Assessment of the role of thymol in combating chromium (VI)-induced oxidative stress in isolated rat erythrocytes in vitro

Thymol, the main phenolic compound in Thymus vulgaris, has been shown to have various biological effects. The main objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of thymol on counteracting hexavalent chromium-induced oxidative damage in rat erythrocytes in vitro. The radical scavenging activity of thymol was examined using the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Erythrocytes resistance to oxidative damage, lipid peroxidation, osmotic pressure, hemolysis as well as morphological alterations were evaluated in the presence of 2.5 µg thymol mL^?1 with or without 5 µmol hexavalent chromium mL^?1 of the incubation media. Results from the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay denoted good radical scavenging activity of thymol. Thymol caused a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and reduced glutathione content in erythrocytes intoxicated with hexavalent chromium. In contrast, the presence of thymol resulted in markedly less-elevated malondialdehyde levels, hemolysis, and destabilization of erythrocytes exposed to hexavalent chromium. Microscopically, thymol markedly reduced hexavalent chromium-induced morphological alterations in rat red blood cells. Conclusively, thymol counteracted hexavalent chromium-induced oxidative damage in rat erythrocytes.     

Organophosphorous compounds and oxidative stress: a review

Organophosphorous compounds (OP) have largely been used as pesticides globally. These chemicals induce oxidative stress as a possible mechanism of action, which has been a focus of toxicological research for the last decade. This review evaluated the presence of oxidative stress, balance between total antioxidant capacity, and oxygen free radicals associated with OP compound exposure. Oxidative stress induced by OP leads to disturbances in function of different organs and tissues. Evidence indicates that stimulation of free radical production, induction of lipid peroxidation, and disturbance of the total antioxidant capacity are mechanisms of toxicity induced by most OP. Thus, use of antioxidants may be beneficial in treatment of OP poisoning, which remains to be elucidated with further clinical trials.     

Protective effects of vitamin C and curcumin against acrylamide toxicity in embryonic fibroblast cells

Abstract

Acrylamide is a highly soluble and widely produced industrial chemical that has been shown to pose numerous health hazards. This study aimed to assess the effects of acrylamide on the cytotoxicity and oxidative damage in embryonic fibroblast cells (BALB/c 3T3) and to measure protective roles of the natural antioxidants vitamin C and curcumin. Embryonic fibroblast cells were exposed to acrylamide at concentrations of 1, 10, 100, and 1000?μmol/L and vitamin C (50?μmol/L) or curcumin (2.5?μmol/L) for 24?h. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, and the markers of oxidative lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide and glutathione were measured. Co-treatment of the acrylamide-exposed fibroblast cells with vitamin C or curcumin attenuated the cytotoxicity and formation of reactive oxygen species and decreased the antioxidant enzyme activity. Thus, it was concluded that vitamin C and curcumin may play a protective role against acrylamide toxicity; the treatment with 50?μmol/L vitamin C was found to be more effective than the treatment with 2.5?μmol/L curcumin.     

Antioxidant enzymatic activities and lipid peroxidation in liver and ovary of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to deltamethrin

Deltamethrin (DM) is being used as a substitute for organochlorines and organophosphates in pest control because of its low environmental persistence and toxicity. But it has become an environmental contaminant as it has been used widely. In this study, we investigated the effect of DM (technical grade) on the antioxidant system of adult zebrafish. For this, six-month-old fish were exposed to 2, 4 and 6?μg/L of DM for 96?h. The tissues selected were liver and ovary. Our data showed that exposure to DM increases CAT (catalase), SOD (superoxide dismutase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase, antioxidant enzymes), LPO (lipid peroxidation, non-enzymatic antioxidant) and GST (glutathione S-transferase, detoxifying enzyme) in liver and ovary. Increased GST could detoxify the toxicant; still there could be enough DM to cause oxidative stress. It appears from our study that zebrafish used compensatory mechanisms in eliminating reactive oxygen species. These data will be useful as oxidative stress is being used as a biomarker for aquatic pollution.     

