Seasonal variation of antioxidant and biotransformation enzymes in barnacle, Balanus balanoides, and their relation with polyaromatic hydrocarbons

Microencapsulation of sunscreen reduces toxicity of its components to A. salina: Biochemical, behavioral and morphological studies

Sunscreens contain several substances that cause damage to species where they are disposed. New formulations have been created to prevent such marine environmental damages. One promising formulation is the microencapsulated sunscreen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible safety to marine environment of one microencapsulated sunscreen formulation. The animal model Artemia salina (cists and nauplii) was tested with two sunscreen formulations (microencapsulated and non-microencapsulated) and toxicological, behavioral, morphological parameters as well as biochemical assays (lipoperoxidation and carbonylation tests) were analyzed. Results showed that microencapsulated sunscreen impeded some toxic effects caused by the release of the substances within the microcapsule in the highest concentration, reestablishing the mortality and hatching rates to control levels, while removing the sunscreen microcapsule by adding 1 % DMSO reduced the cyst hatching rate, increasing the nauplii mortality rate and decreased locomotor activity in higher concentrations. Finally, nauplii with 24 hours of life and exposed to sunscreen without the microcapsule showed an increase in mitochondrial activity (assessed at 48 hours after exposure) and presented malformations when exposed to the highest concentration non-microencapsulated concentration (assessed by SEM at 72 hours after exposure), when compared to the control group. These results together allow us to conclude that the microencapsulation process of a sunscreen helps protecting A. salina from the harmful effects of higher concentrations of said sunscreens. However, long-term studies must be carried out as it is not known how long a microencapsulated sunscreen can remain in the environment without causing harmful effects to the marine ecosystem and becoming an ecologically relevant pollutant.

Seasonal effect on biomarker responses in sentinel species: innovation in mangrove conservation status assessment

We evaluated the environmental quality in mangrove areas of the Western Atlantic with different levels and history of contamination, considering biomarkers for the crab Ucides cordatus. For this purpose, specimens were collected in two climatic seasons (rainy and dry seasons) and assays of genotoxicity (MN, micronucleus), cytotoxicity (NRRT, neutral red retention time) and biochemical (MT, metallothionein; and LPO, lipoperoxidation) were conducted. In the most impacted mangroves, there was an increase in the mean of micronucleus (frequency of MN/1000), which was associated with a shorter retention time (minutes of NRRT). In contrast, the most pristine areas showed MN < 3 and NRRT < 100 min, with no seasonal effect, indicating a lower effect of degenerative processes by xenobiotics. The rainy season was more harmful, especially regarding cytogenotoxicity. The use of bioindicator species for environmental monitoring should be guided by an analysis of biomarkers considering the season, because during the period of highest rainfall, biomarkers values can change.

Invertebrate responses to microplastic ingestion: Reviewing the role of the antioxidant system

Microplastic ingestion in invertebrates reduces somatic and reproductive growth. This could be caused by energy reserves being detracted from growth processes and redistributed to maintenance processes that preserve life. A potential sink for this diverted energy is the antioxidant system, which minimises oxidative damage and reinstates redox homeostasis following disturbances caused by exposure to pollution. Several microplastic studies have used genetic and molecular redox biomarkers to assess how microplastic ingestion affects the functioning of the antioxidant system. This systematic review synthesises the current understanding of redox biomarker responses in invertebrates that have ingested microplastics. We found that biomarker response information exists for only seven invertebrate taxa, and early life stages have received little scientific attention. The microplastics used by most studies were polystyrene (45% of studies), spherical (51% of studies), and were < 10 μm in diameter (31% of studies). We found multiple examples of microplastic ingestion posing an oxidative challenge to invertebrates, which required upregulation of antioxidant system components. However, the lack of systematic experiments prevented us from clearly identifying which characteristic of microplastics caused these responses. We identify several areas for consideration when investigating biomarker responses to microplastic ingestion and offer research priorities for future studies.

Antioxidative Defense and Fertility Rate in the Assessment of Reprotoxicity Risk Posed by Global Warming

The objective of this review is to briefly summarize the recent progress in studies done on the assessment of reprotoxicity risk posed by global warming for the foundation of strategic tool in ecosystem-based adaptation. The selected animal data analysis that was used in this paper focuses on antioxidative markers and fertility rate estimated over the period 2000-2019. We followed a phylogenetic methodology in order to report data on a panel of selected organisms that show dangerous effects. The oxidative damage studies related to temperature fluctuation occurring in biosentinels of different invertebrate and vertebrate classes show a consistently maintained physiological defense. Furthermore, the results from homeothermic and poikilothermic species in our study highlight the influence of temperature rise on reprotoxicity.

The oceans are changing: impact of ocean warming and acidification on biofouling communities

Climate change (CC) is driving modification of the chemical and physical properties of estuaries and oceans with profound consequences for species and ecosystems. Numerous studies investigate CC effects from species to ecosystem levels, but little is known of the impacts on biofilm communities and on bioactive molecules such as cues, adhesives and enzymes. CC is induced by anthropogenic activity increasing greenhouse emissions leading to rises in air and water temperatures, ocean acidification, sea level rise and changes in ocean gyres and rainfall patterns. These environmental changes are resulting in alterations within marine communities and changes in species ranges and composition. This review provides insights and synthesis of knowledge about the effect of elevated temperature and ocean acidification on microfouling communities and bioactive molecules. The existing studies suggest that CC will impact production of bioactive compounds as well as the growth and composition of biofouling communities. Undoubtedly, with CC fouling management will became an even greater challenge.

