Oxidative stress and DNA damage in neonates and adults broad snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) environmentally exposed to pesticides

POLETTA, G.L;; SIROSKI, P; KLEISORGE E; M.D. MUDRY,

Memphis

Congreso; XXIII Congress of CSG; 2014

Cocrodilians Specialists Group (CSG)

Many pesticides can produce toxicity to organisms by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In excess, ROS can overwhelm the normal antioxidant buffering capacity of the cell, leading to significant damage to cellular components, including proteins, lipids and DNA.Cell damage caused by this excess of ROS is defined as oxidative stress (OE). Genotoxicity and OE are considered biologically relevant and highly informative as early warnings of the impacts of pollutants on natural populations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the environmental situation of wild populations of Caiman latirostris living in an area highly exposed to pesticides in the central-east region of Argentina. Blood samples were taken from hatchlings and adults coming from exposed and control areas and the following techniques applied as previously adapted for this species by our group: 1) biomarkers of genotoxicity: Comet assay (CA) and Micronucleus (MN) test, 2) OE damage to DNA: CA modified with bacterial enzymes FPG and ENDO III, 3) lipid peroxidation by TBARS, and 4) antioxidant defense capacity through enzymatic (Catalase and Superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic (reduced-oxidized glutathione relationship -GSH/GSSG) systems. Animals exposed to pesticides showed oxidative damage evidenced by lipid peroxidationand oxidation to DNA, as well as alteration in antioxidant defense enzymesand genotoxicityin comparison with controls (p