Cytoprotective effect of propolis on heat stress induces alteration to histological, ultrastructural, and oxidative stress in catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Our study helps to evaluate the immune response, antioxidative status, and resistance against heat stress (HS) in Clarias gariepinus treated with propolis extraction; the results will contribute to theories of fish physiology and immunity under high-temperature conditions. Forty-five fish were divided into three equal groups: the control, the HS group at 36 °C, and the HS treated with alcoholic extraction of propolis that dissolved in water for 3 weeks. The results of our study suggested that the stress response differs among tissues thymus, spleen, and liver. All the tissues showed alteration in morphological and cytological structure at the light microscope (LM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM); thymus showed edema and thymocyte destruction; the spleen detected collagen deposition, and the liver displayed endoplasmic reticulum amplification (ER). In addition, we examined oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses (lipid peroxidation, catalase, and glutathione) of the spleen and measured blood biochemical parameters (alanine transaminase and aspartic transaminase levels) after heat stress. However, this toxic effect of HS was neutralized by the propolis extraction. To conclude, propolis is recommended to cope with the impacts of heat stress on catfish (Clarias gariepinus) by improving immunity and antioxidative resistance.

Antagonistic effect of different selenium type on green synthesized silver nanoparticle toxicity on Oreochromis niloticus: oxidative stress biomarkers.

The current investigation pointed to report the negative impacts of silver nanoparticles [Ag]NPs that synthesized by leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on oxidative stress biomarkers of Oreochromis niloticus, as well as the role of different Selenium type to antagonistic that toxicity. Fish were exposed to [Ag]NPs (1.95 and 3.9 ppm) as sublethal concentrations alongside 0.1 ppm of Se bulk and 0.1 ppm biosynthesized [Se]NPs selenium nanoparticles antagonistic effect for 2 and 4 weeks. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA fragmentation, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated as oxidative stress biomarkers,. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in LPO and DNA fragmentation and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in TAOC, CAT, and SOD were found in [Ag]NPs exposed groups when compared with the control one. Biosynthesized [Se]NPs and Se bulk showed a positive role in [Ag]NPs detoxification. Our investigation suggested that [Ag]NPs showed a toxic effect on oxidative stress biomarkers. However, Se-NP addition gives a good recovery of oxidative biomarkers more than Se bulk in detoxification of [Ag]NPs.

Genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and biochemical biomarkers of exposure to green synthesized cadmium nanoparticles in Oreochromis niloticus (L.).

The considerable increment in the use of Nanoparticles in the industry has been recognized as an environmental concern today. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the toxicity effects of green synthesized cadmium nanoparticles [Cd]NPs using Moringa oleifera leaves extract on multi-biomarkers in Oreochromis niloticus after four weeks of exposure. The results showed that LC50 values of [Cd]NPs for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h were 2.17, 1.75, 1.49 and 1.22 mg l-1, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the number of white and red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration value in fish exposed to [Cd]NPs. The mean corpuscular volume and neutrophils were increased. [Cd]NPs exposure to fish has led to cytotoxic and genotoxic changes in the erythrocytes. Significant changes were observed in the cortisol, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine levels of the fish exposed to [Cd]NPs. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase increased. Glucose, total lipids, urea, and creatinine levels increased in the serum of fish exposed to [Cd]NPs, whereas total protein contents and alkaline phosphatase activity decreased. A significant reduction was observed in glycogen, total antioxidant levels, and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities of fish exposed to [Cd]NPs. In contrast, the [Cd]NPs exposure resulted in a significant increase in DNA fragmentation percentages, lipid peroxidation, and carbonyl protein levels in different tissues. The results of the present study confirmed that [Cd]NPs has the toxicity potential to cause Cyto-genotoxicity, oxidative damages, changes in the hematological and biochemical changes, and endocrine disruptor in the fish.

Effects of microplastic exposure on the blood biochemical parameters in the pond turtle (Emys orbicularis).

The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) is a growing problem in aquatic ecosystems. Despite increased research on MPs in the last decade, their potential threat to freshwater ecosystems remains an open question. In the present study, the negative impacts of MPs were investigated on blood biochemical parameters in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). Pond turtles were distributed into three experimental groups (n = 9 for each group) and were fed diets containing 250, 500, and 1000 mg MPs (PE100 polyethylene) per kg of food for 30 days, and a control group fed with a standard uncontaminated diet. The results indicated that exposure to 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 MPs caused a significant increase in the activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and in the levels of cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, urea, and calcium (Ca+2) compared with the control group. On the contrary, the activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase and the levels of total protein, albumin, total immunoglobulins, and phosphorus were significantly reduced in E. orbicularis exposed to 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 MPs when compared with the controls. In all the MP-exposed groups, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and globulin and magnesium (Mg+2) levels were significantly reduced; while creatine phosphokinase and alkaline phosphatase activities were increased with respect to the control turtles. A significant decrease in triglyceride levels was reported in E. orbicularis exposed to 1000 mg kg-1 MPs. MPs intake induced notable alterations in blood biochemical parameters of E. orbicularis. These results suggest that changes in the blood biochemical parameters could be an appropriate bio-indicator to evidence the existence of tissue damage in E. orbicularis.

