Comparative Ecotoxicological Assessment of Acetaminophen and Diclofenac using Freshwater African Catfish <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> (Burchell 1822)

Abstract

The use and abuse of analgesics, commonly referred to as painkillers is on the rise globally. This study examined the acute toxicity and sub-lethal effects on liver function (ALT, AST, ALP) and anti-oxidative stress enzymes of the African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus, exposed to two analgesics, acetaminophen and diclofenac. The fingerlings (4 weeks old), were exposed to high concentrations of both analgesics to determine their acute toxicity of a 96 h period. The results indicated that diclofenac was approximately 500 times more toxic to the catfishes with a 96 h LC50 of 2.6 mg/L compared to 1283.6 mg/L in those exposed to acetaminophen. Another batch of the catfishes was subsequently exposed to two sub-lethal concentrations (1/10 th 96 h LC50 and 1/100 th 96 h LC50) of both compounds for 28 days. The result of the sub-lethal assessment indicated that the responses were not always dose-dependent. The liver function enzyme assessments indicated a varied result with AST values slightly lower than control while ALP values were all higher in the exposed groups than the control. Only catfishes exposed to 1/10 th 96h LC50 diclofenac showed significant inhibition (P<0.05) of ALT enzyme activities compared to control. The activities of the anti-oxidative stress enzyme catalase were lower in those exposed to acetaminophen compared to control and this was also the case for glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities for exposures to both concentrations of both analgesics. The findings point to the need for the inclusion of pharmaceuticals in our national effluent quality standards so as to mitigate potential harm to aquatic life.

Occurrence of Acetaminophen, Amoxicillin, Diclofenac and Methylparaben in Lagos and Ologe Lagoons, Lagos, Nigeria

“…The concentrations of acetaminophen and diclofenac which are capable of causing acute toxicological effects in some aquatic organisms were much higher than their environmental concentrations. For example, the 96 h LC50 of acetaminophen and diclofenac for juveniles of Clarias gariepinus were 1283.6 mg/L and 2.6 mg/L respectively (Folarin et al, 2018). However, prolonged exposure to these micropollutants at environmental concentrations is capable of chronic biological effects on algae (Osorio et al, 2016) and some biological effects such as oxidative stress in many non-target aquatic organisms (Mehinto et al, 2010).…”

Exploring the Impact of Naphthalene (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) on Anabas testudineus (Bloch) through Dose-Specific Bioenzymological Analysis

“…The differential responses under T1 and T2 conditions demonstrate the sensitivity of these enzymes to environmental contaminants ( Figure 1 a–d). These enzymes play a critical role in amino acid metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and oxidation, underscoring their importance in fish physiology 31 It is reported that AST activity in the liver was decreased but increased in plasma 32 , 33 explained the decreased AST activity caused due to hepatocytic damage and organ inadequacy. 34 These results align with prior research that has emphasized the influence of AST activity on metabolism, particularly in the liver, and its potential regulatory effects on fish metabolic processes.…”

Effects of Diclofenac on the Oxidative Stress Parameters of Freshwater Fish Oreochromis niloticus

“…One of the most important targets of ROS is membrane lipids which undergo peroxidation (LPO). Thus LPO estimation has also been successfully employed to signify oxidative stress induced in aquatic animals by such chemicals [23]. The present study was designed to investigate the acute and sub-lethal effects of a pharmaceutical product diclofenac on the oxidative stress parameters of Tilapia fish (O. niloticus).…”