Oxidative Stress Induced by Cadmium and Copper in Brassica rapa Leaves: Indicators of Stress,Oxidative Damage,and Antioxidant Mechanisms

Brassica rapa is frequently used as a vegetable for human consumption and can accumulate metals that are bioavailable in soils. We studied the oxidative stress induced by 25 μM cadmium (Cd) and 50 μM copper (Cu) on Brassica rapa leaves and evaluated the intracellular antioxidative plant response mechanisms and the accumulation of these metals. With this purpose, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration, lipid peroxidation, and enzymatic and nonenzymatic responses was determined. The obtained results indicate that Cd and Cu induced different plant responses. Oxidative stress induced by Cu was characterized by increased lipid peroxidation and free proline levels. Guaiacol peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase showed a relevant role in H₂O₂ removal. Cadmium did not influence lipid peroxidation, H₂O₂, proline and glutathione contents, and the enzymatic response mainly involves superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase. It was concluded that both excess Cu and Cd induced oxidative stress but plant response is characterized by different antioxidative response mechanisms.