Inhibition of Na-K-ATPase in different tissues of freshwater fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) exposed to monocrotophos

Freshwater fish, Channa punctatus, commonly known as the snakehead fish, was exposed to two sublethal concentrations (0.96 and 1.86 mg/L) (selected on the basis of 1/20 and 1/10 of 96 h LC₅₀ value) of monocrotophos for two exposure periods (15 and 60 days). Effects of monocrotophos on Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in liver, kidney, muscle, intestine, brain, heart and gills were determined. Results indicate that Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity in tissues decreased as concentration of monocrotophos and exposure period increased. Monocrotophos induced significant inhibitory effects on the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity of C. punctatus, ranging from gills (70%) > Kidney (63%) > brain (57%) > intestine (52%) > liver (50%) > muscle (47%) > heart (44%) inhibition at a sublethal concentration of 0.96 mg/L. Significant inhibition was detected in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity, ranging from gills (90%) > heart (78%) > kidney (78%) > muscle (74%) > intestine (71%) > brain (67%) > liver (63%) at sublethal concentration of 1.86 mg/L. After subacute exposure (15 days) only gills and brain showed significant inhibition after higher concentration (1.86 mg/L). However, it is evident that exposure duration is more important than dose in the inhibition of the activity of enzyme. At lower concentration initial stimulation of the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity was also noticed. It is suggested that the inhibition of the ATPase by monocrotophos blocked the active transport system of the gill epithelial as well as chloride cells, glomerular and epithelial cells of the tubules and thus altered the osmoregulatory mechanism of the fish. In fact, the impairment of the activity of enzymes which carry out key physiological roles could cause alterations of the physiology of the whole organism.     

Effect of waterborne benomyl on the hematological and antioxidant parameters of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

The present study was conducted to determine the 96 h-LC₅₀ of benomyl to the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus and to investigate the biochemical or hematological indices of blood and the alterations in the antioxidant enzymes of this fish in response to sublethal concentrations of benomyl. Fish weighing 71.61 ± 12.05 g were used in this study; they were subjected to fasting for 4 weeks before treatment. An aqueous solution of benomyl (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mg L⁻¹) was administered for 96 h to determine the LC₅₀. The 96 h-LC₅₀ value of benomyl was 4.39 (3.23-5.60) mg L⁻¹ in the present study. For 5 weeks, the aqueous solution of benomyl (0, 100, 200, and 400 μg L⁻¹) was administered to investigate its effect on the hematological parameters and antioxidant enzymes. The predominant hematological findings in fish exposed to benomyl were as follows: no significant change in the Hb (g dL⁻¹) level, MCV (μm³), MCH (pg) and MCHC (%) as compared to the control. Benomyl exposure led to greater increases in the GPT, GOT (Karmen-unit), LDH (Wroblewski unit), total cholesterol, Fe, and Ca (mg dL⁻¹) values, whereas the levels of ALP (KA unit), total protein, triglyceride, albumin, and Mg (mg dL⁻¹) did not increase. Benomyl increased the in vivo HSI (%), GST (nmol min⁻¹ mg protein⁻¹), and SOD (U mg protein⁻¹) values in the fish livers in the test group, unlike those in the control group for 5 weeks. At concentrations higher than 100 μg L⁻¹, benomyl affected the GST and SOD levels of Nile tilapia in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The present findings suggest that the in vivo hepatotoxicity associated with benomyl may, in part, result from the hematological index, and antioxidants may provide limited protection against benomyl toxicity.     