Toxicological impact of green synthesized silver nanoparticles and protective role of different selenium type on Oreochromis niloticus: hematological and biochemical response.

BACKGROUND: The present work aimed to detect the toxicological effects of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) by using Moringa Oleifera leaves extract on hematological and biochemical parameters of Oreochromis niloticus. METHODS: Adult fish were exposed to two sublethal concentrations (1.95 and 3.9 ppm) of Ag-NPs against sodium selenite (0.1 ppm) and biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs); 0.1 ppm; protection role for 2 and 4 weeks. Hematological parameters; erythrocyte count (RBCs), hemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit value (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), leucocytes (WBCs), with differential count Micronucleus (MN) and alerted cells and biochemical parameters; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activities, serum protein (total protein, albumin and globulin) concentration, urea, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol (Cho) and triglyceride (Tg) were detected. RESULTS: The present investigation showed that Ag-NPs in different doses led to a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in RBCs, Hb, Hct, MCV, WBCs, LYM and serum proteins concentration. However, MCHC, MN, alerted cells, NEUT, AST, ALT, ALP enzyme activities, urea, creatinine, glucose, Cho and Tg showed a significant increases (p < 0.05) when compared with control group. Sodium selenite (Se) and biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) play an optimistic role in detoxification of Ag-NPs toxicity. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the negative impact of Ag-NPs on hematology and biochemical parameters of fish. Moreover, Se-NPs showed a full improvement of hematological and biochemical parameters more than that of sodium selenite in elimination of Ag-NPs toxicity.

Selenium protection against mercury toxicity on the male reproductive system of Clarias gariepinus.

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective role of Selenium (Se) (0.1 ppm) on the male reproductive system of the catfish Clarias gariepinus exposed to sublethal doses of Mercury (Hg) (0.04 and 0.12 ppm) for 30 days. Indicators of seminal and gonadal hormone disruption (testosterone, estradiol and 11 keto testosterone), antioxidants (total antioxidant capacity (TAO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid peroxidation (LPO), percentage of DNA fragmentation, carbonylated proteins (CP) and nitric oxide (NO)) and histopathological alterations in testicles of Clarias gariepinus were determined. The exposure to Hg resulted in a high accumulation of residues of this metal in testicular tissues. The results showed a significant decrease in sperm count, activity and motility and in all gonadal hormones in Hg exposed groups. Hg exposure also induced a decline in TAO, SOD, CAT and GPx, whereas LPO, DNA fragmentation, CP and NO significantly increased in testicles of C. gariepinus respect to the control group. Although exposure to Se did not reduce the degree of mercury bioconcentration in the testicles, the sperm quality parameters were recovered. Moreover, TAO levels and GPx activity significantly increased after fish exposure to Se, whereas CP levels decreased. LPO, NO, CAT and SOD were also partially normalized when compared with the groups exposed to only Hg. In conclusion, the results showed that Hg, even in the small doses is capable to induce reproductive toxicity in the male catfish. Se exposure partially restored the values of biochemical parameters and sperm quality in Hg-treated fish suggesting protective effects against Hg reproductive toxicity.

Ultraviolet A-induced hematotoxic and genotoxic potential in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus.

Fish as an aquatic organism could be harmed by various levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVA). The present study aimed to characterize UVA (20, 60 and 180 min for 3 days) irradiation-induced hematological and biochemical changes in Oreochromis niloticus. Hematological parameters such as the red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) level and hematocrit (Hct) value were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in fish exposed to different doses of UVA. Also, the leukocyte (WBC) count was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). However, the differential counts of WBCs - lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocytes - increased significantly in the exposed fish compared to the control fish. Many morphological and genotoxic alterations in erythrocytes were observed in the present work. The glucose level showed a significant decrease, but cholesterol and triglycerides showed a significant increase after exposure to UVA. Total protein levels of the fish showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the exposed groups. Also, concentrations of urea and creatinine increased significantly as fish were exposed to increasing UVA radiation, compared to the control fish. Finally, the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT, U l-1) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, U l-1) exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05) with increasing UVA doses.

