Trophic transfer of chromium from Bellamya aeruginosa drives edema in medicinal leech Whitmania pigra via the ROS-FoxO-ENaC signaling

Key Points

• Edema is induced in Whitmania pigra due to chromium exposure from Bellamya aeruginosa, affecting the organism's health.
• Significant changes were noted in the ROS-FoxO-ENaC signaling pathway in response to chromium levels.
• A focused study on trophic transfer illustrates how contaminants can impact aquatic food webs and wildlife.
• Implications suggest that chromium transfer through the food chain may have broader environmental consequences.