Effects of the organophosphate pesticide Folidol 600® on the freshwater fish, Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles were exposed to different concentrations of Folidol 600® in static toxicity tests. The 24, 48, 72 and 96 h LC₅₀ values of Folidol 600® to O. niloticus were 17.82, 8.91, 4.00 and 2.70 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The values of hematological parameters increased, and inhibition of cholinesterases activity (AChE, BChE and PChE) in plasma of fish exposed to the higher concentrations of pesticide reached 94%. Furthermore, the exposure of Tilapia to Folidol 600® caused an increase of 4%, 20% and 38.4% in oxygen consumption at 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg L⁻¹, respectively. However, exposure to 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg L⁻¹ caused a decrease of 33.6%, 35.2% and 42.4% in oxygen consumption relative to the control. The ammonium excretion of fish exposed to 0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg Folidol 600®/L was 0.12, 0.18, 0.30, 0.33, 0.37, 0.36 and 0.33 μg/g/min, i.e., 50%, 150%, 175%, 208%, 200% and 175% increase, respectively, relative to the control.     

One-tenth dose of LC50 of 4-tert-butylphenol causes endocrine disruption and metabolic changes in Cyprinus carpio

Of the huge annual worldwide production (500,000 MT in 1997) of alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEs) that are widely used as nonionic surfactants and anti-oxidants in variety of products, 60% ends up in water bodies. They undergo biodegradation to form octyl-, butyl-, and nonyl-phenols. This experiment evaluated effects of 4-tert-butyl phenol (4-TBP) in Cyprinus carpio, a projected candidate species in sewage fed fisheries. The 96th h LC₅₀ of 4-TBP was found to be 6.9 mg/L. Fishes were treated with 1/10th (0.69 mg/L), 1/5th (1.38 mg/L), and 1/3rd (2.3 mg/L) dose of LC₅₀. Whereas there was significant (P < 0.01) decrease in alkaline phosphatase [EC 3.1.3.1] and aspartate aminotransferase [EC 2.6.1.1] activity; alanine aminotranferase [EC 2.6.1.2] and acid phosphatase [3.1.3.2] (except decrease at 1/10th dose of LC₅₀) activity, vitellogenin production in muscle and hepatic- and reno-somatic indices were increased compared to control. With all the dose levels tested, testicular-somatic index (testis size) was reduced (P < 0.01) and histo-architectural changes in testicular and liver tissue were found even in group given 1/3rd dose of LC₅₀.     

Effect of methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos on certain biomarkers in various tissues of guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata

Tests of acute toxicity were performed on the most common species of aquarium fish, Poecilia reticulata. Guppies (P. reticulata) were exposed to progressive concentrations of methyl parathion (MP) and chlorpyrifos (CPF); a semi-static method according to guidelines of OECD was used. Tests of acute toxicity were conducted using 10 fish for each separate concentration and for the control group. The results were subjected to probit analysis to determine the 96 h LC₅₀ values. The 96 h LC₅₀ values of MP and CPF to P. reticulata were 8.48 ppm/L (5.98–10.89) and 0.176 ppm/L (0.313–0.224) respectively. In addition, behavioral changes at each concentration were observed for the individual fish. Fish were exposed for 96 h to different sublethal concentrations of MP and CPF (¼ LC₅₀, 1/8 LC₅₀ and 1/10 LC₅₀) and their oxidative stress-induction potential was estimated in brain, liver and gills of fish. MDA content is induced in all tissues but maximum rise was observed in gills (161% and 153% for MP and CPF respectively). With regard to antioxidant defense system (ADS), GSH level decreased in the brain, liver and gills of tissues of MP treated fishes (22%, 6% and 13% respectively) and showed increase in brain and gills CPF treated (23% and 21% respectively). CAT, GST, GR and SOD levels fluctuated in all treatment groups relative to the control. Brain AChE showed dose-dependent inhibition in fish exposed to the higher concentrations reached 45% and 66% for MP and CPF respectively. Collective findings demonstrated that pesticide exposure of fish induced an increase in MDA and fluctuated ADS along with inhibited AChE. These findings may be used as valuable biomarkers for evaluation of water pollution.     

