Effects of malachite green on the mRNA expression of detoxification-related genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and other major Chinese freshwater fishes

Protective Effect of Emblica officinalis in Cyprinus carpio against Hepatotoxicity Induced by Malachite Green: Ultrastructural and Molecular Analysis

Malachite green (MG) dye, besides coloring is used as an effective aquaculture therapeutic. The present study assesses the mitigating ability of Emblica officinalis (EO) fruit extract against the dye induced chronic (60 days) cyto-toxicity in Cyprinus carpio. For this, four experimental groups were maintained: group I—control, group II—MG, group III—EO (positive control), group IV—MG + EO. The study was made at three tiers: detailing structural anomalies using a light microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM), biochemical estimation of antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation and molecular analysis of expression patterns of HSP70, and CYP1A genes. MG intoxication resulted in necrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolation, glycogen depletion, abundant macrophages, loss of cell integrity and prominent nuclear alterations. Significant (p < 0.05) inhibition in the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH), along with an elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, occurred after 60 days of MG exposure. CYP1A and HSP70 genes presented a significant change in their expression in MG treated fish. Whereas oral supplementation with EO significantly restored the histo-architecture, normalized the altered enzymatic activity, reduced the oxidative stress level and regulated the expression of HSP70 and CYP1A genes. Thus, it can be concluded that EO acted as an effective ameliorant against malachite green induced cyto-toxicity in Cyprinus carpio.

Toxic textile dyes accumulate in wild European eel Anguilla anguilla

Dyes are used to stain inks, paints, textile, paper, leather and household products. They are omnipresent, some are toxic and may threaten our environment, especially aquatic ecosystems. The presence of residues of sixteen dyes (triarylmethanes, xanthenes, phenothiazines and phenoxazines) and their metabolites was analyzed in muscle tissue samples of individual yellow-phased European eels (Anguilla anguilla) from 91 locations in Belgian rivers, canals and lakes sampled between 2000 and 2009 using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Eel was contaminated by dyes in 77% of the sites. Malachite Green, Crystal Violet and Brilliant Green were present in 25-58% of the samples. Dye occurrence was related to the distribution of textile and dye production industries. This field study is the first large-scale survey to document the occurrence of artificial dyes in wildlife. Considering the annual amounts of dyes produced worldwide and the unintentional spillage during their use, our observations warrant additional research in other parts of the world. The presence of these highly toxic dyes in the European eel may form an additional threat to this critically endangered species. The contaminated eels should be considered as not suitable for consumption.