Effects of Dietary Exposure to Sulfamethazine on the Hematological Parameters and Hepatic Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

Sulfamethazine (SMZ) is one of the most commonly used sulfonamide compounds in fish farming, and its physiological effects on fish are unknown. SMZ was administered to juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at a dose level of 422 mg kg(-1) body weight, for a period of 11 days, via medicated feed. Fish were divided into two groups, the control group (CG) and the group fed with SMZ in feed. The administration of SMZ did not alter the erythrograms and leukograms of the Nile tilapia. The SMZ-fed group showed the same hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) concentration as the CG. Nonetheless, the oral administration of SMZ raised the hepatic catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, the increase probably being sufficient to prevent hepatic LPO production. The oral administration of SMZ affects the hepatic GST and CAT activities of Nile tilapia.

Analytical Detection of Sulfonamides and Organophosphorus Insecticide Residues in Fish in Taiwan

“…The predominant sulfonamide residue was sulfamethazine, with its maximum concentration being 0.03 mg/kg (in one tilapia sample). This is consistent with the results observed by Sampaio et al [1] and Nunes et al [14]: sulfamethazine is a frequently applied sulfonamide in fish aquaculture. Moreover, sulfamethazine has previously been found to be present at high concentrations (>100 µg/kg) frequently [23].…”

“…Average EDI levels extrapolated from average sulfamethazine levels in Taiwanese women and men were 0.001 and 0.002 µg/kg body weight/day, respectively ( Table 3). The acceptable daily intake (ADI) level of sulfamethazine residues through food is 0.05 mg/kg, as stipulated by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) [1,14]. The obtained EDI levels were determined to be substantially lower than the JECFA-recommended ADI levels of sulfamethazine (Table 3).…”

“…The aquaculture industry is of great economic importance and has been growing faster than other animal-farming industry worldwide [1]. Taiwan's environment and geographic location are highly appropriate for aquaculture advancement, with the country's aquaculture history spanning more than three centuries [2].…”

“…Sulfonamides, synthetic derivatives of sulfonic acid, are used broadly because they are low-cost, are effective against some bacterial infections, and improve animal performance. In the Asia Pacific region, sulfonamides are commonly used against bacterial infections and other diseases in aquaculture [1]. In China, for instance, sulfur drugs were detected in all fish samples from typical marine aquaculture regions [11].…”

“…In China, for instance, sulfur drugs were detected in all fish samples from typical marine aquaculture regions [11]. However, sulfonamides have several side effects; for example, they have been demonstrated to engender reduced filet palatability of aquacultured products, increased kidney damage and infertility risk, and physiological and immunological response disruptions [1,12]. Massive and repeated illegal use of organophosphorus insecticides to control parasitic diseases in aquacultured organisms has also been noted in Taiwan [4]; these insecticides mainly inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity and disrupt nerve function in humans [13].…”