Enzyme biomarker response in Zenaida asiatica from an agricultural area of Campeche, Mexico

Objective: To evaluate the response of CAT, AChE, and GST enzyme biomarkers in Zenaida asiatica from an agricultural area of the municipality of Champotón, Campeche. Design/methodology/approach: The biomarkers AChE, CAT, and GST were analyzed in tissues of 24 birds from backyards and agricultural areas of Champotón, Campeche. The enzymatic activities in the tissues were compared by means of a t test and comparison of means (Tukey p≤0.05), with the Statistica v. 7 software. Results: The highest AChE activity occurred in the brain (p=0.00001), CAT activity in liver (p=0.00001), and GST activity in liver and brain (p=0.001). Study limitations/implications: To evaluate the effect of pesticides on wild birds, a larger number of individuals is required in different agricultural areas. Findings/conclusions: In the tissues of Z. asiatica from agricultural areas, greater activity of the biomarkers AChE, CAT, and GST was found, reflecting the excessive use of pesticides.