Investigation of the effect of sublethal concentrations of endosulfan on gene expression of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1 α and HIF-2 α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the Persian sturgeon fingerlings (Acipenser persicus)

In this study, the effects of sublethal concentrations of the Endosulfan on gene expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1 α, HIF-2 α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the gill tissue of Persian sturgeon fingerling (Acipenser persicus) were studied. A total of 360 sturgeons (average weight of 2 ± 0.12 g) exposed to concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 micrograms per liter and VEGF and HIFs after 1, 2, 7 and 14 days of exposure were evaluated. The relative expression of HIF-1 α significantly increased in exposed samples in comparison to the control group. Moreover, the expression of HIF-1, 2 α in the highest concentration of toxin (40 micrograms per liter) had significantly different from other concentrations and this difference was seen in all of the sampling points. The results showed that the Endosulfan which is one of the most important pollutants in aquatic ecosystems significantly stimulates the expression of genes involved in hypoxia and angiogenesis is the gill. According to the results of this study, the devastating impact of Endosulfan on the aquatic ecosystem can be found over the past, so the basic requirement to more effective management about the use of these pesticides more than ever felt.