Biomarkers of neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in Clarias gariepinus exposed to melamine and polyvinyl chloride

Abstract

Purpose

Plastic particulates and chemicals are emerging environmental pollutants with significant impact on aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the effects of oral uptake of melamine, melamine formaldehyde, and polyvinyl chloride on serum biochemical profiles, antioxidant enzymes activities, lipid peroxidation levels and brain acetyl cholinesterase activities in Clarias gariepinus juveniles were investigated.

Methods

Fish specimens were fed diets spiked with melamine, melamine formaldehyde and poly vinyl chloride at 0.3% (3.0 g Kg⁻¹) dietary inclusion for 45 days. Toxicity effect of these plastic chemicals was estimated by assaying relevant biomarkers.

Results

After 45 days exposure, Serum glucose was significantly elevated, whereas plasma protein levels were substantially reduced in the exposed fish groups. Serum transaminases were significantly elevated in the exposed groups. Brain acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzyme activities declined significantly, while malondialdehyde levels were elevated in the exposed groups.

Conclusion

C. gariepinus is an important bioindicator to monitor the ecotoxicological impact of plastic chemicals such as melamine, and polyvinyl chloride.

Keywords:

• African catfish
• melamine
• polyvinyl chloride
• toxicity
• biomarkers

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, for providing space for this experiment and assisting them with some laboratory equipment during the experiment.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by Tertiary Education trust fund (Tetfund), Nigeria.