Biogenic Elements and Heavy Metals in Hermann’s Tortoises—Testudo hermanni: Effect on Serum Biochemistry and Oxidative Status Parameters

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Animal health is directly linked to viability of the population, which may be affected by anthropogenic activities and diseases. Biomarkers such as serum chemistry and parameters of oxidative balance are good indicators of an overall biological status, providing information on the effects of contaminants on the organism. The objective of this work was to analyze biochemical and molecular indicators and their correlations to biogenic and risk elements in Testudo hermanni. Biochemical parameters were analyzed using the commercial kit DiaSys and biochemical analyzer Randox RX Monza. Sodium, potassium, and chlorides were measured using the EasyLite analyzer. Oxidative stress was evaluated using colorimetric and luminometric methods. Quantification of chemical elements in the animal blood was carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Biochemical values of analyzed samples from Hermann’s tortoises were almost the same as referential values described by multiple authors, with minor aberrations in the total protein parameter. Values of arsenic (As) and nickel (Ni) showed correlation with biochemical parameters and the parameters of oxidative stress. Cadmium (Cd) exhibited correlation with the biochemical parameter aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Finally, this study detected heavy metals and their significant correlations with selected biochemical and molecular parameters in Hermann’s tortoises. ABSTRACT: Background: Conservation of species diversity is the need of the hour for preserving life forms on Earth. Extinction of any part of the ecosystem has negative impacts on many processes and systems. The objective of this work was to analyze some biochemical and molecular indicators and their correlations to biogenic elements and heavy metals in Testudo hermanni (n = 16). Methods: Biochemical parameters were analyzed using the commercial kit DiaSys and biochemical analyzer Randox RX Monza. Sodium, potassium, and chlorides were measured using the EasyLite analyzer. Oxidative stress was evaluated using colorimetric and luminometric methods. Quantification of chemical elements in the blood was carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPS). Results: Biochemical values of analyzed samples from Hermann’s tortoises were almost the same as referential values described by multiple authors, with minor aberrations in the total protein parameter. Values of arsenic (As) and nickel (Ni) showed correlation with biochemical parameters and the parameters of oxidative stress. Cadmium (Cd) exhibited correlation with aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Conclusions: This study reports correlations among four heavy metals, and their levels were again correlated with biochemical and molecular parameters in Hermann’s tortoises.