Negative impacts of ultraviolet-A radiation on antioxidant and oxidative stress biomarkers of African catfish Clarias gariepinus.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the ultraviolet-A (UVA) effects on biochemical, oxidative stress and antioxidant changes using aquatic species. The destructive effects of ultraviolet-A radiation on the African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus was revealed in terms of the carbonyl protein (CP), lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage, super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (GR), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant (TAO) in the gills, kidney, liver, muscles and skin. Also, glucose, total lipid, total protein and cortisol content of fish serums was detected. These parameters can be used as biomarkers to identify the negative effects of UVA radiation (20, 60 and 180 min per day) for 3 days in different tissues of Clarias gariepinus. There was a significant decrease in the activity of SOD, CAT, Gpx, GSH, G6PDH, LDH, and TAO in all of the examined tissues. The pattern of GR activity in UVA exposed groups showed no significant differences compared with the control group. However, CP, LPO and DNA damage were increased significantly with exposure periods in all of the examined tissues. The exposure to different doses of UVA caused hypoglycaemia, hypolipidimia and hypoproteinimia. Cortisol levels showed a significant increase after UV exposure when compared with the control group. In conclusion, UVA exposure with different time periods has been shown to have negative effects on the blood biochemistry, hormonal and antioxidant capacity of Clarias gariepinus tissues.

Sublethal toxicity of carbofuran on the African catfish Clarias gariepinus: Hormonal, enzymatic and antioxidant responses.

The present study examined the impacts of carbofuran on endocrinology of the catfish, Clarias gariepinus, for the first time and evaluated cortisol (CRT), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4), 17ß-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (TST) and the oxidative stress markers including SOD, CAT, GSTs, GSH. The toxic effects on the metabolic enzymes, G6PDH and LDH, in addition to lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA damage as biomarkers in Nile catfish, to sublethal exposures of carbofuran (0.16 and 0.49mg/L, for 35 days) were studied. Statistically significant differences between selected parameters between control and carbofuran-treated fish were recorded. Carbofuran caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in CRT and T3 levels; the mean levels of T4, TST, E2 exhibited significant decreases (p<0.05) in carbofuran-treated fish. Toxicity of carbofuran on liver, kidney, gills, gonads and muscles after 35 days of exposure was found. Glycogen levels showed a highly significant decrease in liver and gills (p< 0.001), a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in kidney and muscles, and insignificant changes (p>0.05) in gonads of treated fish. The two metabolic enzymes G6PDH and LDH in all tissues exhibited significant decreases (p<0.05) in treated fish. SOD, CAT, GSH and GST levels showed significant decreases (p<0.05) in all tissues of fish after exposure to carbofuran. LPO levels increased significantly (p<0.05) in all tissues except gonads after 5 weeks of exposure to carbofuran. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in DNA fragmentation percentage in treated fish. Our results provide a clear evidence on the response of C. gariepinus to sublethal doses of carbofuran and allow us to consider catfish as a good bioindicator to reflect the endocrine disrupting impacts of carbofuran, and reflect the potential of this pesticide to cause disturbance in antioxidant defense system as well as metabolism and induction of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA damage in contaminated ecosystems.

Sublethal toxicity of carbofuran pesticide on the African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822): hematological, biochemical and cytogenetic response.

The present work aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of two sublethal concentrations of carbofuran pesticide (0.16 and 0.49mg/L, for 35 days) on hematological and blood biochemical parameters of catfish, Clarias gariepinus, and to evaluate the genotoxic potential of carbofuran on the erythrocytes of C. gariepinus for the first time by micronucleus and erythrocyte alteration assays. The results revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in red blood cells (RBCs) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Hct) and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels, but the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) levels were increased. White blood cells (WBCs) count, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes were increased significantly (p<0.05), while the lymphocytes were decreased. Also, carbofuran exposure caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in aspartic aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The results obtained showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in plasma glucose, total lipids, urea and creatinin levels, but the total protein, albumin concentration and globulin levels were decreased (p<0.05) significantly and consequently A/G ratio also decreased. Carbofuran caused many genotoxic and morphological alterations in erythrocytes such as formation of micronuclei (MN), echinocytes, acanthocytes, tear like drop cells, microcytes and erythrocytes with vacuolated cytoplasm and pale nucleus. The exposed groups have shown significant variations in frequencies of MN and altered erythrocytes in comparison to control group, and these frequencies increased significantly (p<0.05) with the increase of carbofuran concentration. Therefore, current results present a clear evidence of the response of C. gariepinus to carbofuran and allow us to consider that C. gariepinus as a good bioindicator to reflect the toxicity and the genotoxic potential of carbofuran that might be released into the aquatic ecosystems.