The Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) model: applicability for investigating the immunosuppressive effects of the aquatic pollutant benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)

Despite the fact that BaP is a carcinogen, mammalian immunosuppressant, and ubiquitous aquatic pollutant, knowledge regarding the effects of BaP on the immune system of fish is still lacking. To begin to fill this gap, studies were conducted in medaka to examine the effects and mechanisms by which BaP exposure might alter host immunocompetence. Fish, exposed by IP injection of BaP (2-600 microg/g BW), were examined after 48 h for effects upon immune function and CYP1A expression/activity. Benzo[a]pyrene, at a concentration below that which increased levels of CYPIA expression/activity (2 microg BaP/g BW) suppressed lymphocyte proliferation. Concentrations of BaP at 20 and 200 microg/g BW. suppressed antibody-forming cell (AFC) numbers, superoxide production, and host resistance against bacteria. In contrast, exposure to the low affinity aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, benzo[e]pyrene (BeP), neither induced CYP1A expression nor altered immune function. Given the lack of immunosuppressive effects produced by BeP, and the fact that exposure to the AhR antagonist (and CYP1A inhibitor) alpha-naphthoflavone (ANF) ameliorated the suppressive effects of BaP upon AFC numbers, the AhR pathway (including CYP1A-mediated production of reactive BaP metabolites) appears important in mediating BaP-induced immunotoxicity in fish, as in mammals. In the past, the medaka has proven a successful model for assessing carcinogenic agents. These studies have demonstrated its utility for also determining the immunosuppressive effects of an important aquatic contaminant.     

In vitro mechanistic differences in benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct formation using fish liver and mussel digestive gland microsomal activating systems

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and mussel (Mytilus edulis) microsomes were incubated with DNA to examine if microsomal in vitro metabolism of BaP could result in DNA adducts detected by 32P-postlabelling. Turbot DNA was incubated with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), NADPH and microsomal activating systems prepared from either livers of unexposed turbot, turbot exposed to BaP or beta-naphthoflavone (beta-NF) or digestive glands from mussels. The beta-NF activating system generated the highest levels of DNA adducts detected in this study (451.7 adducts per 10(8) nucleotides) and were distributed in three discrete adduct TLC spots, one of which (97% of the total adducts) co-migrated with the 32P-postlabelled BaP 7,8-diol, 9,10-epoxide-N2-guanine adduct. Fewer adducts (P < 0.05) were generated by BaP-induced microsomes (9.4-30.6 adducts per 108 nucleotides) but levels were higher (P <0.05) than those generated from untreated fish (3.5 adducts per 10(8) nucleotides). Co-incubation with 500 microM alpha-naphthoflavone (alpha-NF) resulted in 97-99% inhibition in adduct formation implicating cytochrome P450-dependent (CYP) bioactivation however there was some evidence for carry over of BaP in the liver microsomal preparations from BaP injected fish. In contrast to the fish activating systems, no DNA adducts were observed when mussel microsomes were incubated with BaP, DNA and NADPH.     

In-vitro metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol by liver and intestinal mucosa homogenates from the winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)

Freshly prepared homogenates were used to assess the relative ability of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) liver and intestinal mucosal cells to metabolize the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and its proximate carcinogenic metabolite, BaP-7,8-dihydrodiol (7,8-Diol). Data obtained from homogenates prepared from fish previously fed β-naphthoflavone (BNF) indicated that both tissues had similar abilities to metabolize either BaP or 7,8-Diol on a per gram of protein basis. Metabolite profiles produced indicate that water-soluble metabolite formation is favored at low doses. These findings support the hypothesis that the intestine plays an important role in first-pass metabolism of dietary carcinogens in the winter flounder.     

