1. Dear Colleague
Your abstract titled “Role of Parasitism in Fish Host Nutrient uptake associated with Biomarkers
of Heavy Metal Exposure - A review.” has been accepted for presentation at the 2015
SETPOM International Conference, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
Presentation Type: Platform
Abstract Code: SIC/EH/15-11
On behalf of the President, we wish you a safe journey and a memorable stay in Lagos-
the state of aquatic splendour

2. SIC/EH/15-11
Role of Parasitism in Fish Host Nutrient uptake associated with Biomarkers of Heavy Metal
Exposure - A review.
Mr. Ukwa Uche David, Ecotoxicology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Lagos.
Correspondence: ukwadavid@ymail.com
Abstract
In this review, the role of parasitism in fish nutrient uptake associated with biomarkers of heavy metal
exposure has been discussed with emphasis on the need for new approaches. Parasites are organisms that
live and depend on another organism (host) for metabolic sustenance and other benefits at the expense of
the host. They change the behavior and food intake of their host. Heavy metals bioaccumulated from the
host food chain get to the gut, where free metal ions alongside with other mineral nutrients are unlocked.
The evidence for impact of gut helminth parasitic infestation on bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the
host is unequivocal. Biomarker is defined as a change in a biological response (ranging from molecular
through cellular and physiological responses to behavioral changes) which can be related to exposure to or
toxic effects of environmental contaminants. There has been difference in the toxicity and subcellular
partitioning of metals in fish gut between the infested and non-infested host individuals. Parasites induce
stress responses on host as well as heavy metals; combined effects of both stressors could be additive,
antagonistic or synergetic depending on the nature, intensity, interactions of the stressors and energetic
potentials of the host individuals. Parasites alter toxicokinetics and disrupt host metallothionein
biosynthesis but have no effect on the DNA integrity and gene expression. There is need for re-evaluation
of biomarkers in fish, considering new approaches. Integrated knowledge of aquatic biology, parasitology,
and ecotoxicology could produce indisciplinary research at different end points; genomics, transcriptomics,
proteomics, metabonomics and organ system toxicology to create a knowlegde data base. This could go a
long way in solving highly puzzled environmental problems and improve designs in environmental
monitoring programs.
Keywords: Biomarkers, Intestinal helminth parasites, Heavy metals, Bioaccumulation.