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Oxidative stress in earthworms short- and long-term exposed to highly Hg-contaminated soils.

Authors :
Colacevich A
Sierra MJ
Borghini F
Millán R
Sanchez-Hernandez JC
Source :
Journal of hazardous materials [J Hazard Mater] 2011 Oct 30; Vol. 194, pp. 135-43. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Aug 05.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Exposure to mercury is often assessed by the measurement of molecular and biochemical antioxidant defences against an excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Here we examined some selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris short- (2d) and long-term (44 d) exposed to Hg-contaminated soils (up to 1287 mg/kg dry wt). This level of Hg exposure did not cause earthworm mortality, however it yielded organisms to a situation of oxidative stress which was evidenced by the time-dependent responses of biomarkers. The reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio was a sensitive and early biomarker of Hg exposure, although the glutathione reductase activity back returned their normal physiological concentrations. Metallothioneins and total glutathione seemed to have a significant role in reducing Hg-induced oxidative stress when exposure to Hg prolonged up to 44 d. We combined biomarker responses into an integrate biomarker index which positively correlated with the Hg concentrations measured in the postmitochondrial fraction of the earthworm muscle, and with the available Hg fraction in soil. Current results suggest that glutathione redox cycle can be a complementary tool in the exposure and effect assessment of Hg-polluted soils.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1873-3336
Volume :
194
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of hazardous materials
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
21871720
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.07.091