean fields with manure from IVM-treated animals appears to be safe for humans, due to the absence of IVM in beans, the food part of plants. On the other hand, it could negatively affect soybean plants and herbivorous invertebrates.

Pharmaceuticals in environment: the effect of ivermectin on ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.).

The anthelmintic drug ivermectin (IVM), used frequently especially in veterinary medicine, enters the environment mainly via excrements in pastures and could negatively affect non-target organisms including plants. The present study was designed to follow up on our previous investigations into IVM metabolism and its effects in the common meadow plant ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) during long-term exposure of both cell suspensions and whole plant regenerants. IVM uptake, distribution, and biotransformation pathways were studied using UHPLC-MS analysis. In addition, the IVM effect on antioxidant enzymes activities, proline concentration, the content of all polyphenols, and the level of the main bioactive secondary metabolites was also tested with the goal of learning more about IVM-induced stress in the plant organism. Our results showed that the ribwort plantain was able to uptake IVM and transform it via demethylation and hydroxylation. Seven and six metabolites respectively were detected in cell suspensions and in the roots of regenerants. However, only the parent drug IVM was detected in the leaves of the regenerants. IVM accumulated in the roots and leaves of plants might negatively affect ecosystems due to its toxicity to herbivorous invertebrates. As IVM exposition increased the activity of catalase, the concentration of proline and polyphenols, as well as decreased the activity of ascorbate peroxidase and the concentration of the bioactive compounds acteoside and aucubin, long-term exposition of the ribwort plantain to IVM caused abiotic stress and might decrease the medicinal value of this herb.

The uptake, effects and biotransformation of monepantel in meadow plants used as a livestock feed.

Drugs are potentially dangerous environmental contaminants, as they are designed to have biological effects at low concentrations. Monepantel (MOP), an amino-acetonitrile derivative, is frequently used veterinary anthelmintics, but information about MOP environmental circulation and impact is almost non-existent. We studied the phytotoxicity, uptake and biotransformation of MOP in two fodder plants, Plantago lanceolata and Medicago sativa. The seeds and whole plant regenerants were cultivated with MOP. The plant roots and the leaves were collected after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks of cultivation. The lengths of roots and proline concentrations in the roots and leaves were measured to evaluate MOP phytotoxicity. The UHPLC-MS/MS technique with a Q-TOF mass analyser was used for the identification and semi-quantification of MOP and its metabolites. Our results showed no phytotoxicity of MOP. However, both plants were able to uptake, transport and metabolize MOP. Comparing both plants, the uptake of MOP was much more extensive in Medicago sativa (almost 10-times) than in Plantago lanceolate. Moreover, 9 various metabolites of MOP were detected in Medicago sativa, while only 7 MOP metabolites were found in Plantago lanceolata. Based on metabolites structures, scheme of the metabolic pathways of MOP in both plants was proposed. MOP and its main metabolite (MOP sulfone), both anthelmintically active, were present not only in roots but also in leaves that can be consumed by animals. This indicates the potential for undesirable circulation of MOP in the environment, which could lead to many pharmacological and toxicological consequences.

Ivermectin biotransformation and impact on transcriptome in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Veterinary drugs enter the environment in many ways and may affect non-target organisms, including plants. The present project was focused on the biotransformation of ivermectin (IVM), one of the mostly used anthelmintics, in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Our results certified the ability of plants to uptake IVM by roots and translocate it to the aboveground parts. Using UHPLC-MS/MS, six metabolites in roots and only the parent drug in rosettes were found after 24- and 72-h incubation of A. thaliana with IVM. The metabolites were formed only via hydroxylation and demethylation, with no IVM conjugates detected. Although IVM did not induce changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in A. thaliana rosettes, the expression of genes was significantly affected. Surprisingly, a higher number of transcripts, 300 and 438, respectively, was dysregulated in the rosettes than in roots. The significantly affected genes play role in response to salt, osmotic and water deprivation stress, in response to pathogens and in ion homeostasis. We hypothesize that the above described changes in gene transcription in A. thaliana resulted from disrupted ionic homeostasis caused by certain ionophore properties of IVM. Our results underlined the negative impact of IVM presence in the environment.

Phytotoxicity of ZnO/kaolinite nanocomposite-is anchoring the right way to lower environmental risk?

