The influence of environmental pollution in oxidative stress of Astyanax fasciatus (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae)

ABDALLA R.; GUIMARAES MOREIRA, R.; TOLUSSI, C.E.; LO NOSTRO, F.; GOMES, A.D.; HONJI, R.

Santos, SP

Congreso; 12th SETAC Latinamerica Biennal Meeting; 2017

SETAC

The presence of chemicals in the aquatic environment can cause alterations in biochemical and physiological processes of animals, such as oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of environmental chemical contaminants in the activity of enzymes involved in oxidative stress of Astyanax fasciatus sampled in two reservoirs of same basin, with different degrees of eutrophication, in Sao Paulo State (Brazil). Adult females were sampled throughout one year in the Ponte Nova (PN, reference site) and Billings (Bil, polluted site) reservoirs. Water and sediment samples were collected in each reservoir to evaluate physical and chemical variables. The hepatosomatic index (HIS) and enzymes involved in oxidative stress were analyzed in the liver: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reductase glutathione (GR), as well as metallothionein (MT), a protein involved in the intracellular metabolism of metals. The results showed that the concentration of metals in the water and in the sediment in Bil, during summer and winter, were higher than the recommended by Brazilian guidelines (CONAMA/357). Regarding the enzymes analyzed, females from Bil presented higher CAT activity during summer and fall than females sampled in PN but no other enzyme was altered. The results showed that the degree of pollution in Bil did not trigger the first line of antioxidative defense, normally promoted by SOD. However, the animals probably undergone oxidative stress situations that triggered the increase in CAT activity to maintain the levels of hydrogen peroxide.