Oxidative Stress Responses of Perca fluviatilis Across Turkish Lakes and Dams

This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and oxidative stress responses of Perca fluviatilis populations collected from 12 lakes and dams across different regions of Turkey. Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA), exhibited significant differences among populations, reflecting habitat-specific stress conditions. The highest antioxidant enzyme activities and MDA levels were observed in populations from Samsun, Konya, and Adana, suggesting higher environmental stress, whereas populations from İzmir and Amasya displayed lower levels, indicating more stable habitats. Integrating molecular and biochemical data highlights the interaction between genetic structure and physiological responses to environmental pressures. These findings suggest that environmental factors such as water quality, pollution, and habitat characteristics influence both oxidative stress and adaptive capacity in P. fluviatilis. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the genetic and physiological diversity of P. fluviatilis populations in Turkey and emphasizes the importance of combined molecular and biochemical approaches for sustainable management and conservation of perch fish populations.