Vitamin C and Chitosan Alleviate Toxic Effects of Paraquat on Some Biochemical Parameters in Hepatocytes of Common Carp

Abstract

Background: Paraquat is nonselective bipyridyl herbicide that induces hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress. Vitamin C and chitosan have antioxidant as well as radical scavenger properties and show protective effects against reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, hepatoprotective effects of chitosan and vitamin C were evaluated in common carp exposed to paraquat. Methods: While exposed to 0.02 mg. L-1paraquat for 21 days, common carp were fed chitosan (1000 mg. kg‑1 feed), vitamin C (1000 mg. kg-1 feed), and vitamin C combined with chitosan. At the end of the experiment, activities of hepatic enzymes and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated. Results: Paraquat induces changes in the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in liver tissue of fish. However, these enzymes were restored to normal levels in fish fed with vitamin C and vitamin C combined with chitosan following exposure to paraquat. Increased levels of malondialdehyde were observed in liver after exposure to paraquat, while glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and catalase activities and the total antioxidant levels decreased. Administration of vitamin C combined with chitosan significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and increased the total antioxidant capacity, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and catalase activities. Conclusion: Administration of vitamin C is effective in reducing liver toxicity of paraquat. However, administrating both vitamin C and chitosan is more effective. In other words, chitosan and vitamin C have a synergic effect. They could be used as hepatoprotective agents against paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity in fish.

Role of NF‐κB/IL‐1β Pathway and Caspase 3 in Mediating the Hepatoprotective Effect of Rutin against Paraquat‐Induced Liver Toxicity in Male Rats

“…In this study, it was found that vitamin C is effective in decreasing the hepatotoxicity of paraquat. However, concomitant use of chitosan and vitamin C is more effective and has a synergistic effect and can be used to protect the liver against paraquat in carp [22] . In 2012, a study by Eatemad examined the morphological changes in rat liver tissue after receiving paraquat, and examined the protective effect of vitamin C in improving paraquat‐induced tissue damage.…”

“…However, concomitant use of chitosan and vitamin C is more effective and has a synergistic effect and can be used to protect the liver against paraquat in carp. [22] In 2012, a study by Eatemad examined the morphological changes in rat liver tissue after receiving paraquat, and examined the protective effect of vitamin C in improving paraquat-induced tissue damage. Histopathological examination showed improvement of liver tissue cells in rats receiving vitamin C compared to untreated rats.…”

Toxicological Interaction Effects of Herbicides and the Environmental Pollutants on Aquatic Organisms

“…We know very well that exposure of fish to xenobiotics such as herbicides could cause an imbalance between ROS contents and cellular antioxidant defense capacity [32]. Therefore, exposure of fish to herbicides could lead to oxidative stress.…”

“…Moreover, the rapture of cellular membranes may cause the release of cytoplasmic contents or organelles into intercellular fluid such as serum. Hence, assessing biochemical parameters in serum can indicate the stability of cellular membranes after exposure to herbicides [32]. Geetha [40] demonstrated that exposure to Roundup® could affect the balance of plasma electrolytes and transaminase activity in L. rohita [40].…”

Effects of Dietary Vitamin C on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Activity and Disease Resistance of Fish: A Review

“…Multiple studies have shown evidence that the combination of vitamin C and VC with chitosan offers protection to fish against the harmful effects of CdCl2 on various biochemical markers in liver tissues. In their study, Sharifinasab et al (2015) examined the potential of Vitamin C and Chitosan to mitigate the toxic effects of paraquat on several biochemical parameters in hepatocytes of Common carp. The researchers found that the administration of vitamin C was successful in lowering the liver toxicity induced by paraquat.…”