Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E005
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, E005 (2025)
Analysis of non-enzymatic biomarkers of oxidative stress in earthworms (Lumbricidae) and snails Cepaea nemoralis (Helicidae) of Polesie as a result of the impact of selected anthropogenic factors
Aleksandra Garbacz1*, Grzegorz Grzywaczewski1
1 Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: aleksandra.garbacz@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Non-enzymatic biomarkers of oxidative stress are important indicators that help assess the level of oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is a state resulting from a disturbance in the balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant mechanisms in the cell, leading to excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). One of the most commonly used indicators in studies on oxidative stress is TBARS (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances). TBARS are lipid oxidation products, and their determination is used to assess the level of lipid peroxidation in tissues. TBARS measurement allows for determining the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) – the main product of lipid peroxidation. The research hypothesis assumed that selected anthropogenic factors that are environmental stressors cause intra-organic fluctuations in the studied oligochaetes and land snails Cepaea nemoralis of Polesie. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of anthropogenic factors on non-enzymatic biomarkers of oxidative stress in earthworms and snails Cepaea nemoralis of Polesie. The study subjects were earthworms and snails collected in Polesie at sites under the influence and without the influence (control) of anthropogenic pollutants. The TBARS level was determined in earthworms and snail foot. The MDA concentration was used as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Absorbance was measured at 532 nm for 1 min. The conducted studies showed that the TBARS level was higher in earthworms and snail foot from sites under the influence of anthropogenic pollutants compared to those individuals collected at sites without the influence of these pollutants. Searching for such biomarkers in invertebrates with rapid metabolism is particularly useful in ecotoxicology when assessing the impact of environmental pollutants. These studies support their inclusion in the panel of invertebrate physiological biomarkers.
Keywords: non-enzymatic biomarkers, anthropogenic factors, earthworms, snails
How to cite
A. Garbacz, G. Grzywaczewski, 2025. Analysis of non-enzymatic biomarkers of oxidative stress in earthworms (Lumbricidae) and snails Cepaea nemoralis (Helicidae) of Polesie as a result of the impact of selected anthropogenic factors. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E005