Meta-analysis indicates that oxidative stress is both a constraint on and a cost of growth

Smith, S. M., Nager, R. G. and Costantini, D. (2016) Meta-analysis indicates that oxidative stress is both a constraint on and a cost of growth. Ecology and Evolution, 6(9), pp. 2833-2842. (doi: 10.1002/ece3.2080) (PMID:27217942) (PMCID:PMC4863009)

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Abstract

Oxidative stress (OS) as a proximate mechanism for life-history trade-offs is widespread in the literature. One such resource allocation trade-off involves growth rate, and theory suggests that OS might act as both a constraint on and a cost of growth, yet studies investigating this have produced conflicting results. Here, we use meta-analysis to investigate whether increased OS levels impact on growth (OS as a constraint on growth) and whether greater growth rates can increase OS (OS as a cost of growth). The role of OS as a constraint on growth was supported by the meta-analysis. Greater OS, in terms of either increased damage or reduced levels of antioxidants, was associated with reduced growth although the effect depended on the experimental manipulation used. Our results also support an oxidative cost of growth, at least in terms of increased oxidative damage, although faster growth was not associated with a change in antioxidant levels. These findings that OS can act as a constraint on growth support theoretical links between OS and animal life histories and provide evidence for a growth–self-maintenance trade-off. Furthermore, the apparent oxidative costs of growth imply individuals cannot alter this trade-off when faced with enhanced growth. We offer a starting platform for future research and recommend the use of oxidative damage biomarkers in nonlethal tissue to investigate the growth–OS relationship further.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Costantini, Dr David and Nager, Dr Ruedi
Authors: Smith, S. M., Nager, R. G., and Costantini, D.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Ecology and Evolution
Publisher:John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
ISSN:2045-7758
ISSN (Online):2045-7758
Published Online:21 March 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Ecology and Evolution 6(9): 2833-2842
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
586271NERC DTG 2011-15Mary Beth KneafseyNatural Environment Research Council (NERC)NE/J500252/1RSI - RESEARCH STRATEGY & INNOVATION
506221Hormetic effects on oxidative stress response in zebra finchesDavid CostantiniNatural Environment Research Council (NERC)NE/G013888/1RI BIODIVERSITY ANIMAL HEALTH & COMPMED