Effects of subchronic exposure to LASSO MTX (alachlor 42% W/V) on hematological indices and histology of the common Carp, Cyprinus carpio L

The Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Potential of Berberine and Silymarin on Acetaminophen Induced Toxicity in Cyprinus carpio L

Berberine (BBR) and silymarin (SM) are natural compounds extracted from plants known for their antioxidant and chemoprotective effects on the liver. The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial properties of BBR and SM and the association of BBR with SM on liver function using fish as "in vivo" models. Moreover, the study investigated their hepatoprotective role after acetaminophen (APAP) exposure. For this purpose, the fish (N = 360; 118.4 ± 11.09 g) were fed with control or experimental diets for 9 weeks. In the experimental diets, the feed was supplemented with either SM (1 g/kg feed), BBR (100 and 200 mg/kg feed), or a combination of BBR with SM (SM 1 g/kg feed + BBR 100 mg/kg feed and, respectively, SM 1 g/kg feed + BBR 200 mg/kg feed). After the feeding trial, seven fish from each tank were randomly selected and exposed to a single APAP dose. The selected serum biochemical markers, oxidative stress markers, and lysozyme activity were used to evaluate the efficiency of the supplements on carp's health profile, particularly regarding the hepatopancreas function. Our results showed that the inclusion of SM and BBR (either as a single or in combination) reduced the serum contents of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and alanine transaminase. An increase in the high-density cholesterol was observed after the administration of BBR or BBR in association with SM. Both supplements showed hepatoprotective activity against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, especially BBR. The ameliorative effects of SM (1 g) in association with BBR (100 mg) were highlighted by the modulation of the nonspecific immune system and oxidative stress alleviation after APAP exposure.

Assessment of immune status of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) during short term exposure to phenanthrene

The aim of the present investigation was to assess the immune status in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) exposed to different concentrations of phenanthrene (Phe) for 14days. In addition, the Phe accumulation in the fish muscle was measured during the experiment. Fish were injected with different concentrations (0, 2, 20 and 40mg/kg) of Phe and samples were taken from tissue and blood of fish 1, 4, 7 and 14days after injection. Exposure of fish to Phe caused a significant decrease in white blood cells, C3 and C4 levels, lysosomal membrane stability, lysozyme activity after 4days and antibacterial activity after 7days of the experiment. In contrast, cortisol level significantly increased after 4days. The concentration of Phe in fish muscle increased rapidly after 4days. The main tissue changes observed in the head kidney including increase in melanomacrophage centers (MMCs), empty spaces between cells and hemorrhage. The degree of tissue changes ranged from normal to moderate in Phe-treated fish. The size and number of MMCs in treated fish were significantly higher than control. In conclusion, Phe toxicity in yellowfin seabream can induce increased cortisol level, tissue changes and immune suppression.

Effects of Acute Exposure to Endosulfan (Organochlorine Pesticides) on Hematology of African Mud Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Changes in the blood parameters of fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus were investigated after 24 and 96-h of exposures to endosulfan. 180 fingerlings of C. gariepinus [mean weight (10.5±1.3 g); total length (11.2±1.2 cm)] were exposed to five different concentrations (1.00, 2.20, 4.80, 11.00, 23.00 µg/L) of endosulfan and a control for 96 h after being acclimatized for 21 days. After 24 h of exposure, microcytic hypochromic anemia was observed and all erythrocyte profiles tested showed significant variation (p<0.05) among the treatments except thrombocyte and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Macrocytic hyperchromic anemia was noticed after 96 h of exposure and all the hematological parameters varied significantly (p<0.05) except packed cell volume and red blood cell count. The study shows that endosulfan alters the hematology of C. gariepinus fingerlings. Therefore, awareness on the hazards associated with the use of endosulfan should be intensified and sound sustainable alternatives to endosulfan should be developed.