The effect of seasonality on oxidative metabolism in the sea urchin Loxechinus albus

The objective of the present study was to investigate seasonal variations in the oxidative metabolism of the sea urchin Loxechinus albus gonads. The reported spawning period for this species is from September to November. Lipid radical content showed non-significant changes upon the seasons. Ascorbyl radical content and the content of α-tocopherol were lower in samples collected in spring and summer as compared to the values in winter-collected animals. Ascorbate content decreased in samples collected in fall as compared to those collected in winter. For the lipophilic compartment, the lipid radical content/α-tocopherol content ratio is an indicator of oxidative stress. This index increased significantly in tissues during spawning as compared to the values in samples collected during winter. The ascorbyl content/ascorbate content ratio is an indicator of oxidative stress for the hydrophilic milieu. A significant decrease by 66% was determined in tissues from gonads of animals collected in summer as compared to values in animals collected in winter. The data reported here suggest a different profile of response against oxidative stress at the lipophilic and hydrophilic milieus in L. albus gonads.     

邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯(DEHP)对马氏珠母贝(Pinctada martensi)血细胞免疫功能及氧化应激效应的影响

邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯(DEHP)是一种持久性的有机污染物(POPs),具有潜在毒性、致癌性。选取马氏珠母贝(Pinctada martensi)为研究对象,研究DEHP对其血淋巴细胞免疫功能和脂质过氧化水平的影响。将成年马氏珠母贝暴露于不同浓度(0.5、2.0、8.0、16.0 mg·L-1)的DEHP中,暴露14 d后测定血细胞数目(THC)、吞噬能力(phagocytic activity)、细胞膜稳定性(cell membrane stability)、脂质过氧化程度(LPO)和总谷胱甘肽含量(T-GSH)的变化。结果显示,血细胞数目随DEHP浓度的升高而降低,呈明显的剂量-效应关系,最低可见效应浓度(LOEC)0.5 mg·L-1。细胞膜稳定性和吞噬活力均随DEHP浓度的升高,呈现先升高后降低的变化趋势,其LOEC值分别小于2和8 mg·L-1。细胞中丙二醛(MDA)含量随染毒浓度增加逐渐升高,在8 mg·L-1浓度组达到最高值,之后降低,与之相应的脂质过氧化水平也呈现先升高后降低的变化趋势,LOEC2 mg·L-1。8mg·L-1浓度组的总谷胱甘肽含量与对照组相比存在显著差异性(p0.05),LOEC8 mg·L-1。研究结果表明:DEHP染毒14 d对马氏珠母贝血淋巴细胞免疫功能有明显的影响,同时还会诱导机体产生氧化应激效应,在所测试的指标中,血细胞计数对DEHP的胁迫最敏感(LOEC0.5 mg·L-1),细胞膜稳定性和脂质过氧化水平的敏感性次之(LOEC2 mg·L-1)。     

Drought stress induced changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system in genus Avena

Seven species of genus Avena viz., Avena sativa, Avena strigosa, Avena brevis, Avena vaviloviana, Avena abyssinica, Avena marocana and Avena sterilis were used to study the impact of drought stress on lipid peroxidation and other antioxidant enzymes. Maximum increase in the catalase activity was recorded in A. vaviloviana (129.97%) followed by A. sativa (122.82%) and A. brevis (83.38%) at vegetative stage; however at flowering stage the maximum increase was reported in A. sativa (25.62%) followed by A. sterilis (20.46%) and A. brevis (18.53%). At vegetative stage drought, maximum increase in peroxidase activity was recorded in A. sativa (122.82%) followed by A. brevis (83.38%) and A. sterilis (49.78%). Flowering stage drought, showed maximum increase in A. Sativa (27.09%) followed by A. marocana (23.50%) and A. sterilis (20.46%). A. sativa and A. sterilis showed stress tolerance at both the stages by accumulating higher percentage of peroxidase followed by A. brevis at vegetative and A. marocana at flowering stage. Level of lipid peroxidation in terms of Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased in the leaves when plants were subjected to moisture stress. The rate of increase in lipid peroxidation occurs irrespective of stage however; maximum increase was recorded in A. strigosa at both the stages. Avena species which showed high level of MDA content, indicates more lipid peroxidation and more membrane permeability and are comparatively more susceptible for water stress than those which produce less Malondialdehyde (MDA) content at higher magnitude of water stress such species have better capability for moisture stress tolerance.     