Dietary L-Tryptophan Modulates the Hematological Immune and Antibacterial Ability of the Chinese Mitten Crab, Eriocheir sinensis, Under Cheliped Autotomy Stress

In pond cultures of juvenile Eriocheir sinensis, limb autotomy stress seriously affects and restricts the quality and economic benefits of aquaculture. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of L-tryptophan on E. sinensis under the cheliped autotomy stress. In the present study, 252 crabs were divided into four groups: dietary L-trp supplementation with 0.28, 0.40, 0.53, and 0.70%, and their hematological immunity, antioxidant capacity, anti-stress, and antibacterial ability were evaluated after 14 days of using biochemical analysis, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques. First, we counted the mortality after 14 days of feeding and found that compared with other treatments, dietary supplementation of 0.53 and 0.70% L-trp significantly lowered the mortality of E. sinensis. Moreover, the total hemocyte count (THC), hemocyanin, and glutathione (GSH) content, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity significantly increased at 7 and 14 d with dietary supplementation of 0.53 and 0.70% L-trp, in contrast with the significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content at 14 d in the same dietary groups (P<0.05). Next, the bacterial challenge test after 14 days of feeding showed that the THC levels, phagocytic rate, and acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were significantly higher with dietary supplementation of 0.53 and 0.70% L-trp after 12 and 24 h of Aeromonas hydrophila injection, along with a significant improvement in the antioxidant capacity (P<0.05). Further, we measured the expression of antibacterial-related protein genes (EslecB and HSP 90) and found that they were significant up-regulated in the hepatopancreas, hemocytes, intestine, and gill in the groups with dietary supplementation of 0.53% and 0.70% L-trp after 12 h or 24 h of A. hydrophila injection (P<0.05). Taken together, the observations in this study indicate that dietary supplementation of L-trp can enhance the antioxidant capacity and improve the hematological immune status and antibacterial ability of E. sinensis under the cheliped autotomy stress, thereby increasing the survival rate of E. sinensis under cheliped autotomy stress.

Cytotoxicity and enzymatic biomarkers as early indicators of benthic responses to the soluble-fraction of diesel oil

Xenobiotics from oil tanker leaks and industrial discharges are amongst the main human impacts to confined coastal areas. We assessed the genotoxic responses to the water-soluble fraction of diesel oil in the polychaete Laeonereis culveri and the bivalve Anomalocardia flexuosa, two widespread benthic species in subtropical estuaries from the Southwestern Atlantic. We hypothesized that the highest responsiveness would be expressed by significantly different biomarkers responses between control and oil-impacted treatments. Responsiveness to diesel oil was investigated using an experimental design with two fixed factors (contaminant percentages and times of exposure). After exposure, we monitored the responses of the oxidative stress enzymes and performed micronuclei tests. Results were congruent for both species. Antioxidant defense of glutathione S-transferase and the induction of micronuclei and nuclear buds, the latter just for the bivalve, were significantly affected by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, with significant increases on the seventh day of exposure and in the higher concentrations, compared to controls groups. We assessed the benefits and drawbacks of using each biomarker in laboratory experiments. Both species are indicators of early, and rapid responses to genotoxic contaminants in subtropical estuarine habitats. We suggest that the micronuclei frequency in A. flexuosa is a simple, fast and cheap test for genotoxicity in oil-impacted areas. Such early biomarkers are needed to develop better protocols for impact assessment and monitoring under real field conditions.

DNA damage in marine rock oyster (Saccostrea Cucullata) exposed to environmentally available PAHs and heavy metals along the Arabian Sea coast

Molecular biomarkers are used world wide for quick assessment of the immediate effect of environmental pollution on marine ecosystems. Recently, we evaluated oxidative stress responses of marine rock oyster, Saccostrea cucullata impacted due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accumulated in their tissues at a few sampling sites along the coast of Goa around the region of the Arabian sea coast, India (Sarkar et al., 2017). Using a combination of partial alkaline unwinding and comet assays, we now report a comprehensive study on the impairment of DNA integrity (DI) in S. cucullata due to exposure to environmentally available PAHs and also heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe and Mn) along the Arabian Sea coast, Goa, India exclusively around the entire coast of Goa. First, we determined significant correlation between DI in S. cucullata and the extent of exposure to and bioaccumulation of different PAH compounds including 2-3 aromatic ring PAHs (R², 0.95), 4-6 aromatic ring PAHs (R², 0.85), oxygenated-PAHs (oxy-PAHs, R², 0.84) and total PAHs (t-PAHs, R², 0.98). Second, we observed dose-dependent decrease in DI in S. cucullata with increasing concentrations of different PAH components in oyster tissues. We substantiated our field observations with appropriate laboratory controls using benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Third, we performed stepwise multiple regression analyses of different water quality parameters including pH, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrite (NO₂), nitrate (NO₃), phosphate (PO₄), turbidity and also t-PAH-biota, t-PAH-water with DI as the dependent variable. Among all these parameters, only four parameters such as t-PAH-biota in combination with DO, BOD and NO₂ showed significant correlation (R¯² = 0.95) with loss in DI in S. cucullata. Based on these results, we created a map indicating the percentage of DNA damage in S. cucullata exposed to PAHs and heavy metals at each sampling location along the west coast of India around Goa, India.

