Seasonal variability of metabolic markers and oxidative balance in freshwater amphipod Hyalella kaingang (Crustacea, Amphipoda).
Amphipods are widely used as bioindicator organisms, in view of their ease of collection and cultivation, sexual dimorphism and abundance, in aquatic environments. In the present study male (n=30) and female (n=30) amphipod Hyalella kaingang were collected during the middle of each season from a nature preserve (Research Center PRÓ-MATA) in São Francisco de Paula, Southern Brazil. Proteins, glycogen, lipids, triglycerides, glycerol, and lipid peroxidation (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activity) were measured. The results obtained for the markers of energy metabolism, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation revealed a clear seasonal variation. The patterns of proteins, glycerol, and glutathione S-transferase activity did not differ between sexes; conversely, differential responses in males and females over the year were observed for all other parameters (glycogen, lipids, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity). These responses appear to be strongly influenced by a prolonged reproductive period (autumn through spring, peaking in autumn); by the degree of exploratory activity, particularly in the summer and autumn; and by abiotic factors, such as temperature and photoperiod. The responses observed in the summer and autumn (decrease in levels of proteins, glycogen and fats, and increase in lipid peroxidation levels and glutathione S-transferase activity), suggest that this season represents a critical time point for these animals. The parameters studied herein may be used as biomarkers to assess the environmental conditions in the aquatic habitat.
['Braghirolli|Fernando Machado|FM|', 'Oliveira|Maiara Rodriguez|MR|', 'Oliveira|Guendalina Turcato|GT|']
D033304:Amphipoda D000818:Animals D015415:Biomarkers D001938:Brazil D002374:Catalase D004734:Energy Metabolism D005260:Female D005618:Fresh Water D005982:Glutathione Transferase D006003:Glycogen D015227:Lipid Peroxidation D008297:Male D018384:Oxidative Stress D012098:Reproduction D012621:Seasons D012737:Sex Factors D013482:Superoxide Dismutase
Amphipod Lipid peroxidation Antioxidant enzymes Seasonal variation Biomarkers Intermediary metabolism