Effects of subchronic exposure to carbofuran on antioxidant defence system and malondialdehyde levels in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The present study focused on the assessment of oxidative stress induction by pesticides such as carbamates which are widely used as insecticides and nematicides and contaminate aquatic ecosystems on certain biomarkers in liver of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Biomarkers selected for stress monitoring were malondialdehyde (MDA), an index of lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defence system enzymes, mainly catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities in liver of fish exposed to 0, 10, 50, or 100?µg?L^?1 of carbofuran for 4, 15, or 30 days. Oxidative stress was found in liver of common carp exposed to carbofuran which was manifested by a decrease in CAT and GR activities after 4 and 30 days of exposure. An adaptive response was probably produced since at day 15 no modifications in the CAT activity and increased GR activity were observed. In addition, a decrease in MDA content with the highest concentration of carbofuran used was found after 30 days of exposure. However, no significant changes were found in GST activity showing a varied response. The results concerning oxidative and antioxidant profiles indicate that subchronic exposure to the insecticide carbofuran is capable of inducing oxidative stress in fish.     

Molecular level toxicological evaluation of a dental composite implanted in albino rats

Dental composite (DC) resins are synthetic resins which are used as restorative material or adhesives in dentistry. Monomers and other components released into the oral environment from the DC material even after polymerization might affect the surrounding tissues and even the whole body gradually. Biocompatibility of DC has to be stringently evaluated since the fillings are in close contact with mucosa, tooth, and pulp. Common difficulties with various current dental materials include allergies, chemical leakage from the material, and pulpal irritation which are due to the byproducts of chemical reactions during different stages of material hardening. Dental Products Laboratory of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology developed a new BIS-GMA-based DC. In this study the oxidative stress induced by this DC material in vivo was tested for a period of 1, 4, 8, 26, or 52 weeks in albino rats. Dental materials were implanted intramuscularly into the gluteus muscle and oxidative biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation, 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration, and total glutathione content analyzed. Data showed no significant changes in antioxidant defense system and 8-OHdG levels in nuclear DNA of the tissue. Serum biochemical results confirmed that animals were in normal functioning physiological state.     

Effect of latex material on antioxidant enzymes,lipid peroxidation,DNA damage,and chromosomal aberration

Cell integrity is affected by oxidative stress when the production of active oxidants overwhelms antioxidant defense mechanisms. Latex, a natural polymer obtained from Hevea brasiliensis, is used in medical industry for manufacturing surgical gloves, urinary catheters, and dental dams. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of latex material on oxidative stress by in vivo and in vitro methods. In addition, the material was screened for its ability to induce any chromosomal aberrations (CAs) by in vitro method. In vivo studies were carried out with implanted latex material onto subcutaneous tissue of various batches of experimental Wistar rats. At the end of experimental period, animals were anesthetized, blood was collected for serum analysis, and sacrificed. Liver was excised for the determination of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Subcutaneous tissues were obtained for the extraction of genomic DNA from implanted animals and checked for the presence of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), considered an indicator of DNA damage. Simultaneously, in vitro studies were carried out using fresh liver and subcutaneous tissue obtained from Swiss albino mice treated with physiological saline extract of latex material. For the estimation of both in vitro and in vivo oxidative stress, 10% liver homogenate was assessed for stress indicators like reduced glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, LPO and protein content. The results of both in vivo and in vitro studies indicated that the chemical leachents from the latex material did not significantly affect LPO and the levels of antioxidant enzymes. There was also no significant increase in 8-OHdG content due to the presence of implanted latex material. Finally, the results of in vitro CA test and G banding indicated that extracts of test material did not induce any chromosomal abnormalities.     

