Seasonal changes of free-radical initiated processes in cyprinids from the middle Volga river basin

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the free radical induced lipid oxidation in the commonest fish species inhabiting the Volga river, in the Middle Volga region of the Russian Federation, de-pending on the seasons of the year. The commonest fish species in the Volga river basin: European carp Cyprinus carpio (L., 1758), sabrefish Pelecus cultratus (L., 1758), common bream Abramis brama (L., 1758), tench Tinca tinca (L., 1758), and common roach Rutilus rutilus (L., 1758) were studied. The level of malondialdehyde and the activity of catalase were investigated in gills, liver, muscles and gonads. The values of molecular oxidative biomarkers in the studied fish species were significantly higher in the summer, suggestinga more active lipid peroxidation. The increase in cata-lase activity in the studied organs may indicate activation of the antioxidant defense system that can positively affect the growth and development of fish.

Keywords

• antioxidant system
• carps
• catalase
• lipid peroxidation
• malondialdehyde