Diclofenac effects in sea urchin gametes and fertilization

The drugs, agents for diseases therapy and prevention, are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. We analyzed a specific anti-inflammatory, diclofenac, present in soil and water. The study focused on Arbacia lixula (Linnaeus, 1758) and Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) reproductive success. In A. lixula we identified the drug qualitative and quantitative fertilization effects, and if they affect the functional male and female gametes capacity; in P. lividus we analyzed the drug effects and the male and female gametes quantitative integrity. Through the High Liquid Chromatografy we quantitatively evaluated the real diclofenac contribution on A. lixula embryos and on A. lixula and P. lividus reproductive cells. The results confirmed that the diclofenac is an agent that influence the A. lixula fertilization. The embryos shown: morphological aberrations and slowdown of embryonic development with delay cell divisions. The A. lixula gametes, treated with five toxic solutions, showed modifications or alterations: the eggs are lysed and the spermatozoa shown a decrease in sperm speed. In P. lividus male gametes we observed a real decrease in sperm speed but the egg cells, apparently, no have morpho-structural change although it is found a real diclofenac absorption. The study finds that the two species have a diclofenac sensitivity and that the male gametes are more vulnerable and sensitive to high diclofenac concentrations compared to female gametes. Much remains to be done to increase the knowledges despite today we known the potential risks due to the drugs presence in the waters and being that many of these substances have additive or synergistic activity and their effect can be greatly enhanced.