Oxygen reduction metabolism by the digestive gland of the common marine mussel,Mytilus edulis L

Typical 2-Cys Peroxiredoxins as a Defense Mechanism against Metal-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Solitary Ascidian Ciona robusta

Typical 2-Cys peroxiredoxins (2-Cys Prdxs) are proteins with antioxidant properties belonging to the thioredoxin peroxidase family. With their peroxidase activity, they contribute to the homeostatic control of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, therefore, participate in various physiological functions, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Although Prdxs have been shown to be potential biomarkers for monitoring aquatic environments, minimal scientific attention has been devoted to describing their molecular architecture and function in marine invertebrates. Our study aims to clarify the protective role against stress induced by exposure to metals (Cu, Zn, and Cd) of three Prdxs (Prdx2, Prdx3, and Prdx4) in the solitary ascidian Ciona robusta, an invertebrate chordate. Here, we report a detailed pre- and post-translational regulation of the three Prdx isoforms. Data on intestinal mRNA expression, provided by qRT-PCR analyses, show a generalized increase for Prdx2, -3, and -4, which is correlated to metal accumulation. Furthermore, the increase in tissue enzyme activity observed after Zn exposure is slower than that observed with Cu and Cd. The obtained results increase our knowledge of the evolution of anti-stress proteins in invertebrates and emphasize the importance of the synthesis of Prdxs as an efficient way to face adverse environmental conditions.

Acute toxicity of lead in fresh water bivalves Lamellidens jenkinsianus obesa and Parreysia (Parreysia) corrugata with evaluation of sublethal effects on acetylcholinesterase and catalase activity, lipid peroxidation, and behavior

The median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of Pb at 96 h were 8.84, 192.14, and 3.22 mg L^-1 for pre-reproductive and reproductive individuals of Lamellidens jenkinsianus obesa and reproductive individuals of Parreysia (Parreysia) corrugata, respectively. Thus, young L. j. obesa were much more sensitive to Pb than its adults, while P. (P.) corrugata was the most sensitive. However, all the three values were much higher than the Pb levels commonly found in natural waters, and indicative of the tolerance of these mollusks to acute, short-term Pb exposure. In contrary to these findings, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and catalase (CAT) activities were affected and lipid peroxidation (LPO) elevated in young L. j. obesa and P. (P.) corrugata in 21-day sublethal toxicity tests at 26-68 ppb Pb concentrations, which might be considered environmentally realistic. Some behavioral patterns such as number of movement (Mov) and durations of foot mobilization together with siphon extensions (FSE) were reduced, and the durations of valves remaining completely closed without any extension of foot and siphons (VC) increased significantly at 25-69 ppb Pb as well. Thus, the study revealed significant interspecific differences as well as that between life stages of the same species, suggesting that apparently hardy species could be impacted by low Pb concentrations in their young stages. Further, a multi-biomarker approach involving biological effects, anti-oxidative enzyme activity and easy-to-measure behavioral elements could comprise a valuable tool in assessment of Pb-induced stress in freshwater bivalves.

