Abstract The mRNA expression profile of some antioxidant genes in skin, gills, livers, and muscles
ofSiganus canaliculatusandEpinephelus moriowas used as an indicator of petroleum hydrocarbons
pollution in six areas at Jeddah and Yanbu coasts in KSA. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs)
were determined in both sea water and sediments collected from the studied areas. The mRNA
expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were determined. The highest level
of total petroleum hydrocarbons was observed in front of the petromine refinery at Jeddah and inS.
canaliculatuswhen compared toE. morio. There was a significant high expression level of studied
antioxidant enzymes genes in the polluted areas and the level of the expression profile tended to correlate with the degree of pollution and fish species feed habit. This was confirmed by the level of
MDA which in the same way increased with an increase in the level of total hydrocarbons. In conclusion; the expression profile of antioxidant enzymes ofS. canaliculatusandE. moriotissues can be
used as a strong bio-indicator of total hydrocarbons pollution especially inS. canaliculatus.
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