Sex-Related Differences in Hematological Parameters and Organosomatic Indices ofOreochromis niloticusExposed to Aflatoxin B₁Diet

Abstract

A 24-week feeding experiment was conducted to assess whether males and females of Oreochromis niloticus exhibit differences in their hematological responses and organosomatic indices to dietary AFB1 contamination. Triplicate groups of O. niloticus (initial body weight: 24.1 ± 0.6 g) were fed with four diets (Diets 1 to 4) containing 0, 20, 200, and 2,000 μg AFB1 kg−1. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), and hematocrit (Hct) was observed in AFB1 exposure groups, with the lowest levels recorded in the 2000 μg AFB1 kg−1 treatment. A significant increase in mean white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, and lymphocytes was observed in AFB1 exposure groups. No sex-related differences in RBC, WBC, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils levels were observed. However, hemoglobin and hematocrit values for female O. niloticus were significantly lower than those for male O. niloticus. Organosomatic indices showed that the relative liver, kidney, and spleen weights were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the AFB1 supplemented group than in the control group. However, the effect of aflatoxin on organosomatic indices does not depend on sex but rather depends on the dose of aflatoxin in the diet. These results provide useful information for monitoring changes in the health status of male and female O. niloticus.

Biochemical and Oxidative Stress Parameters of Broilers Fed Meal and Protein Isolate of &lt;i&gt;Mucuna pruriens&lt;/i&gt; Seeds

“…The significant increase in blood ASAT and ALAT enzymes of birds fed RFM and RIM diets act as hepatocellular damage indicators [32] [33]. Our results supported the findings of Marijani et al [34] who found an increase in ALAT level of Oreochromis niloticus exposed to aflatoxin B1 diet. These results with ALAT suggest that there was liver damage in chicks fed protein isolate of Mucuna compared to control as also supported by Carew et al [32].…”

Aflatoxins: Producing-Molds, Structure, Health Issues and Incidence in Southeast Asian and Sub-Saharan African Countries

“…Nonetheless, deliberate ingestion of 5.5 mg chemically pure AFB1 over two days and 35 mg over two weeks in suicide attempts by an adult women from the USA was reported to cause no serious aflatoxin-related injuries at admission to the hospital for mild symptoms and even 14 years later [186]. Although difficult to explain, this could be due to her overall well-balanced nutritional status, age, and gender, since well-nourished adult females are less susceptible to aflatoxins than males of similar health and nutritional status [187,188].…”

Occurrence of Fungi and Mycotoxins in Fish Feeds and Their Impact on Fish Health

“…The prevalence of fumonisin has been reported to be 100% or close to it in all surveillance studies on maize from different parts of Africa [13]. Several studies have shown that maize bran which is mainly used for animal/fish feed has been contaminated with FBs [21, 79]. Fumonisin was detected at the concentration of 1 mg·kg −1 on the maize bran used for animal feed from Tanzania [87].…”

“…Mycotoxin contamination has been implicated with a reduction in fish productivity, anemia, hemorrhaging, liver impairment, weight loss, increased vulnerability to secondary infectious diseases, reduced reproductive capacity, and even mortality [18–21], resulting in serious economic losses [22, 23].…”