Induction of CYP1A in the gills and muscles of Trachurus trachurus living in the Gela coastal area (Italy)

With the development of industry and agriculture, the cases of cancer have been increasing gradually in the last 30 years, caused by persistent organic pollutants (POPs), especially in the aquatic ecosystem. The study area was Gulf of Gela placed along the Sicily’s southern Mediterranean coast in Italy. The environmental damage caused by the activities of the Petrochemical Center of Gela have meant that this area of Sicily has been declared "area at high risk of environmental crisis”. Cytochrome P4501A monooxygenase has an important function in the biotransformation of many xenobiotics (1), including polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and planar organochlorine compounds. The metabolism can lead to detoxification or activation to reactive intermediates and exposure of fish leads to induction response that can be identified in different organs (2,3). Immunohistochemical and morphological studies have provided qualitative information on cell and tissue distribution of CYP1A in gills and muscles of teleost fish Trachurus trachurus. In gills, the mean length of primary and secondary lamellae was found to be decreased; cellular proliferation developed with the secondary lamellae fusion, and as a result the loss in intervals between the secondary lamellae was observed. Moreover, there were alterations of cartilage cells and increase of perichondrium thickness in primary lamellae and rupture of capillaries and erythrocyte’s release. In muscle tissue were seen an increase in fibres in the interfibrillar area, cellular dissolution, cellular debris in intermyofibrillar area and a decline or loss of striatation in muscle fibres. The results demonstrated an induction of CYP1A in gills and muscle of Trachurus trachurus. CYP1A is a marker of toxicity; thus the environmental pollution of Gulf of Gela is related to the petrochemical industry.