Effects of subchronic exposure to carbofuran on antioxidant defence system and malondialdehyde levels in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Abstract

The present study focused on the assessment of oxidative stress induction by pesticides such as carbamates which are widely used as insecticides and nematicides and contaminate aquatic ecosystems on certain biomarkers in liver of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Biomarkers selected for stress monitoring were malondialdehyde (MDA), an index of lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defence system enzymes, mainly catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities in liver of fish exposed to 0, 10, 50, or 100 µg L⁻¹ of carbofuran for 4, 15, or 30 days. Oxidative stress was found in liver of common carp exposed to carbofuran which was manifested by a decrease in CAT and GR activities after 4 and 30 days of exposure. An adaptive response was probably produced since at day 15 no modifications in the CAT activity and increased GR activity were observed. In addition, a decrease in MDA content with the highest concentration of carbofuran used was found after 30 days of exposure. However, no significant changes were found in GST activity showing a varied response. The results concerning oxidative and antioxidant profiles indicate that subchronic exposure to the insecticide carbofuran is capable of inducing oxidative stress in fish.

Keywords:

• carbofuran
• oxidative stress
• ecotoxicology
• biomarkers
• common carp
• Cyprinus carpio

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Spanish Government within the framework of the project “PCI-Programa de Cooperación Interuniversitaria Túnez-España” (references A/015933/08 and A/024757/09). We are grateful to the Extremadura regional government (Consejería de Industria, Energía y Medio Ambiente, Junta de Extremadura) by supplying the fish for the experiments. Special thanks to the Tunisian Ministry of Scientific Research and technology “Laboratoire de Hydrologie et Plonctologie” who allowed this study to be carried out.