Environmental concentrations of the antidiabetic Metformin cause liver damage in Astyanax lacustris (Lütken, 1875) individuals after chronic exposure

Abstract

Drugs are emerging contaminants that provide concern when it comes to the adverse effects they can cause on organisms that are not the target of therapeutic action. Because water treatment methods do not entirely remove them, they are found in worrying concentrations in the aquatic environment. Antidiabetic Metformin has been found in the environment worldwide, and studies show it has a potential endocrine disrupting effect. However, more research is needed regarding its impact on bioindicator organisms, such as fish. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic exposure to Metformin in the liver, the organ responsible for the metabolism of xenobiotics, from Astyanax lacustris. The results obtained from histological sections of the organ show that Metformin induced liver damage since the number, size, and composition of hepatocytes have changed. This study demonstrates the need for more research on the damage metformin can cause aquatic life.