Study of the plasma proteome of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua): Effect of exposure to two PAHs and their corresponding diols

摘要

Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in the marine environment represents a risk to marine life and humans. In this study, plasma samples from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were analysed by shotgun mass spectrometry to investigate the plasma proteome in response to exposure to single PAHs (naphthalene or chrysene) and their corresponding metabolites (dihydrodiols). In total, 369 proteins were identified and ranked according to their relative abundance. The levels of 12 proteins were found significantly altered in PAH exposed fish and are proposed as new biomarker candidates. Eleven proteins were upregulated, primarily immunoglobulin components, and one protein was downregulated (antifreeze protein type IV.) The uniformity of the upregulated proteins suggests a triggered immune response in the exposed fish.