Dietary ascorbic acid modulates the expression profile of stress protein genes in hepatopancreas of adult Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ascorbic acid (AA) on transcriptional expression patterns of antioxidant proteins, heat shock proteins (HSP) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the hepatopancreas of Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino (initial average length: 84.36 ± 0.24 mm) using real-time quantitative PCR assays. L-ascorbyl-2-molyphosphate (LAMP) was added to the basal diet to formulate four experimental diets containing 0.0, 70.3, 829.8 and 4967.5 mg AA equivalent kg(-1) diets, respectively. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of adult abalone in acrylic tanks (200 L) in a flow-through seawater system. Each tank was stocked with 15 abalone. Animals were fed once daily (17:00) to apparent satiation for 24 weeks. The results showed that the dietary AA (70.3 mg kg(-1)) could significantly up-regulate the expression levels of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), feritin (FT) and heat shock protein 26 (HSP26) in the hepatopancreas of abalone in this treatment compared to the controls. However, the expression levels of Mn-SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx), selenium-binding protein (SEBP), HSP70 and HSP90 were significantly down-regulated. Compared with those in the group with 70.3 mg kg(-1) dietary AA, the expression levels of CAT, GST and HSP26 were decreased in abalone fed with very high dietary AA (4967.5 mg kg(-1)). In addition, significant up-regulations of expression levels of Mn-SOD, GPX, TPx, SEBP, FT, HSP70, HSP90 and NF-κB were observed in abalone fed with apparently excessive dietary AA (829.8 and 4967.5 mg kg(-1)) as compared to those fed 70.3 mg kg(-1) dietary AA. These findings showed that dietary AA influenced the expression levels of antioxidant proteins, heat shock proteins and NF-κB in the hepatopancreas of abalone at transcriptional level. Levels of dietary AA that appeared adequate (70.3 mg kg(-1)) reduced the oxidative stress by influencing gene expression of antioxidant proteins, but excessive dietary AA (829.8 and 4967.5 mg kg(-1)) induced oxidative stress in Pacific abalone H. discus hannai.

Impact assessment of agricultural inputs into a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Mar Menor, SE Spain) on transplanted clams (Ruditapes decussatus) by biochemical and physiological responses

The Mar Menor is a coastal lagoon threatened by the development of intensive agriculture in the surrounding areas. Large amounts of pesticides from these areas are discharged into El Albujón, a permanent watercourse flowing into the lagoon. We have used a multi-biomarker approach to assess the biological effects of agricultural pollution on a bivalve species. Biomarkers indicative of neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase, AChE), oxidative stress (catalase, CAT; glutathione reductase, GR and lipid peroxidation, LPO), phase II biotransformation of xenobiotics (glutathione S-transferase, GST) and physiological stress (scope for growth, SFG) were measured in clams transplanted to four sites of the lagoon (two reference sites and two sites affected by the dispersion of the effluent of the El Albujón), for exposure periods of 7 and 22 days. The hazards of this effluent were also examined by simultaneously measuring up to 83 contaminants (pesticides, PCBs, PAHs and others) in samples of fresh water from the watercourse mouth and seawater from the deployed sites, as well as the bioaccumulation of organochlorinated compounds and PAHs in the transplanted animals. Biomarker responses showed marked differences between reference and affected sites after 7 and 22 days. However it was only after 22 days that principal component analysis (PCA) of the biomarker responses distinguished between clams deployed in sites affected by the dispersion of the effluent of the watercourse and those from the reference sites. The chemical analysis of water showed high concentrations of pesticides close to El Albujón watercourse mouth, with the greatest input flux corresponding to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos, followed by pendimethalin and naphthalene, and at lower levels acenaphthene, terbuthylazine-desethyl and chlorpyrifos-methyl. In this regard, PCA analysis showed that the biological effects of the mixture of pesticides in caged clams after 22 days were reduced levels of AchE and SFG and increased levels of GR and phase II GST activity. An integrated biomarker response index was calculated from the combination of these biomarkers, proving useful for the assessment of the impact of agricultural pollution in caged clams.

Identification and characterization of a Tegillarca granosa ferritin regulated by iron ion exposure and thermal stress

Ferritin, a conserved iron storage protein of most living organisms, plays a crucial role in iron metabolism. In this study, the ferritin gene from Tegillarca granosa (denoted as TgFER) was identified by expressed sequence tag (EST) and PCR approaches. The full-length cDNA of TgFER was of 895bp, consisting of a 5'-UTR of 163 bp with a putative iron regulatory element (IRE), a 3'-UTR of 213 bp, and a complete open reading frame of 519 bp encoding a polypeptide with 172 amino acid residues. The predicted molecular mass of deduced amino acid of TgFER was 20.00 kDa and the theoretical pI was 4.89. The deduced amino acid of TgFER shared high identities to ferritin from abalone, oyster, clam and human. The tissue distribution of TgFER in the tissues of mantle, foot, gill, haemocytes and hepatopancreas was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR) and mRNA transcripts of TgFER were found to be dominately expressed in haemocytes, hepatopancreas and gill and weakly in foot and mantle. The temporal expression of TgFER in haemocytes or hepatopancreases after challenged by metals ion (FeCl₂ and FeCl₃) exposure and thermal stress were also analyzed with q-PCR. The diverse expression patterns of TgFER were detected depending upon the types of stimulators and tissues. The ployconal antibodies generated from the recombinant product of TgFER could be specifically identified not only the recombinant product, but also the native protein from haemocytes. All these results strongly suggested that TgFER was involved in the iron metabolism and thermal stress regulation in T. granosa.

