Introduction: This study aimed to analyze antioxidant responses and oxidative damage induced by two inorganic forms of arsenic (As; As(III) and As(V)) in an estuarine polychaete species, Laeonereis acuta (Nereididae). The capacity of arsenic biotransformation was also evaluated through the methylation process considering the activity of a key enzyme involved in the metabolization process.
Materials and methods: Worms were exposed to 50 μg (As(III) or As(V))/l during 2 or 7 days, plus a control group. Endpoints analyzed included concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase (GR), total glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and omega isoform (GST Ω), glucose-6-phosphate deshydrogenase (G6PDH), levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxides concentration (TBARS).
Results and discussion: Results showed: (1) GR inhibition after 2-day exposure to both As forms (p < 0.05); (2) GST Ω inhibition after 7-day exposure to As(III) paralleled by an increase in total GST activity (p < 0.05); (3) augmented G6PDH activity after 7-day exposure to both As forms (p < 0.05); (4) no differences in terms of ROS and TBARS; and (5) inhibition of GST Ω activity in As(III) exposed worms, which was concomitant with a lowering of mono- and dymethylated arsenic species.
Conclusion: These results confirm the reactivity of some biochemical variables of L. acuta to As and indicates its importance as a sentinel species in estuarine regions with presence of arsenic.