Vitamins E and C reduce oxidative stress and mitochondrial permeability transition caused by camptothecin – an in vitro study

Camptothecin (CPT), a broad spectrum antineoplastic agent, is known to induce oxidative stress and mitochondria are among the main sources of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated the merit of vitamins E and C supplementation on CPT-induced mitochondrial alterations in vitro. Following treatment of isolated liver mitochondria with CPT, we assessed the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MPT), concentration of malondialdehyde, antioxidants and activities of the enzymes of the respiratory chain and Krebs cycle. Our results provide evidence that CPT caused mitochondrial swelling, increased lipid peroxidation and transition of mitochondrial permeability. The CPT lowered the levels of reduced mitochondrial thiols suggesting that thiol oxidation is the mechanism underlying CPT-induced MPT. Identical experiments were also performed after preincubating the mitochondria with vitamins E and C. It was found that vitamins E and C pretreatment inhibited the deleterious effects of CPT and loss of enzyme activity was restored by antioxidant supplementation. Our results suggest that the toxicity of CPT was mediated by an increase in ROS production by mitochondria. However, the addition of vitamins E or C ameliorated the oxidative stress. We propose that an attempt to counteract the deleterious consequences of chemotherapy with nutritional therapies may be a rational approach in superior patient care especially in a disease like cancer.     

Variation of antioxidant biomarkers in the edible oyster Saccostrea cucullata collected from three different water bodies of Sundarbans

Variations of antioxidant biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were studied in edible part of mangrove oyster Saccostrea cucullata, collected from three different water bodies, such as Namkhana (S-I), Frazergaunge (S-II) and Sajnekhali (S-III) of Indian Sundarbans which are exposed to different degrees of anthropogenic activity. The study was conducted for consecutive two years (2010 and 2011) in the respective water bodies. Characteristics of biomarkers in oyster from the two polluted water bodies, i.e. S-I and S-II, are similar in nature in comparison to less polluted site (S-III). The catalase, superoxide dismutase activity and lipid peroxidation in oyster flesh exhibit significant (p<0.01) spatial and temporal variation among the three stations. Oysters from S-I were significantly higher (p<0.05) in antioxidant enzyme activities than oysters from S-III, which differ in their amount of pollution sources. Maximum antioxidant enzymes activity of all collected samples were recorded in pre-monsoon time and decreased in monsoon season. But maximum lipid peroxidation was noted during monsoon followed by post-monsoon and pre-monsoon.     

Studies on the water extracts of medicinal plants grown in copper mining areas and their antioxidant effects

High copper (Cu) accumulation in medicinal plants might favor lipid peroxidation and hence affect antioxidant responses. This effect was studied by determining antioxidant activities in the water extracts of medicinal plants from Cu mining impact site and compared with control samples. Antioxidant activities of the extracted medicinal plants were assayed by measuring (1) total phenolic and flavonoid contents, (2) diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)^? free radical scavenging activity, and (3) inhibition capacities of lipid peroxidation. The total phenolic as well as total flavonoid contents of the mining impact samples and control samples are not significantly different. However, inhibition of lipid peroxidation capacities was significantly less (12–60%) for mining impact samples as reflected by the IC₅₀ values. These anomalies were attributed to high concentrations of Cu (2–4-fold higher) in mining impact samples as measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A positive correlation was observed between Cu levels and IC₅₀ values for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation for mining impact samples.     

Antioxidant effect of L-cysteine on sodium-valproate-induced oxidative stress in rat liver: biochemical and ultrastructural approaches

L-Cysteine has protective efficacy in cases of oxidative tissue injury. Sodium valproate is widely used as an anticonvulsant and an antidepressant in spite of hepatotoxicity as side effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of L-cysteine in liver toxicity induced by sodium valproate overdose. Release of the hepatic enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and levels of lipid profiles, as well as the oxidative, enzymatic, and non-enzymatic antioxidant were assessed. Liver damage was judged histologically. L-Cysteine decreased the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as improved the level of lipid profile, increased the enzymatic antioxidant (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase), and decreased the lipid peroxidation. L-Cysteine administration inhibited liver injury of sodium valproate.     