Evaluation of the impact of bioaccumulation of PAH from the marine environment on DNA integrity and oxidative stress in marine rock oyster (Saccostrea cucullata) along the Arabian sea coast

Marine pollution due to oil spills is of great concern globally for their impact on the health of marine ecosystems. We assessed the genotoxic effects and oxidative stress due to genotoxic pollutants accumulated from the ambient marine environment in the tissues of marine rock oyster, Saccostrea cucullata along the Arabian Sea coast around Goa, India. The extent of DNA damage in S. cucullata was determined by comet assay as variation of comet parameter: mean % tail DNA along the coast with respect to that at the reference site (Tiracol, Goa, India). In addition, the oxidative stress responses of rock oysters exposed to marine pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were assessed as a function of variation in antioxidant enzyme activities such as glutathione-s-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) along the coast. Spearman correlation analysis showed significant correlation between different components of PAHs (viz., 2-3-PAH, 4-6-PAH and oxy-PAH) in the tissues of the rock oysters and the antioxidant enzyme activities. The antioxidant enzyme activities in S. cucullata increased with increasing concentrations of PAHs in tissues in the following order of sampling sites: Tiracol < Arambol < Betul < Velsao. Among the PAHs, oxy-PAH was found to be most predominant in causing DNA damage in S. cucullata. These results provide an insight into environmental genotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by PAHs along the Arabian Sea coast, India.

Effects of benzo[a]pyrene dietary intake to antioxidative enzymes of Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) larvae from unpolluted and polluted forests

Anthropogenic activity in industrial development has imposed great threats to the environment and wildlife in the form of persistent organic pollutants. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) tend to accumulate in vegetation foliage which is the main food source of polyphagous insect species Lymantria dispar L. Origin and multigenerational adaptation of L. dispar population to environmental challenges strongly condition the enzymes' sensitivity to pollutants. In this study, our aim was to investigate response of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) to the chronic dietary exposure of benzo[a]pyrene in the midgut tissues and hemolymph of two L. dispar populations originating from unpolluted and polluted forest habitat. Midgut tissue of the larvae from the polluted forest showed significant increase in SOD, CAT and GST activity, while in unpolluted forest's larvae SOD and CAT showed elevated activities in hemolymph. L. dispar populations adapted to different level of pollution in their environment and expressed distinct tissue-dependent antioxidative enzyme sensitivity to benzo[a]pyrene diet, implying high potential for further elucidation of these enzymes as molecular biomarkers.

Fluctuating versus constant temperatures: effects on metabolic rate and oxidative damages in freshwater crustacean embryos

Rising temperatures will pose a major threat, notably for freshwater ecosystems, in the decades to come. Temperature, a major environmental factor, affects organisms’ physiology and metabolism. Most studies of temperature effect address constant thermal regime (CTR), whereas organisms are exposed to fluctuating thermal regime (FTR) in their natural environments. In addition, previous works have predominantly addressed issues of thermal tolerance in adults rather than in early life stages. Therefore, for the first time to our knowledge, we aimed to investigate the influence of thermal conditions, either FTR or CTR, on the physiology of the crustacean amphipod Gammarus roeseli Gervais, 1835 at different embryonic stages. We measured the metabolic rate and the TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) body content (to assess the level of oxidative damage). Oxygen consumption rate strongly increased throughout embryo development, whereas oxidative damages did not clearly change. In addition, the embryos tended to consume oxygen equally but displayed less oxidative damage when developing under FTR compared with developing under CTR. Moreover, our results revealed that fluctuating temperatures (and especially the existence of a colder (nonstressful) period during the day) could allow cell-damage repairs, and therefore, allow G. roeseli embryos to ensure good development by implementing an efficient protection response against oxidative stress.

An Overview of Seasonal Changes in Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defence Parameters in Some Invertebrate and Vertebrate Species

Antioxidant defence system, a highly conserved biochemical mechanism, protects organisms from harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a by-product of metabolism. Both invertebrates and vertebrates are unable to modify environmental physical factors such as photoperiod, temperature, salinity, humidity, oxygen content, and food availability as per their requirement. Therefore, they have evolved mechanisms to modulate their metabolic pathways to cope their physiology with changing environmental challenges for survival. Antioxidant defences are one of such biochemical mechanisms. At low concentration, ROS regulates several physiological processes, whereas at higher concentration they are toxic to organisms because they impair cellular functions by oxidizing biomolecules. Seasonal changes in antioxidant defences make species able to maintain their correct ROS titre to take various physiological functions such as hibernation, aestivation, migration, and reproduction against changing environmental physical parameters. In this paper, we have compiled information available in the literature on seasonal variation in antioxidant defence system in various species of invertebrates and vertebrates. The primary objective was to understand the relationship between varied biological phenomena seen in different animal species and conserved antioxidant defence system with respect to seasons.

Relationship between metal and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) body burden and health risks in the barnacle Balanus amphitrite

In the present study, we employed the widespread and gregarious barnacle species Balanus amphitrite in a biomonitoring program to evaluate coastal pollution around three piers (i.e., Tso Wo Hang, Sai Kung and Hebe Haven) in Hong Kong. An integrated approach was used herein, combining both the chemical determination of contaminant concentrations, including metals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and a suite of biological responses across the entire barnacle lifecycle (i.e., adult, nauplius, cyprid and juvenile). The analytical results revealed a distinct geographical distribution of metals and PBDEs. Adult physiological processes and larval behaviors varied significantly among the three piers. Furthermore, a correlation analysis demonstrated a specific suite of biological responses towards metal and PBDE exposure, likely resulting from their distinct modes of action. Overall, the results of this study indicated that the combination of chemical and biological tests provided an integrated measure for the comprehensive assessment of marine pollution.

Biochemical biomarkers in barnacles Balanus improvisus: pollution and seasonal effects

Biochemical biomarkers were evaluated in the barnacle Balanus improvisus (Crustacea: Cirripedia) sampled from both polluted and reference sites in the Patos Lagoon Estuary, Southern Brazil. During winter, higher glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was recorded in the barnacles from the polluted sites, indicating environmental exposure to contaminants. Relatively low lipid peroxide levels (LPO) were also observed in barnacles from polluted sites, indicating that oxidative stress by lipid peroxidation was not a major threat in barnacles from those sites. Seasonal differences in the GST and total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) could have contributed to the low LPO levels in the summer relative to the levels in the winter. Catalase activity and metallothionein levels were not affected by contamination or seasonality. The seasonal changes observed in biomarker responses were paralleled by the differences in temperature, which could have affected physiological responses, including the balance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants.

