Induction and activity of oxidative stress-related proteins during waterborne Cu-exposure in brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Molecular variations to the proteome of zebrafish larvae induced by environmentally relevant copper concentrations

Contaminants are increasingly accumulating in aquatic environments and biota, with potential adverse effects on individual organisms, communities and ecosystems. However, studies that explore the molecular changes in fish caused by environmentally relevant concentrations of metals, such as copper (Cu), are limited. This study uses embryos of the model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio) to investigate effect of Cu on the proteome and amino acid (AA) composition of fish. Wild-type embryos at 24 h post-fertilisation were exposed to Cu (2 µg L-1 to 120 µg L-1) for 96 h and the number of healthy larvae were determined based on larvae that had hatched and did not display loss of equilibrium (LOE). The effect concentrations where Cu caused a 10 % (EC10) or 50 % (EC50) decrease in the number of healthy larvae were calculated as 3.7 µg L-1 and 10.9 µg L-1, respectively. Proteomics analysis of embryos exposed to the EC10 and EC50 concentrations of Cu revealed the proteome to differ more strongly after 48 h than 96 h, suggesting the acclimatisation of some larvae. Exposure to excess Cu caused differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) involved in oxidative stress, mitochondrial respiration, and neural transduction as well as the modulation of the AAs (Proline, Glycine and Alanine). This is the first study to suggest that LOE displayed by Cu-stressed fish may involve the disruption to GABAergic proteins and the calcium-dependent inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Moreover, this study highlights that proteomics and AA analysis can be used to identify potential biomarkers for environmental monitoring.

Unraveling the Red Sea soft coral Sarcophyton convolutum potentials against oxidative and inflammatory stresses in zebrafish

The Red Sea is one of the world's hotspots for biodiversity, and for marine natural products (MNPs) as well. These MNPs attract special interest for their capabilities to combat inflammatory and oxidative stress-related diseases, being some of the most serious health problems worldwide nowadays. The current study aimed to identify the bioactive ingredients of the Red Sea soft coral Sarcophyton convolutum, and to assess its protective potentials against oxidative and inflammatory stresses. Coral extract (CE) was analyzed using GC-MS and HPLC. In a protection trial, adult zebrafish were intraperitoneally injected with two doses of crab extract, i.e. 50 and 500 μg/fish in 1 % DMSO as a vehicle, then challenged with 30 μg L-1 of CuSO4 for 48 h. All groups, but the negative control one, were challenged with 30 μg L-1 of CuSO4. Total antioxidant activity, as well as mRNA levels of proinflammatory markers and antioxidant enzyme genes were measured. The results showed richness of S. convolutum extract with various bioactive ingredients, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkanes, fatty acids, sesquiterpenes, and pheromone-like substances. CuSO4 significantly induced the expected signals of inflammatory and oxidative stress, reducing both the antioxidant activity and increasing proinflammatory marker genes. However, CE, especially the low dose, showed significant capability to reduce proinflammatory markers and elevating the total antioxidant activity. Therefore, we concluded that S. convolutum can be a promising source for future efforts of drug discovery and a wide spectrum of pharmaceutical products.

Induction of Oxidative Stress by Waterborne Copper and Arsenic in Larvae of European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.): A Comparison with Their Effects as Nanoparticles

The aim of this work was to compare the potential induction of oxidative stress and the antioxidant enzymatic response after a short-term waterborne exposure to copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) with that of the nanoparticles (NPs) of these elements (Cu-NPs and As-NPs) in fish larvae of the species Dicentrarchus labrax. Larvae were grouped in several tanks and exposed to different concentrations of contaminants (0 to 10 mg/L) for 24 or 96 h under laboratory conditions. Copper and arsenic concentrations were analysed in larval tissues using ICP-MS. A set of oxidative stress biomarkers, including the levels of hydroperoxides (HPs), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were assessed. The trace element concentrations (mg/kg d.w.) in larvae ranged as follows: 3.28-6.67 (Cu at 24 h) and 2.76-3.42 (Cu at 96 h); 3.03-8.31 (Cu-NPs at 24 h) and 2.50-4.86 (Cu-NPs at 96 h); 1.92-3.45 (As at 24 h) and 2.22-4.71 (As at 96 h); and 2.19-8.56 (As-NPs at 24 h) and 1.75-9.90 (As-NPs at 96 h). In Cu tests, the oxidative damage (ROOH levels) was induced from 0.1 mg/L at both exposure times, while for Cu-NPs, this damage was not observed until 1 mg/L, which was paralleled by concomitant increases in SOD activity. The CAT activity was also increased but at lower metal concentrations (0.01 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L for both chemical forms). No oxidative damage was observed for As or As-NPs after 24 h, but it was observed for As after 96 h of treatment with 0.01 mg/L. A decrease in SOD activity was observed for As after 24 h, but it turned out to be increased after 96 h. However, As-NPs did not alter SOD activity. The CAT activity was stimulated only at 96 h by As and at 24 h by As-NPs. Therefore, the two chemical forms of Cu exhibited a higher bioaccumulation and toxicity potential as compared to those of As. Importantly, the association of both Cu and As in NPs reduced the respective trace metal bioaccumulation, resulting also in a reduction in the toxic effects (mortality and biochemical). Furthermore, the assessment of oxidative stress-related biomarkers in seabass larvae appears to be a useful tool for biomonitoring environmental-occurring trace elements.

Adaptive plastic responses to metal contamination in a multistress context: a field experiment in fish

Wild populations often differ in their tolerance to environmental stressors, but intraspecific variability is rarely taken into account in ecotoxicology. In addition, plastic responses to multiple stressors have rarely been investigated in realistic field conditions. In this study, we compared the responses to metal contamination of gudgeon populations (Gobio occitaniae) differing in their past chronic exposure to metal contamination, using a reciprocal transplant experiment and an immune challenge mimicking a parasite attack to test for potential effects of multiple stressors across biological levels. We measured fish survival and traits involved in metal bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, immunity, cell apoptosis, and energy management to decipher underpinning physiological mechanisms across biological levels (i.e., gene expression, cell, organism). Fish from the two replicate High Contamination sites had higher survival when transferred into contaminated sites, suggesting a local adaptation to the contaminated site, possibly explained by higher levels of detoxification and antioxidant capacity but with potential higher apoptosis costs compared to their naïve counterparts. We found no evidence of co- or maladaptation to the immune stressor, suggesting no specific costs to face pathogens. In the emerging field of evolutionary ecotoxicology, this study underlines the need to consider intraspecific variability to better understand the effects of pollution in heterogeneous populations.

