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(22-08) Increased protein oxidation in fish from a contaminated site. Carney Almroth, Bethanie*,1, Sturve, Joachim1, Förlin, Lars1, 1 Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden ABSTRACT- Protein damage can occur as a result of oxidative stress in fish. Protein oxidation products and carbonyl derivatives of proteins may result from oxidative modification of amino acid side chains, reactive oxygen-mediated peptide cleavage and from reactions with lipid and carbohydrate oxidation products. Metal-catalyzed oxidation systems are also a major source of oxidative damage, causing site-specific oxidation at the metal-binding site on the protein. The formation of carbonyl derivatives is non-reversible and increases the susceptibility of proteins to proteases. Results showing the relative amount of protein carbonyl in corkwing wrasse (Symphodus melops) taken during a field study in Stavanger, Norway, will be presented. We found higher levels of protein oxidation in wrasse caught at a copper-contaminated site compared to those from reference sites. A sensitive ELISA method was used to detect protein carbonyls via a reaction with DNPH, which binds specifically to carbonyl, and anti-DNPH antibody. Data from several additional field studies will be presented. We will also be presenting results from laboratory studies on the effects of pollutants on protein oxidation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). This research was supported in part by the EU-BEEP project. All animals to be used during these studies will be treated in accordance with the requirements of the ethical committee of Göteborg University. Key words: fish, protein oxidation, pollutants, ELISA |