Sulfation and glucuronidation of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol in intestinal mucosa of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

Intestinal metabolism plays a significant role in the bioavailability of ingested environmental toxicants. In this study, the potential for first pass, phase 2 biotransformation of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol (BaP-7,8-diol) in intestinal mucosa was examined. Sulfotransferase and Uridine 5'-Diphospho-Glucuronyl-transferase activity were measured in cytosol, and microsomes respectively. Radiolabeled conjugation products were analyzed by TLC and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that BaP-7,8-diol was a poor substrate for intestinal sulfotransferase. Vmax for the sulfation of BaP-7,8-diol was 0.002 nmol mg-1 min-1, which is at least three orders of magnitudes lower than the Vmax for phenolic BaP metabolites. Studies with 3'phosphoadenosine-5' phosphosulfate (PAP)-35S as co-substrate showed that an unidentified compound in the reaction mixture was sulfated, dependent on the BaP-7,8-diol concentration. This could indicate that BaP-7,8-diol was interacting with a regulatory site on the enzyme and stimulated sulfation of an endogenous molecule in cytosol. Kinetic analysis of microsomal glucuronidation resulted in a Vmax of 0.30 nmol mg-1 min-1 (+/- 0.06 S.D., n = 4), with a Km of 23.39 microM (+/- 2.66 S.D.). The Km for the co-substrate UDP-glucuronic acid was approximately 43 microM. The slow rates for sulfation and glucuronidation of BaP-7,8-diol may explain its relatively high systemic availability when ingested or produced by intestinal phase 1 enzymes.     

In vitro mechanistic differences in benzo[a]pyrene–DNA adduct formation using fish liver and mussel digestive gland microsomal activating systems

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and mussel (Mytilus edulis) microsomes were incubated with DNA to examine if microsomal in vitro metabolism of BaP could result in DNA adducts detected by ³²P-postlabelling. Turbot DNA was incubated with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), NADPH and microsomal activating systems prepared from either livers of unexposed turbot, turbot exposed to BaP or β-naphthoflavone (ß-NF) or digestive glands from mussels. The β-NF activating system generated the highest levels of DNA adducts detected in this study (451.7 adducts per 10⁸ nucleotides) and were distributed in three discrete adduct TLC spots, one of which (97% of the total adducts) co-migrated with the ³²P-postlabelled BaP 7,8-diol, 9,10-epoxide-N²-guanine adduct. Fewer adducts (P <0.05) were generated by BaP-induced microsomes (9.4–30.6 adducts per 10⁸ nucleotides) but levels were higher (P <0.05) than those generated from untreated fish (3.5 adducts per 10⁸ nucleotides). Co-incubation with 500 μM α-naphthoflavone (α-NF) resulted in 97–99% inhibition in adduct formation implicating cytochrome P450-dependent (CYP) bioactivation however there was some evidence for carry over of BaP in the liver microsomal preparations from BaP injected fish. In contrast to the fish activating systems, no DNA adducts were observed when mussel microsomes were incubated with BaP, DNA and NADPH.     

Interactive effects of cadmium and benzo[a]pyrene on metallothionein induction in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus).

Previous experiments demonstrated that exposure of mummichog to cadmium (Cd) in combination with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) caused a higher mortality than would be expected from simple additive effects. Experiments are described here that investigated whether BaP exposure inhibits the induction of metallothionein (MT), a major detoxifying protein for Cd, or if reactive BaP metabolites compete with Cd for binding sites on MT. Fish were injected with or without BaP (18 mg/kg) in combination with a low (1 mg/kg) or high (3.2 mg/kg) dose of Cd, and in one treatment BP was dosed 4 days after Cd. The results showed a rapid induction of MT to 1.5 mg/g wet weight liver, 1 day after injecting the low Cd dose. Simultaneous BaP exposure significantly delayed the induction of MT, for both low and high Cd doses, and BaP temporarily lowered the induced MT concentration when dosed 4 days after induction by Cd. To test if binding of BaP metabolites to MT reduces the detoxification potential for Cd, microsomes of CYP1A-induced fish were incubated with MT and radiolabeled BaP. Active metabolism of BaP was observed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, but no association of BaP metabolites with MT was found. Neither could this be demonstrated in vivo, in liver MT isolated from mummichog dosed with 3H-BaP and Cd. These results suggest that increased toxicity of Cd in combination with BaP exposure is likely to be caused by inhibited MT synthesis, rather than by interference of BaP metabolites with Cd binding on MT.     

