INDUCTION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND MODULATION OF ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE IN THE HAEMOLYMPH OF GREEN MUSSEL Perna viridis EXPOSED TO NAPHTHALENE

Backgrounds: In recent decades, environmental pollution has occurred from the rapid increase in anthropogenic activities, notably in the aquatic ecosystem. Marine organisms can be subjected to oxidative stress under a variety of severe environmental conditions.

Aim of the Works: The aim of this study is to use a large number of biomarkers to discover individual and unique patterns of Perna viridis responses to naphthalene, in order to better understand the changes in oxidative stress and antioxidant defence that occur in the bivalve P. viridis after exposure to naphthalene.

Methodology: The mussels were exposed to naphthalene for 14 days in order to evaluate changes in oxidative stress and antioxidant defence. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and Carbonyls protein (CP) levels were measured for oxidative stress indicators. The antioxidant defence enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured as part of the research.

Results: The haemolymph contains significantly higher carbonyls protein and lipid peroxidation following 14 days of naphthalene exposure. A series of antioxidant defence enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were modulated in the haemolymph of mussels exposed to very low levels of naphthalene over 14 days. The activities of antioxidant defense were altered when exposed to naphthalene.

Conclusions: In mussels exposed to naphthalene, the current study discovered a substantial relationship between oxidative stress and antioxidant defences. Overall, the findings suggest that haemolypmh is the most susceptible component to oxidative damage, meaning that antioxidant enzyme activities in P. viridis might be used as a bioindicator of organic pollution exposure.