Fish and Pollution: How European Chub Fight Back

The Issue

In Italy's Veneto Region, PFAS pollution has become a significant environmental concern, affecting both the ecosystem and wildlife. These persistent chemicals accumulate in animals over time, posing a major risk.

The Study

Researchers investigated how freshwater fish, particularly the European chub, cope with long-term PFAS exposure. They examined three pollution levels: low, medium, and high.

Key Findings

• Kidney Analysis: The fish's kidneys were studied as a primary site for PFAS accumulation.
• Antioxidant Defenses: The fish's bodies respond to PFAS by boosting antioxidant defenses to combat oxidative stress.
• Catalase: An enzyme that works in peroxisomes (tiny cell structures).
• Selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidases: Enzymes that function in the cytoplasm (the cell's main area).

Adaptive Responses

• Low PFAS Levels: The fish produce more catalase.
• High PFAS Levels: The fish produce more selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidases.

Gene Activity

• gpx1 Gene: Highly active at high PFAS levels, aiding in the production of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidases.
• gpx4 Gene: More active at low PFAS levels but does not always lead to increased protein production, possibly due to temporary gene silencing.

Conclusion

This research demonstrates that European chub can adapt to PFAS pollution. However, it underscores the need for a deeper understanding of how these pollutants impact wildlife. Even small environmental changes can have significant effects on living organisms.