Anti-oxidative and immuno-hematological status of Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) during acute toxicity test of endosulfan

Endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide widely used in agriculture and hence finds its way into natural water bodies, thus affecting aquatic life. The purpose of this study was to determine LC₅₀ of endosulfan (99%; α:β ratio of 7:3) in Tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus and study its effect on anti-oxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase), immuno-hematological profile (RBC, WBC, Hb, serum protein, albumin-A, globulin-G, A/G ratio, phygocytic activity as indicated by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, serum cortisol and serum lipid peroxidation) and neurotransmitter acetylcholine esterase enzyme activity. The LC₅₀ value at 96 h and 95% confidence limit for tilapia (46.78 g) was estimated as 3.6 μg/L. Activities of anti-oxidative enzymes, immuno-hematological profile, blood glucose and neurotransmitter activity was significantly influenced (P < 0.01) in dose dependent manner. This was reflected in the behavior of fish that was altered from normal during acute toxicity.     

Investigation of acute toxicity of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide on crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Esch. 1823)

The acute 96 h LC₅₀ of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D), a widely used agricultural herbicide, was determined on crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Esch. 1823). Crayfish of 23.5 ± 1.49 g mean weight and 9.6 ± 0.21 cm mean length were selected for the bioassay experiments. The experiments were repeated three times, in 10 L tap water. The data obtained were statistically evaluated by the use of the E.P.A computer program based on Finney’s probit analysis method and the 96 h LC₅₀ value for crayfish was calculated to be 32.6 mg/L in a static bioassay test system. 95% lower and upper confidence limits for the LC₅₀ were 15.10-327.16. In conclusion, 2,4-D is highly toxic to crayfish, a non-target organism in the ecosystem. Water temperature was 23 ± 1 °C. Behavioral changes of crayfish were recorded for all herbicide concentrations.     

Evaluation of molluscicidal activities of Arisaema tubers extracts on the snail Oncomelania hupensis

Four extracts of Arisaema erubescens tubers by acetic acetal (AAE), benzinum (BZE), n-butanol (NBE) and chloroform (CFE) were obtained to evaluate their molluscicidal activities against the snail Oncomlania hupensis. The responses of choline esterase (ChE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), esterase (EST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) to the extracts (NBE) were also investigated. In the four extracts (AAE, BZE, NBE and CFE), NBE showed the highest toxicity on the snails after 48 h exposure. NBE also showed the time- and concentration-dependent effect, for example, the LC₉₀ values of the NBE were decreased from 365.5 mg/L (24 h) to 36.4 mg/L (96 h). At the end of exposure to NBE (LC₅₀ concentration), the activities of ChE and ALP in snail tissues (cephalopodium and liver) decreased significantly. Isozyme electrophoresis profiles indicated that responses of isozymes (EST, SOD and GSH-Px) to NBE were more intense in liver than in cephalopodium. After 72 h exposure to NBE, the EST activity in snail liver decreased and some enzyme bands (EST1 and EST4) disappeared. But the activities of SOD 1 and GSH 2 in liver increased after 48 h exposure. The results indicated that NBE was the highest toxic component in the four extracts. The decline of the detoxification ability and the oxidative damage in snail tissues might be the main reason for the molluscicidal activities.     

Endocrine disruption and metabolic changes following exposure of Cyprinus carpio to diethyl phthalate

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) enter into aquatic environment from industries manufacturing cosmetics, plastic and many commercial products and can pose potential fish and human health hazard. This experiment evaluated effects of DEP in adult male (89 g) common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by exposing them to fractions of LC₅₀ (1/500-1/2.5) doses with every change of water for 28 days. Vitellogenin induction metabolic enzymes, somatic indices and bioaccumulation were studied on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day. The 96th hour LC₅₀ of DEP in fingerlings was found to be 48 mg/L. Compared to control, except increase (P < 0.01) in alkaline phosphatase activity (EC 3.1.3.1) and liver size, there was decrease (P < 0.01) in activity of acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2), aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1), alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.2) and testiculosomatic index following exposure to 1, 5 and 20 ppm DEP. Significant (P < 0.01) dose dependant vitellogenin induction was observed with exposure of fish to 0.1, 1 and 5 ppm DEP. The bioaccumulation of DEP in testis, liver, brain, gills and more importantly in muscle tissues of fish increased significantly (P < 0.01) with increase of dose from 1 to 5 ppm. Significant interaction (P < 0.01) of dose and duration of exposure indicated that exposure period of a week to two was sufficient to bring about changes in quantifiable parameters studied. Fish exposed to 20 ppm DEP became lethargic and discolored during onset of the 4th week. This is the first report describing metabolic changes and vitellogenin induction following exposure of C. carpio to DEP dose that is as low as 1/500th fraction of LC₅₀.     