Exposure to low environmental copper concentrations does not affect survival and development in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) early life stages

In this study we investigated potential impacts of Cu exposure at low, environmentally relevant, concentrations on early live stages of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Cod embryos and larvae were exposed to 0.5 μg/L (low), 2 μg/L (medium), and 6 μg/L (high) Cu from 4 to 17 days post fertilisation (dpf). Hatching success, mortality, oxygen consumption, biometric traits, and malformations were determined. A dynamic energy budget (DEB) model was applied to identify potential impacts on bioenergetics. A positive correlation was found between Cu exposure concentrations and Cu body burden in eggs, but not in larvae. The tested concentrations did not increase mortality in neither embryos nor larvae, or larvae deformations. Further, the DEB model did not indicate effects of the tested Cu concentrations.

Progress in the Research of the Toxicity Effect Mechanisms of Heavy Metals on Freshwater Organisms and Their Water Quality Criteria in China

Water quality criteria are the scientific basis for formulating water quality standards and environmental management practices. Due to the development of urbanization and industrialization, the problem of heavy metal pollution has become a serious environmental problem. Heavy metals not only have major impacts on aquatic organisms, but also seriously threaten human health. However, the current environmental criteria refer to the maximum value limitations of environmental factors in environmental media where harmful or detrimental effects are not produced on specific protected objects. This study reviewed the sources, hazard levels, toxic effect mechanisms, and the current research status of China’s water quality criteria for heavy metal pollutants. In addition, the focus and direction of future research on the toxic effects of heavy metal on aquatic organisms and the necessary criteria changes were discussed. The present study would provide an important theoretical basis for the future research of water quality criteria and risk assessment of heavy metal pollutants.

Comparative analyses of oxidative stress response and metallothionein induction in white sturgeon and rainbow trout during acute waterborne copper exposure

Early life-stages of the endangered white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) have been shown to be among the most sensitive fishes to aqueous copper (Cu) exposure. In a recent analogous study, we examined the role of whole-body Cu accumulation and Na homeostasis in species-specific differences between the sensitivity of white sturgeon and a common laboratory fish model, rainbow trout, to Cu. However, the potential roles of important mechanisms such as Cu-induced oxidative stress and/or metallothionein (MT) induction as potential drivers of sensitivity of white sturgeon to Cu have not been investigated to date. Here, rainbow trout and white sturgeon from three different early life-stages were exposed to waterborne Cu for 96 h, following which major antioxidant parameters, lipid peroxidation and MT gene expression were evaluated. Results indicated that during larval and swim-up life-stages, Cu induced oxidative damage in white sturgeon was greater than in rainbow trout. Moreover, baseline glutathione (GSH) was significantly greater in rainbow trout than white sturgeon. Observations also suggested that trout exceedingly relied on GSH to combat Cu-induced oxidative stress as they grew older. In contrast, sturgeon recruited an increasing level of MT to neutralize Cu-induced oxidative stress and/or Cu loading. In our recent study, we demonstrated that Na homeostasis is more susceptible to Cu in white sturgeon than in rainbow trout. Collectively, these findings indicate that the greater degree of oxidative damage in early life-stages, in addition to the higher magnitude of the disruption of Na homeostasis, contributes to the higher sensitivity of white sturgeon to Cu exposure.

Short-term developmental toxicity and potential mechanisms of the herbicide metamifop to zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

Metamifop is a novel aryloxyphenoxy propionate (AOPP) herbicide that is widely applied in paddy fields, which will inevitably enter aquatic environments and pose a risk to aquatic organisms. However, the potential threat and toxicological mechanisms of metamifop in aquatic organisms are poorly understood. In this study, zebrafish embryos were used to investigate the potential developmental toxicity and mechanisms of metamifop. The results showed that metamifop exhibited high acute toxicity to zebrafish, with 96 h-LC₅₀ values of 0.648 and 0.216 mg/L to embryos and larvae of 72 h post-hatching (hph), respectively. Decreased body lengths, heartbeat number, and hatching rates, and increased malformation rates of embryos were observed after 96 h of exposure to 0.38 mg/L or higher concentration of metamifop. Furthermore, oxidative stress was caused in embryos, with increased contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and altered activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Metamifop exposure clearly triggered cell apoptosis in embryos, result in the increase of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 activities and up-regulation of apoptosis-related genes (bax, p53, apaf1, caspase-3, and caspase-9). Additionally, the transcriptions of innate immune-related genes (il-8, il-1b, and ifn) were increased in the groups treated with 0.25 and 0.5 mg/L of metamifop. These results indicate that metamifop induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish, and the potential toxicological mechanisms were related to oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and the innate immune responses in embryos.

Limited oxidative stress in common carp (Cyprinus carpio, L., 1758) exposed to a sublethal tertiary (Cu, Cd and Zn) metal mixture

Analyzing effects of metal mixtures is important to obtain a realistic understanding of the impact of mixed stress in natural ecosystems. The impact of a one-week exposure to a sublethal metal mixture containing copper (4.8 μg/L), cadmium (2.9 μg/L) and zinc (206.8 μg/L) was evaluated in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). To explore whether this exposure induced oxidative stress or whether defense mechanisms were sufficiently fitting to prevent oxidative stress, indicators of apoptosis (expression of caspase 9 [CASP] gene) and of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA] level and xanthine oxidase [XO] activity) were measured in liver and gills, as well as activities and gene expression of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutathione reductase [GR] and glutathione-S-transferase [GST]). The total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) was also quantified. No proof of oxidative stress was found in either tissue but there was indication of apoptosis in the liver. CAT, GPx, GR and GST total activities were reduced after 7 days, suggesting a potential decrease of glutathione levels and risk of increased free radicals if the exposure would have lasted longer. There were no major changes in the total activities of antioxidant enzymes in the gills, but the relative expression of the genes coding for CAT and GR were triggered, suggesting a response at the transcription level. These results indicate that C. carpio is well equipped to handle these levels of metal pollution, at least during short term exposure.

Biomarker responses of Cu-induced toxicity in European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax: Assessing oxidative stress and histopathological alterations

A comprehensive approach to chemical accumulation and biological effects of short-term Cu exposure in juveniles of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) has been achieved. Fish were exposed to 0.01-10mgL^-1 nominal Cu concentrations for 24-96h. Metal concentrations in water and gills, liver, muscle and brain tissues were studied along with oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, lipid peroxidation). Induction of oxidative damage was observed in all the organs with differential antioxidant responses; gills appearing as the most sensitive from low environmentally water Cu concentrations as 0.01mgL^-1. Histopathological alterations were also observed in liver and gills, even without a significant Cu accumulation. The results show that the combination of oxidative stress parameters, particularly lipid peroxidation and glutathione peroxidase activities, and histopathological alterations provide a good model fish and reliable early biomarkers for monitoring Cu pollution in seawater and might call for the protection agencies to revise the Cu environmental standards.

