Study of the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) bile content - An indicator of ocean health

Daniela M Pampanin; William Bossum Arnli; Jason T Magnuson; Giovanna Monticelli; Maria Dam; Svein-Ole Mikalsen; Magne O Sydnes

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114795

Study of the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) bile content - An indicator of ocean health

Mar Pollut Bull. 2023 Apr:189:114795. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114795. Epub 2023 Mar 9.

Authors

Daniela M Pampanin¹, William Bossum Arnli², Jason T Magnuson², Giovanna Monticelli², Maria Dam³, Svein-Ole Mikalsen⁴, Magne O Sydnes²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger 4036, Norway. Electronic address: daniela.m.pampanin@uis.no.
² Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger 4036, Norway.
³ Evnaskyn Environment, Fjosagoeta 2, FO-100 Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands.
⁴ Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Faroe Islands, FO-100 Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands.

PMID: 36898275
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114795

Abstract

Globicephala melas has been harvested in the Faroe Islands for centuries. Given the distances travelled by this species, tissue/body fluid samples represent unique matrices to be considered as an integration of environmental condition and pollution status of their prey. For the first time, bile samples were analysed for presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites and protein content. Concentrations of 2- and 3-ring PAH metabolites ranged from 11 to 25 μg mL^-1 pyrene fluorescence equivalents. In total, 658 proteins were identified and 61,5 % were common amongst all individuals. Identified proteins were integrated into in silico software and determined that the top predicted disease and functions were neurological diseases, inflammation, and immunological disorders. The metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was predicted to be dysregulated, which can have consequences to both the protection against ROS produced during dives and contaminant exposures. The obtained data is valuable for understanding metabolism and physiology of G. melas.

Keywords: Ingenuity Pathway Analysis; PAH metabolites; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Proteomics; Whale.

MeSH terms

Animals
Bile
Oceans and Seas
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons* / metabolism
Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
Whales, Pilot* / metabolism

Substances

Reactive Oxygen Species
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons