Tributyltin (TBT) induces oxidative stress and modifies lipid profile in the filamentous fungus Cunninghamella elegans

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2014 Mar;21(6):4228-35. doi: 10.1007/s11356-013-2375-5. Epub 2013 Dec 5.

Abstract

To investigate the response of the tributyltin-degrading fungal strain Cunninghamella elegans to the organotin, a comparative lipidomics strategy was employed using an LC/MS-MS technique. A total of 49 lipid species were identified. Individual phospholipids were then quantified using a multiple reaction monitoring method. Tributyltin (TBT) caused a decline in the amounts of many molecular species of phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylserine and an increase in the levels of phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine. In the presence of TBT, it was observed that overall unsaturation was lower than in the control. Lipidome data were analyzed using principal component analysis, which confirmed the compositional changes in membrane lipids in response to TBT. Additionally, treatment of fungal biomass with butyltin led to a significant increase in lipid peroxidation. It is suggested that modification of the phospholipids profile and lipids peroxidation may reflect damage to mycelium caused by TBT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Cunninghamella / drug effects*
  • Cunninghamella / physiology
  • Hazardous Substances / toxicity*
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Lipids
  • Membrane Lipids / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Phospholipids / metabolism
  • Trialkyltin Compounds / toxicity*

Substances

  • Hazardous Substances
  • Lipids
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Phospholipids
  • Trialkyltin Compounds
  • tributyltin