Photosynthetic performance,oxidative damage and antioxidants in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cylindrotheca closterium</Emphasis> in response to high irradiance,UVB radiation and salinity

Cylindrotheca closterium is a common marine diatom living in intertidal environments where it can be present both in the water column and on sediments, depending on the tidal regime. In the present work this diatom was employed to investigate the responses to desiccation and to increase in PAR and UVB intensity, as occurs during emersion. Under these circumstances, the production of active oxygen species (AOS) may be enhanced resulting in an oxidative stress. Stress responses in this species were measured by exposing it to normal (30) and double salinity (60), supplying light of low or high intensity for 12 h, in the latter case either without or with moderate dose rates of UVB. Pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry was used to measure Chl a autofluorescence (F ₀), an index of photosynthetic efficiency of PSII (F _v/F _m) and the relative electron transfer rate (rETR). The oxidative stress was evaluated by analysing GSH pools and SOD activity. It was observed that at double salinity and under low light, intracellular pools of reduced glutathione (GSH) were higher than under the two conditions of high light without and with UVB at both salinities. The antioxidative defence activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was far higher under hypersaline conditions. The oxidative damage was evaluated as protein and lipid damage. The results showed that it expressed itself mainly through protein peroxidation: at normal salinity relative protein carbonyl content was (a) twice as high as in cells grown at double salinity, and (b) three times as high under UVB. Total unsaturated lipid contents doubled under hypersalinity conditions. The lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde showed the strongest response to low light and UVB at salinity value of 60. Lipid peroxide content was significantly higher at salinity of 60 compared to normal salinity and was the highest under low light and high light with UVB. The simulated emersion condition of the diatom seems to lead to the establishment of a balance between damage and repair, expressed mainly as (a) oxidative protein damage at normal salinity, in particular due to UV radiation, (b) sufficient protection by SOD activity mainly under hypersaline conditions.     

Antimony induces oxidative stress and cell death in normal hepatocytes

Antimony (Sb) accumulates in the liver which is one of the target organs for metal-mediated toxicity. Although toxicity of Sb was previously investigated, the precise mechanism of Sb-induced hepatotoxicity remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to examine the role of oxidative stress, and mitochondria in the induction of cell death by Sb. Our results showed that liver cell lysis induced by Sb is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation and decline of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Antimony-induced ROS formation, lipid peroxidation and reduction of MMP were significantly diminished by antioxidants and ROS scavengers such as dimethyl sulfoxide and mannitol; mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore sealing agents such as carnitine and trifluoperazine; and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generator, L-glutamine. Antimony-induced ROS formation, lipid peroxidation and fall in MMP were potentiated by glutathione (GSH) depletion via n-bromoheptane. MPT pore sealing agents and ATP generator inhibited hepatotoxicity, indicating Sb-activated cell death via mitochondrial pathway. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with antioxidants and ROS scavengers also blocked cell death induced by Sb, whereas GSH depletion enhances Sb-induced cell death, suggesting that oxidative stress may be directly involved in the reduction of MMP. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that mediate Sb-induced cell death in isolated rat hepatocytes.     

Ameliorated effects of garlic (Allium sativum) on biomarkers of subchronic acrylamide hepatotoxicity and brain toxicity in rats