Comparative molluscicidal action of extract of Ginko biloba sarcotesta, arecoline and niclosamide on snail hosts of Schistosoma japonicum

In search for new local plant molluscicides for the control of the vectors of schistosomiasis, we compared the molluscicidal action of the extract of Ginkgo biloba sarcotesta by benzinum (EGSB) to that of arecoline (ARE) and niclosamide (NIC) against Oncomelania hupensis snails. NIC showed the highest toxicity on snails with 24 h LC₅₀ vales of 0.12 mg/L and LC₉₀ of 0.98 mg/L, while the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ of EGSB were much lower than that of ARE. Sublethal in vivo 24 h exposure to 40% and 80% LC₅₀ of NIC, EGSB and ARE altered the activities of different enzymes in different body tissues of snails. EGSB could significantly inhibit Choline esterase (ChE), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Malic dehydrogenase (MDH) activities both in the cephalopodium and liver. ARE could significantly cause a reduction in ChE, ALP activities in the cephalopodium and ChE, ALT, ALP, Succinodehydrogenase (SDH), MDH activities in the liver. NIC significantly altered activities of ChE, ALT, ALP, SDH, and MDH in the cephalopodium and ChE, ALT, ALP, SDH activities in the liver. All molluscicides could not affect Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the cephalopodium and the liver. Maximum inhibition of ALT and MDH activities was found in the cephalopodium and liver of snails treated with 80% of 24 h LC₅₀ of EGSB. However, NIC and ARE caused maximum reduction in ALP and SDH activities, respectively. The results indicated that molluscicidal action of EGSB was different to that of ARE and NIC in some extent.     

Botanical pesticide, azadirachtin attenuates blood electrolytes of a freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of purified neem extract azadirachtin on the blood electrolytes of Heteropneustes fossilis for short- and long-term. In short-term exposure the fish were subjected to 0.8 (i.e. 80%) of 96 h LC₅₀ value of azadirachtin (41.89 mg L⁻¹) for 96 h. In long-term exposure the experiment was performed for 28 days by using 0.2 (i.e. 20%) of 96 h LC₅₀ value of azadirachtin (10.47 mg L⁻¹). Fish were sacrificed (anaesthesized with MS 222) from control and experimental (azadirachtin) groups after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h in short-term exposure and after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in long-term experiment. Blood samples were analyzed for calcium and inorganic phosphate levels. Acute exposure of azadirachtin caused a progressive decrease in the serum calcium levels after 48 h in fish H. fossilis which persists till the close of the experiment (96 h). The serum inorganic phosphate levels remained unaffected till 72 h in the azadirachtin exposed fish. After 96 h the levels exhibit a decrease. Chronic azadirachtin treatment caused a decrease in serum calcium levels at day 14. This decrease continued till the end of the experiment. The serum phosphate level of the azadirachtin treated fish decreased on day 14 and 21. However, on day 28 the levels were close to the normal values.     

Hormone profile of an edible, freshwater teleost, Sarotherodon mossambicus (Peters) under endosulfan toxicity