The influence of heavy metals on toxicogenetic damage in a Brazilian tropical river

Anthropogenic activities in tropical rivers favor the eutrophication process, which causes increased concentration of heavy metals. The presence and bioaccumulation of metals are directly related to the presence of genotoxic damage in aquatic organisms. Thus, we evaluated the presence of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cr, Cu and Al) and performed toxicogenetic tests in surface (S) and bottom (B) of water samples of the Poti river (Piaui/Brazil). Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity tests were performed in Allium cepa, and micronucleus (MN) and comet assay were performed in Oreochromis niloticus. The chemical analysis showed concentrations above the limit for Cu, Cr, Fe and Al according to Brazilian laws, characterizing anthropogenic disturbance in this aquatic environment. Toxicogenetic analysis presented significant cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects in different exposure times and water layers (S and B), especially alterations in mitotic spindle defects, MN formations, nuclear bud and DNA strand breaks. Correlations between Fe and cytotoxicity, and Al and mutagenicity were statistically significant and point out to the participation of heavy metals in genotoxic damage. Therefore, Poti river water samples presented toxicogenetic effects on all bioindicators analyzed, which are most likely related to heavy metals pollution.

Green-synthesized CdS nano-pesticides: Toxicity on young instars of malaria vectors and impact on enzymatic activities of the non-target mud crab Scylla serrata

Currently, nano-formulated mosquito larvicides have been widely proposed to control young instars of malaria vector populations. However, the fate of nanoparticles in the aquatic environment is scarcely known, with special reference to the impact of nanoparticles on enzymatic activity of non-target aquatic invertebrates. In this study, we synthesized CdS nanoparticles using a green protocol relying on the cheap extract of Valoniopsis pachynema algae. CdS nanoparticles showed high toxicity on young instars of the malaria vectors Anopheles stephensi and A. sundaicus. The antimalarial activity of the nano-synthesized product against chloroquine-resistant (CQ-r) Plasmodium falciparum parasites was investigated. From a non-target perspective, we focused on the impact of this novel nano-pesticide on antioxidant enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities of the mud crab Scylla serrata. The characterization of nanomaterials was carried out by UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy, as well as SEM and XRD analyses. In mosquitocidal assays, LC₅₀ of V. pachynema-synthesized CdS nanoparticles on A. stephensi ranged from 16.856 (larva I), to 30.301μg/ml (pupa), while for An. sundaicus they ranged from 13.584 to 22.496μg/ml. The antiplasmodial activity of V. pachynema extract and CdS nanoparticles was evaluated against CQ-r and CQ-sensitive (CQ-s) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. IC₅₀ of V. pachynema extract was 58.1μg/ml (CQ-s) and 71.46μg/ml (CQ-r), while nano-CdS IC₅₀ was 76.14μg/ml (CQ-s) and 89.21μg/ml (CQ-r). In enzymatic assays, S. serrata crabs were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations, i.e. 4, 6 and 8μg/ml of CdS nanoparticles, assessing changes in GST and AChE activity after 16days. We observed significantly higher activity of GST, if compared to the control, during the whole experiment period. In addition, a single treatment with CdS nanoparticles led to a significant decrease in AChE activity over time. The toxicity of CdS nanoparticles and Cd ions in aqueous solution was also assessed in mud crabs, showing higher toxicity of aqueous Cd ions if compared to nano-CdS. Overall, our results underlined the efficacy of green-synthesized CdS nanoparticles in malaria vector control, outlining also significant impacts on the enzymatic activity of non-target aquatic organisms, with special reference to mud crabs.

Contaminant-induced oxidative stress in fish: a mechanistic approach

The presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living organisms was described more than 60 years ago and virtually immediately it was suggested that ROS were involved in various pathological processes and aging. The state when ROS generation exceeds elimination leading to an increased steady-state ROS level has been called "oxidative stress." Although ROS association with many pathological states in animals is well established, the question of ROS responsibility for the development of these states is still open. Fish represent the largest group of vertebrates and they inhabit a broad range of ecosystems where they are subjected to many different aquatic contaminants. In many cases, the deleterious effects of contaminants have been connected to induction of oxidative stress. Therefore, deciphering of molecular mechanisms leading to such contaminant effects and organisms' response may let prevent or minimize deleterious impacts of oxidative stress. This review describes general aspects of ROS homeostasis, in particular highlighting its basic aspects, modification of cellular constituents, operation of defense systems and ROS-based signaling with an emphasis on fish systems. A brief introduction to oxidative stress theory is accompanied by the description of a recently developed classification system for oxidative stress based on its intensity and time course. Specific information on contaminant-induced oxidative stress in fish is covered in sections devoted to such pollutants as metal ions (particularly iron, copper, chromium, mercury, arsenic, nickel, etc.), pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) and oil with accompanying pollutants. In the last section, certain problems and perspectives in studies of oxidative stress in fish are described.

Oxidative stress and spermatogenesis suppression in the testis of cadmium-treated Bombyx mori larvae

Bombyx mori L. (B. mori) were exposed to cadmium chloride (CdCl2) incorporated in an artificial diet (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg kg(-1)) throughout the larval stage. Changes in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), as well as their corresponding messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the testes of the fifth instar larvae were evaluated. Additionally, spermatozoon deformation in the testes was examined. Upon Cd treatment, the MDA content in the testes was significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Cd-exposed larvae had increased levels of glutathione. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that SOD and CAT activities were positively correlated (R (2) = 0.605, P = 0.017). The changing trends in the mRNA levels of these enzymes were not always consistent with those of enzymatic activities. Alterations in GSH-Px activities and mRNA levels were positively correlated (R (2) = 0.771, P < 0.01). Morphological analysis revealed that Cd deformed and affected the maturation of spermatozoa. Our results collectively support a relationship between Cd and alterations in the levels of antioxidant enzymes in B. mori testes.