Acrylamide (ACR) exerts its toxicity through stimulation of the oxidative stress; yet, its effect on neurotransmitter catabolic enzymes has not been elucidated. We investigated the effects of ACR exposure on brain and hepatic tissues antioxidant enzymes activities and different markers such as, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), nitric oxide (NO), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and lipid profile, and to evaluate the protective effects of garlic against ACR toxicity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ACR (1 mg kg^?1 body weight) with or without diet containing 1.5% of garlic powder for 40 days. ACR administration showed a decrease in AChE activity associated with an increase in MAO activity in both brain and hepatic tissues. In addition, ACR administration increased the lipid peroxidation and NO levels of both tissues while decreased the activities of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). On the other hand, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase activities increased as a consequence of GSH depletion after ACR exposure. Finally, ACR exposure increased the brain and liver lipid profile of cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipid, while phospholipids level was decreased. Coadministration of garlic powder with ACR significantly attenuated oxidative stress, MAO activity, and inflammation in brain and hepatic tissues but did not ameliorate AChE activity. In conclusion, our results emphasized the role of garlic as a potential adjuvant therapy to prevent ACR neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.     

Impaired behavior and changes in some biochemical markers of bivalve (Ruditapes decussatus) due to zinc toxicity

Susceptibility and response of bivalves, the clam Ruditapes decussatus, to zinc (Zn) were studied by monitoring behavior using valve movement and some biochemical parameters. The LC₅₀ was 4.1 mg L^?1 at 7 days. Depuration of Zn from their tissues was also followed. Accumulation of Zn increased with concentration and duration of exposure. After 20 days, Zn caused impairment of valve movement as well as the antioxidant system, decreasing glutathione and protein levels and increasing the lipid peroxidation which is indicative of oxidative damage. Results suggested that behavior and biochemical parameters of clam R. decussatus were sensitive and suitable responses for assessing the effects of Zn on the aquatic ecosystems. It could be concluded that there is a time–dose–response relationship of Zn with behavior and oxidative stress of R. decussatus.     

The effect of cadmium on antioxidant responses and the susceptibility to oxidative stress in the hydrothermal vent mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus

Hydrothermal vents are a unique environment of extreme physical–chemical characteristics and biological species composition. Cd is a toxic non-essential metal present in high concentrations in the hydrothermal vent environment, contrary to those found in marine coastal areas. Cd toxicity has been related, among other things, with reactive oxygen species production, even though this is a non-redox metal. Bathymodiolus azoricus is a deep-sea Mytilid bivalve very common in the Mid Atlantic Ridge (MAR) hydrothermal vent fields and very little is known about the antioxidant defence system in this specie. Because lethal Cd concentration in B. azoricus is unknown, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a Cd concentration higher than that found in the hydrothermal vents on oxidative stress biomarkers, such as antioxidant enzymes. Mussels were exposed to 100 μg l⁻¹ Cd during 24, 48 and 144 h, respectively, in a pressurized aquarium (IPOCAMP). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPx), total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC), metallothionein (MT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured in the gills and mantle of B. azoricus. The results indicate that gills are first affected by Cd toxicity. This may be due to different physiological functions of the tissues and by the presence of thio and methanotrophic symbiotic bacteria in the gills. The SOD and CAT are inhibited during the first day of exposure in the gills, although TOSC and MT concentrations were the same in control and exposed mussels. In the mantle, enzymatic activation only occurred after 6 days, and no significant differences in MT concentrations were found in the control and exposed mussels during the first day, as observed in the gills.     

Mercuric chloride induced proteotoxicity and structural destabilization in marine fish (Therapon jarbua)

The reaction byproducts derived from lipid peroxidation (LPO), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities were measured in tissues of marine fish (Therapon jarbua) exposed to mercuric chloride (HgCl) in water dispersions of 0.125 or 0.25 ppm. LPO was significantly increased in various tissues relative to control values after 96-h exposure. SOD and GPx activities significantly decreased after exposure to first two doses but significantly elevated CAT in Dose II kidney and liver tissues. The elevated levels of LPO, decreased activities of SOD and GPx, and increased CAT activities in all tissues examined in T. jarbua are an index of oxidative stress in fish. Structural analysis by scanning electron microscopy studies revealed the structural deformation in HgCl₂-exposed animals. These observations suggest that HgCl acts as a mediator in free radical generation. The increase in CAT and decrease in SOD and GPx activities in these tissues may be an adaptive response.