In vivo formation of (+)-anti-benzo[a]pyrene diol-epoxide-plasma albumin adducts in fish.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a procarcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is bioactivated to BaP diol-epoxides (BPDEs) that can form adducts with DNA and blood proteins. We report here for the first time the in vivo formation of adducts between BPDE and plasma albumin (Alb) from two fish species experimentally exposed to BaP. Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) received either a single i.p. dose (10 mg/kg) or two separate i.p. doses (25 mg/kg; 7 days apart) of BaP, and blood was collected 2 (single exposure) or 3 (multiple exposure) days post-treatment. Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) received 10 i.p. doses (3 mg/kg; a single dose every 6 days), and blood was collected 2 days after the second, sixth, and 10th injections. BPDE-Alb adducts were measured by an improved HPLC/fluorescence method developed to detect and quantify BaP-tetrols released after acid hydrolysis of adducted Alb. HPLC/fluorescence chromatograms of Alb from BaP-treated fish revealed only BaP-tetrol I-1, thus indicating the formation of adducts exclusively via the (+)-anti-BPDE metabolite. Levels of (+)-anti-BPDE-Alb adduct ranged from 0.68 to 19.6 ng of tetrol I-1 per gram of Alb. Notably, adduct level was not related to BaP dose and there was no accumulation of adducts with repeated exposure, which may indicate a very short half-life (< 2 days) of plasma Alb in fish. The data suggest that BPDE-Alb adducts in fish could be useful as a non-destructive biomarker of recent exposure to bioactivated BaP.     

苯并（a）芘诱导下岩虫CYP基因的表达特征

Rapid amplification of cDNA ends(RACE) and real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) were carried out to analyze the CYP4 gene expression in polychaete Marphysa sanguinea exposed to benzo[a]pyrene(BaP) in this study. The full length of MsCYP4 cDNA was 2 470 bp, and it encoded 512 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 47% identity with CYP4 F from frog Xenopus tropicalis and shared high homology with other known CYP4 sequences. To analyse the role of CYP4 in protecting M. sanguinea from BaP exposure, three BaP groups were established: 0.5, 5 and 50 μg/L. Polychaetes were sampled after 3, 7 and 12 d. At 0.5 μg/L, the effect of BaP on MsCYP4 gene expression increased with time prolonged. MsCYP4 gene expression curve showed Ushaped trend with time in 5 and 50 μg/L BaP groups. Therefore, MsCYP4 gene may play an important role in maintaining the balance of cellular metabolism and protecting M. sanguinea from BaP toxicity.     

Correlative changes in metabolism and DNA damage in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

Juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) were injected intraperitoneally with either corn oil or 5 mg/kg benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) dissolved in corn oil and sampled I and 3 days after injection. After 1 day, no elevation of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was observed, however bile metabolites (BaP-7,8 dihydrodiol representing 70% of the total metabolites) and a single hepatic DNA adduct spot (0.47 adducts/10(8) nucleotides) identified by 32P-postlabelling were formed. No BaP metabolites or DNA adducts were observed in either control or carrier control fish. Fish sampled after 3 days reported 5-fold higher (P < 0.05) levels of EROD activity, a shift in the bile metabolite profile towards BaP phenol formation (1OH and 30H BaP comprising up to 60% of total metabolites detected) and the formation of two adduct spots (0.86 and 0.71 adducts/10(8) nucleotides). These results show that BaP can be metabolised and form hydrophobic DNA adducts in turbot without EROD elevation. Following EROD elevation, a shift in the profile of both BaP metabolites and BaP metabolite-DNA interactions occurs indicative of other oxidative processes.     

A survey of in vivo benzo[alpha]pyrene metabolism in small benthic marine invertebrates.

A micro-extraction technique was used to examine in vivo polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolism in 10 small invertebrate species exposed to sediments amended with 3H-benzo[alpha]pyrene (BaP). Phyla examined included Mollusca (Hydrobia totteni, Ilyanassa obsoleta, Yoldia limatula, and Gemma gemma), Annelida (Nereis succinea, Pectinaria gouldii, Haploscolopolous sp., and Capitella sp. 1) and Arthropoda (Edotea triloba, and Gammarus mucronatus). Organisms were exposed to BaP-labeled sediments, harvested, and parent BaP separated from all polar metabolites by liquid extraction The percent of BaP-derived radio-activity present as polar metabolites ranged from 96% for N. succinea to 7% for P. gouldii. Wide ranges in metabolic capability were also observed between species in the other two phyla examined. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis of extracts of representative species from each phyla indicated that all these organisms form bay region metabolites, with two species forming the 7,8-dihydrodiol (N. succinea and G. mucronatus). In light of the high variability in metabolic capability observed within each phylum, species-specific information on metabolic ability should be obtained before assessing bioaccumulation, critical body burdens, or trophic transfer of PAHs in invertebrates.     