The importance of studies on photoactive zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) increases with increasing environmental pollution. Since the ZnO NPs (and NPs in general) also pose an environmental risk, and since an understanding of the risk is still not sufficient, it is important to prevent their spread into the environment. Anchoring on phyllosilicate particles of micrometric size is considered to be a useful way to address this problem, however, so far mainly on the basis of leaching tests in pure water. In the present study, the phytotoxicity of kaolinite/ZnO NP (10, 30, and 50 wt.%) nanocomposites in concentrations 10, 100, and 1000 mg/dm3 tested on white mustard (Sinapis alba) seedlings was found to be higher (relative lengths of roots are ~ 1.4 times lower) compared with seedlings treated with pristine ZnO NPs. The amount of Zn accumulated from the nanocomposites in white mustard tissues was ~ 2 times higher than can be expected based on the ZnO content in the nanocomposites compared with the ZnO content (100 wt.%) in pristine ZnO NPs. For the false fox-sedge (Carex otrubae) plants, the amount of Zn accumulated in roots and leaves was ~ 2.25 times higher and ~ 2.85 times higher, respectively, compared with that of the pristine ZnO NPs (with respect to the ZnO content). Increased phytotoxicity of the nanocomposites and higher uptake of Zn by plants from the nanocomposites in comparison with pristine ZnO NPs suggest that the immobilization of ZnO NPs on the kaolinite does not reduce the environmental risk.

The effect of nanoparticles on the photosynthetic pigments in cadmium-zinc interactions.

Heavy metal contamination, one of the greatest global problems, not only endangers humans and animals but also negatively affects plants. New trends, the production and industrial applications of metals in nanoforms, lead to release of large amounts of nanoparticles into the environment. However, the influence of nanoparticles on living organisms is not well understood. Cadmium is a heavy metal not essential for plants, and to its phytotoxicity also contributes its chemical similarity to zinc. It has been recorded that zinc at low concentrations reduces the toxicity of cadmium, but our results with ZnO nanoparticles did not proved it. In contrast, ZnO nanoparticles significantly increased the negative effect of cadmium, which was reflected mainly in changes in the content of photosynthetic pigments.

Metabolism of the anthelmintic drug fenbendazole in Arabidopsis thaliana and its effect on transcriptome and proteome.

Fenbendazole, a broad spectrum anthelmintic used especially in veterinary medicine, may impact non-target organisms in the environment. Nevertheless, information about the effects of fenbendazole in plants is limited. We investigated the biotransformation of fenbendazole and the effect of fenbendazole and its metabolites on gene expression in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. High-sensitive UHPLC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, RNA-microarray analysis together with qPCR verification and nanoLC-MS proteome analysis were used in this study. Twelve fenbendazole metabolites were identified in the roots and leaves of A. thaliana plants. Hydroxylation, S-oxidation and glycosylation represent the main fenbendazole biotransformation pathways. Exposure of A. thaliana plants to 5 µM fenbendazole for 24 and 72 h significantly affected gene and protein expression. The changes in transcriptome were more pronounced in the leaves than in roots, protein expression was more greatly affected in the roots at a shorter period of exposure (24 h) and in leaf rosettes over a longer period (72 h). Up-regulated (>2-fold change, p < 0.1) proteins are involved in various biological processes (electron transport, energy generating pathways, signal transduction, transport), and in response to stresses (e.g. catalase, superoxide dismutase, cytochromes P450, UDP-glycosyltransferases). Some of the proteins which were up-regulated after fenbendazole-exposure probably participate in fenbendazole biotransformation (e.g. cytochromes P450, UDP-glucosyltransferases). Finally, fenbendazole in plants significantly affects many physiological and metabolic processes and thus the contamination of ecosystems by manure containing this anthelmintic should be restricted.

Biotransformation of flubendazole and fenbendazole and their effects in the ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata).

Although veterinary anthelmintics represent an important source of environmental pollution, the fate of anthelmintics and their effects in plants has not yet been studied sufficiently. The aim of our work was to identify metabolic pathways of the two benzimidazole anthelmintics fenbendazole (FBZ) and flubendazole (FLU) in the ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.). Plants cultivated as in vitro regenerants were used for this purpose. The effects of anthelmintics and their biotransformation products on plant oxidative stress parameters were also studied. The obtained results showed that the enzymatic system of the ribwort plantain was able to uptake FLU and FBZ, translocate them in leaves and transform them into several metabolites, particularly glycosides. Overall, 12 FLU and 22 FBZ metabolites were identified in the root, leaf base and leaf top of the plant. Concerning the effects of FLU and FBZ, both anthelmintics in the ribwort plantain cells caused significant increase of proline concentration (up to twice), a well-known stress marker, and significant decrease of superoxide dismutase activity (by 50%). In addition, the activities of four other antioxidant enzymes were significantly changed after either FLU or FBZ exposition. This could indicate a certain risk of oxidative damage in plants influenced by anthelmintics, particularly when they are under other stress conditions.