Metallothionein, oxidative stress and trace metals in gills and liver of demersal and pelagic fish species from Kuwaits' marine area

Two fish species yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) and tonguesole (Cynoglossus arel) were collected from two locations in Kuwait's territorial waters in non-reproductive periods and used as bio-indicator organism for the assessment of metals in the marine environment. Species variation in fish was observed; seabream contained high metal content and metallothionein in liver and gill tissues compared to tonguesole, especially from Kuwait Bay area. Oxidative injury was registered in the gills of both species, but in tonguesole liver was also involved. Consequently, antioxidant enzyme catalase was elevated in tonguesole enabling bottom dwelling fish to combat oxidative assault. The study provided information about the current status of metals in marine sediment and levels of metals accumulated in representative species along with oxidative damage in exposed tissues and the range of biomarker protein metallothionein and enzymes of antioxidant defence mechanism enhancing our understanding about the biological response to the existing marine environment in Kuwait.

Human mining activity across the ages determines the genetic structure of modern brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations

Humans have exploited the earth's metal resources for thousands of years leaving behind a legacy of toxic metal contamination and poor water quality. The southwest of England provides a well-defined example, with a rich history of metal mining dating to the Bronze Age. Mine water washout continues to negatively impact water quality across the region where brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations exist in both metal-impacted and relatively clean rivers. We used microsatellites to assess the genetic impact of mining practices on trout populations in this region. Our analyses demonstrated that metal-impacted trout populations have low genetic diversity and have experienced severe population declines. Metal-river trout populations are genetically distinct from clean-river populations, and also from one another, despite being geographically proximate. Using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), we dated the origins of these genetic patterns to periods of intensive mining activity. The historical split of contemporary metal-impacted populations from clean-river fish dated to the Medieval period. Moreover, we observed two distinct genetic populations of trout within a single catchment and dated their divergence to the Industrial Revolution. Our investigation thus provides an evaluation of contemporary population genetics in showing how human-altered landscapes can change the genetic makeup of a species.

Tissue-specific antioxidant responses in pale chub (Zacco platypus) exposed to copper and benzo[a]pyrene

In this study, antioxidant responses including lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), were evaluated in the liver, gill and muscle tissues of pale chub (Zacco platypus) exposed to copper (Cu) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Cu exposure induced significant antioxidant responses in Z. platypus, particularly in the liver, whereas BaP exposure had a negligible effect. Following Cu exposure, both SOD and CAT activity increased in a concentration-dependent manner, showing significant correlations with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a measure of LPO (r = 0.646 and 0.663, respectively). SOD, CAT and GST mRNA levels were also enhanced following Cu exposure, except at 20 μg L(-1), although significant correlations with antioxidant enzyme activities were not found. The results of this study suggest that combined information on SOD and CAT activities together with LPO levels in the liver could be a useful indicator for assessing oxidative stress in freshwater fish.

Anti-oxidative defences are modulated differentially in three freshwater teleosts in response to ammonia-induced oxidative stress

Oxidative stress and the antioxidant response induced by high environmental ammonia (HEA) were investigated in the liver and gills of three freshwater teleosts differing in their sensitivities to ammonia. The highly ammonia-sensitive salmonid Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout), the less ammonia sensitive cyprinid Cyprinus carpio (common carp) and the highly ammonia-resistant cyprinid Carassius auratus (goldfish) were exposed to 1 mM ammonia (as NH₄HCO₃) for 0 h (control), 3 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 84 h and 180 h. Results show that HEA exposure increased ammonia accumulation significantly in the liver of all the three fish species from 24 h–48 h onwards which was associated with an increment in oxidative stress, evidenced by elevation of xanthine oxidase activity and levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Unlike in trout, H₂O₂ and MDA accumulation in carp and goldfish liver was restored to control levels (84 h–180 h); which was accompanied by a concomitant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase activity and reduced ascorbate content. Many of these defence parameters remained unaffected in trout liver, while components of the glutathione redox cycle (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) enhanced to a greater extent. The present findings suggest that trout rely mainly on glutathione dependent defensive mechanism while carp utilize SOD, CAT and ascorbate as anti-oxidative sentinels. Hepatic cells of goldfish appear to utilize each of these protective systems, and showed more effective anti-oxidative compensatory responses towards HEA than carp, while trout were least effective. The present work also indicates that HEA exposure resulted in a relatively mild oxidative stress in the gills of all three species. This probably explains the almost complete lack of anti-oxidative responses in branchial tissue. This research suggests that oxidative stress, as well as the antioxidant potential clearly differ between salmonid and cyprinid species.

Global transcriptome profiling reveals molecular mechanisms of metal tolerance in a chronically exposed wild population of brown trout

Worldwide, a number of viable populations of fish are found in environments heavily contaminated with metals, including brown trout (Salmo trutta) inhabiting the River Hayle in South-West of England. This population is chronically exposed to a water-borne mixture of metals, including copper and zinc, at concentrations lethal to naïve fish. We aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms employed by the River Hayle brown trout to tolerate high metal concentrations. To achieve this, we combined tissue metal analysis with whole-transcriptome profiling using RNA-seq on an Illumina platform. Metal concentrations in the Hayle trout, compared to fish from a relatively unimpacted river, were significantly increased in the gills, liver and kidney (63-, 34- and 19-fold respectively), but not the gut. This confirms that these fish can tolerate considerable metal accumulation, highlighting the importance of these tissues in metal uptake (gill), storage and detoxification (liver, kidney). We sequenced, assembled and annotated the brown trout transcriptome using a de novo approach. Subsequent gene expression analysis identified 998 differentially expressed transcripts and functional analysis revealed that metal- and ion-homeostasis pathways are likely to be the most important mechanisms contributing to the metal tolerance exhibited by this population.

Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase from the Cladoceran Daphnia magna: molecular cloning and expression in response to different acute environmental stressors

The copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) is a representative antioxidant enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of superoxide to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide in aerobic organisms. Cu/Zn-SOD mRNAs have been cloned from many species and employed as useful biomarkers of oxidative stresses. In the present study, we cloned Cu/Zn-SOD cDNA from the cladoceran Daphnia magna, analyzed its catalytic properties, and investigated mRNA expression patterns after exposure to known oxidative stressors. The full-length Cu/Zn-SOD of the D. magna (Dm-Cu/Zn-SOD) sequence consisted of 703 bp nucleotides, encoding 178 amino acids, showing well-conserved domains that were required for metal binding and several common characteristics. The deduced amino acid sequence of Dm-Cu/Zn-SOD showed that it shared high identity with Daphnia pulex (88%), Alvinella pompejana (56%), and Cristaria plicata (56%). The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Dm-Cu/Zn-SOD was highly homologous to D. pulex. The variation of Dm-Cu/Zn-SOD mRNA expression was quantified by real-time PCR, and the results indicated that the expression was up-regulated after 48-h exposure to copper, un-ionized ammonia, and low dissolved oxygen. This study shows that the Dm-Cu/Zn-SOD mRNA could be successfully employed as a biomarker of oxidative stress, which is a common mode of toxicity for many other aquatic hazardous materials.