菲、芘、苯并(a)芘单一暴露及分别与α-萘黄酮(ANF)联合暴露对海水青鳉(Oryzias melastigma)胚胎发育毒性效应的比较研究

为了解和探讨3~5环PAHs对海水鱼类胚胎发育的毒性及作用方式,比较研究了菲(phenanthrene,Phe)、芘(pyrene,Py)、苯并(a)芘(benzo(a)pyrene,BaP)单一暴露和三者各自与α-萘黄酮(α-naphthoflavone,ANF)联合暴露对海水青鳉(marine medaka, Oryzias melastigma)胚胎发育的毒性效应。胚胎体内EROD活性、发育畸形、孵化率和心律等毒性指标被测定,结果显示:Phe,Py和BaP对海水青鳉胚胎体内EROD活性的诱导能力大小为BaP>Py>Phe,各化合物对EROD诱导与发育畸形之间的关系较为复杂,除Phe所引起的EROD诱导与畸形指数之间呈显著相关(r=0.95,p=0.015)外,Py和BaP均无相关性;在100 μg/dm3 ANF影响下,CYP1A活性诱导被抑制,但胚胎发育的畸形指数被显著提高,ANF分别与Phe,Py和BaP的联合暴露对胚胎发育呈潜在的协同作用。本文研究初步表明,3~5环PAHs化合物对海水青鳉胚胎发育的毒性作用方式可能不同;CYP1A活性抑制在PAHs混合物对海水青鳉胚胎发育的毒性作用过程中未起到缓解毒性的作用,CYP1A抑制剂与PAH型CYP1A诱导剂的混合物对鱼类胚胎发育具有潜在的协同毒性作用,现有的PAHs混合物毒性风险评价方法可能低估了实际环境中PAHs的风险;海水青鳉早期生活阶段的心脏发育对PAHs混合物暴露较为敏感,可推荐其作为生物标志物指示PAHs或溢油污染。     

Effects of the inhibitor ellipticine on cytochrome P450-reductase and cytochrome P450 (1A) function in hepatic microsomes of flounder (Platichthys flesus)

The effects of the mammalian inhibitor ellipticine (5,11-dimethyl-[6H]-pyrido[4,3b] carbazole) were examined in a mechanistic study of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system of control and β-naphthoflavone (βNF)-induced hepatic microsomes of Platichthys flesus. Ellipticine was indicated to bind to the haem moiety of cytochrome P450s (gave type II binding spectra) and to inhibit the transfer of electrons from both the hydrophobic binding site of cytochrome P450 reductase (P450R) to P450 (inhibited P450R reductase activity) and the hydrophilic binding site of P450R to soluble electron acceptors (inhibited NAD(P)H-cytochrome c reductase activity). No effect was seen on cytochrome b₅ reductase activity. Ellipticine inhibition indicated the involvement of (i) P450R (possibly also P450s) in NADPH- but not NADH- dependent hydroxyl radical production, and (ii) electron transfer and P450/P450R interaction in NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 1A-catalysed monooxygenation (7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) metabolism). Differential effects of ellipticine on cumene hydroperoxide (CHP)-dependent BaP metabolism (P450 peroxidase activity) with CHP concentration indicated the existence of at least two forms of P450 with different substrate affinities for CHP, and different mechanisms of formation for protein adducts and free metabolites. Overall, the studies indicate the primary site of action of ellipticine in P. flesus is binding between Fe³⁺-P450 and P450R.     