The hormone profile of Sarotherodon mossambicus (Peters) under endosulfan (an organochlorine pesticide) toxicity was investigated by estimating the serum levels of T₃ (triiodothyronine), T₄ (thyroxine), cortisol, prolactin and insulin in control and sub-lethal (0.001 mg L⁻¹) endosulfan-exposed fish for 1, 6, 12, 24 h and 5 days. Exposure of fish to sub-lethal concentration of endosulfan caused varying changes in the levels of serum hormones studied. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that (i) the fish registered an increased metabolic activity during the initial period followed by an adaptive lowering of metabolic rate as indicated by changes in the serum T₃ and T₄ levels, (ii) the fish showed an adaptive stress response as indicated by the reduced cortisol level which could be probably due to severe interrenal exhaustion, (iii) the increased serum prolactin levels in the fish under endosulfan exposure is indicative of a possible action of prolactin on gills and kidney towards hydromineral regulation in the fish body under pesticide stress, (iv) the fish adaptively increases its serum insulin level thereby registering a possible adaptive hypoglycemic role of the hormone to favour the transport of glucose to different tissues besides a possible lipogenic activity of the higher insulin level in fish tissue under pesticide toxicity and (v) the fish appears to exhibit a possible adaptive recovery response in its hormone profile following prolonged exposure for 24 h and 5 days.     

Behavioral, morphological deformities and biomarkers of oxidative damage as indicators of sublethal cypermethrin intoxication on the tadpoles of D. melanostictus (Schneider, 1799)

Concerns have been raised that the amphibian larval stages are particularly at risk and may be vulnerable to adverse effects of pesticides. The present study reports acute toxicity of cypermethrin at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h through static renewal bioassay test for Duttaphrynus melanostictus. The LC₅₀ values were 5.15, 4.55, 3.95, and 3.34 μg/L for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h respectively. At sublethal concentration (0.33 μg/L) behavioral, morphological and biochemical changes were studied. The behavioral and morphological anomalies observed in the present study are typical signs of cyano pyrethroid poisoning. Significant changes were observed in total, soluble, and structural proteins. The depletion of all the protein fractions observed in this investigation led to progressive protein oxidation and catabolism of proteins. Decreased protein level has resulted in a marked elevation of free amino acid levels at all time intervals. The induction of catalase, glutathione-S-transferase activities and elevation in the levels of hydrogen peroxide, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde eventually lead to oxidative damage of biomolecules, showing that the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress are involved in the toxicity induced by cypermethrin. Indicating increased susceptibility of tadpoles. Thus, an exposure to cypermethrin at sublethal concentration had catastrophic effect on tadpoles of D. melanostictus.     

Effect of short term exposure of fenvalerate on biochemical and haematological responses in Labeo rohita (Hamilton) fingerlings

Experiment was carried out to determine the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of fenvalerate to Labeo rohita fingerlings. After determining the LC₅₀ value of fenvalerate, a sub-lethal concentration (1/3rd of LC₅₀) of fenvalerate was exposed for 15 days. Significant alterations in SOD (P < 0.05) activity of liver and gill was observed due to fenvalerate. Catalase activity in gills of fishes was also affected significantly (P < 0.05). WBC, NBT and Hct values were reduced significantly in fenvalerate exposed fishes as compared to control group, whereas blood glucose level showed higher values in fenvalerate exposed group. Serum total protein and albumin were also reduced significantly as a result of fenvalerate exposure. Significant increase in the serum GOT, serum GPT, creatinine, triglyceride and serum ACP was noticed after 15 days of fenvalerate exposure. Results indicated that short term exposure of fenvalerate can induce biochemical and haematological alterations causing stress to L. rohita fingerlings.     

Effect of ginger supplementation on developmental toxicity induced by fenitrothion insecticide and/or lead in albino rats