Baseline defense system of commercial male king crab Lithodes santolla from the Beagle Channel

Environmental and physiological variations influence the steady-state concentration of free oxygen radicals in cells. Because of the seasonal life cycle of Lithodes santolla in the Beagle Channel, a baseline study of the antioxidant physiological variations along the seasons is necessary for a better understanding of its ecophysiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal variations in gills, hemolymph, muscle and hepatopancreas of the: i) enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase; ii) ascorbic acid and total glutathione; iii) lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation; iv) glucose, proteins and pH. Seasonality found in the antioxidant defense system of L. santolla from the Beagle Channel acts in a collaborative way during the most relevant life cycle phases (reproduction and molting), avoiding a long term oxidative stress. The antioxidant system also shows changes in the enzymatic activities likely caused by the environmental factors, such as low temperatures during winter and spring seasons.

Biomarkers of environmental stress in gills of ribbed mussel Aulacomya atra atra (Nuevo Gulf, Northern Patagonia)

In this study, we assessed in gills of native ribbed mussels Aulacomya atra atra from three sites within Nuevo Gulf (Northern Patagonia) several biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid radicals (LR), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and metallothionein (MT). Furthermore, concentrations of main trace metals (Fe, Al, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb) were quantified in mussel tissue. Results showed significant induction of SOD, GST, MT and MDA, as well as, higher concentration of Fe, Al and Cd in winter than in summer. The high MDA content measured in mussels from Folías Wreck seemed to be caused by the very high levels of Fe that would come from the corrosion of the vessel. Mussels from the control site Punta Cuevas presented the lowest levels of Cd and the highest of Al in winter. Despite positive correlations were found between Al and GST and MT, no spatial differentiation was detected in those biomarkers. On the other hand, MT was only related to Al been most likely influenced by environmental variables than by the trace metals. It has to be highlighted that the relationship detected among water temperature, nutrients and antioxidant responses in gills is probably related to the fact that this tissue is in direct contact with water and it is sensitive to its fluctuations. Taking into account that mussel gill is a tissue actively proliferating and the first target of contaminants present in water, so that changes in its antioxidant system can provide an earlier warning signal than in other tissues.

Response of antioxidant system of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) following exposure to chromium and copper in differing hardness

Tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) were exposed to copper or chromium in soft water (SW) (~80 mg CaCO3/L, conductivity 1.77 mS/cm) or hard water (HW) (~320 mg CaCO3/L, conductivity 5.80 mS/cm) using 2 exposure protocols (20 μM for 48 h and 10 μM for 144 h). Following the exposures, antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase (CAT); glutathione peroxidase; glutathione reductase; and glutathione S-transferase (GST)] and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in the liver of fish. SOD and CAT activities of control fish kept in SW were significantly lower than control fish kept in HW. However, the other antioxidant indices (glutathione metabolism) of both control fish were unaffected from water hardness. Acute metal exposures did not alter the glutathione metabolism, whereas SOD activity in SW and CAT activity in both waters changed significantly. In subchronic duration, Cu exposure caused significant decreases in measured parameters, except for GST activity and GSH level. Similarly, GST activity and GSH level were unaffected from Cr exposure. This study showed that SOD and CAT were the most sensitive antioxidant indices, and that glutathione metabolism, in general, was not altered following metal exposures in different waters.

Effect of seasonality on oxidative stress responses and metal accumulation in soft tissues of Aulacomya atra, a mussel from the South Atlantic Patagonian coast

This study investigated the effects of pollution and its interaction with temperature on the oxidative status of the ribbed mussel Aulacomya atra in the southern Atlantic Patagonian coast. Animals were collected from four sites with different degree and type of human activity impact, during the summer and winter of 2011. Seawater chromium, copper, manganese, nickel and zinc concentrations were measured, as well as metal accumulation, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, reduced glutathione levels, and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase in gills and digestive glands. Metal bioaccumulation and oxidative stress responses in both tissues were generally higher in mussels from harbor areas. Water temperature had a remarkable effect on gill SOD activity and protein oxidation during winter in mussels from all locations. Methodologically, we conclude that measuring both metal bioaccumulation and oxidative stress responses allowed for a more accurate assessment of the biological effects of metal present in seawater.

Molecular characterization of a catalase from Hydra vulgaris

Catalase, an antioxidant and hydroperoxidase enzyme protects the cellular environment from harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide by facilitating its degradation to oxygen and water. Molecular information on a cnidarian catalase and/or peroxidase is, however, limited. In this work an apparent full length cDNA sequence coding for a catalase (HvCatalase) was isolated from Hydra vulgaris using 3'- and 5'- (RLM) RACE approaches. The 1859 bp HvCatalase cDNA included an open reading frame of 1518 bp encoding a putative protein of 505 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 57.44 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence of HvCatalase contained several highly conserved motifs including the heme-ligand signature sequence RLFSYGDTH and the active site signature FXRERIPERVVHAKGXGA. A comparative analysis showed the presence of conserved catalytic amino acids [His(71), Asn(145), and Tyr(354)] in HvCatalase as well. Homology modeling indicated the presence of the conserved features of mammalian catalase fold. Hydrae exposed to thermal, starvation, metal and oxidative stress responded by regulating its catalase mRNA transcription. These results indicated that the HvCatalase gene is involved in the cellular stress response and (anti)oxidative processes triggered by stressor and contaminant exposure.

