Metallothioneins and the indices of oxidative damage in the tissues of carp Cyprinus carpio as the biomarkers of the environmental pollution

Abstract

The content of metallothioneins (MT) determined by two methods (by zinc and copper content and by cadmium saturation), protein carbonyls and superoxide anion have been compared in the liver and gills of carp Cyprinus carpio from two water basins (relatively clean (A) and situated in the industrial site (I)) during three seasons. The temporal dependence is revealed in the A group and less in the I group according to the Factor analysis. The higher levels of MT, protein carbonyls and superoxide anion, as well as low bioavailability of essential metals manganese and, especially, iron were detected in carp from the industrial site.

Keywords

• carp
• metallothioneins
• oxidative damage
• heavy metals