Copper Induced DNA Damage in the Gills of the Mussel Mytilus trossulus and Reversibility after Depuration

The pollution of coastal water areas by heavy metals is constantly growing; therefore, the study of the mechanisms of impact of these toxicants on the organisms of hydrobionts is a topical direction of toxicology. Particularly pertinent are questions about the state of the reparation system in the aquatic organisms, which make it possible to assess the resistance, survival of hydrobionts, and the probability of remote consequences under the impact of heavy metals. Therefore, in this work, we investigated genome integrity and DNA repair ability in the gill cells of Mytilus trossulus, under conditions of copper (Cu2+) accumulation, and in the process of tissue depuration from this metal. Although the biochemical detoxification system was functioning, it is noted that destructive processes developed, including the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (MDA) and DNA damage. It was also found that in all of the experimental groups of Mytilus trossulus, in the process of depuration from Cu2+ for 24 h, the levels of DNA damage and MDA content were markedly reduced, and further reduction was less intense.

Automated summary

The pollution of coastal water areas by heavy metals is an increasing problem. This study focused on investigating the impact of copper (Cu2+) accumulation and tissue depuration on genome integrity and DNA repair ability in the gill cells of Mytilus trossulus. While the biochemical detoxification system was functional, destructive processes such as the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (MDA) and DNA damage were observed. However, in the process of depuration from Cu2+, the levels of DNA damage and MDA content were significantly reduced, albeit at a slower rate.