Hydrogen peroxide and ecdysone in the cryoprotective dehydration strategy of Megaphorura arctica (Onychiuridae: Collembola)

The Arctic springtail, Megaphorura arctica, survives sub-zero temperatures in a dehydrated state via trehalose-dependent cryoprotective dehydration. Regulation of trehalose biosynthesis is complex; based in part on studies in yeast and fungi, its connection with oxidative stress caused by exposure of cells to oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), or dehydration, is well documented. In this respect, we measured the amount of H₂O₂ and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutases: copper, zinc--CuZnSOD and manganese containing--MnSOD, and catalase--CAT), as the regulatory components determining H₂O₂ concentrations, in Arctic springtails incubated at 5 °C (control) versus -2 °C (threshold temperature for trehalose biosynthesis). Because ecdysone also stimulates trehalose production in insects and regulates the expression of genes involved in redox homeostasis and antioxidant protection in Drosophila, we measured the levels of the active physiological form of ecdysone--20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE). Significantly elevated H₂O₂ and 20-HE levels were observed in M. arctica incubated at -2 °C, supporting a link between ecdysone, H₂O₂, and trehalose levels during cryoprotective dehydration. CAT activity was found to be significantly lower in M. arctica incubated at -2 °C versus 5 °C, suggesting reduced H₂O₂ breakdown. Furthermore, measurement of the free radical composition in Arctic springtails incubated at 5 °C (controls) versus -2 °C by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy revealed melanin-derived free radicals at -2 °C, perhaps an additional source of H₂O₂. Our results suggest that H₂O₂ and ecdysone play important roles in the cryoprotective dehydration process in M. arctica, linked with the regulation of trehalose biosynthesis.

Cu/Zn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) from the copepod Tigriopus japonicus: molecular cloning and expression in response to environmental pollutants

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important antioxidant enzyme which catalyzes conversion of superoxide to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide in aerobic organisms. Here, we cloned and sequenced the full-length cDNA and genomic DNA of two SODs from the copepod, Tigriopus japonicus: copper/zinc SOD (TJ-Cu/Zn-SOD) and manganese SOD (TJ-Mn-SOD). To define whether TJ-Mn-SOD is a cytosolic or a mitochondrial protein, a phylogenetic analysis was performed. The genomic structure of both TJ-SOD genes was determined with the promoter region sequences. In order to investigate their potential role in response to environmental pollutants, T. japonicus were treated with heavy metal (copper, zinc, and silver; 0, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μg L(-1)) and industrial chemicals (benzo[α]pyrene, 4-nonylphenol, and tributyltin; 0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 μg L(-1)) for 96 h. Subsequently, the TJ-Cu/Zn-SOD and TJ-Mn-SOD mRNA level was measured with quantitative real-time RT-PCR along with total SOD activity. The deduced amino acid residues of TJ-Cu/Zn-SOD and TJ-Mn-SOD possessed evolutionary conserved domains that are required for metal binding and Cu/ZnSOD-conserved signature sequences. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that TJ-Mn-SOD was closely clustered to mitochondrial Mn-SOD of another copepod, Lepeophtheirus salmonis. TJ-Cu/Zn-SOD gene had four exons and three introns, while the TJ-Mn-SOD gene consisted of two exons interrupted by one intron. In the 5'-flanking region of TJ-Cu/Zn-SOD and TJ-Mn-SOD, we observed several transcription regulatory elements such as p53, XRE, MRE, and ERE-half sites. In the response to heavy metals, Cu, Zn, and Ag, both TJ-Cu/Zn-SOD and TJ-Mn-SOD transcript levels along with enzyme levels were significantly increased at high concentrations (50 μg L(-1) and 100 μg L(-1)). Particularly, in the Cu- and Ag-exposed group, the expression of TJ-Mn-SOD mRNA was regulated more sensitively than the TJ-Cu/Zn-SOD mRNA level, indicating that the chemical susceptibility would be not correlated with the form of chemicals. B[a]P treatment showed a significant increase in the expression of both TJ-SODs mRNA level and enzyme level from 5 μg L(-1) concentration, while TBT decreased its expression at high concentrations (10 μg L(-1) and 20 μg L(-1)). 4-NP increased both TJ-SODs mRNA level at 1 μg L(-1) concentration, and then inhibited its expression from 5 μg L(-1) concentration to a lower level than the control. This finding suggests that TJ-Cu/Zn-SOD and TJ-Mn-SOD would be an inducible gene upon exposure to heavy metals and B[α]P, and could be used as a potential biomarker for the risk assessment of these environmental pollutants. This is the first report to elucidate response of SOD to environmental pollutants in copepods. Therefore, this study would give a clue to better understand the mode of action of antioxidant genes and enzymes under oxidative stress in marine invertebrates.

Review on methods for determination of metallothioneins in aquatic organisms

One aspect of environmental degradation in coastal areas is pollution from toxic metals, which are persistent and are bioaccumulated by marine organisms, with serious public health implications. A conventional monitoring system of environmental metal pollution includes measuring the level of selected metals in the whole organism or in respective organs. However, measuring only the metal content in particular organs does not give information about its effect at the subcellular level. Therefore, the evaluation of biochemical biomarker metallothionein may be useful in assessing metal exposure and the prediction of potential detrimental effects induced by metal contamination. There are some methods for the determination of metallothioneins including spectrophotometric method, electrochemical methods, chromatography, saturation-based methods, immunological methods, electrophoresis, and RT-PCR. In this paper, different methods are discussed briefly and the comparison between them will be presented.

Exposure to waterborne copper reveals differences in oxidative stress response in three freshwater fish species

Among species, various strategies in metal handling can occur. Moreover, the same metal concentration, or even the same metal dose, does not always seem to exert the same effect in different species. Here, we have investigated differences in a copper induced oxidative stress response between rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). Fish were exposed to two sub-lethal Cu concentrations, an identical concentration of 50μg/l for all fish species and an identical toxic dose which was 10% of the concentration lethal to 50% of the fish within 96h of exposure (LC50 96h value) for each of the 3 species (20μg/l for rainbow trout, 65μg/l for carp and 150μg/l for gibel carp). Different anti-oxidative enzyme (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and catalase) activities and anti-oxidant (reduced glutathione and reduced ascorbate) concentrations were determined in gill samples collected after 1h, 12h, 24h, 3 days, 1 week and 1 month of Cu exposure. Changes in the measured parameters were present in all 3 species, yet a clear differentiation between fish species could be made before and during the exposure. The ascorbate levels of gibel carp were twice as high as those in common carp or rainbow trout. In contrast, the level of glutathione in rainbow trout was more than twice of that in the two other species. Also, glutathione reductase activity of rainbow trout was higher than in the other species. In rainbow trout a decrease of reduced ascorbate and reduced glutathione was observed in the beginning of the exposure, indicating that ROS scavenging molecules were under pressure. This was followed by an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase after 3 days of exposure. In contrast, common carp and especially gibel carp enhanced their anti-oxidant enzyme activities as quickly as in the first day of exposure. Furthermore, our research seems to confirm that some fish rely more on glutathione as a first line of defence against metal exposure, while others rely more on metallothionein in combination with anti-oxidant enzymes.

