RESUMEN
The present study analyzes a battery of biomarkers in the water bug Belostoma elegans from a stream polluted with organic matter (OMS), and another one considered as reference site (RS) during spring-summer season (December to March). Biochemical parameters of glucidic, lipidic and oxidative metabolic pathways were analyzed in males and females of this insect. In general, no significant differences were observed in all biomarkers assayed between both sexes, except lactate concentration which was higher in males than in females (p < 0.0006) in the first three months. About carbohydrate metabolism parameters, only pyruvate-kinase showed significant differences between insects collected in both streams (p < 0.05) during December. However, the total lipid content, saturated fatty acid, and mainly triacylglycerol were higher in insects from RS compared to those from OMS (p < 0.002) in all sampled months. Levels of lipoperoxidation, protein oxidation, reduced glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase activity showed no differences between insects collected from both streams. Nevertheless, the significant increase observed in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities (p < 0.004) could be due to the elevated oxidative metabolism in insects from RS compared to those from OMS with lower dissolved oxygen. Regarding those responding parameters, males accounted for the differences between the two sites during the study period. In conclusion, our results support that lipidic energetic reserves and antioxidant enzyme activities in B. elegans could be used as biomarkers of environmental pollution by organic matter.
Asunto(s)
Monitoreo del Ambiente , Hemípteros/metabolismo , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Animales , Argentina , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Femenino , Agua Dulce , Glutatión/metabolismo , Masculino , Ríos , Estaciones del Año , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismoRESUMEN
The objective of this work was to analyse zoobenthic assemblages in the coastal sector of the Río de La Plata, Argentina, after a petroleum spill. Sampling stations were located in representative sites of various landscapes. Structure, composition, physico-chemical parameters and seasonal changes were recorded in order to assess taxocenosis evolution during the period 1999-2003. Recovery signs were estimated by means of biotic indices and the presence of sensitive species. Tolerant species were dominant in heavily polluted sites, with low diversity and water quality values, according to the biotic indices used. In certain zones, sediment quality remains impoverished, with a visible oil film on the surface. However, during the last sampling, some points showed an increase in biotic indices, pointing to a slight improvement in environmental conditions.
Asunto(s)
Petróleo/toxicidad , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/toxicidad , Animales , Argentina , Biodiversidad , Fenómenos Químicos , Química Física , Crustáceos/efectos de los fármacos , Crustáceos/crecimiento & desarrollo , Desastres , Ecosistema , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Moluscos/efectos de los fármacos , Moluscos/crecimiento & desarrollo , Nematodos/efectos de los fármacos , Nematodos/crecimiento & desarrollo , Oligoquetos/efectos de los fármacos , Oligoquetos/crecimiento & desarrollo , Petróleo/análisis , Agua de Mar/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisisRESUMEN
The effect of different doses of zinc acetate (1,000 and 3,000 ppm) on several haematological values was studied on Wistar rats. Decreased haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and white cell counts were appreciated, along with increased red cell counts. The leucocyte differential count was also modified, an important reduction of the percentage of neutrophils and monocytes being registered.
Asunto(s)
Acetatos/farmacología , Recuento de Células Sanguíneas/efectos de los fármacos , Índices de Eritrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Hematócrito , Ácido Acético , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Ratas , Ratas EndogámicasAsunto(s)
Flunitrazepam/envenenamiento , Adulto , Flunitrazepam/sangre , Flunitrazepam/orina , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
The zinc and copper content in serum as well as glucose and insulin was determined in 140 diabetics and compared with the results obtained from 162 healthy patients. Their mean values are significantly different. Each group was classified accordingly to the presence or not of overweight (greater than 15% relative body weight). The correlations (Pearson. Anova) between the different parameters in each group were studied. Healthy group showed a negative correlationship between the zinc and insulin levels and between the latter and the copper level, and a positive one between copper and every other parameter. Obesity only affected the zinc levels in diabetics and increased them in a statistically significant way. In this group, the copper level showed a positive correlation with the zinc level and the latter with the glucose. Owing to these results zinc and copper levels seem to be directly correlated and in diabetic patients these levels are increased mainly in the case of obesity. In healthy patients zinc levels are correlated with serum insulin, and in the diabetic groups with serum glucose.