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Variations of antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde content in nemertean Cephalothrix hongkongiensis after exposure to heavy metals

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Abstract

The antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of Cephalothrix hongkongiensis were studied to assess variations in the biochemical/physiological parameters of nemerteans under heavy metal stress. Worms were exposed to copper, zinc and cadmium solutions at different concentrations, and the activity of three antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and MDA content were measured. The results show that the activity of each enzyme changed immediately after exposure to heavy metals. CAT was invariably inhibited throughout the experimental period, while the SOD activity was significantly elevated by exposure to Cu2+ for 48 h, but then decreased. SOD was inhibited by Zn2+during the first 12 h of exposure, but activated when exposed for longer periods. Under Cd2+ stress, SOD activity decreased within 72 h. GPX activity varied greatly, being significantly increased by both Cu2+ and Zn2+, but significantly inhibited by Cd2+ in the first 12–24 h after exposure. MDA content increased on Cu2+ exposure, but normally decreased on Zn2+ exposure. MDA content followed an increase-decrease-increase pattern under Cd2+ stress. In conclusion, the antioxidant system of this nemertean is sensitive to heavy metals, and its CAT activity may be a potential biomarker for monitoring heavy metal levels in the environment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marine Culture Research Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China

    Haiyi Wu  (吴海一) & Shichun Sun  (孙世春)

  2. College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China

    Xidan Zhao  (赵夕旦)

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  1. Haiyi Wu  (吴海一)
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  2. Xidan Zhao  (赵夕旦)
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  3. Shichun Sun  (孙世春)
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Correspondence to Shichun Sun  (孙世春).

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Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30270235)

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Wu, H., Zhao, X. & Sun, S. Variations of antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde content in nemertean Cephalothrix hongkongiensis after exposure to heavy metals. Chin. J. Ocean. Limnol. 28, 917–923 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00343-010-9050-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00343-010-9050-1

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