Integrated use of antioxidant enzymes in mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, for monitoring pollution in highly productive coastal areas of Galicia (NW Spain)

In the present work, we investigated the potential use of several antioxidant enzymes in wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as biomarkers of marine pollution. The enzymatic activity levels of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were measured in gills and digestive gland. Those enzymes participate in the cellular defense system that is involved in the adaptive response of organisms to chemical pollution. Adult mussels were collected at five sampling sites located at the Ría de Pontevedra and Ría de Vigo. Seasonal variations in the control site were observed for the CAT activity, but no significant variability was found for GST and GPx. Mussels from the most polluted sites exhibited a significantly greater GST activity compared to the control site (p<0.05) during the sampling period, whereas GPx and CAT activities have not such a marked pattern. Trace metals, PAHs, PCBs and DDT contents in mussels at sampling sites showed highly significant positive correlations with the GST activity. This study supports the use of GST as a useful biomarker for long-term pollution monitoring in marine coastal ecosystems, whilst more research is needed for GPx and CAT.

Effects of the toxic dinoflagellate, Gymnodinium catenatum on hydrolytic and antioxidant enzymes, in tissues of the giant lions-paw scallop Nodipecten subnodosus

This study documents effects of the toxic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum, a producer of paralytic shellfish poison, on juvenile farmed (5.9+/-0.39 cm) giant lions-paw scallop Nodipecten subnodosus. Scallops were fed bloom concentrations of toxic dinoflagellate G. catenatum for 7 h. The effect of the toxic dinoflagellate in different tissues was determined by analysis of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, gluthathione peroxidase), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (lipid peroxidation), and hydrolytic enzymes (proteases, glycosidases, phosphatases, lipases, and esterases). Histopathological photos record the effects of the toxic dinoflagellate in various tissues. The results show that juvenile lions-paw scallops produce pseudo-feces, partially close their shell, increase melanization, and aggregate hemocytes. Several enzymes were affected and could serve as biological markers. In general, the adductor muscle was not affected. In the digestive gland, some enzymes could be the result of defensive and digestive processes. Gills and mantle tissue were markedly affected because these sites respond first to toxic dinoflagellates, leading to the idea that proteolytic cascades could be involved.

OXIDATIVE STRESS IN MARINE ENVIRONMENTS: Biochemistry and Physiological Ecology

Oxidative stress-the production and accumulation of reduced oxygen intermediates such as superoxide radicals, singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals-can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA. Many disease processes of clinical interest and the aging process involve oxidative stress in their underlying etiology. The production of reactive oxygen species is also prevalent in the world's oceans, and oxidative stress is an important component of the stress response in marine organisms exposed to a variety of insults as a result of changes in environmental conditions such as thermal stress, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or exposure to pollution. As in the clinical setting, reactive oxygen species are also important signal transduction molecules and mediators of damage in cellular processes, such as apoptosis and cell necrosis, for marine organisms. This review brings together the voluminous literature on the biochemistry and physiology of oxidative stress from the clinical and plant physiology disciplines with the fast-increasing interest in oxidative stress in marine environments.

