Antioxidant system biomarkers of freshwater mussel (Unio tigridis) respond to nanoparticle (Al2O3, CuO, TiO2) exposures

Purpose Mussels are known as the natural filters of the aquatic systems and are accepted as one of the best bioindicator organism. There is no data on the response of Unio tigridis to metal-oxide nanoparticle (NP) exposures. This study aimed to investigate the response of the antioxidant enzymes of U. tigridis following exposure to NPs. Materials and methods The mussels were exposed to different concentrations (0, 1, 3, 9 mg NP/L) of Al2O3, CuO and TiO2 NPs for 14 days and subsequently, the activities of CAT (catalase), SOD (superoxide dismutase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), GST (glutathione S-transferase) and GR (glutathione reductase) were measured in the gill and digestive gland. Mussels were fed with cultured unicellular algae (Chlorella vulgaris) during experiments. Results Data showed that algae consumptions of mussels were not significantly (p>0.05) altered by NPs. However, all enzyme activities in the digestive gland and gill altered significantly (p<0.05) after NP exposures. The activities of CAT and SOD decreased, while the activities of enzymes belonging to glutathione metabolism (GPx and GST) increased in both tissues. Conclusion This study representing the first record on the antioxidant system response of U. tigridis toward NP exposures suggests that NP toxicity should be investigated thoroughly in organisms and some regulations must be done on their usages.

Automated summary

This study revealed that exposure to nanoparticles caused significant alterations in the antioxidant enzyme activities in the digestive gland and gill of mussels. Specifically, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities decreased, while enzymes related to glutathione metabolism (GPx and GST) increased.