Publication Abstract

DNA adduct analysis and histopathological biomarkers in European flounder (Platichthys flesus) sampled from UK estuaries

B.P. Lyons, G.D. Stentiford, M. Green, J. Bignell, S.W. Feist, F. Goodsir, W.J. Reynolds and J.E. Thain

The presence of genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic chemical contaminants in the estuarine and coastal marine environment is well documented. In this study, European flounder (Platichthys flesus) sampled from eight UK estuaries were analysed for hepatic DNA adducts, using the 32P-postlabelling assay, and liver histopathology. Fish were collected from the estuaries Tyne, Mersey, Thames, Alde (reference site), Belfast Lough, Firth of Forth, Firth of Clyde and Southampton Water. At the majority of contaminated sites (Southampton, Thames, Clyde, Tyne and Mersey) the predominant DNA adduct profile consisted of diagonal radioactive zones (DRZs), In contrast, flounder collected from the Forth, Alde and Belfast lacked DRZs with only background levels of DNA damage being observed. Statistically significant differences were observed between several of the sites sampled with the hepatic DNA adduct levels detected in flounder from Southampton Water, Thames and Clyde statistically elevated (p<0.05) over those levels detected at the Tyne (Southampton and Thames only), Forth, Alde and Belfast. Histological analysis of these samples revealed a range of toxicopathology including foci of cellular alteration, hepatocellular fibrillar inclusions, nuclear pleomorphisms along with non-toxicopathic lesions, such as those associated with cell turnover (apoptosis, necrosis, regeneration) and immune-related functions (melanomacrophage aggregates, inflammation). Although it is difficult to associate higher prevalence of these lesion types with specific sites, generally, the lowest prevalence was seen in flounder captured from the Alde estuary, with higher prevalence (particularly of melanomacrophage aggregates, inflammation and necrotic foci) seen in fish from the contaminated sites.

Reference:

B.P. Lyons, G.D. Stentiford, M. Green, J. Bignell, S.W. Feist, F. Goodsir, W.J. Reynolds and J.E. Thain (2004) DNA adduct analysis and histopathological biomarkers in European flounder (Platichthys flesus) sampled from UK estuaries. Mutation Research-Fundamental and molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis, 552(1-2): 177-186