Susceptibility to oxidative stress of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in the Venice Lagoon (Italy)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility to pollutant mediated oxidative stress of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in the Venice lagoon (Italy). In June 2003, mussels from a farm were transplanted to eight sites in the lagoon for five weeks. Oxidative stress responses were measured by: (i) total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) assay, for an overall evaluation of the oxidative stress response capability; (ii) catalase (CAT), as a key enzyme involved in the antioxidant defence system; (iii) malondialdehyde (MDA), as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, to evaluate an oxidative damage; (iv) metallothioneins (MTs), as they play a role in the antioxidant defence. The TOSC analysis revealed a reduced capability to eliminate: (i) peroxyl radical in mussels transplanted at Palude della Rosa, Valle Millecampi and Chioggia; (ii) hydroxyl radical at Campalto and Valle Millecampi; (iii) peroxynitrite at Valle Millecampi. Inhibition in CAT activity, observed in all the monitored sites, confirms the presence of an oxidative pressure in transplanted mussels. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis was performed in order to observe possible links between the various parameters. The PCA was a powerful tool to discriminate impacted sites, suggesting that the mussels transplanted throughout the Venice lagoon were subjected to different levels of oxidative pressure. Furthermore, it provided an easy and useful tool to summarize the obtained results.

An in vitro study of the effect of reactive oxygen species on subcellular distribution of deposited cadmium in digestive gland of mussel Crenomytilus grayanus

The study was performed to assess in vitro effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS, oxyradicals) on intracellular distribution of accumulated cadmium in digestive gland of the mussel Crenomytilus grayanus. In vitro induction of ROS (by Fe/ascorbate reaction) in tissue homogenates of Cd-accumulated mussels led to a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (as conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde) and also to decrease in reduced glutathione and Cd-binding protein contents. Also fraction of MT-like proteins (20-22 kDa) has been shifted to a higher molecular weight area (40-45 kDa), which indicates dimerization of the protein. The level of intracellular vesicle-stored cadmium (within membrane compartments like lysosomes) was decreased significantly in oxyradicals-exposed tissue crude homogenate of mussels in comparison with controls. Additionally, Cd distribution among three weight classes of cytosol proteins has been significantly changed after ROS exposure. Taken together the results, there is a clear indication that ROS induce an oxidative stress resulting in damaging of intracellular Cd-binding compartments that may trigger (or contribute) the toxicity of this metal. Thus, from our experimental results and reviewed information follows that under high "pressure" of heavy metals on marine environment the aquatic organisms can show higher sensitivity to normal variations of natural factors of the environment or even decrease the range of tolerance to their variations.

Effects of some environmental parameters on catalase activity measured in the mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) exposed to lindane

Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), collected from the Bizerta lagoon, were acclimated for four days to various conditions of temperature, salinity, photoperiod and food supply and then exposed to lindane at a concentration of 40 microg l(-1). Catalase activity, which is a biomarker of exposure to an oxidative stress, was measured in the whole soft tissues of control and assay groups. In control mussels, high temperature, high salinity and light duration significantly increased catalase activity whereas this activity decreased when food, composed of freeze-dried, algae was available. When mussels were treated with lindane, catalase activities were higher than in controls. This increase was significant with temperature, salinity and light duration. The food supply did not change catalase activity, which was always higher compared to controls. Oxidative stress was shown in mussels exposed to lindane. The results highlight the need of considering abiotic parameters in biomonitoring studies, and especially when using catalase as a biomarker.

Antioxidants and total oxyradical scavenging capacity during grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, embryogenesis

During embryogenesis in grass shrimp the capacity to scavenge oxyradicals increased as measured by the Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity (TOSC) assay. The increase in TOSC during embryogenesis was associated with increasing concentrations of a number of antioxidants, including coenzyme Q (ubiquinone), alpha-tocopherol and reduced glutathione. Glutathione concentrations ranged from 0.004 to 0.005 nmol/embryo in early embryo stages and reached concentrations between 0.16 to 0.23 nmol/embryo in late embryo stages. Ascorbate remained essentially constant (0.16-0.20 nmol/embryo) throughout embryogenesis and may provide the preponderance of TOSC during early embryo development. Carotenoids were associated with yolk lipovitellin and these antioxidants decreased as yolk was absorbed during embryogenesis. Astaxanthin and beta-carotene were identified in embryos with astaxanthin always the principal carotenoid. In early embryo stages there are maternally derived antioxidants but as embryogenesis proceeds there is an assembly of a complex antioxidant system by newly formed cells and tissues.

