Table 4.
Examples of promising biomarkers used to assess exposure to chemicals, and health status of wild fish in environmental monitoring.
| Effect | Biomarker | Standard Protocol/Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ah receptor | CYP1A (mRNA, protein) | [58,64] |
| (in-) activation | EROD-Assay | ISO/TS 23893-2 |
| Metal sequestration | Metallothionein (protein) | [59] |
| Endocrine disruption | Vitellogenin, protein | ISO/DIS 23893-3 |
| Vitellogenin, mRNA | (under development), [65] | |
| CYP19/aromatase (mRNA, protein, activity) | [66] | |
| Steroid levels (blood) | [67] | |
| Histopathological changes in gonadal tissue | [68] | |
| Thyroid hormone disruption | Transthyretin (TTR), mRNA | [69] |
| Thyroid hormone levels | ||
| Genotoxic effects | Micronucleus test | ISO 12427-2 |
| DNA adducts | [70] | |
| DNA strand breaks (Comet assay) | [71] | |
| Oxidative stress | Lipid peroxidation | [58] |
| Phase II enzymes and cofactors | [62,72] | |
| Antioxidant enzymes | ||
| Neurotoxicity | Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity | [73,74] |
| Immunotoxicity | Phagocytic activity | [75] |
| Macrophage aggregates | [76] | |
| Other blood parameters | [77] | |
| Cellular integrity | Neutral red retention assay (lysosomal stability assay) | [78] |
| Cell/Tissue damage | Histopathological changes | [60] |