Total thiol redox status as a potent biomarker of PAH-mediated effects on mussels

This laboratory study describes phenanthrene (Ph) and/or anthracene (An) ability to alter the total thiol redox status (TRS), via depletion of protein free thiols (PSH) and glutathione (GSH) levels, in gills of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, after a short-term (7 days) exposure period to each contaminant (at a final concentration of 0.1 mg L(-1)) or in a mixture (ration 1:1, at a final concentration of 0.2 mg L(-1)). A number of observable changes, like lysosomal membrane impairment (as detected via the neutral red retention time assay, primarily performed in haemocytes), enhancement of lipid peroxidation byproducts, increased nuclear abnormalities, inhibition of AChE and ALP activity, as well as a significant depletion of PSH and GSH were detected in gills of exposed mussels, in any case. Significant relationships occurred among TRS parameters with each change/stress indices measured in tissues of mussels, could reinforce the use of PSH as a potent biomarker.