Acute and chronic effects of endosulfan on the haemato-immunological and histopathological responses of a threatened freshwater fish, spotted murrel, Channa punctatus

Two experiments, one short-term and one long-term, were conducted to elucidate the acute and chronic effects, respectively, of endosulfan exposure on the haemato-immunological and histopathological responses of Channa puncatatus. In the short-term study, fish were exposed to sublethal endosulfan (8.1 μg l(-1)) for 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h. In the long-term study, fish were fed with normal diet and simultaneously either exposed to endosulfan (1.2 μg l(-1)) for 90 days or not. Results showed that the ascorbic acid levels in both the liver and the muscle decreased significantly (P < 0.05) by acute and chronic endosulfan exposure. The haemoglobin (Hb) level reduced significantly (P < 0.05) by 15.5% within 12 h of acute endosulfan exposure, further decreased by 25.8% after 24 h of exposure, however, thereafter the values increased and at the end of 72 h returned to normal levels. Almost similar trend was observed for the erythrocyte (RBC) count. The WBC count and the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) value showed a general increasing trend with increase in the duration of acute endosulfan exposure. The chronic exposure of C. punctatus to endosulfan significantly (P < 0.05) lowered the Hb level, RBC and WBC counts, NBT reduction value and the plasma parameters such as plasma protein, albumin (A) and globulin (G) compared with that of the control (except for A/G ratio). Endosulfan exposure also severely altered the liver histological structure. Overall results indicated that both short-term acute and long-term chronic endosulfan exposure had a significant impact on the haemato-immunological parameters and tissue histopathology of C. punctatus.

The effect of acute exposure to herbicide Gardoprim Plus Gold 500 SC on haematological and biochemical indicators and histopathological changes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The study was focused on the assessment of effects of herbicide preparation Gardoprim Plus Gold 500 SC (terbuthylazine and S-metolachlor as active substances) on haematological and biochemical indices as well as tissue histopathological changes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Forty eight one- to two-year-old fish were divided into two groups, i.e. 24 fish were treated with 13.0 mg·l-1 of Gardoprim Plus Gold 500 SC and 24 fish were used in control. The experiment was conducted according to OECD method No. 203 Fish, Acute Toxicity Test. Experimental carp showed a significant decrease in leukocyte and lymphocyte counts (P < 0.01) and haematocrit value (P < 0.05) in haematological profile. In biochemical indices, a significant increase in glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, ammonia (P < 0.01), and lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.05) and a significant decrease in inorganic phosphorus, triglycerides (P < 0.01), and chlorides (P < 0.05) were found in exposed carp compared to control. Histopathological examination revealed lesions in gills and liver. The decline in both leukocyte and lymphocyte counts indicates decreased nonspecific immunity of treated common carp. Increase in ammonia and glucose concentrations, and in catalytic activities of lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase can be related to stress burden, and alteration of liver cell function, respectively, in experimental carp compared to control fish. The study uniquely contributes to the evaluation of the effect of two-component herbicide preparation on common carp.

Assessment of the acute toxicity of the organochlorine pesticide endosulfan in Cichlasoma dimerus (Teleostei, Perciformes)

The organochlorine insecticide endosulfan (ES) is widely used despite its high toxicity to fish (96-h LC(50) median value of 2.6 μg L(-1)). This study aimed to assess the acute toxicity, histological and physiological parameters after exposure to 0; 0.25; 1; 2; 3; 4 and 16 μg L(-1) ES for 96 h under semi-static conditions in a freshwater perciform fish, Cichlasoma dimerus. Prior to death, fish exhibited behavior indicative of neurotoxicity. No difference was found in brain AChE activity. A decrease in erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in exposed fish suggests a state of anemia. Histological alterations observed in exposed fish included hyperplasia of the interlamellar epithelium, blood congestion in secondary lamellae, and mucous cells hyperplasia and hypertrophy in gills; pycnotic nuclei and hydropic degeneration in liver; testicular damage. These moderate pathological responses in major organs could become crucial during reproduction and under prolonged exposure periods.