Genetic damage in elasmobranchs: A review

Abstract

DNA integrity is crucial for organismal health, and assessing DNA damage in aquatic organisms is essential for identifying environmental threats and informing conservation efforts. Pollutants such as metals, hydrocarbons, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and climate change are linked to genetic damage, oxidative stress, and mutagenesis in several species, such as elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). Most studies focus on bivalves, crustaceans, and bony fish, with fewer assessments being carried out in cartilaginous fish. Concerning elasmobranchs, studies employing the micronucleus test and nuclear anomaly assays have aided in understanding how this group responds to contamination by organic and inorganic pollutants. Notably, each species deals differently with these contaminants, presenting varied DNA damage levels, including low levels of response, probably associated to feeding habits, trophic position, maturation stage, sex and metabolism. Further investigations should be conducted in elasmobranchs to elucidate these variations and better understand DNA damage in this important ecological group.