CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Background and aims: Injury caused by exposure to MC-LR in animals was widely reported; although specific biomarkers are not described yet. Due to the difficult to detect Microcystins in blood or urine samples it is necessary to investigate some parameters that could be determinate on this easy access samples which will indicate an exposure to these toxins. The aim of this work is the search of clinical biomarkers of sub-chronic exposure to Microcystins, which could allow us to realize risk assessment. Methods: MC-LR was purified from natural blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa. Mice were injected i.p. every 48 h during 1 month with 25 μgMC-LR/kg body weight. Methemoglobin (MetHb), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and total Hydroperoxides (ROOHs) were determinate on blood samples. Results and conclusions: Plasmatic ALP, ALT and AST activities showed a significant increase in MC-LR-treated animals in comparison with the control group. Analysis of ROOs plasmatic level from mice exposed to MC-LR revealed a significant increase (0,41 ±0,06 μmol/grprotein) compared with control (0,18 ± 0,09 μmol/grprotein) (Mean ± SD). There was an increase of MetHb levels in treated mice (14,6 ± 3,8 %MetHb/HbT) in comparison whit control ones (6,9 ± 3,6 %MetHb/HbT). Also, erythrocytes SOD activity was affected by MC-LR administration. These parameters could be useful in risk assessments studies.