Activity of antioxidant enzymes under induced oxidative stress

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) include both oxygen free radicals and highly reactive oxygen compounds (such as ozone, singlet oxygen). They are formed in many metabolic processes, as well as under the influence of various environmental factors. Their impact on cells depends on their concentration and the duration of the process. Excessive level of ROS in a cell leads to oxidative stress. One of the defence mechanisms against ROS corresponds to antioxidant enzymes including SOD and CAT. This paper defines the changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes caused by oxidative stress induced by nickel and paraquat in tissue of Acheta domesticus L, derived from various development lines. The obtained results defining the activity of SOD and CAT indicated the differences among individual tissues and the midgut showed the highest activity. Increased activity in relation to the control group results of CAT and SOD in the midgut and fat body of B-line individuals treated with pro-oxidant (particularly nickel) and inhibition of the CAT activity in the midgut of L-line crickets influenced by pro-oxidant indicate that the conducted screening changes the biochemical response to the stress factors. Moreover, the obtained results may indicate the relation of the activity of SOD and CAT with the lifespan of the tested insects.