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Erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes of gilthead as early-warning bio-indicators of oxidative stress induced by malathion

Abstract:

In a widely distributed and commercially important fish, gilthead Sparus aurata L., we have investigated the activity of several antioxidant enzymes as a bio-indicator of oxidative stress induced by malathion. To get this goal, groups of 10 individuals were exposed for 96h to sublethal concentrations of malathion (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 mg/l). Another group was used as control. The activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were altered significantly in the whole range of tested concentrations. It is of interest to note catalase that activity was decreased after exposure instead of increasing as other antioxidant enzymes assessed. Regarding glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, its activity was altered significantly only at the two higher tested concentrations (0.5 and 1 mg/l of malathion). On the other hand, haematological parameters such as haematocrit and haemoglobin content of treated animals decreased although this modification was not statistically significant at any concentration (p>0.05). Our results unequivocally establish oxidative stress inducing effects of tested organophosphate in exposed specimens. It may be also concluded that the erythrocyte enzymes employed can act as early-warning biomarkers of oxidative damage induced by malathion. To this effect further studies are required. Copyright © Hellenic Society of Haematology.