Biochemical alterations induced by Zn and Cd individually or in combination in the serum of Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract

Measurement of serum biochemical parameters in response to metal exposures can be especially useful to help identify target organs of toxicity as well as the general health status of animals. Oreochromis niloticus were exposed to 5.0 mg/L Zn, 1.0 mg/L Cd, and 5.0 mg/L Zn + 1.0 mg/L Cd mixture for 7 and 28 days, and alterations in serum enzyme activities and ion levels were measured. Significant changes in all the biochemical parameters were found to be time dependent. Following metal exposure, alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated at both exposure periods. No changes in activities of lactate dehydrogenase and lipase were observed in response to single or combined Zn and Cd exposure at 7 days while they increased at 28 days. Fish exposed to metals showed a decrease in cholinesterase activity at 7 days followed by a return to control levels at the end of the exposure period. The individual and combined effects of metals caused a decline in levels of Na(+), Cl(-), and Ca(2+), especially at 28 days. K(+) level increased at 7 days but it returned to control levels with increasing duration of exposure. This study indicated that the alterations in serum parameters may be a result of the target tissue (i.e., liver, gill, and kidney) damage and dysfunction induced by the metals and that these parameters can thus be used to assess the effects of metals on organisms.

Effects of Cadmium on Lipid Storage and Metabolism in the Freshwater Crab Sinopotamon henanense

“…The results of the present study after 10-day exposure showed that LP activity was increased compared to the control, which was similar to the results of Firat and Kargin [58] and explain the increased TG levels in the haemolymph of exposed crabs. The increase of PL activity and TG level likely indicates the increased need for energy, but this trend was reversed in the reduction of lipids stored in tissues.…”

Changes in serum biochemistry of fish, Catla catla in response to metal toxicity

“…Increase in glucose level is a general response of fish to acute pollutant effects (Ceron et al, 1997). The observed results are in agreement with Firat and Kargın (2010) who reported an increase in serum glucose level of Oreochromis niloticus exposed to different concentrations of Zn and Cd. An increase in serum glucose level in fish under stress condition was also observed by CiCiK and ENGiN (2005).…”

“…They observed an increase in serum Ast and Alt concentrations in the Sebastes schlegeli after Cu exposure with increasing exposure duration. Firat and Kargın (2010) reported an increase in the serum Alt and Ast activities in Oreochromis niloticus exposed to Zn and Cd as compared to control. Younis (2012) observed a significant increase in Ast and Alt levels in Zn treated Oreochromis niloticus with short term exposure.…”

Histopathological alterations in kidney and liver of Clarias gariepinus (burchell, 1822) studied in river galma, Nigeria

“…This is why a sustained monitoring of the aquatic environment is necessary because exposure to polluted water may adversely affect various organs in fish which ultimately could lead to overall toxic impact on organs like gill and liver [12,13,21]. This is why it is important to examine the toxic effects of metals on fish since they constitute an important link in food chain [17,18] and causes imbalances in aquatic system [8].…”