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.

Molecular characterization and expression analysis of extracellular copper-zinc superoxide dismutase gene from swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus

An extracellular CuZnSOD cDNA was cloned from the haemocytes of swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) method. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence revealed that the ecCuZnSOD full-length cDNA consisted of 965 bp with an open reading frame of 579 bp. It encoded a polypeptide of 192 amino acids which had a predicted molecular weight of 20.0 kDa and with an estimated pI of 6.23. The deduced amino acid sequence contained a putative signal peptide of 31 amino acids. It is predicted to possess all the expected features of CuZnSOD members, including amino acids responsible for binding Cu and Zn, two putative CuZnSOD signatures, two cysteines and one N-linked glycosylation site. Sequence comparison showed that the CuZnSOD deduced amino acid sequence of P. trituberculatus has similarity of 80%, 76%, 55% and 50% to that of blue crab Callinectes sapidus, mud crab Scylla serrata, crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus and freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii, respectively. The ecCuZnSOD transcripts expressed in all examined tissues, including haemocytes, hepatopancreas, heart, stomach, intestine, gill, ovary and muscle. RT-PCR analysis indicated that ecCuZnSOD transcripts both in haemocytes and hepatopancreas increased in the first 3 h after Vibrio alginolyticus challenging, as the bacterial infection progressed, the challenged crabs decreased to levels significantly lower than control by 96 h post-infection. These facts indicated that ecCuZnSOD was potentially involved in the acute response against invading bacteria in P. trituberculatus.

Changes and variations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in fish, barnacles and crabs following an oil spill in a mangrove of Guanabara Bay, Southeast Brazil

On April 26th, 2005, an accident caused a leak of 60,000L of Diesel Oil Type "B", freighted by train wagons upstream on a mangrove area within Guanabara Bay, Southeast Brazil. After the accident, samples from animals with different biological requirements were collected in order to monitor polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations for the following 12months. Sessile, mobile, carnivorous, omnivorous, organic detritus feeders, planktivorous and suspension feeders were some of the attributes compared. Concentrations of PAHs did not vary in relation to different dietary habits and the best response was from the sessile suspensivorous barnacles. A background level of <50microgkg(-1) was suggested based on the reference site and on values observed in the following months after the accident. The highest values of PAH concentrations were observed in barnacles in the first month immediately after the spill, decreasing to background levels after few months. Barnacles are suggested as a sentinel species.

SOD and CAT cDNA cloning, and expression pattern of detoxification genes in the freshwater bivalve Unio tumidus transplanted into the Moselle river

The cDNA sequences encoding manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and catalase (CAT) were isolated in the freshwater bivalve Unio tumidus by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using degenerate primers. Quantitative real-time PCR approach was used to evaluate the mRNA expression patterns of SOD, CAT, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx), pi class glutathione S-transferase (pi-GST) and metallothionein (MT), in the digestive gland of Unio tumidus transplanted from a control site to four stations in the Moselle River (M1-M4), for periods of 8 and 21 days. These sites were chosen upstream and downstream of populated areas. Chemical analysis performed on sediments from the Moselle river sites did not show high levels of pollutants. Decrease of SOD, CAT, Se-GPx and MT mRNA levels were observed at M3 site after a 21-day exposure compared to control site. These results suggest inefficiency of antioxidant systems affected by cytotoxic mechanisms and confirm an environmental perturbation. Organisms transplanted at M4 site showed a strong increase of biomarkers transcription levels after 21 days of exposure. These inductions could correspond to an adaptive response to an altered environment. Our results showed that biological approaches using multibiomarkers appear as essential tools complementary to measurement of contaminants, to detect environmental degradations.

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.

Activity of oxidative stress biomarkers in the white muscle of red mullet (Mullus barbatus L.) from the Adriatic sea

The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of oxidative stress biomarkers (total superoxide dismutase - Tot SOD; and copper and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase - CuZn SOD; manganese-containing superoxide dismutase - Mn SOD; catalase - CAT; glutathione peroxidase - GSH-Px; and glutathione reductase - GR), as well as the biotransformation phase II enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), in the white muscle of red mullet (Mullus barbatus L.) at Platamuni (PL) and Valdanos (VAL) in the Adriatic Sea during the winter and spring seasons. The obtained results show both site and seasonal influences on the investigated parameters, with lower enzyme activities at VAL than at PL and in spring than in winter.

Multivariate discriminant analysis distinguishes metal- from non metal-related biomarker responses in the clam Chamaelea gallina

Molecular biomarkers are among the most sensitive and earliest responses to pollutants. However, lack of detailed knowledge on variability of responses and their possible seasonal variation limit their use. In addition, the seasonality of biological processes modulates the response of organisms to pollutant stressors. Using multivariate statistics, we have studied the influence of environmental and biological factors on the response of a battery of molecular biomarkers in the clam Chamaelea gallina collected along the South-Spanish littoral. Multivariate discriminant analysis clearly distinguished biomarker response between clean and polluted areas, using heavy metals as indicator of pollution. Such differences disappeared when the dataset was normalised for metal content, thus indicating that pollution was the main significant cause of the changes observed between clean and polluted sites. In conclusion, this work shows that, when applying a complete biomarker panel, multivariate statistical tools can be used to discern pollutant- from non pollutant-related responses.

Utilization of Enzymes for Environmental Applications

Enzymes are powerful tools that help sustain a clean environment in several ways. They are utilized for environmental purposes in a number of industries including agro-food, oil, animal feed, detergent, pulp and paper, textile, leather, petroleum, and specialty chemical and biochemical industry. Enzymes also help to maintain an unpolluted environment through their use in waste management. Recombinant DNA technology, protein engineering, and rational enzyme design are the emerging areas of research pertaining to environmental applications of enzymes. The future will also see the employment of various technologies including gene shuffling, high throughput screening, and nanotechnology. This article presents an overview of the enzymatic applications in pollution control and the promising research avenues in this area.

