Multi- and trans-generational effects of N-butylpyridium chloride on reproduction, lifespan, and pro/antioxidant status in Caenorhabditis elegans

Ionic liquids (ILs) became emerging pollutants. Their poor degradation and accumulation in organisms urged studies on the long-term effects and also the underlying mechanisms. Currently, 1-butylpyrinium chloride ([bpyr]Cl) was chosen to represent the pyridine-based ILs. Its multi-generational effects were measured on C. elegans for 14 consec-utive generations (F1 to F14), and the trans-generational effects were also measured in the great-grand-children (T3 and T3 ') of F1 and F14. The multi-generational results from F1 to F14 showed that the effects of [bpyr]Cl on the initial and total reproduction and lifespan showed oscillation between inhibition and stimulation. Notably, hormetic effects on reproduction were observed in F7 to F10. The trans-generational effects in T3 and T3 ' showed different residual consequences between one generational exposure (F1) and multiple generational exposure (F14). Further biochem-ical analysis showed that the pro/antioxidant status also showed oscillation between inhibition and stimulation. The oscillation levels were greater in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and protein carbonyl content (PC) than those in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydroxyl radical (center dot OH). The pro/antioxidant status contributed to both multi-and trans-generational effects of [bpyr]Cl. Future studies should pay attentions to the long-term influence of ILs and also epigenetic explanations. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.