Time-course variations of oxyradical metabolism, DNA integrity and lysosomal stability in mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, during a field translocation experiment

Harbours can be considered as model environments for developing and validating field monitoring procedures and to investigate mechanistic relationships between different biological responses. In this study, several biomarkers were investigated in marine mussels caged for 4 weeks into an industrialised harbour of north-west Italy. Organisms were collected at different time intervals to better characterise the sensitivity, temporal variations and interactions of analysed responses. Besides single antioxidants (catalase, glutathione S-transferases, glutathione reductase, total glutathione), the total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) assay was used to analyse the capability of the whole antioxidant system to neutralise specific forms of radicals: these data were further integrated by measurement of DNA integrity, oxidised bases and the impairment of lysosomal membrane stability in haemocytes. Results showed a biphasic trend for single antioxidants and TOSC, with no variation or increase during the first 2 weeks of exposure to the polluted site followed by a progressive decrease up to a severe depletion in the final part of the experiment. These findings suggest an initial counteractive response of mussels toward the enhanced prooxidant challenge, while antioxidants appeared overwhelmed at longer exposure periods. The hypothesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated toxicity is supported by the appearance of cell damages (DNA integrity and lysosome membrane stability), which exhibited a progressive enhancement during the course of the experiment with a maximum impairment after 30 days of exposure.

Total oxidant scavenging capacity (TOSC) of microsomal and cytosolic fractions from Antarctic, Arctic and Mediterranean scallops: differentiation between three potent oxidants

The enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common pathway of toxicity induced by stressful environmental conditions. In polar environments, characterization of antioxidant defences in key sentinel species may be of particular value as early detection biomarkers of unforeseen effects of human activities which are progressively increasing in these remote areas.The complexities associated with predicting the consequences at the 'organism level' of variations of specific antioxidant defences have been recently overcome by the ability to quantify an index of specific biological resistance to various kinds of ROS.The total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) assay has been used in three species of scallops for quantifying their ability to neutralize peroxyl (ROO(&z.rad;)) and hydroxyl (&z.rad;OH) radicals and peroxynitrite (HOONO). Adamussium colbecki and Chlamys islandicus represent key organisms for monitoring Antarctic and Arctic regions while Pecten jacobaeus was chosen for a comparison with a related temperate species. TOSC values for ROO&z.rad; were significantly higher in A. colbecki indicating this species as the most efficient scavenger of ROO&z.rad;. Mediterranean scallops had the lowest TOSC for ROO(&z.rad;). A. colbecki also exhibited the highest scavenging capacity for &z.rad;OH with values more than 2-fold greater than for C. islandicus and P. jacobaeus. TOSC for HOONO was lower for all scallops as compared to those for ROO&z.rad; or &z.rad;OH. TOSC for microsomes was not significantly different among the species for any ROS studied, and the percentage contribution to the specific TOSC for the various oxidants of microsomes of all scallops accounted for 1-3% of the total TOSC of the post-mitochondrial fraction. The specific TOSC of scallop microsomes for &z.rad;OH was approximately ten times lower than that for ROO&z.rad; or HOONO.The higher basal capability of the Antarctic scallop to neutralize different reactive oxygen species is discussed in terms of a possible adaptation to this extreme environment and TOSC is validated as a quantifiable measure of susceptibility to oxidative stress in marine organisms.