Validation of oxidative stress responses in two populations of frogs from Western Ukraine

Although amphibians are considered to be good bioindicators of environmental pollution, few data are available concerning their biochemical parameters in natural populations. We investigated seasonal (spring, summer, autumn) and spatial (wetlands in rural and urban areas) fluctuations of oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver of frog Rana ridibunda in Western Ukraine. The Centroid grouping analysis demonstrated that despite the fluctuations of separate indices, frogs from an urban site in summer and autumn are differed widely from those at the same site in spring and frogs from the rural site in all three seasons, joined in common set. In summer, suppression of Mn-superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, as well as increase in oxidized glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels demonstrate a collapse of antioxidant defense system in frogs from an urban site. The integrated oxidative stress index confirms this conclusion.

Evaluation of biochemical responses in Palearctic and Lake Baikal endemic amphipod species exposed to CdCl2

This study evaluated small heat shock proteins (sHSP) (related to alpha-crystallin) and antioxidant enzymes (POD, peroxidase and CAT, catalase) as possible biomarkers for use in toxicological studies. Biochemical responses to cadmium chloride in two Lake Baikal endemic amphipods (Eulimnogammarus verrucosus, Eulimnogammarus cyaneus) and Palearctic species (Gammarus lacustris) were compared. Our findings showed that cadmium chloride toxicity directly influenced POD activity and sHSP synthesis in all amphipod species. The Baikalean endemic and the Palearctic amphipod species responded by decreasing activity of POD and they exhibited a dose-dependent activation of sHSP synthesis. All measured parameters differed among species and depended on the species' ability to resist cadmium chloride toxicity. CAT activity in the Palearctic species responded significantly to cadmium chloride exposure; however, responses were negligible for both Baikalean species. We suggest that synthesis of sHSP, together with changes in POD activity, could be used as biomarkers for further studies of amphipod species including endemics from Lake Baikal.

Impact of chemical exposure on the fish Pomatoschistus microps Krøyer (1838) in estuaries of the Portuguese Northwest coast

Juveniles of the estuarine fish Pomatoschistus microps were collected from autumn 2001 to summer 2002 in five stations along the Portuguese Northwest coast with different types and/or levels of environmental contamination: two reference sites with low levels of contamination (R1 and R2) and three differently impacted areas with higher levels of contamination. UI is located in an estuary under the influence of urban and industrial effluents, AA in a channel that receives intensive agriculture run-off and IE in a highly impacted industrial area. The activity of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) were used as environmental biomarkers on P. microps. A significant seasonality effect on all the enzymatic activities was found, lower levels being registered in winter and spring on AChE, in autumn on LDH, and in winter on GST and EROD. The battery of biomarkers used was capable of discriminating sites with different types and/or levels of contamination, R1 and UI being the highest discriminated (91.7% and 66.7%, respectively). At R1 significantly lower levels of AChE and LDH were found, and EROD was significantly inducted at UI. Furthermore, IE presented higher levels of GST, and R2 and AA an inhibition of AChE in winter and spring. The results indicated that the battery of biomarkers used in this study seems to be a useful tool to distinguish between different types of environmental contamination in estuarine systems, and that P. microps is a suitable species to be used as bioindicator.

Antioxidant responses and reactive oxygen species generation in different body regions of the estuarine polychaeta Laeonereis acuta (Nereididae)

The aim of this study was to analyze the total antioxidant capacity (TOSC), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the different body regions of the estuarine polychaeta Laeonereis acuta (Nereididae) sampled at non-polluted (NOPOL) and polluted (POL) sites from Lagoa dos Patos (Southern Brazil). Organisms collected at POL during summer showed similar (p>0.05) TOSC values along the body, but worms collected at NOPOL presented higher (p<0.05) TOSC values in the posterior (P) region in respect of anterior (A) region and middle (M) region. TOSC in the P region at NOPOL was higher (p<0.05) compared with the same body region of worms at POL. In summer, ROS concentration was higher in A and M regions of worms at POL in respect of the organisms at NOPOL. During winter all the regions showed higher ROS in worms sampled at POL. It was registered absence of season influence on LPO content, but in the P region at NOPOL in summer there were lower LPO levels compared with the others regions (p<0.05). In vitro assays showed that P region, despite a higher basal ROS, presented a higher competence to cope with pro-oxidants compared with A and M regions (p<0.05), corroborating the field results. A lower proteic sulfhydril content was observed in P in respect of the other regions (p<0.05) supporting the idea of a highest oxidant condition in this region. The results indicate that worms collected at the POL site are confronted to higher ROS concentrations, affecting its antioxidant capacity, a result that depends of body regions.

Molecular characterization of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidases from Hydra vulgaris

Apparent full-length cDNA sequences coding respectively for mitochondrial (HvGPx41) and nuclear (HvGPx42) phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase were isolated from Hydra vulgaris. The cDNA sequences share total identity in their 3'-end and differ in their 5'-end. The protein-coding regions of the HvGPx41 and HvGPx42 cDNA encode polypeptides of 190 and 168 amino acids, including a TGA-encoded selenocysteine, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the HvGPx41 and HvGPx42 are clustered together along with other phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidases (PHGPx) from several organisms. A tertiary structure model generated for the H. vulgaris PHGPx displayed the thioredoxin fold. Hydrae exposed to starvation, metal and oxidative stress responded by regulating their PHGPx mRNA transcription. These results indicated that the PHGPx gene is affected by the cellular stress response and (anti)oxidative processes triggered by stressor and contaminant exposure. Hence the expression of PHGPx mRNA in hydra may have potential use as molecular biomarkers for assessing stress, toxicity and pro-oxidant quality of chemicals and aquatic environmental quality.

