Hepatic CYP1A levels and EROD activity in Marbled sole-a case study in Masan Bay

Abstract

To date, considerable numbers of studies have studied that the induction of hepatic CYP1A1, the major oxidative enzyme, can be stimulated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Enzymatic biomarkers (CYP450 and EROD) have been used to understand the effects of toxicant on the physiology. In this study, the variation of CYP1A and EROD in marbled sole from the Haegeumgang \\\\'reference\\\\' site and Masan Bay were investigated. Masan Bay is a large harbour in the southern part of Korea which receives a wide range of industrial and sewage discharges and wastes from shipping activity. Previous studies have shown that there are high concentrations of PCBs and TBT (among other chemicals) in water and in sediments. These results show a clear need to study the physiological effects on the native fish in the Masan bay. In addition, most of the studies have focused on the level of pollutant there are few studies to biological risk assessment. We choose the flatfish for monitoring fish. Since most contaminants of concern are sediment-bound, the selection criteria were that the fish should be preferably a benthic species (thus maximizing its exposure to contaminated sediment). Fish from Masan Bay have higher CYP1A1 mRNA, protein induction and EROD activity than those from the Haegeumgang. The results from this study suggest that Limanda yokahamae in Masan Bay may affect by other environmental factor.