Antioxidant, phase II and III responses induced by lipoic acid in the fish Jenynsia multidentata (Anablapidae) and its influence on endolsulfan accumulation and toxicity

• The chemoprotective effects of lipoic acid (LA) were analyzed in the fish Jenynsia multidentata.
• Expression of glycoprotein P was augmented in liver of fish fed with LA.
• Detoxification capacity (glutathione-S-transferase activity) was augmented by LA in liver.
• Reduction of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was verified in liver and gills of LA fed fish.
• LA reversed the effects of the pesticide endosulfan in terms of total antioxidant capacity.

Antioxidants like lipoic acid (LA) are known to trigger augmented antioxidant and phase II and III responses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of LA in P-glycoprotein (Pgp) expression, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity, total antioxidant competence, levels of lipid peroxides (TBARS) and accumulation of the organochlorine insecticide endosulfan (Endo: α-, β-isomers and sulfate metabolite) in different organs of the fish Jenynsia multidentata. One hundred and twenty females (1.55 ± 0.07 g) were fed during 8 days with (n = 60) or without (n = 60) a LA enriched ration (6000 mg/kg). Four experimental groups were defined: −LA/−Endo; +LA/−Endo; −LA/+Endo; and +LA/+Endo. Endo groups were exposed during 24 h to 1.4 μg of insecticide/L. Results showed that only LA induced a significant increment in liver Pgp expression. GST activity was augmented in liver after exposure to LA or Endo. TBARS levels were lowered in liver and gills after LA pre-treatment. Total antioxidant capacity was lowered in liver of Endo exposed fish, a result that was reversed by LA pre-treatment. It is concluded that LA induced the expected effects in terms of Pgp expression, GST activity and reduced TBARS levels although favored α-Endo accumulation in brain. However, the Endo metabolism to the more persistent endosulfan sulfate was not facilitated by LA pre-treatment.

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