Effects of agro-chemicals on antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in oreochromis mossambicus and labeo rohita

Abstract

In the present work, an attempt has been made to investigate the mechanisms of agrochemicals (Imidacloprid-IMI and Curzate-CZ) induced oxidative stress (OS) in key organs of agrochemicals exposed two teleost fishes. Major complications arise when the stressor is very effective and the body starts expressing mechanisms of stress response. They include lipid peroxidation (LPO) and expression of various antioxidant machineries like Glutathione S transferase (GST), Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) as well as scavengers such as reduced Glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AA). Agrochemical stress significantly increased AA and GSH content in liver, kidney and gills in a dose dependent manner while, GPx level was found to be increased in gills and liver only. Organ-based GST assay reflected a dose dependent significant increase in liver, kidney and gills. Thus, from the present study it can be concluded that the response of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST) and non-enzymatic antioxidant/scavengers (AA and GSH) showed that the both the teleost are under severe OS and that the agro-chemicals are acting as potent free radicals generators. LPO level proves that extensive lipid peroxidation has occurred on exposure of the agro-chemicals. And that both the antioxidants interact in a concerted manner to eliminate ROS and prevent damage to cellular components. This suggests that IMI and CZ at levels below median lethal concentration are capable of causing oxidative damage in Oreochromis mossambicus and Labeo rohita.