Environmentally induced oxidative stress in aquatic animals

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an unenviable part of aerobic life. Their steady-state concentration is a balance between production and elimination providing certain steady-state ROS level. The dynamic equilibrium can be disturbed leading to enhanced ROS level and damage to cellular constituents which is called "oxidative stress". This review describes the general processes responsible for ROS generation in aquatic animals and critically analyses used markers for identification of oxidative stress. Changes in temperature, oxygen levels and salinity can cause the stress in natural and artificial conditions via induction of disbalance between ROS production and elimination. Human borne pollutants can also enhance ROS level in hydrobionts. The role of transition metal ions, such as copper, chromium, mercury and arsenic, and pesticides, namely insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides along with oil products in induction of oxidative stress is highlighted. Last years the research in biology of free radicals was refocused from only descriptive works to molecular mechanisms with particular interest to ones enhancing tolerance. The function of some transcription regulators (Keap1-Nrf2 and HIF-1α) in coordination of organisms' response to oxidative stress is discussed. The future directions in the field are related with more accurate description of oxidative stress, the identification of its general characteristics and mechanisms responsible for adaptation to the stress have been also discussed. The last part marks some perspectives in the study of oxidative stress in hydrobionts, which, in addition to classic use, became more and more popular to address general biological questions such as development, aging and pathologies.

Variability of responses in the crucian carp Carassius carassius from two Ukrainian ponds determined by multi-marker approach

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of the comparatively tolerant fish Carassius carassius over three seasons in an area characterized by spontaneous human activities. Sites near the springs of a river (site Z) and downstream of a river (site B) in Western Ukraine were selected. According to the centroid grouping analysis, the biochemical and morphological indices allowed the fish to be distinguished according to season more than to site. The level of nuclear abnormalities was low in fish from both sites. However C. carassius inhabiting site B showed a lower metal-binding capacity of MTs in relation to fish from site Z. This was combined with high levels of MT protein (particularly in the liver), and reduced glutathione (GSH) and redox state of GSH (particularly in the gills), which might confer some advantages to fish inhabiting this site. The levels of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, glutathione-S-transferase, cholinesterase and vitellogenin-like proteins indicated significant but intermittent inter-site differences. In summer, oxidative damage due to a high level of lipid peroxidation, and low superoxide dismutase and catalase activities was observed in fish from site B, and in autumn, it was observed in the gills of fish from site Z. The relationship between MT protein levels and antioxidant defense and the lack of a positive relationship between MT levels and their metal-binding capacity was confirmed by principal component analysis.

Differential uptake and oxidative stress response in zebrafish fed a single dose of the principal copper and zinc enriched sub-cellular fractions of Gammarus pulex

The sub-cellular compartmentalisation of trace metals and its effect on trophic transfer and toxicity in the aquatic food chain has been a subject of growing interest. In the present study, the crustacean Gammarus pulex was exposed to either 11 microg Cu l(-1), added solely as the enriched stable isotope 65Cu, or 660 microg Zn l(-1), radiolabeled with 2MBq (65)Zn, for 16 days. Post-exposure the heat stable cytosol containing metallothionein-like proteins (MTLP) and a combined granular and exoskeletal (MRG+exo) fractions were isolated by differential centrifugation, incorporated into gelatin and fed to zebrafish as a single meal. Assimilation efficiency (AE) and intestinal lipid peroxidation, as malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the retention of the MTLP-Zn (39.0+/-6.4%) and MRG+exo-Zn (17.2+/-3.7%) and of this zinc retained by the zebrafish a significantly greater proportion of the MTLP-Zn feed had been transported away from the site of uptake. For 65Cu, although the results pointed towards greater bioavailability of the MTLP fraction compared to MRG+exo during the slow elimination phase (24-72 h) these results were not significant (p=0.155). Neither zinc feed provoked a lipid peroxidation response in the intestinal tissue of zebrafish compared to control fish (gelatin fed), but both 65Cu labeled feeds did. The greater effect was exerted by the MRG+exo (2.96+/-0.29 nmol MDA mg protein(-1)) feed which three-fold greater than control (p<0.01) and almost twice the MDA concentration of the MTLP feed (1.76+/-0.21 nmol MDA mg protein(-1), p<0.05). The oxidative stress response produced by Zn and Cu is in keeping with their respective redox potentials; Zn being oxidatively inert and Cu being redox active. These results are similar, in terms of bioavailability and stress response of each feed, to those in our previous study in which 109Cd labeled G. pulex fractions were fed to zebrafish. Thus it appears that when a metal (Cu or Cd) has the potential to cause cytotoxicity via lipid peroxidation, a feed consisting of a largely unavailable fraction (MRG+exo) causes a greater intestinal stress response than the more bioavailable (MTLP) feed.

Multimarker approach analysis in common carp Cyprinus carpio sampled from three freshwater sites

The aim of this study is to assess the response of a multimarker approach in common carp Cyprinus carpio sampled from three Tunisian dam lakes selected according to different environmental and ecological characteristics. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was analyzed in carp liver and used as a phase II detoxification enzyme, hepatic metallothionein content (MTs) was used as a metallic stress indicator, and cholinesterase activities were analyzed in muscle and brain and used as neurotoxicity biomarker. Micronucleus frequency test (MN) as a genotoxicity marker. GST and MT levels showed an increase in fish from the Bir Mcherga site and a decrease in Sidi Saâd site with respect to fish from Nebhana site. Results showed a strong inhibition of cholinesterase activities in fish from Bir Mcherga and Sidi Saâd sites compared to Nebhana site. Relatively high level of MN is reported specially in fish blood from the Bir Mcherga site.