Detection of DNA strand breaks in isolated mussel (Mytilus edulis L. ) digestive gland cells using the "Comet" assay

Isolated mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) digestive gland cells were analyzed using the single-cell gel electrophoresis or "comet" assay to assess the ability of potential aquatic contaminants to induce DNA strand breaks (SBs) and to investigate the potential application of this technique as part of an aquatic biomonitoring regime. Freshly prepared cell suspensions from digestive gland were exposed in vitro to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 0-200 microM), 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2[5H]-furanone (MX, 0-200 microM), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP, 0-200 microM), 1-nitropyrene (1-NP, 0-250 microM) and nitrofurantoin (NF, 0-1000 microM) for 1 h in the dark at 15 degreesC in the presence of the DNA repair inhibitor cytosine-beta-D-arabinofuranoside (araC). DNA strand breakage was measured using the comet assay. There were significant concentration-dependent increases in the percentage of DNA in the comet tail (mean values+/-SD) for all doses compared with controls (P<0.05) with H2O2 (up to 61.4+/-5.1% at 100 microM), MX (up to 34. 3+/-2.2% at 200 microM), BaP (up to 24.7+/-5.1 at 100 microM), 1-NP (up to 54.7+/-5.0% at 200 microM), and NF (up to 68.1+/-4.5% at 500 microM). There was a decrease (P<0.05) in viability (eosin Y exclusion) of exposed compared with control cells at 200 microM H2O2 and BaP only. This study has demonstrated the potential of the comet assay to detect DNA strand breakage at subcytotoxic concentrations of a range of agents, some of which require metabolic activation. This may provide a sensitive, but nonspecific, molecular biomarker of genotoxicity.

Superoxide anion radical generation as a temperature stress response in the gills of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: role in mucus exudation under elevated temperature

Temperature induced superoxide anion radical (O2-) generation in vivo has been demonstrated in the gills of Heteropneustes fossilis by electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping. Temperature exposures from 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C for various times (1-4 hr) caused generation of O2- in the gill. The acid mucopolysaccharide test was conducted in gill sections during elevated temperatures. The results showed an increased activity of mucopolysaccharide in gills which indicate an increased mucus secretion in gills during elevated temperatures. The detectable stable levels of O2- in the gill at 32 and 37 degrees C temperature exposures point towards a probable role for this radical in the exudation of mucus under elevated temperature.

A rapid gas chromatographic assay for determining oxyradical scavenging capacity of antioxidants and biological fluids

Herein, we report a new, rapid,and reliable method for measuring the protective antioxidant potential of pure antioxidant solutions or biological tissues. Peroxyl radicals generated by thermal homolysis of 2,2'-azobis-amidinopropane (ABAP) cause the oxidation of alpha-keto-gamma-methiolbutyric acid (KMBA) to ethylene; ethylene formation is monitored by gas chromatographic analysis of head space from the reaction vessel. The partial inhibition of ethylene formation in the presence of antioxidants that compete with KMBA for oxyradicals is the basis of the Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity Assay (TOSCA). The assay is shown to be reliable for quantifying ROS scavenging potential. The quantifiable parameters are consistent with the relative order of those predicted by the fluorescence- and oxygen electrode-based assays reported in the literature. Antioxidants competing for peroxyl radicals influenced the rate of KMBA oxidation in different ways, but the calculation of TOSC was not affected by such variations. Responses were linear over a wide range of sample concentrations and the TOSC values of classical soluble antioxidants showed the following relative order: Trolox > uric acid > ascorbic acid > GSH. The KMBA method was reliable for biological tissues; the TOSC for 1 microg rat liver cytosolic protein was 0.40 +/- 0.02 and for the microsomal membrane, 0.15 +/- 0.03. Soluble antioxidants accounted for 77% of the protective antioxidant potential in rat liver cytosol. When incorporated into the microsomal membrane, alpha-tocopherol markedly enhances antioxidant protection against peroxyl radical; thus, the assay is suitable for the assessment of fat-soluble antioxidants.

