title: Effects of lead exposure on oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma biochemistry in waterbirds in the field.
abstract: Medina lagoon in Andalusia has one of the highest densities of spent lead (Pb) shot in Europe. Blood samples from waterbirds were collected in 2006-2008 to measure Pb concentration (PbB), δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma biochemistry. PbB above background levels (>20 μg/dl) was observed in 19% (n=59) of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and in all common pochards (Aythya ferina) (n=4), but common coots (Fulica atra) (n=37) and moorhens (Gallinula chloropus) (n=12) were all <20 μg/dl. ALAD ratio in mallards and coots decreased with PbB levels >6 μg/dl. In mallards, an inhibition of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and an increased level of oxidized glutathione (oxGSH) in red blood cells (RBC) were associated with PbB levels >20 μg/dl. In coots, PbB levels were negatively related to vitamin A and carotenoid levels in plasma, and total glutathione in RBCs; and positively related with higher superoxide dismutase and GPx activities and % oxGSH in RBCs. Overall, the results indicate that previously assumed background levels of PbB for birds need to be revised.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain. monica.martinezharo@gmail.com
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martinez-Haro
authors.forename: Andy J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mateo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001717:Birds / Q000097:blood*; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005978:Glutathione / Q000097:blood; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000097:blood; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D007854:Lead; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005978:Glutathione