ZnO nanoparticle effects on hormonal pools in Arabidopsis thaliana.

At present, nanoparticles have been more and more used in a wide range of areas. However, very little is known about the mechanisms of their impact on plants, as both positive and negative effects have been reported. As plant interactions with the environment are mediated by plant hormones, complex phytohormone analysis has been performed in order to characterize the effect of ZnO nanoparticles (mean size 30nm, concentration range 0.16-100mgL-1) on Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Taking into account that plant hormones exhibit high tissue-specificity as well as an intensive cross-talk in the regulation of growth and development as well as defense, plant responses were followed by determination of the content of five main phytohormones (cytokinins, auxins, abscisic acid, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid) in apices, leaves and roots. Increasing nanoparticle concentration was associated with gradually suppressed biosynthesis of the growth promoting hormones cytokinins and auxins in shoot apical meristems (apices). In contrast, cis-zeatin, a cytokinin associated with stress responses, was elevated by 280% and 590% upon exposure to nanoparticle concentrations 20 and 100mgL-1, respectively, in roots. Higher ZnO nanoparticle doses resulted in up-regulation of the stress hormone abscisic acid, mainly in apices and leaves. In case of salicylic acid, stimulation was found in leaves and roots. The other stress hormone jasmonic acid (as well as its active metabolite jasmonate isoleucine) was suppressed at the presence of nanoparticles. The earliest response to nanoparticles, associated with down-regulation of growth as well as of cytokinins and auxins, was observed in apices. At higher dose, up-regulation of abscisic acid, was detected. This increase, together with elevation of the other stress hormone - salicylic acid, indicates that plants sense nanoparticles as severe stress. Gradual accumulation of cis-zeatin in roots may contribute to relatively higher stress resistance of this tissue.

Evaluation of drug uptake and deactivation in plant: Fate of albendazole in ribwort plantain (Plantago laceolata) cells and regenerants.

Albendazole (ABZ) is a benzimidazole anthelmintic widely used especially in veterinary medicine. Along with other drugs, anthelmintics have become one of a new class of micro-pollutants that disturb the environment but the information about their fate in plants remains limited. The present study was designed to test the uptake and biotransformation of ABZ in the ribwort plantain (Plantago lancelota), a common meadow plant, which can come into contact with this anthelmintic through the excrements of treated animals in pastures. Two model systems were used and compared: cell suspensions and whole plant regenerants. In addition, time-dependent changes in occurrence of ABZ and its metabolites in roots, basal parts of the leaves and tops of the leaves were followed up. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high mass accuracy tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) led to the identification of 18 metabolites of ABZ formed in the ribwort. In both model systems, the same types of ABZ biotransformation reactions were found, but the spectrum and abundance of the ABZ metabolites detected in cell suspensions and regenerants differed significantly. Cell suspensions seem to be suitable only for qualitative estimations of drug biotransformation reactions while regenerants were shown to represent an adequate model for the qualitative as well as quantitative evaluation of drug uptake and metabolism in plants.

Metabolic pathways of benzimidazole anthelmintics in harebell (Campanula rotundifolia).

Benzimidazoles anthelmintics, which enter into environment primarily through excretion in the feces or urine of treated animals, can affect various organisms and disrupt ecosystem balance. The present study was designed to test the phytotoxicity and biotransformation of the three benzimidazole anthelmintics albendazole (ABZ), fenbendazole (FBZ) and flubendazole (FLU) in the harebell (Campanula rotundifolia). This meadow plant commonly grows in pastures and comes into contact with anthelmintics through the excrements of treated animals. Suspensions of harebell cells in culture medium were used as an in vitro model system. ABZ, FLU and FBZ were not found to be toxic for harebell cells, which were able to metabolize ABZ, FLU and FBZ via the formation of a wide scale of metabolites. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high mass accuracy tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) led to the identification of 24, 18 and 29 metabolites of ABZ, FLU and FBZ, respectively. Several novel metabolites were identified for the first time. Based on the obtained results, the schemes of the metabolic pathways of these anthelmintics were proposed. Most of these metabolites can be considered deactivation products, but a substantial portion of them may readily be decomposed to biologically active substances which could negatively affect ecosystems.

Albendazole in environment: faecal concentrations in lambs and impact on lower development stages of helminths and seed germination.