Molecular cloning of Daphnia magna catalase and its biomarker potential against oxidative stresses

Catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) is an important antioxidant enzyme that protects aerobic organisms against oxidative damage by degrading hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water. Catalase mRNAs have been cloned from many species and employed as useful biomarkers of oxidative stress. In the present study, we cloned the cDNA from the catalase gene in Daphnia magna, analyzed its catalytic properties, and investigated mRNA expression patterns after the exposure to known oxidative stressors. The catalase proximal heme-ligand signature sequence, FDRERISERVVHAKGSGA, and the proximal active site signature, RLFSYTDTH, are highly conserved. The variation of catalase mRNA expression in D. magna was quantified by real-time PCR, and the results indicated that catalase expression was up-regulated after exposure to UV-B light or cadmium (Cd). The activity of catalase enzyme also showed a similar increasing pattern when exposed to these model stressors. The full-length catalase cDNA of D. magna was cloned using mixed primers by the method of 3' and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR. The cDNA sequence consists of 1515 nucleotides, encoding 504 amino acids. Sequence comparison showed that the deduced amino acid sequence of D. magna shared 73%, 72%, 71% and 70% identity with that of Chlamys farreri, Fenneropenaeus chinensis, Litopenaeus vannamei and Anopheles gambiae, respectively. This study shows that the catalase mRNA from D. magna could be successfully employed as a biomarker of oxidative stress, which is a common mode of toxicity for many water contaminants.

Chromium effects on free radical processes in goldfish tissues: comparison of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) exposures on oxidative stress markers, glutathione status and antioxidant enzymes

The present study directly compared the effects of exposure to Cr6+ and Cr3+ (10 mg/L) over 24, 48 and 96 h on indices of oxidative stress and activities of antioxidant and related enzymes in goldfish brain, liver, kidney and gills. Glutathione status clearly demonstrated the development of oxidative stress, whereas changes in protein carbonyls and lipid peroxides were less pronounced. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was virtually unaffected after 24 or 96 h exposure, but 48 h exposure to Cr6+ reduced SOD activity in brain (by 30%), enhanced activity in kidney (by 28%) and had no effect on liver SOD. Chromium exposure for shorter times had no effect on catalase activity, whereas 96 h exposure depressed activity in liver, kidney and gills. Exposure to Cr6+ reduced catalase activity in liver by 53% and in kidney by 21%, while in gills it was reduced by 20 and 38% by exposure to Cr3+ and Cr6+, respectively. Exposure to chromium for 24 h did not affect glutathione-S-transferase activity, but treatment with Cr6+ for 48 h enhanced it in brain by 1.5-fold, whereas exposure to Cr3+ decreased activity by 29% in kidney. Fish treatment with chromium ions for 96 h decreased glutathione-S-transferase activity in liver by 51 and 25%, respectively. Chromium exposure had very little effect on the activities of GR or G6PDH. These data show that both chromium ions induced oxidative stress in goldfish tissues and affected the activity of antioxidant and associated enzymes.

Oxidative stress responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes exposed to pro-oxidants and a complex environmental sample

A wide range of pollutants in the aquatic environment have the capacity to induce toxic effects expressed as cellular oxidative stress. In the current study, the potential of an in vitro toxicity testing system was therefore investigated using rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes to assess different endpoints of oxidative stress. The pro-oxidants CuSO(4) and paraquat were used as models for comparison to a complex environmental sample. Results following 6, 24, 48 and 96h exposure to different concentrations of these substances show cellular effects on intracellular ROS formation, glutathione levels and redox status, expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, gamma-glutamyl-cysteine synthetase (GCS) and thioredoxin, as well as cytotoxicity parameters. The most consistent effects (maximum values within brackets), observed in dose and time parameters for both model compounds and environmental sample, were the depletion of total glutathione (9.4% of control), induced levels of oxidized glutathione (695% of control), and gene expression regulation depicted relative to the control gene beta-actin of GCS mRNA (239% of control) and catalase (29% of control). In conclusion, the responses on several antioxidant defence system parameters demonstrated the validity of the in vitro toxicity testing system. Not only could multiple effects be detected at sub-lethal exposure concentrations, but these effects also gave valuable insight to the toxic mechanisms at the molecular level.

Cadmium bound to metal rich granules and exoskeleton from Gammarus pulex causes increased gut lipid peroxidation in zebrafish following single dietary exposure

There has been a growing interest in establishing how the sub-cellular distribution of metals in macro-invertebrate prey affects metal trophic bioavailability and toxicity. In this study, the crustacean Gammarus pulex was exposed to 300mugCdl(-1) spiked with (109)Cd for 13 days, from which the two principal metal containing sub-cellular fractions, the metallothionein-like protein (MTLP) and the metal rich granule and exoskeleton (MRG+exo) were isolated. These fractions were produced at equal metal content, incorporated into gelatin and fed to zebrafish as a single meal; assimilation efficiency (AE), carcass and gut tissue metal concentrations and gut lipid peroxidative damage measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. The AE of cadmium bound to the MTLP fraction was 32.1+/-5.6% which was significantly greater than the AE of MRG+exo bound Cd, 13.0+/-2.1% (p<0.05). Of the metal retained by the fish at 72h post-feeding, 94% of MTLP-Cd had been incorporated into the carcass, whereas a significant proportion (46%) of MRG+exo-Cd, although assimilated, appeared to remain associated with intestinal tissue. However, this did not translate into a gut tissue concentration difference with 6.8+/-1.2ngCdg(-1) in fish fed MTLP-Cd compared to 9.5+/-1.4ngCdg(-1) in fish fed MRG+exo fraction. Both feeds led to significantly increased MDA levels compared to the control group (gelatin only feed), but MRG+exo feed caused significantly more oxidative damage than the MTLP feed (p<0.01). Thus, MTLP-Cd is more bioavailable than the cadmium bound to granules and exoskeleton, but it was the latter fraction, largely considered as having limited bioavailability, that appeared to exert a greater localised oxidative injury to the digestive tract of zebrafish.

Oxidative stress induced on Cyprinus carpio by contaminants present in the water and sediment of Madin Reservoir

Madin Reservoir (MR), located in the State of Mexico, is fed mainly by the Rio Tlalnepantla. MR supplies potable water to the municipalities of Naucalpan and Atizapan, and various recreational activities take place in its vicinity, such as sailing and the fishing of diverse species including the common carp Cyprinus carpio. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxic effects of contaminants present in MR water and sediment on C. carpio. Five sampling stations were selected (those considered to have the most problems due to discharges). Water and sediment samples were taken and toxicity studies were performed, including acute toxicity (lethality) and subacute toxicity assays. The biomarkers used in the subacute assays were lipid peroxidation (LPX) and activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the liver and brain of test organisms. These biomarkers were also evaluated in local carp, i.e. carp with chronic exposure in situ to reservoir contaminants. Results show that contaminants in the water and sediment of the different sampling stations induce oxidative stress, this toxicity being more evident in samples from stations near the entry point of the Rio Tlalnepantla tributary and in local carp. This may be due to high contaminant levels as well as the fact that the physicochemical characteristics of the matrices might favor their bioavailability. Thus, both the water and sediment of this reservoir are contaminated with xenobiotics hazardous to C. carpio, a species consumed by the local human population.

