A circular toxicity approach to isoprostanes: From markers of oxidative stress, to epidemiological warning systems and agents of aquatic toxicity. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pais, Ricardo Teles; Sousa, Ana C.A.; Pastorinho, M. Ramiro
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 243(2018)Part A
• Page Start: 654
• Page End: 660
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Lipid peroxidation -- Oxidative stress -- Sewage epidemiology -- Ecotoxicity; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Isoprostanes (IsoPs) are a class of oxidation products naturally formed in vivo that are indicative of endogenous oxidative stress. In individuals with chronic and oxidative stress related diseases, IsoPs are increased to pathological levels. Since they are excreted through urine into sewage systems, IsoPs can be detected in wastewater treatment plants' (WWTPs) effluents and thus can be used to evaluate the health status of a given population. The underlying principle is that higher isoprostanes WWTPs' levels correspond to populations undergoing higher levels of oxidative stress, and thus disease. However, IsoPs are not eliminated by WWTPs and will end up being released into the aquatic environment, where they will be available for uptake by aquatic species. Being bioactive molecules, it has been suggested that IsoPs in the environment may elicit oxidative stress in aquatic organisms. In this context, we have critically reviewed the available data on IsoPs as products and effectors of toxicity, and propose the new concept of "circular toxicity". In general, IsoPs excreted by humans as a consequence of oxidative stress are released into the aquatic environment where they may interact with aquatic organisms and induce the production of more IsoPs. These stress markers, in turn, will also be excreted, increasing the already high levels of stressors in the aquatic environment and thus create an escalating cycle of oxidative stress. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Isoprostanes (IsoPs) are markers of oxidative stress. IsoPs are released through urine into the sewage system. IsoPs in influents of WWTPs can be used to monitor population health. IsoPs are potential emerging contaminants found in the environment. IsoPs maybe effectors of oxidative stress in aquatic organisms. Abstract : Isoprostanes as products and effectors of toxicity.