Metabolomic consequences of elevated PCB exposure in ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Labrador

The goals were to:1. Assess the health of ringed seals in Northern Labrador using a targeted metabolomic platform;2. Develop / adapt and validate techniques to measure the health of ringed seals using metabolomic methods established in other species;3. Measure a total of 265 metabolites, including 26 energy metabolism metabolites, 21 endogenous steroid metabolites, 21 amino acids, 21 biogenic amines, 40 acylcarnitines, 90 phosphatidylcholines, 15 sphingomyelins, Shexose, 13 bile acids, and 17 fatty acids in ringed seal liver (tissue specific metabolomics);4. Report on the associations found between these new metabolic profiles and PCBs, and any relationships with previously reported gene expression (n=8) endpoints.