Biomarkers of Contaminant Exposure in Chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.) – Biomonitoring of Major Rivers in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Biochemical analysis of organisms to assess exposure to environmental contaminants is of great potential use. Biochemical markers, specifically liver enzymes of the first and the second phase of xenobiotic transformation - cytochrome P450 (CYP 450), ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and tripeptide reduced glutathione (GSH) - were used to assess contamination of the aquatic environment at 12 locations near the mouths of major rivers in the Czech Republic. These rivers were the Lužnice, Otava, Sázava, Berounka, Vltava, Labe, Ohře, Svratka, Dyje, Morava and Odra. The indicator species selected was the Chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.). The highest levels of CYP 450 and EROD catalytic activity were found in livers of fish from the Labe (Obříství; (0.32±0.10 nmol mg−1 protein and 1061.38±545.51 pmol min−1 mg−1 protein, respectively). The highest levels of GST catalytic activity and GSH content were found in fish from the Otava (35.39±13.35 nmol min−1 mg−1 protein and 4.29±2.10 nmol GSH mg−1 protein, respectively). They were compared with levels of specific inductors of these biochemical markers in muscle. The results confirmed contamination of some river locations (Labe Obříství, Svratka;.

EROD and MROD as Markers of Cytochrome P450 1A Activities in Hepatic Microsomes from Entire and Castrated Male Pigs

“…In fish, CYP1A activities are often used as a marker to determine the quantities of persistent organic pollutants [1, 2]. …”

Comparison of Mercury Distribution Between Liver and Muscle – A Biomonitoring of Fish from Lightly and Heavily Contaminated Localities

“…Its extensive basin, an area of 148 268 km 2 , lies within the boundaries of two countries, the Czech Republic and Germany. Pollution of the Elbe River originated mainly from inflow of water from catchment areas contaminated by municipal wastes and industrial discharges (chemical industries, paper mills, waste water works, shipbuilding yards) [19] and from tributaries of Elbe [20]. Thus sites located downstream of large cities along the river are the most representative models for long-term monitoring surveys and for the determination of levels of contamination.…”

Utilization of Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

“…Other authors paid attention to the idea of using piezoelectric biosensors for a simple serological diagnosis of tularemia in hares [23]. Three papers were also published in which the authors used biochemical markers to study environmental pollution [24-26]. Similarly to these, new approaches and procedures to analyse cells and their behaviour were suggested [27].…”