Oxidative Stress Markers in Parasitized and Non- Parasitized Amietophrynus Regularis (Reuss, 1833) Exposed to Multi-Stress Conditions in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored the variations in oxidative stress markers in Parasitized and non- Parasitized Amietophrynus regularis in diverse conditions such as OCP-exposed, unexposed, parasitized, and unparasitized conditions. The toad specimens were collected from natural habitats and dumpsites of three (3) major areas of Lagos. 15g wet weight of the liver, intestine, and parasites were prepared and analysed for oxidative stress parameters including; SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA activities according to well established protocols. Based on stations, there were significant differences in the SOD and MDA levels in the liver and intestine of uninfected toads obtained at the habitat and the dumpsite. Only SOD had a significant difference in the infected toads. Also, the concentration of SOD in the parasites recovered from the toads at the dumpsite was very much significantly higher than the concentration in those recovered from the toads at the natural habitat (p<0.001). This study showed that the level of SOD released by the antioxidant defense system determines the likelihood of oxidative stress in the organism. The study also demonstrated that the exposed Amietophrynus regularis could be protected by its parasite Cosmocerca sp. in the event of exposure to environmental organochlorine stressors without any evident deleterious effect in the parasite. The antioxidant defense system of the toad was responsive and adaptive to environmental conditions, hence is a reliable tool of ecotoxicological assessment.