Effect of acute cadmium exposure on metal accumulation and oxidative stress biomarkers of Sparus aurata

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential metal which could be toxic in traces for aquatic species. Increasing Cd concentrations in sea water is mainly related to waste waters provided from growing industrial and agricultural activities. The present study investigated the accumulation of Cd (0.5 mg/L) in different tissues of Sparus aurata under a short term exposure (2, 4 and 24 h) using the atomic absorption. This work investigated also the impact of the metal on oxidative stress biomarkers and acetyl cholinesterase activity (AchE). Our results showed that Cd accumulation in different tissues depends largely on the length of the exposure period to the metal. Indeed, the highest concentrations were obtained after 24 h. Cd accumulation in tissues was in the following order: intestines>liver>gills>dorsal muscle.Cadmium administration increased significantly catalase activity (CAT), glutathione level (GSH) and malondialdehyde production (MDA) after 24 h of exposure. In contrast, AchE activity was decreased after the same period of exposure to the metal. There were no significant changes in oxidative stress biomarkers after 2 and 4 h of exposure, except for superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity which attained the highest level after 4 h.These results suggest that short-term exposure of Sparus aurata to Cd (0.5 mg/L) induced an important metal accumulation in intestine and a notable oxidative stress response.

► We assessed Cd accumulation and changes in oxidative stress biomarkers in Sparus aurata.
► After 24 h, Cd was accumulated strongly in intestine and disturb oxidative stress biomarkers.