Albendazole (ABZ), widely used benzimidazole anthelmintic, administered to animals enters via excrements into environment and may impact non-target organisms. Moreover, exposure of lower development stages of helminths to anthelmintics may also encourage the development of drug-resistant strains of helminths. In present project, the kinetics of ABZ (10 mg kg(-1) p.o.) and its metabolite (ABZ.SO, ABZSO2) elimination in faeces from treated Texel lambs were studied using UHPLC/MS/MS with the aim to find out their concentrations achievable in the environment. Consequently, the effect of these compounds on lower development stages of Barber's pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) and on germination of white mustard (Sinapis alba) seeds was evaluated. The results showed that ABZ concentrations in faeces excreted in 4-60 h after treatment were above the concentrations lethal for H. contortus eggs. Moreover, pre-incubation with sub-lethal doses of ABZ and ABZ.SO did not increase the resistance of H. contortus eggs and larvae to anthelmintics. On the other hand, concentrations of ABZ and ABZ.SO in faeces are so high that might have negative influence on non-target soil invertebrates. As neither ABZ nor its metabolites affect the germination of mustard seeds, phytoremediation could be considered as potential tool for detoxification of ABZ in the environment.

Veterinary drugs in the environment and their toxicity to plants.

Veterinary drugs used for treatment and prevention of diseases in animals represent important source of environmental pollution due to intensive agri- and aquaculture production. The drugs can reach environment through the treatment processes, inappropriate disposal of used containers, unused medicine or livestock feed, and manufacturing processes. Wide scale of veterinary pharmaceuticals e.g. antibiotics, antiparasitic and antifungal drugs, hormones, anti-inflammatory drugs, anaesthetics, sedatives etc. enter the environment and may affect non-target organisms including plants. This review characterizes the commonly used drugs in veterinary practice, outlines their behaviour in the environment and summarizes available information about their toxic effect on plants. Significant influence of many antibiotics and hormones on plant developmental and physiological processes have been proved. However, potential phytotoxicity of other veterinary drugs has been studied rarely, although knowledge of phytotoxicity of veterinary drugs may help predict their influence on biodiversity and improve phytoremediation strategies. Moreover, additional topics such as long term effect of low doses of drugs and their metabolites, behaviour of mixture of veterinary drugs and other chemicals in ecosystems should be more thoroughly investigated to obtain complex information on the impact of veterinary drugs in the environment.

Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in plants and their role in uptake and biotransformation of veterinary drugs in the environment.

Many various xenobiotics permanently enter plants and represent potential danger for their organism. For that reason, plants have evolved extremely sophisticated detoxification systems including a battery of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Some of them are similar to those in humans and animals, but there are several plant-specific ones. This review briefly introduces xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in plants and summarizes present information about their action toward veterinary drugs. Veterinary drugs are used worldwide to treat diseases and protect animal health. However, veterinary drugs are also unwantedly introduced into environment mostly via animal excrements, they persist in the environment for a long time and may impact on the non-target organisms. Plants are able to uptake, transform the veterinary drugs to non- or less-toxic compounds and store them in the vacuoles and cell walls. This ability may protect not only plant themselves but also other organisms, predominantly invertebrates and wild herbivores. The aim of this review is to emphasize the importance of plants in detoxification of veterinary drugs in the environment. The results of studies, which dealt with transport and biotransformation of veterinary drugs in plants, are summarized and evaluated. In conclusion, the risks and consequences of veterinary drugs in the environment and the possibilities of phytoremediation technologies are considered and future perspectives are outlined.

Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in plants and their role in uptake and biotransformation of veterinary drugs in the environment.

Many various xenobiotics permanently enter plants and represent potential danger for their organism. For that reason, plants have evolved extremely sophisticated detoxification systems including a battery of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Some of them are similar to those in humans and animals, but there are several plant-specific ones. This review briefly introduces xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in plants and summarizes present information about their action toward veterinary drugs. Veterinary drugs are used worldwide to treat diseases and protect animal health. However, veterinary drugs are also unwantedly introduced into environment mostly via animal excrements, they persist in the environment for a long time and may impact on the non-target organisms. Plants are able to uptake, transform the veterinary drugs to non- or less-toxic compounds and store them in the vacuoles and cell walls. This ability may protect not only plant themselves but also other organisms, predominantly invertebrates and wild herbivores. The aim of this review is to emphasize the importance of plants in detoxification of veterinary drugs in the environment. The results of studies, which dealt with transport and biotransformation of veterinary drugs in plants, are summarized and evaluated. In conclusion, the risks and consequences of veterinary drugs in the environment and the possibilities of phytoremediation technologies are considered and future perspectives are outlined.