Lipid peroxidation and glutathione content in tissues of hake (Merluccius merluccius L.) and sea bream (Pagellus erythrinus L.) from the Adriatic sea

Abstract

Fish are the most important organisms used in biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems.Parameters of oxidative stress in fish tissues represent significant biomarkers in theassessment of the status of environment. Specimens of hake (Merluccius merluccius L.) andsea bream (Pagellus erythrinus L.) were collected at the end of May 2005 from the locality infront of sea-port Bar (South Adriatic Sea). Parameters of oxidative stress (concentration oflipid peroxidase – LP and reduced glutathione – GSH) were determined in the liver and whitemuscle of hake and sea bream. Physical-chemical parameters (salinity, concentration ofdissolved oxygen and temperature) were determined in water of the investigated locality.Obtained results showed that the concentration of LP was higher in liver of hake and seabream in comparison to white muscle. However, significantly higher concentration of GSHwas found in white muscle of hake and sea bream in comparison to liver. These changes ofoxidative stress parameters point to tissue specificity, which is the consequence of differentmetabolic and antioxidative activity. Inter-specific differences were also established. Higherconcentrations of LP and GSH in liver of hake and in white muscle of sea bream wererecorded, due to changes of physical-chemical parameters of environment. The intensity ofoxidative stress in liver of hake and sea bream was higher in comparison to muscle.