New whole slide image analysis method for detection and quantification of hepatocellular vacuolization in European flounder (Platichthys flesus) in multipollutant exposure context

Scientists have developed a new method for analyzing whole slide images to detect and quantify hepatocellular vacuolization in European flounder (Platichthys flesus) liver tissue. This technique provides a more detailed understanding of how contaminants and biotic factors can influence the development of lesions in fish exposed to multiple pollutants.

The most significant finding from this study is the disparity in the severity of the pathology between fish sampled in the Seine estuary and those from the Canche estuary. Specifically, fish from the Seine estuary showed a higher proportion of tissue affected by hepatocellular vacuolation (6.88% with a standard deviation of 3.01%) compared to fish from the Canche estuary (5.46% with a standard deviation of 2.86%).

This discrepancy aligns with previous qualitative histological assessments on the same samples, confirming the effectiveness of the new method and offering insights into the level of pathology associated with varying levels of contamination. Furthermore, the study revealed a potential synergistic effect of the pollutant mixture on the pathology in fish from the Seine estuary.

While this mixture effect was not observed in fish sampled in the Canche estuary, it underscores the importance of investigating the combined impact of multiple pollutants. This research highlights the value of creating innovative bio-image analysis methods to advance environmental health studies. By enabling histopathological diagnostics with quantification, the method allows for a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to and intensify pathology, as well as the potential interactions between various pollutants in contaminated environments.