Production of reactive oxygen species by hemocytes from the marine mussel, Mytilus edulis: lysosomal localization and effect of xenobiotics

Hemolymph of M. Edulis is rich in phagocytic hemocytes. Hemocytes contain numerous lysosomes which, in turn, contain various hydrolytic enzymes. Phagocytic activity of M. edulis hemocytes is thought to be associated with NAD(P)H-oxidase activity of the plasma membrane. The laser dye, dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR), was used for cytochemical and biochemical detection of the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by isolated M. edulis hemocytes. Hemocytes readily take up DHR from the suspension medium and selectively concentrate it in the lysosomes, wherein DHR is oxidized to fluorescent rhodamine 123. Concomitant uptake of DHR with superoxide dismutase or the spin-trap, tert-phenylbutyl nitrone, but not catalase markedly reduced fluorescence in the lysosomes implicating superoxide anion (O2-) but not hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in DHR oxidation. Uptake of the anthraquinone, purpurin, and FeEDTA with DHR greatly amplified fluorescence within the lysosomes. These data are consistent with uptake of xenobiotics by hemocytes and their concentration in lysosomes wherein, ROS are generated in response to their accumulation. The rate of DHR oxidation by hemocytes was not stimulated by zymosan, a known stimulator of the oxidative burst. In vitro studies using the xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine reaction to generate O2- and selective inhibitors of ROS production indicated that DHR is oxidized by O2- and H2O2 but not by .OH and that iron can participate in the reaction. Incubating isolated hemocytes promoted low-level, SOD-sensitive, FeEDTA-stimulated production of ethylene from alpha-keto-gamma-methiolbutyric acid, indicating the in situ formation of .OH via production of O2-. The above suggest that enhanced production of ROS in M. edulis hemocytes by xenobiotic accumulation within the lysosomal compartment should be considered in the toxic sequelae of exposure of marine molluscs to chemical pollutants.

Lipid peroxidation and ascorbic acid status in respiratory organs of male and female freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to temperature increase

Lipid peroxidation and ascorbic acid (AsA) contents were measured in the gill and air sac of male and female catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, after exposure to temperatures (25-37 degrees C) at various times. Lipid peroxidation in gill and air sac biomembranes was enhanced on increasing the temperature from 25 to 37 degrees C for 60-240 min. In gill, the significant decline in AsA was observed only at 240 min exposed with different temperature range. In other exposure periods, the decline was nonsignificant. Air sac AsA was decreased significantly by exposure of 32 and 37 degrees C temperatures at various times. Lipid peroxidation and AsA contents after temperature exposure in gill and air sac of male and female fish showed no significant difference. The findings indicated an increased oxidative stress in gill and air sac of male and female fish after increased temperature exposure. The decline in AsA level supports its antioxidant role in relation to oxygen radicals.

Modulations in antioxidant enzymes in different tissues of marine bivalve Perna viridis during heavy metal exposure

Lipid peroxidation induced by metals at sub-lethal levels, alter physiological and biochemical characteristics of biological systems. To counter the detrimental effects of the prooxidant activity of metals, a group of antioxidant enzyme systems function in the organisms. The present study was performed to investigate into the lipid peroxidation product formation due to the exposure to effects of the metals namely aluminium, lead and cadmium at sub-lethal concentrations and the biological response through protective antioxidant enzyme activity in the marine mussels, Perna viridis Lin.. This organism is a known bioindicator and bioconcentrator of metals in the environment. The results of the present study were: (a) accumulation of lead showed a definite linear increase during the period of exposure whereas aluminium and cadmium showed fluctuations. Mantle and gill tissues showed greater accumulation of metals when compared to digestive gland; (b) lead and aluminium induced lipid peroxidation was greater in tissues than the peroxidation induced by cadmium. Cadmium induced peroxidation was observed only after the day 7 of the exposure; (c) anti-oxidant enzymes activity levels were significantly higher in digestive gland and mantle than gills; (d) mantle was observed to significantly contribute to the organismal response to lipid peroxidation as indicated by high activity levels of anti-oxidant enzymes.

