Cytochrome P4501A, genotoxic and stress responses in golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) following short-term exposure to phenanthrene

This study represents a first approach to short-term effects of phenanthrene (Phe) in fish. The teleost Liza aurata was exposed to 0.1–2.7 μM Phe during 16 h. CYP1A induction was assessed as liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity. Genotoxicity was evaluated in gill and liver as DNA integrity (by alkaline unwinding), whereas in blood the erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) frequency was determined. Stress responses were determined as cortisol, glucose and lactate plasma levels. Liver EROD activity was significantly increased by Phe 0.3–2.7 μM. Phe genotoxicity in gill was not found, whereas liver DNA integrity significantly decreased after exposure to Phe 0.1 and 0.9 μM demonstrating its genotoxicity which did not correlate with liver CYP1A induction. Phe genotoxicity in blood was demonstrated by a significant ENA increase from 0.1 up to 2.7 μM. In terms of stress responses, plasma cortisol was significantly increased by Phe 0.3–2.7 μM, though plasma glucose was only significantly increased by Phe 0.9 and 2.7 μM. The Phe observed effects on L. aurata detected at different levels demonstrate a physiological unbalance and a probable ecological risk to ichthyofauna.