Evaluation of the antioxidant and antiteratogenic role of ginger Zingiber officinale polyphenols against the toxicity induced by fenitrothion and/or lead in female albino rats were investigated. Adult virgin females were divided into 8 groups and were orally treated as follow: control (C), 1% w/w of ginger (G), 120 μg/animal lead as lead acetate (L), 10 mg/kg of fenitrothion (F), lead (120 μg/animal) fenitrothion (10 mg/kg) (LF), ginger (1%w/w) + fenitrothion (10 mg/kg) (GF), ginger (1%w/w) + lead (120 μg/animal) (GL), ginger (1%w/w) + lead (120 μg/animal) + fenitrothion (10 mg/kg) (GLF). Treatments were expanded for 28 days before pregnancy and during gestation period from zero to 6th day. Blood samples were taken at the day 20th of gestation and animals were sacrificed to investigate the effect of tested substances on dams and development of their fetuses. Inhibition in AchE in (F) and (LF) groups and elevation in plasma AchE in (L) groups were observed. Elevation in oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA) was recorded in all intoxicated groups concomitants with reduction in total reduced glutathione (GSH) and reduction in the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST). Elevation in liver function biomarkers alanin amintransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and reduction in plasma total protein and albumin were recorded in (F), (L) and (LF). Supplementation with ginger in diet attenuates the alteration in MDA, GSH, GST, ALT and AST, however, it failed to counteract the effect of F, L and LF on AchE, total protein and albumin. Significant alterations in maternal toxicity were recorded in (GF, GL, LF and GLF) compared with control group. Also, parameters of embryotoxicity and fetotoxicity indicated significant decrease in litter number that observed in F and L and the number of dead fetus/dam and litters number increased in L group. Supplementation with ginger decreased each of the number of died fetus, growth retardation and fetal length, while, it increased fetal weight. As regards to, teratological aspects, the percentage of skeletal malformations and visceral anomalies were observed in all feti obtained from treated groups with different percentages. Supplementation with ginger slightly attenuates the developmental toxicity of fenitrothion and/or lead.     

Toxicity and metabolism of endosulfan and its effect on oxygen consumption and total nitrogen excretion of the fish Macrognathus aculeatum

Experiments were conducted with the freshwater fish Macrognathus aculeatum to study the toxicity and metabolism of endosulfan and the effect of the pesticide on the oxygen consumption and total nitrogen excretion. The 96-hr LC₅₀ value was 3.5 ± 0.2 ppb. In brain, gills, gut, liver, and kidney, endosulfan was metabolized to endosulfan sulfate, but this appears to be only an intermediary step as the nontoxic endosulfan ether was found only in the liver and kidney, the principal organs of elimination of toxicants in fish. The pesticide, both at sublethal and lethal concentrations, decreased oxygen consumption and total nitrogen excretion.     

Assessment of Cyfluthrin commercial formulation on growth, photosynthesis and catalase activity of green algae

Aquatic environments of the pampasic region of Argentina are severely affected by agricultural contamination due to an increase in a glyphosate tolerant transgenic variety of soybean crops. The present study is aimed to determine the effects of a commonly used Cyfluthrin commercial formulation (CCF) on growth, some physiological and biochemical parameter of four species of green algae. Significant inhibition of algal growth was observed from 0.1 mg Cyf/l. 96 h IC₅₀ were between 0.92 and 4.85 mg Cyf/l. CCF caused algicidal effects. Photosynthesis was stimulated by 50% in Scenedesmus quadricauda cultures exposed to the lowest concentration (hormesis). Algal photosynthesis inhibition was observed at higher concentrations with IC₅₀ values between 1.7 and 8.9 mg Cyf/l. Similar toxicity endpoints were found as a consequence of applying the traditional methodology of short-term chronic toxicity test of 96 h of exposition and the methodology developed using the Clark type photosynthetic oxygen evolution method. CAT activity was significantly increased between 23% and 33% considering the four species, at a lower concentration than those affecting algal growth and photosynthesis, indicating a potential biomarker. Taking into account that the extent of the soybean crops in the region is about fourteen million hectares, the improvement and extension of environmental tools for early detection of the action of pesticides on this essential group of organisms are discussed.     