Function of metallothioneins in carp Cyprinus carpio from two field sites in Western Ukraine

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the seasonal and spatial regularity of the properties of metallothioneins (MT) from the liver and gills of carp Cyprinus carpio L. in rural (R) and industrial (I) sites in Western Ukraine. The MT is represented by two chromatographic forms, the features of which exhibit seasonal rather than spatial dependence. The pronounced differences between the sites were due to the lower levels of Zn in the liver and the higher levels of Zn in MT of carp from site I, providing evidence of the higher overall anthropogenic impact here that leads to the distortion of this essential metal accumulation and to the activation of metal-binding function of MT. In spring, higher levels of Cu and Cd in MT and in the tissues were reflected at site R probably as the result of the permitting pollution here. The principal component analysis demonstrated the correlation of MT-bound metal levels to their levels in water and the absence of such relation for general tissue metal levels for Zn.

Responses of biochemical markers in carp Cyprinus carpio from two field sites in Western Ukraine

The aim of this study was to compare environmental quality in two sites of the river in Western Ukraine, rural (R) and industrial (I) during three seasons via a set of biochemical markers in carp Cyprinus carpio L. Upon comparing the values of the I-site with those of the R-site, we found that Mn- and Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities decreased and O(.) production increased; metallothionein (MT) and glutathione levels increased in most cases, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity decreased in summer. This confirms our hypothesis about continuous environmental press at the I-site. The higher activity of catalase and lipid peroxidation (TBARS), as well as the increased levels of vitellogenin-like proteins at the R-site, compare to the I-site in spring reflects the permitting effect of agricultural discharges. According to the results of PCA, the most sensitive biomarkers of pollution are MT, TBARS, and AChE in liver.

Copper transporter 1, metallothionein and glutathione reductase genes are differentially expressed in tissues of sea bream (Sparus aurata) after exposure to dietary or waterborne copper

The high affinity copper transporter 1 (Ctr1), metallothionein (MT) and glutathione reductase (GR) are essential for copper uptake, sequestration and defense respectively. Following rearing on a normal commercial diet (12.6+/-0.2 mg kg(-1) Cu), sea bream were fed an experimental control diet lacking mineral mix (7.7+/-0.3 mg kg(-1) Cu), an experimental diet enhanced with Cu (135+/-4 mg kg(-1) Cu) or an experimental diet (7.7+/-0.3 mg kg(-1) Cu) whilst exposed to Cu in water (0.294+/-0.013 mg L(-1)). Fish were sampled at 0, 15 and 30 days after exposures. Fish fed the Cu-enhanced experimental diet showed lower levels of expression of Ctr1 in the intestine and liver compared to fish fed control experimental diets, whilst Ctr1 expression in the gill and kidney was unaffected by excess dietary Cu exposure. Waterborne-Cu exposure increased Ctr1 mRNA levels in the intestine and the kidney compared to experimental controls. Excess dietary Cu exposure had no effect on levels of metallothionein (MT) mRNA, and the only effect of dietary excess Cu on glutathione reductase (GR) mRNA was a decrease in the intestine. Both MT mRNA and GR were increased in the liver and gill after waterborne-Cu exposure, compared to levels in fish fed experimental control low Cu diets. Thus, Ctr1, MT and GR mRNA expression in response to excess Cu is dependent on the route of exposure. Furthermore, the tissue expression profile of sea bream Ctr1 is consistent with the known physiology of copper exposure in fish and indicates a role both in essential copper uptake and in avoidance of excess dietary and waterborne copper influx.

Oxidative stress response and gene expression with acute copper exposure in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

In fish, environmental pollution is one factor that induces oxidative stress, and this can disturb the natural antioxidant defense system. Oxidative stress has been well characterized in vitro, yet the in vivo effects of metal-induced oxidative stress have not been extensively studied. In two experiments we examined the impacts of copper (Cu) on gene expression, oxidative damage, and cell oxidative capacity in liver and gill of zebrafish. In the first experiment, soft water-acclimated zebrafish were exposed to 8 and 15 mug/l Cu for 48 h. This exposure resulted in significant increases in gene expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 17 (COX-17) and catalase, associated with both increased Cu load and protein carbonyl concentrations in the gill and liver after 48 h. In addition, we examined the potential protective effects of increased waterborne Ca(2+) (3.3 mM) and Na(+) (10 mM) on acute Cu toxicity. While both treatments were effective at reducing liver and/or gill Cu loads and attenuating oxidative damage at 48 h, 10 mM Na(+) was more protective than 3.3 mM Ca(2+). There were variable changes in the maximal activities of COX and citrate synthase (CS), indicating possible alterations in cell oxidative capacity. Moreover, Cu affected COX-to-CS ratios in both gill and liver, suggesting that Cu alters normal mitochondrial biogenic processes, possibly though metallochaperones like COX-17. Overall, this study provides important steps in determining the transcriptional and physiological endpoints of acute Cu toxicity in a model tropical species.

Induction and activity of oxidative stress-related proteins during waterborne Cd/Zn-exposure in brown trout (Salmo trutta)

We studied how transcript levels of metallothionein (MT), Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as functional protein levels of MT, SOD and CAT in brown trout tissues changed during a 15-days waterborne exposure to Cd and Zn. Trout from a river with low levels of metals (the Stribekken River) was transferred to a river with high levels of Cd and Zn (the Naustebekken River) and exposed up to 15 days. The aim of this transfer experiment was to investigate how exposure to Cd and Zn induced transcription and activities of central antioxidant enzymes and proteins in an environmental setting. Significant uptake of both Cd and Zn was observed in gills during the 15 days exposure, and Cd levels was found to correlate significantly with transcript levels of MT-A, SOD, GPx and GR. Gill concentrations of Zn did not correlate significantly with the transcript levels of the stress genes studied, but Zn might have triggered transcription of proteins which dealt with subsequent accumulation of Cd. SOD and CAT activities increased in gills after transfer, but MT protein levels decreased. In liver, SOD activity and MT protein levels increased, while in kidney only MT protein concentrations were elevated after transfer. There was a general lack of consistency between mRNA transcription and enzyme activities, indicating that these proteins and enzymes are not solely under transcriptional control.