Adjustments on males reproductive physiology of Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei:Characidae) exposed to emerging compounds

Abstract

Environmental contamination via compounds like metals and pesticides has affected the biodiversity, mostly in the aquatic environments. These substances change the individuals' homeostasis and consequently the survival capacity of animals. A new group of substances called emerging compounds has been reported in water resources and some effects identified, including endocrine changes. Caffeine and diclofenac, mainly present, caused alterations in the vertebrates reproductive physiology as well as modifications in hepatic, kidney, gills morphology of teleosts. Based on the effects of emerging compounds in the physiology of aquatic organisms, and the knowledge of the importance of reproduction on the species safety, the main objective of the present study is to evaluate if diclofenac and caffeine, together or separated, can act as endocrine disrupters (ED) on the males reproductive physiology of Astyanax altiparanae. This biological model is broadly distributed in the brazilian aquatic environments and this species has been study due to its ecological importance in the ecosystems and in the socioeconomically development. Males are relevant bioindicators of ED presence in impaired environments, considering the mainly presence of estrogenic compounds, due to the presence of genes related to vilelogenin (Vtg) synthesis. In this context, the gonadal steroid profile and serum Vtg in A. altiparanae males, and their hepatic gene expression. In addition, somatic and morphological biomarkers will be evaluated. The research will offer new insights about the ecotoxicological relevance of pharmacological compounds in reproductive physiology of teleost. (AU)