Prophylactic effect of green tea polyphenols against liver and kidney injury induced by fenitrothion insecticide

The ameliorative effect of daily administrated dose of green tea extract (60 mg polyphenols/animal/day) was investigated on albino rats Rattus norvegicus (150-180 gm) intoxicated with 1/30 and 1/60 LD₅₀ fenitrothion organophosphate insecticide for 28 days. Blood samples were taken at 14 and 28 days for further biochemical parameters. Histopathological studies were carried out in the liver and kidney at the end of the experiment. Significant inhibition in plasma cholinesterase (ChE), a biomarker of Ops, was recorded. Damage in the liver and kidney tissues was observed and confirmed with elevation of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotaransferase (AST), albumin, urea and creatinine, as well as an elevation in the oxidative stress (OS) marker malondialdehyde (MDA). Decrease in total glutathione (GSH) content in erythrocytes and fluctuation in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in plasma was also observed. Green tea supplementation (60 mg/animal/day) partially counteracts the toxic effect of fenitrothion on oxidative stress parameters and repairs tissue damage in the liver and kidney, especially when supplemented to 1/60 LD₅₀ intoxicated animals depending on the duration. It seems that enzyme and metabolite markers of these organs need more time to be restored to the control level.     

Oxidative stress, steroid hormone concentrations and acetylcholinesterase activity in Oreochromis niloticus exposed to chlorpyrifos

We investigated the endocrine disrupting effects of chlorpyrifos-ethyl which is suspected to be originated from oxidative stress. Initially, the 96 h LC₅₀ values of chlorpyrifos in juvenile and adult of Oreochromis niloticus were determined to be 98.67 μg/L and 154.01 μg/L, respectively. Sub-lethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos-ethyl (5 ppb, 10 ppb, 15 ppb) were administrated to adult fish for 15 and 30 days. Fish were then left to depurate for 15 days in pesticide-free water. Gonadal somatic indices, serum sex steroids as indicators of reproductive function and cortisol level as indicator of stress condition were measured to observe the endocrine disruption effects of chlorpyrifos-ethyl. Gonadal glutathione S-transferase and antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation as indicators of oxidative stress were also measured. Acetylcholinesterase activity was measured as a marker of chlorpyrifos toxicity. Results showed that serum estradiol, testosteron and cortisol levels in fish exposed to chlorpyrifos were lower than those of the control fish while gonad somatic indices did not change during the experiments. After 30 days, chlorpyrifos exposure decreased GST activity, and increased SOD enzyme activity by up to 215-446% compared with the control, suggesting there was a oxidative stress. No statistically significant differences between GPx and CAT specific activities, protein contents and lipid peroxidation were determined between control and treatment groups in all exposure concentrations and periods. Acetylcholinesterase activity decreased (45.83-77.28%) in gonad tissues. After recovery serum estradiol and testosteron levels were similar to those of the control levels. An increase in the GST and SOD enzyme activities were determined. Cortisol level and AChE activity in all exposure groups decreased after the depuration period, and fish were unable to overcome the stress of chlorpyrifos. Thus, this study revealed that after chlorpyrifos treatments there exists a protective function of antioxidant enzymes against lipid peroxidation in gonad tissue of O. niloticus. There also exist lower testosteron and estradiol levels in exposed fish than those of the control fish without any alterations in oxidative stress, which is attributed to the capability of chlorpyrifos to impair steroid hormone levels.     

The effects of Artemisia annua L. and Achillea millefolium L. crude leaf extracts on the toxicity, development, feeding efficiency and chemical activities of small cabbage Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

The biological effects of two important medicinal plants, Artemisia annua L. and Achillea millefolium (L.) (viz, mortality, growth, and feeding indices as well as enzyme and non-enzymatic activities) were studied on small white Pieris rapae L a deleterious pest of cruciferous plants under controlled conditions (16:8 h L:D at 25 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5% RH). The LC₅₀ and LC₂₅ values were 9.387% and 3.645% for A. annua L. and 4.19% and 1.69% for A. millefolium (L.), respectively. At the lowest concentration (0.625%), the deterrency was 29.826% and 44.185% for A. annua L. and A. millefolium (L.), respectively. Feeding indices were variously affected with changes in a number of parameters and an increase in larval and pupal duration. The activity level of alkaline phosphatase increased sharply while alanin and aspartate aminotransferases showed a sharp decrease. For non-enzymatic compounds, the amount of glucose and uric acid increased, but total protein and cholesterol decreased. These results indicate that these two medicinal plants might possess potential secondary metabolites that may be useful for controlling potential insect pests.