Effects of sublethal exposure of fungal xenoestrogen on oxidative stress and hepatic histology of tadpoles Rana saharica

Abstract

Xenoestrogens are artificial products that can be of industrial, agricultural or pharmaceutical origin. We have undertaken work to examine the possible effects of a stressor; a systemic fungicide considered to be an estrogen mimetic, Mancozebe, on tadpoles of an amphibian species; the green frog Rana saharica. After treatment for 5 weeks with increasing concentrations of Mancozeb (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1 mg/l). In order to evaluate the biochemical and metabolic aspect and to know the details of the oxidative stress, we performed some assays. A disturbance of the antioxidant detoxification systems (Glutathion-S-Transferase GST and Catalase CAT) which are involved in the defense mechanisms against stress caused by Mancozeb was highlighted. We also found an increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels due to lipid peroxidation and neurotoxicity confirmed by inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity. The induction of oxidative stress prompted us to explore, among other things, the histological side and tissue damage caused by Mancozeb in tadpoles. Our results revealed hepatocyte necrosis and cytoplasmic vacuolation.