The point about oxidative stress in molluscs

Authors

  • H Manduzio Laboratory of Ecotoxicology (LEMA), UPRES EA 3222, IFRMP 23, UFR of Sciences and Techniques, University of Le Havre, France
  • B Rocher Laboratory of Ecotoxicology (LEMA), UPRES EA 3222, IFRMP 23, UFR of Sciences and Techniques, University of Le Havre, France
  • F Durand Laboratory of Ecotoxicology (LEMA), UPRES EA 3222, IFRMP 23, UFR of Sciences and Techniques, University of Le Havre, France
  • C Galap Laboratory of Ecotoxicology (LEMA), UPRES EA 3222, IFRMP 23, UFR of Sciences and Techniques, University of Le Havre, France
  • F Leboulenger Laboratory of Ecotoxicology (LEMA), UPRES EA 3222, IFRMP 23, UFR of Sciences and Techniques, University of Le Havre, France

Keywords:

oxidative stress, molluscs, ROS, antioxidant, xenobiotics

Abstract

In the normal metabolism of the aerobic cell, oxygen is used for various biochemical reactions.
Because of its two lone electrons of parallel spins, the molecular oxygen is stable. However, oxygen
generates Reactive Oxygenated Species or ROS by successive transfer of electrons. The ROS have a
strong reactivity and can potentially interact with all other cellular components (lipids, proteins, DNA).
They are at the origin of oxidations in chain by creating radicals. The cell has antioxidant systems
which limit the effects of the ROS. These systems are composed of enzymes such as glutathione
reductase, glutathione peroxidase, etc., and molecules of nonenzymatic nature like the reduced
glutathione or vitamins. The production and the destruction of the radicals of oxygen coexist in a weak balance. If this balance is broken in favour of the ROS, an oxidative stress is generated. Xenobiotics could influence this balance by catalysing production of ROS.

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Published

2005-07-08

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2005)

Section

Review