Biochemical biomarkers in Oreochromis niloticus exposed to mixtures of benzo[a]pyrene and diazinon.

Biochemical biomarkers (the activities of acetylcholinesterase, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deetilase, carboxylesterase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase) were evaluated in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) that had been exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and the organophosphate pesticide diazinon (DZ), at 0.5 mg/L. The animals were pre-exposed to BaP for three days, and DZ was then added to both non-exposed and pre-exposed groups, being exposed for 2 and 7 additional days. The level of BaP was also measured in the bile. BaP caused the induction of phase I and II enzymes, and DZ caused carboxylesterase inhibition in gills but not in liver. AChE activity was unchanged. No significant modulation was observed in antioxidant enzymes. When in combination with BaP, DZ caused a significant decrease of EROD and GST induction. Levels of BaP in the bile were also increased in fish exposed to BaP combined with DZ, indicating an interference of DZ in responses activated by BaP.