Searching for a generalist biomarker in aquatic ecotoxicity: The role of carboxylesterases

Carboxylesterases (CEs), from the α/β hydrolase superfamily, play a major role in the hydrolysis of a wide variety of compounds, including fatty acids, hormones, and xenobiotics. Because of their promiscuous nature, CEs are detoxification enzymes also involved in diverse physiological functions, such as lipid metabolism. To date, several in vitro and in vivo evidences have reported the responsiveness of CEs to pesticides, plastic additives, or flame retardants in different aquatic species. Then, considering the role of CEs as the primary detoxification mechanism, this review will briefly examine 1) the link between environmental pollutants and CEs as a marker for general toxicity; 2) the role of CEs in environmental monitoring of aquatic fauna; 3) the relationship between CEs and the endocrine system, particularly, in lipid metabolism; and 4) CEs as key players in endocrine disruption.