Response of integrated biomarkers of fish (Lateolabrax japonicus) exposed to benzo[a]pyrene and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate

Fish Lateolabrax japonicus were exposed to 0.1 and 1mg/L of anion surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) and to 2 and 20 microg/L of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) for 6, 12, and 18 days, with control and solvent control groups. Liver antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione S-transferase (GST), were determined; brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and liver inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activities were also measured. The results indicated that (1) L. japonicus avoided oxidative damage through antioxidant systems; (2) SOD, GPx, and GSH were induced, and GST was inhibited and then induced by B[a]P exposure; and (3) CAT, GPx, and AChE were induced while iNOS was inhibited, and GST was induced and then inhibited by SDBS stress in experimental period.

Molecular characterization of two superoxide dismutases from Hydra vulgaris

Apparent full-length cDNA sequences coding for manganese superoxide dismutase (HvMnSOD) and extracellular superoxide dismutase (HvEC-SOD) were isolated from Hydra vulgaris in order to understand their expression and 3D structures; and explore their possibility of being used as for biomarkers for environmental stress and toxicity. The deduced HvMnSOD protein consists of 219 amino acids of which first 21 amino acids constitute a presumed mitochondria-targeting signal peptide whereas HvEC-SOD protein consists of 189 amino acids of which first 19 amino acids constitute a presumed signal peptide. Molecular model generated for HvMnSOD displayed the N-terminal long alpha antiparallel hairpin and the C-terminal mixed alpha/beta fold characteristic of MnSODs and that for HvEC-SOD displayed the characteristic CuZnSOD â-barrel fold. Hydrae subjected to thermal, starvation, metal and oxidative stress responded by regulating MnSOD and EC-SOD mRNA transcription. These results indicated that these genes are involved in the cellular stress response and (anti)oxidative processes triggered by stressor and contaminant exposure. Hence the expression of these SODs in hydra may have potential as molecular biomarkers for assessing stress, toxicity and pro-oxidant quality of chemicals and aquatic environmental quality.

Antioxidant enzyme activity in endemic Baikalean versus Palaearctic amphipods: Tagma- and size-related changes

The activities of key antioxidant enzymes in two endemic Baikalean amphipod species: Pallasea cancelloides (Gerstf), Eulimnogammarus verrucosus (Gerstf) and the widely distributed Palearctic species Gammarus lacustris (Sars) were studied. This work was done to prove or disprove the hypothesis that Baikalean endemics have specifics in antioxidants system different from Palearctic species. The activities of antioxidant enzymes peroxidase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase were measured in different sections (tagmata) of the amphipods' bodies as well as in different size groups. Well expressed tagma-related differences in peroxidase activity as well as smaller differences in catalase activity were shown in all studied species. There were no measured differences in glutathione-S-transferase activity among body sections. The existence of size-related changes in some antioxidant enzymes and the difference in such changes between Baikalean and Palearctic amphipods were noted. A significant increase in peroxidase activity with the size was found in both Baikalean species while a significant decrease in peroxidase activity was observed in the Palearctic G. lacustris. In Baikalean P. cancelloides, a significant decrease of catalase activity with the increase in age of crustaceans was noted, while in E. verrucosus no such relationship was found. In the Palearctic G. lacustris, a significant increase in catalase activity with the increase in size was noted. All species are shown to have no size-related differences in glutathione-S-transferase activity. The differences between species as well as between both different tagmata and size-classes within a particular species were estimated. It was assumed that the estimated differences in enzymes activity most likely depend on interspecific variation, rather than on conditional specifics in Lake Baikal.

Effects of salinity on biomarker responses in Crassostrea rhizophorae (Mollusca, Bivalvia) exposed to diesel oil

Crassostrea rhizophorae is a euryhaline oyster that inhabits mangrove areas, which are widely distributed along the Brazilian coast. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of salinity (9, 15, 25, and 35ppt) on the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), catalase (CAT), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the digestive gland of this species after exposure to diesel oil for 7 days at nominal concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1mlL(-1) and after depuration for 24h and 7 days. GST activity increased in a diesel oil concentration-dependent manner at salinities 25 and 15ppt and remained slightly elevated even after depuration periods of 24h and 7 days. No changes were observed in the activities of G6PDH, CAT, and AChE in the oysters exposed to diesel and depurated. Based on these results, GST activity in the digestive gland of C. rhizophorae might be used as a biomarker of exposure to diesel oil in sites where the salinity is between 15 and 25ppt, values usually observed in mangrove ecosystems.

Pollution monitoring in Southeast Asia using biomarkers in the mytilid mussel Perna viridis (Mytilidae: Bivalvia)

Mytilid mussels have been extensively used in marine pollution monitoring programmes in temperate regions of the world although widespread subtropical representatives such as Perna viridis have only comparatively recently been utilised to monitor the sublethal effects of pollution in Southeast Asia. P. viridis is considered a subtropical equivalent of the temperate Mytilus sp. and has considerable potential for pollution monitoring throughout its geographical range. This paper reviews the current status of biomarkers in P. viridis and provides some recommendations on biological-effects monitoring to facilitate the assessment of coastal pollution in Southeast Asia.

