Transgenerational effects of heavy metals on L3 larva of Caenorhabditis elegans with greater behavior and growth inhibitions in the progeny

Heavy metals are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, and their toxic effects have been widely studied. However, their transgenerational effects between parent and progeny at environmental relevant concentrations need further investigations. Currently, L3 stage of Caenorhabditis elegans was exposed to aqueous metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) at environmentally realistic concentrations for 96 h. The whole exposure time covered the formation of sperm, ovum and eggs. Subsequently the behavior and growth indicators were measured. The parent nematodes were then bleached to gain synchronized eggs, which were cultured under non-toxic conditions to L3 stage when the same indicators were measured in the progeny. The parent suffered concentration-dependent inhibitions on behavior and growth. Based on the median effective concentration (EC50) values, body bending frequency showed relatively higher sensitivity than other behavior indicators. The inhibitions on growth and behavior of progeny were more severe than those of the parent, based on their respective EC50 values. Interestingly, Cd was not the most toxic metal in either parent or progeny according to EC50 values, but its EC50 ratios between parent and progeny (EC50, parent/EC50, progeny) were the most significant, indicating its greatest transgenerational effects. The results demonstrated the higher sensitivity of L3 larva stage of C. elegans in the transgenerational effect studies than other life stages used before. Our findings suggested that parental exposure to heavy metals can multiply their harmful effects in following generations.

► Transgenerational effects of heavy metals on L3 stage of C. elegans were studied.
► Exposed parent suffered concentration-dependent behavior and growth inhibition.
► Unexposed nematode progeny suffered more inhibitions than the exposed parent.
► Cd showed the greatest transgenerational effects based on EC50, parent/EC50, progeny.