Hepatic coenzyme Q redox balance of fishes as a potential bioindicator of environmental contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
In this communication, we introduce a novel biomarker of aquatic contamination based on the xenobiotic-induced response of the hepatic coenzyme Q (CoQ) redox balance of fishes to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The method is demonstrated by comparing changes in the liver CoQ redox balance with that measured using the CYP1A-based, 7-ethoxyresofurin-O-deethylase activity assay, on administration of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and β-naphthoflavone (BNF) to Barramundi (Lates calcarifer). Both assays showed comparable dose-dependent effects in fish treated with BaP or BNF. Perturbation in the constitutive hepatic CoQ redox balance of fishes may thus provide a simple biomarker of aquatic PAH contamination.
Hasbi
Ghitarina
G
School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
de Nys
Rocky
R
Burns
Kathryn
K
Whalan
Steve
S
Dunlap
Walter C
WC
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D019363:Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000187:drug effects; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010473:Perciformes / Q000378:metabolism*; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000633:toxicity*; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000378:metabolism*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
D015415:Biomarkers; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D014451:Ubiquinone; D019363:Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1