Inhibition studies on the involvement of flavoprotein reductases in menadione- and nitrofurantoin-stimulated oxyradical production by hepatic microsomes of flounder (Platichthys flesus)

Inhibitors of mammalian cytochrome P450 and P450 reductase were used to investigate the enzymes in flounder (Platichthys flesus) hepatic microsomes involved in the stimulation of NAD(P)H-dependent iron/EDTA-mediated 2-keto-4-methiolbutyric acid (KMBA) oxidation (hydroxyl radical production) by the redox cycling compounds menadione and nitrofurantoin. Inhibitors were first tested for their effects on flounder microsomal P450 and flavoprotein reductase activities. Ellipticine gave type II difference binding spectra (app. Ks 5.36 microM; delta A max 0.16 nmol-1 P450) and markedly inhibited NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, and monooxygenase (benzo[a]pyrene metabolism) activities. 3-aminopyridine adenine dinucleotide phosphate (AADP; competitive inhibitor of P450 reductase) inhibited NADPH-cytochrome c but not NADH-cytochrome c or NADH-ferricyanide reductase activities. Alkaline phosphatase (inhibitor of rabbit P450 reductase) stimulated NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity seven fold but had less effect on NADH-reductase activities. AADP inhibited nitrofurantoin- and menadione-stimulated KMBA oxidation by 45 and 17%, respectively, indicating the involvement of P450 reductase at least in the former. In contrast, ellipticine had relatively little effect, possibly because, unlike cytochrome c, the smaller xenobiotic molecules can access the hydrophilic binding site of P450 reductase. Alkaline phosphatase stimulated NAD(P)H-dependent basal and xenobiotic-stimulated KMBA oxidation, showing general consistency with the results for reductase activities. Overall, the studies indicate both similarities (ellipticine, AADP) and differences (alkaline phosphatase) between the flounder and rat hepatic microsomal enzyme systems.

Serum lipid peroxides and lipids in urban and rural Indian men

Serum lipid peroxides, lipids, blood pressure, body mass index, and dietary intake in 190 urban men were compared with 190 age-matched rural men. Significantly higher levels of lipid peroxides, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were seen in urban men, compared with rural men. In rural men, serum lipid peroxides were related negatively to age; the same was observed in the 70 + y age group in the urban population. All the lipid constituents were related positively to age in both populations. There were statistically significant correlations between lipid peroxides and serum cholesterol and triglycerides in the urban men. The marked elevation of lipid peroxides and lipids in urban men may be the result of urbanization, including exposure to environmental pollutants.

Responses of mixed-function oxygenase and antioxidase enzyme system of Mytilus sp. to organic pollution

1. Mixed-function oxidase (MFO) system components (cytochrome P-450, "418-peak", cytochrome b5 and NADPH-cytochrome c(P-450) reductase) and inducible antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and DT-diaphorase) has been determined in digestive glands of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected from three Mediterranean coastal locations, exhibiting an organic pollution gradient. 2. Cytochrome P-450, the "418-peak", catalase and SOD showed a good correlation with whole body tissue PAHs and, to a lower extent, with PCBs. 3. Microsomal NADPH-dependent DT-diaphorase, but not the NADH-dependent microsomal enzyme or the cytosolic DT-diaphorases, was indicated to increase with pollution exposure. 4. The application of such measurements to environmental monitoring is discussed. Given the magnitude of differences observed, and the state of knowledge on enzyme function and mechanisms of toxicity, a multiparameter approach is considered to offer current and future potential for detecting the impact of organic pollution on bivalve molluscs.

Oxidants and antioxidants in aquatic animals

1. Oxidative stress, potentially, is experienced by all aerobic life when antioxidant defenses are overcome by prooxidant forces, and is the basis of many physiological abberations. 2. Environmental contaminants may enhance oxidative stress in aquatic organisms, e.g. highly elevated rates of ideopathic lesions and neoplasia among fish inhabiting polluted environments is increasingly related to oxidative stress associated with environmental pollution. 3. Metabolism of redox cycling xenobiotics in aquatic organisms is very similar to that of mammals suggesting similarities in the health consequences of exposure to such compounds. 4. The expression of specific lesions known to arise specifically from oxidative stress, e.g. lipid peroxidation, oxidized bases in DNA and accumulation of lipofuscin pigments are present in many aquatic animals exposed to contaminants. 5. Aquatic organisms contain the major antioxidant enzymes SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, albeit there are marked quantitative differences among the various species reported.