Use of hematological and biochemical parameters and histological changes to assess the toxicity of drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera) seeds extract on Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish

Abstract

Nowadays Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera), family Moringaceae, is considered an important food source for human in many parts of the world, and as antiviral, antibacterial, sex reversal in tilapia fish and immunostimulant agent in fishes. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of acute and chronic exposure of Moringa oleifera seeds extract on some hematological, biochemical variables and histopathological changes of tilapia fish species Oreochromis niloticus. The 96 h LC 50 value of M. oleifera seeds extract to the studied fish was 138 mg/L. For acute study, the same concentration of 96 h LC 50 (138 mg/L) was used while for chronic exposure, 1/10 of 96 h LC 50 value (13.8 mg/L) was taken. At the end of acute and chronic exposure, hematological parameters like red blood cell count (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in fish exposed to seeds extract. However a significant (P<0.05) increase in white blood cell count (WBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values were observed in the exposed fish during above treatment period when compared to that of the control groups. Biochemical parameters such as glucose showed a significant decrease in acute exposure while increased significantly in chronic exposure (P<0.05). The obtained results showed a significant decrease in total protein and plasma cholesterol levels in fish exposed to acute and chronic concentrations of seeds extract while a significant (P<0.05) increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, uric acid and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was observed. Chemical muscle composition in fishes exposed to chronic exposure showed a significant increase in muscle water content and ash content while showing a significant decrease in muscle total lipids and total protein. The studied growth indices showed a significant decrease in body weight gain (BWG), specific growth rate (SGR) and hepatosomatic index (HSI). Histopathlogical sections showed pathological changing in gills, liver, kidney and spleen and the obtained results were discussed. This study could provide valuable information about the toxicity of M. oleifera seeds extract to Oreochromis niloticus. especially with the wide spread of using in the field of aquaculture and to establish safer limit in water purification.

Hemato-Serological Findings as Early signals in Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus Treated with Benzalkonium Chloride

“…Also, the study on Cyprinus carpio exposed to BAC at a similar level to the maximum concentration in the current study, resulted in a significant drop in antioxidant enzymes, indicating liver impairment 14 . Our interpretations of AST and ALT are similarly consistent with those of 59 , who suggested that the fluctuating levels represent an attempt by fish to achieve balance while being exposed to biochemical and physiological functionimpairing chemicals.…”

Influence of the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) on hematological and biochemical parameters of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

“…Also, with Abbas et al (2007) reported vascular degeneration with congestion of main hepatic blood vessels and diffuse vascular degeneration in Oreochromis niloticus treated with thiobencarb. As well as thinner vascular walls, congestion and early fibrosis and slight degenerative changes in some of the hepatocytes were noticed in liver of Oreochromis niloticus exposed to Moringa oleifera seed extract for 96 h ( Abbas and El-Badawi, 2014 ). While Doyins and Kafilat (2020) recorded no histological alterations in liver histology of Clarias gariepinus treated with sublethal concentrations of the anionic and nonionic surfactants for 28 days.…”

“…And Abbas et al (2007) also demonstrated that Oreochromis niloticus treated with thiobencarb showed clear edema of the lining epithelium in cells of secondary lamellae and separation of the lining epithelial cells from their capillary beds. Furthermore, hyperplasia and lamellar fusion between the secondary lamellae and degeneration changes and necrosis in the epithelial lining of the secondary lamellae associated with congestion were noticed in gills of Oreochromis niloticus exposed to Moringa oleifera seed extract for 96 h ( Abbas and El-Badawi, 2014 ).…”

“…Modifications in the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) lead to biochemical changes. It is an attempt by the fish to maintain its balance during exposure to toxic substances that impair biochemical and physiological performance ( Abbas and El-Badawi, 2014 ). Once LAS absorbed through fish gills, it finds its way to the liver where metabolization and biotransformation processes occur, then conversion of LAS to hydrophilic compounds facilitates its excretion.…”