Lipid peroxidation and the concentration of antioxidant compounds (vitamin E and vitamin C) in the liver and white muscle of red mullet (Mullus barbatus L.) from the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Recent investigations in biomonitoring include the follow-up of biochemical and physiological parameters in order to estimate the condition of the environment. Oxidative stress parameters are significant biomarkers of ecological pollution of the sea. Materials and Methods: Specimens of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) were collected from the seawater at the localities of Platamuni and Valdanos (in the Adriatic Sea) both in winter and spring. The concentrations of lipid peroxides (LP), vitamin E (vit E) and vitamin C (vit C) were determined both in the liver and white muscle. Salinity, temperature, oxygen saturation, concentrations of nitrates and nitrites and detergents were determined in the seawater at the time of specimen collection. Results and Conclusions: The obtained results showed higher concentration of LP, vit E and vit C in the liver of red mullet when compared to white muscle. The concentrations of LP and vit C were higher, whereas the vit E concentration was lower in winter than in spring. In both the liver and white muscle (from Valdanos), higher concentration of LP and lower concentration of vit E were found when compared to those from Platamuni. Such changes in the oxidative stress parameters were in correlation with seasonal changes in temperature and the concentrations of nitrates, nitrites and detergents in the water. The intensity of oxidative stress in liver of red mullet was higher in comparison to muscles. It was also higher in winter compared to spring, and higher in Valdanos than in Platamuni. In conclusion, parameters of oxidative stress in tissues of red mullet are good markers for the biomonitoring of environment conditions.