Lack of impact of radiation on blood physiology biomarkers of Chernobyl tree frogs

Burraco, P., Bonzom, J.-M., Car, C., Beaugelin-Seiller, K., Gashchak, S. and Orizaola, G. (2021) Lack of impact of radiation on blood physiology biomarkers of Chernobyl tree frogs. Frontiers in Zoology, 18, 33. (doi: 10.1186/s12983-021-00416-x) (PMID:34187507) (PMCID:PMC8240299)

Abstract

Background : Human actions have altered natural ecosystems worldwide. Among the many pollutants released to the environment, ionizing radiation can cause severe damage at different molecular and functional levels. The accident in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (1986) caused the largest release of ionizing radiation to the environment in human history. Here, we examined the impact of the current exposure to ionizing radiation on blood physiology biomarkers of adult males of the Eastern tree frog (Hyla orientalis) inhabiting within and outside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. We measured the levels of eight blood parameters (sodium, potassium, chloride, ionized calcium, total carbon dioxide, glucose, urea nitrogen, and anion gap), physiological markers of homeostasis, as well as of liver and kidney function. Results: Levels of blood physiology biomarkers did not vary in function of the current exposure of tree frogs to ionizing radiation within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Physiological blood levels were similar in frogs inhabiting Chernobyl (both in areas with medium-high or low radiation) than in tree frogs living outside Chernobyl exposed only to background radiation levels. Conclusions: The observed lack of effects of current radiation levels on blood biomarkers can be a consequence of the low levels of radiation currently experienced by Chernobyl tree frogs, but also to the fact that our sampling was restricted to active breeding males, i.e. potentially healthy adult individuals. Despite the clear absence of effects of current radiation levels on physiological blood parameters in tree frogs, more research covering different life stages and ecological scenarios is still needed to clarify the impact of ionizing radiation on the physiology, ecology, and dynamics of wildlife inhabiting radioactive-contaminated areas.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by projects from the Swedish Radiation Protection Agency-SSM (SSM2018–2038) and Carl Tryggers Foundation (CT 16:344) to GO, Uppsala University Zoological Foundation, Helga Ax:son Johnsons Stiftelse, and Spanish Association of Terrestrial Ecology to PB, and the French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety-IRSN to JMB. PB was supported by a Carl Tryggers Foundation scholarship (CT 16:344) and by a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellowship (METAGE-797879). JMB and KBS were financially supported by IRSN, and CC benefited from an IRSN doctoral fellowship. GO was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Ramón y Cajal Program, RYC-2016-20656). Open Access funding provided by Uppsala University.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Burraco, Dr Pablo
• Authors: Burraco, P., Bonzom, J.-M., Car, C., Beaugelin-Seiller, K., Gashchak, S., and Orizaola, G.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Frontiers in Zoology
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• ISSN: 1742-9994
• ISSN (Online): 1742-9994
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Frontiers in Zoology 18: 33
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License
• Data DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14605665