Catalase from the white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei: molecular cloning and protein detection

Catalase is an antioxidant enzyme that plays a very important role in the protection against oxidative damage by breaking down hydrogen peroxide. It is a very highly conserved enzyme that has been identified from numerous species including bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, but the information about catalase in crustaceans is very limited. A cDNA containing the complete coding sequence for catalase from the shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei was sequenced and the mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in selected tissues. Catalase was detected in hepatopancreas crude extracts by Western blot analysis with anti-human catalase polyclonal antibodies. The nucleotide sequence is 1692 bp long, including a 72-bp 5'-UTR, a coding sequence of 1515 bp and a 104-bp 3'-UTR. The deduced amino acid sequence corresponds to 505 amino acids with high identity to invertebrate, vertebrate and even bacterial catalases and contains the catalytic residues His71, Asn144, and Tyr354. The predicted protein has a calculated molecular mass of 57 kDa; which coincides with the size of the subunit (approximately 55 kDa) and the tetrameric protein (approximately 230 kDa) detected in hepatopancreas extracts under native conditions. Catalase mRNA level was higher in hepatopancreas, followed by gills and was not detected in muscle.

Oxidative stress responses in two populations of Laeonereis acuta (Polychaeta, Nereididae) after acute and chronic exposure to copper

Acute (4 days) and chronic (14 days) effects of copper were evaluated on the antioxidant defenses of Laeonereis acuta (Polychaeta) collected in unpolluted (UP) and polluted (P) sites. In the acute assay (125 and 250 micro g Cu/l) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities did not change, whereas catalase (CAT) increased in worms from both the sites. Lipid peroxidation was higher in copper exposed worms from the P site. In the chronic assay (62.5 micro g Cu/l) polychaetes from the P site showed enhanced activities of SOD, GST and CAT and higher contents of metallothionein-like proteins and sulfhydrils compared to worms from UP. Differences in responses between polychaetes from UP and P sites suggest that organisms from the polluted site, P, are more susceptible to oxidative stress conditions.

Comparison of liver mixed-function oxygenase and antioxidant enzymes in vertebrates

We performed a comparative analysis of cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5, MFO associated enzymes and cytosolic antioxidant enzymes in hepatic microsomes and cytosolic fractions prepared from five animal species representing three vertebrate classes living in tropical conditions (Brazil). The data obtained show that rats have higher hepato-somatic index, specific cytochrome b5 concentration, and NADPH-dependent cytochrome c (P450) activity compared to ectothermic species, SOD activity similar to those in amphibians, and specific concentration of cytochrome P450 and catalase activity lower than in a toad, but higher than in fishes and a frog. Our data indicate that tropical fishes may have reduced xenobiotic-metabolizing ability compared to the rat and amphibians. In contrast to fish and rat, amphibians have a low ratio (< 0.5) of cytochrome b5 concentration to that of P450. Most species showed cytochrome b5 sensitivity to oxygen. Thus, the use of sodium dithionate as a reducer, rather than NADPH, may be preferential in b5 determinations.

Antioxidant responses to benzo[a]pyrene and Aroclor 1254 exposure in the green-lipped mussel, Perna viridis

In this study, the green-lipped mussel, Perna viridis (L.), was exposed to two concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) (0.3 microg l(-1); 3 microg l(-1)) and two concentrations of Aroclor 1254 (0.5 microg l(-1); 5 microg l(-1)). In addition, a mixture of the contaminants was used (0.3 microg l(-1) B[a]P+0.5 microg l(-1) Aroclor 1254; 3 microg l(-1) B[a]P+5 microg l(-1) Aroclor 1254). All concentrations were nominal. A suite of enzymes [glutathione S transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR)], glutathione (GSH) level and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the mussel gill and hepatopancreas were monitored over 18 days. CAT and GSH in gill tissue were positively correlated with concentration of Aroclor 1254. Activity of hepatic GST and SOD was significantly related to body burden of Aroclor 1254. LPO, GR and GPx in gill and hepatopancreas and hepatic GST were positively correlated with B[a]P concentration. The results indicate the importance of using biomarkers specific to the type of contaminant(s) that are likely to be present. Controlled laboratory experiments, such as this study, are useful in ascertaining biomarkers suitable for use with complex contaminant mixtures in the marine environment.

Antioxidant enzymes in brackishwater oyster, Saccostrea cucullata as potential biomarkers of polyaromatic hydrocarbon pollution in Hooghly Estuary (India): seasonality and its consequences

Use of antioxidant enzymes as biomarkers often becomes a complicated process at application level because they show considerable seasonal fluctuation due to both natural and biological factors. In this study, we studied the consequences of seasonal variation of antioxidant enzymes [catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), glutathione peroxidase (GPX, EC 1.11.1.9) and microsomal NADPH-DT diaphorase (EC 1.6.99.2)] in the digestive gland of wild brackishwatcr oysters, Saccostrea cucullata for biomonitoring against polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in Hooghly Estuary, north-eastern coast of India. As a general trend, maximum antioxidant enzyme activities were detected in pre-monsoon period or summer (March-June) followed by a gradual decrease during monsoon (July-October) with a minimum in post-monsoon period or winter (November-February) and this pattern was similar to tissue concentrations of PAHs also. The physiological fluctuations of the antioxidant defense systems were inversely-related to the lipid peroxidation indicating an enhanced susceptibility of oyster tissues to oxidative stress during post-monsoon or winter period. However, the oysters from polluted populations exhibited consistent very high PAHs load in their tissues as well as significant increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes than in non-polluted populations in all three seasons. The results indicated that the antioxidant enzymes, catalase, SOD and microsomal NADPH-DT diaphorase in digestive gland of S. cucullata could be useful biomarkers of PAHs contamination. It also emphasized that seasonal variation of potential biomarkers like such enzymes should be incorporated into interpretation of biomonitoring studies by the use of appropriate controls and identical treatment in analysis of polluted and non-polluted samples.