Induction of DNA strand breakage and apoptosis in the eel Anguilla anguilla

The ability of benzo[a]pyrene, Aroclor 1254, 2-3-7-8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and beta-naphthoflavone to induce DNA strand breaks (SB) and apoptosis in erythrocytes of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) was investigated following by in vivo exposure. DNA damage was evaluated by the Comet assay, while the diffusion assay was used to investigate the induction of apoptosis 7 days after a single intraperitoneal administration. 2-3-7-8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induced the highest genotoxic effect, followed by benzo[a]pyrene, while the other two substances had limited effects. A significant induction of apoptosis was observed at the highest doses after exposure to benzo[a]pyrene, when DNA damage was also elevated. The occurrence of apoptotic cells after exposure to Aroclor, 2-3-7-8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and beta-naphthoflavone was quite variable and did not show clear dose-related responses. The role of oxidative stress in mediating DNA damage was also discussed.     

Effect of exposure to benzo[a]pyrene on SODs, CYP1A1/1A2- and CYP2E1 immunopositive proteins in the blood clam Scapharca inaequivalvis

The effects of water-borne exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (36 h; celite-bound 0.44 mg L(-1) B[a]P) on cytochrome P450 (CYP) and superoxide dismutases (SODs) were examined in digestive gland of the blood clam, Scapharca inaequivalvis. B[a]P accumulation and elimination were rapid, with maximum whole-body concentrations of 1.78 ng g(-1) wet wt after 12 h of treatment, followed by a progressive decline to 0.89 ng g(-1) at 36 h. The presence of B[a]P resulted in an increase in total CYP of digestive gland microsomes from 54+/-14 to 108+/-21 pmol/mg protein (mean+/-SD; p<0.05, 24 h). Increases were also seen in microsomal CYP1A1/1A2-immunopositive protein (50.5 kDa app. mol. wt; p<0.05), but not CYP2E1-immunopositive protein (49 kDa app. mol. wt.), indicating a specific response of the former isoform. Exposure to B[a]P produced a steady increase in Mn-SOD digestive gland activity (p<0.01; p<0.05) but no significant change in Cu/Zn-SOD activity. The respective proteins, measured by western blotting, were not significant induced after B[a]P exposure. Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD activities were correlated with total CYP levels (r=0.96 and 0.63, respectively), indicating a role for CYP in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during exposure. Both 'NADPH-independent' and NADPH-dependent metabolism of B[a]P by digestive gland microsomes was seen, producing mainly 1,6-, 3,6- and 6,12-diones, with some phenols and 7,8-dihydrodiol; putative protein adducts were also formed. Redox cycling of the diones may also have contributed to ROS production, leading to the increased SOD activities.     

Oxidative damage to DNA: an immunohistochemical approach for detection of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxodeoxyguanosine in marine organisms

The modified nucleoside 7,8-dihydro-8-oxodeoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) is an index of oxidative DNA damage. An immunohistochemical approach based on the use of monoclonal antibody 1F7 against 8-oxo-dG was investigated in marine organisms with immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescent detection. Relative staining intensity as a measure of the 8-oxo-dG level was microscopically assessed. After laboratory exposures to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), higher levels of oxidative DNA damage were clearly detected in all treated animals compared to controls. While this method eliminates DNA extraction reducing the processing of biological samples, absolute values are not provided. Further, the method requires only small amounts of tissue and potentially discriminates susceptibility to oxidative damage in different cell types. These results suggest that the assay should have practical applications in marine ecotoxicology.     

苯并(a)芘、芘及其混合物暴露对梭鱼肝脏谷胱甘肽硫转移酶活性的影响

在实验生态条件下,观察苯并(a)芘、芘及其等浓度混合物暴露对梭鱼(Mugil so-iuy)肝脏谷胱甘肽硫转移酶(GST)活性的影响。结果显示,在7d的暴露中,苯并(a)芘、芘对肝脏GST活性的影响主要为诱导效应,芘对GST活性的诱导比苯并(a)芘强。混合物在15d的暴露中未观察到GST活性的诱导,而是在暴露的后期出现GST活性的抑制。实验表明,肝脏GST活性的诱导指示受到PAHs污染胁迫,而GST活性抑制则是受到较长时间或较严重的污染。     

Induction of vitellogenin in vivo and in vitro in the model teleost medaka (Oryzias latipes): comparison of gene expression and protein levels

