Hepatic coenzyme Q redox balance of fishes as a potential bioindicator of environmental contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Biol Lett. 2011 Feb 23;7(1):123-6. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2010.0600. Epub 2010 Aug 25.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 / genetics
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / drug effects
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / enzymology*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Perciformes / metabolism*
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / toxicity*
  • Ubiquinone / metabolism*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Ubiquinone
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1