mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GSH-Px) and lipid peroxidative stress in liver of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) exposed to hyperoxic water during smoltification

The mRNA levels of three antioxidant genes, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), were quantified with real-time qRT-PCR in liver of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar exposed to 80% (normoxia), 105% and 130% O2 saturation for 54 days. The salmon were then translocated and exposed to 90% and 130% O2 saturation for additional 72 days during smoltification. TBARS and vitamin E levels in liver and the levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), total glutathione (GSH) and the resulting oxidative stress index (OSI) in blood were quantified as traditional oxidative stress markers. No significant mean normalized expression (MNE) differences of SOD, CAT or GSH-Px were found in liver after hyperoxia exposure at the two sampling times. Significantly decreased OSI was found in smolt exposed to 130% O2 saturation after 126 days (n = 18, P < 0.0001), indicating hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress. No effects were seen on growth, or on the levels of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and vitamin E in liver after the exposure experiment. Overall, the mRNA expression of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in liver related poorly with the hyperoxic exposure regimes, and more knowledge are needed before the expressed levels of these antioxidant genes can be applied as biomarkers of hyperoxia in Atlantic salmon.