Endocrine alteration and other biochemical responses in juvenile turbot exposed to the Prestige fuel oil

Juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) were exposed to different concentrations of the Prestige fuel oil through the diet. The effects on hepatic biotransformation enzymes, namely, 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), catalase, and phase II activities – UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) and cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULT) –, were monitored after 42-day exposure. Additionally, potential alterations on the endocrine system of juvenile turbot were assessed by measuring circulating levels of testosterone and 17β-estradiol in plasma, together with gonadal P450 aromatase activity and the glucuronidation of testosterone by liver microsomal fractions. Fluorescent aromatic compounds (FACs) in bile were determined as an indicator of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). EROD activity increased in a dose dependent manner, and a positive correlation between levels of FACs in bile and EROD activity was observed. A significant increase in UGT activity was observed in fish exposed to medium and high fuel doses, whereas SULT cytosolic activity was not responsive to exposure. Exposure to the Prestige fuel oil sharply reduced circulating levels of testosterone in plasma. The obtained results suggest the ability of the Prestige fuel oil to alter hepatic biotransformation enzymes and to disrupt endogenous hormone levels in juvenile turbot, with unknown consequences in terms of sexual differentiation and reproduction.