Genotoxic and oxidative stress‐inducing effects of deltamethrin in the erythrocytes of a freshwater biomarker fish species, Channa punctata Bloch

Abstract

Deltamethrin, an alpha-cyano class of pyrethroid insecticide is used in insect pest control and antimalaria programs in several countries including India. Although various toxic manifestations of deltamethrin are reported in mammals, its ecotoxicologic dimensions are not adequately researched in ecologically and commercially important fishes. In this study, we report genotoxic effect of deltamethrin in a biomarker fish Channa punctata (Bloch). Adult fish were exposed to three concentrations of technical grade deltamethrin (0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 microg/L) for 48 and 72 h. Ethyl methane sulfonate was used as a positive control. Fish were analyzed for induction of micronucleus (MN), nuclear abnormalities (NAs), and oxidative stress biomarkers in erythrocytes. Deltamethrin significantly induced MN and NAs accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation. Activity of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase was significantly decreased but an increase was observed in reduced glutathione level after 72 h of exposure. The NAs in exposed fish included blebbed, lobed and notched nuclei, and binucleated erythrocytes. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress may, in part, be contributing to deltamethrin-induced genotoxic damage to erythrocytes. Although MN induction is a nonspecific biomarker, it may provide an indication of pollution load of deltamethrin in the affected fish population when used as part of suite of other biomarkers.

Digital light microscopy as a tool in toxicological evaluation of fish erythrocyte morphological abnormalities

“…This finding is supported by strong positive correlation found between EMAs and PCB 151, Eldrin, endosulfan and DDD. Similar increases in erythrocyte abnormalities, especially in MN frequency, have been observed in erythrocytes of fish exposed to pesticides (Ansari et al, ). Considering the fact that appearance of micronucleus in cell is an index of accumulated genetic damage, it can be a suitable technique to identify impacts of pesticide in fish.…”

Deltamethrin-induced oxidative stress and biochemical changes in tissues and blood of catfish (Clarias gariepinus): antioxidant defense and role of alpha-tocopherol

“…Deltamethrin is known to alter cell metabolism in various ways, with a potential genotoxic risk, including DNA damage and micronucleus induction in freshwater fish [34]. …”

Biomarkers of Type II Synthetic Pyrethroid Pesticides in Freshwater Fish

“…In subsequent studies, it was shown that deltamethrin readily induced MN and NAs along with increased lipid peroxidation [56], while cypermethrin also showed increased frequencies of CA and MN in a concentration-dependent manner [57]. Exposure to λ -cyhalothrin induced MN and NAs in the mosquito fish Gambusia affinis , with the NAs comprising blebbed, lobed, and notched nuclei.…”