Quantification of the egg yolk precursor vitellogenin (VTG) in fish has become a standard technique to detect estrogenic effects of known chemicals and environmental samples. In the present study, we have analysed VTG induction by estradiol, ethynylestradiol and genistein exposure in the model teleost medaka (Oryzias latipes) and demonstrate that the medaka is a suitable model system to analyse estrogenic effects. By comparing VTG gene expression and protein levels we show that in principal both techniques can be used to study VTG induction in vivo (juvenile and adult males) and in vitro (primary cultures of male liver cells). If a short term in vivo or in vitro exposure is performed, detection of mRNA might be sufficient. For long term studies with the need to detect weak estrogenic chemicals and a precise quantification, immuno-chemical detection may be favoured.     

苯并（a）芘对大弹涂鱼肝脏超氧化物歧化酶活性的影响

在实验生态条件下，研究了在苯并（a)芘（BaP)胁迫下大弹涂鱼肝脏超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性的变化，结果显示：暴露3d时，不同BaP含量组大弹涂鱼肝脏SOD活性无显著差异（P＞0．05），而暴露7d时，随着B aP含量的升高，0.5mg/dm^3 BaP含量组SOD活性被显著诱导（P＜0．05），为对照组的1．87倍；随着暴露时间的延长，各含量组肝脏SOD的活性均表现出不同程度的下降趋势，其中对照组肝脏SOD活性显著降低，表明SOD活性易受污染以外的因素，如水体容量、铒料、光照等的影响。污染解除后，0.5mg/dm^3含量组SOD活性显著升高，表明大弹涂鱼肝脏仍具有较强的生理调节机能，也可能表明SOD活性的变化相对于环境因子改变的“迟滞性”。以上这些结果表明SOD有可能作为大弹涂鱼受BaP胁迫的生物指标。     

Metabolism of a model environmental carcinogen by bivalve molluscs

Bivalve molluscs have been used as monitors of marine pollution because they concentrate xenobiotics of many kinds in their tissues. Marine pollutants often produce stress responses such as reduced scope for growth, lysosomal destabilization, altered immune responsiveness and other sequelae. The ability of bivalves to metabolize organic compounds via mixed-function oxygenases (MFO) was demonstrated by the epoxidation of aldrin¹ and benzo[a]pyrene (BP);² this work has been corroborated and extended in many subsequent studies. Biotransformation of BP and other environmental procarcinogens can generate either activated or detoxified metabolites. In this paper the BP metabolites produced by digestive gland homogenates of the clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) and the oyster (Crassostrea virginica) are described. Control bivalves produced the proximate carcinogen (BP 7,8-dihydrodiol), as well as various minimally reactive BP diols and monohydroxylated metabolites. Seven days after injection of the potent inducer of mammalian MFO, Aroclor 1254, BP 7,8-diol production was augmented in Mercenaria, and atypical quinones and phenols were seen in both species. However, in the Ames bacterial mutagenicity assay, homogenates from Aroclor-treated clams failed to activate benzo[a]pyrene. The biological significance of BP metabolism in bivalves is unknown; however, it may prove to be a useful index of pollution.     

1-Hydroxypyrene as a biomarker of PAH exposure in the marine polychaete Nereis diversicolor

The possibility of using the pyrene metabolite 1-hydroxypyrene as a biomarker of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure was investigated by exposure of the marine polychaete Nereis diversicolor to several PAHs in the laboratory. Animals were exposed to pyrene alone and to five different PAHs – phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[k]flouranthene. After five days of exposure the concentrations of parent PAHs and 1-hydroxypyrene were identified using three different analytical methods, high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC/F), synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS). The SFS measurements of 1-hydroxypyrene were validated by the more sensitive method HPLC/F. The positive correlation between total PAHs and 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations in the polychaete tissues observed in experiments, suggests the feasibility of 1-hydroxypyrene as a suitable biomarker for total PAH exposure assessment. Furthermore, the possibility of employment of the simple and rapid SFS method instead of HPLC/F for biomarker analysis has been confirmed by the positive and significant correlation between results achieved by these two analytical methods.