Ethanolic root extract of Rauwolfia serpentina alleviates copper induced genotoxicity and hepatic impairments in spotted snakehead fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793)

Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the plausible efficacy of ethanolic extract of Rauwolfia serpentina to mitigate copper induced toxicity by investigating cytogenetic biomarkers, i.e., chromosome aberrations (CA) and micronucleus (MN) formation; assessment of biochemical changes in liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and estimation of protein levels in a freshwater spotted snakehead fish(Channa punctatus). Methodology: The experiment was carried out in six groups, each having 15 specimens for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr. Group I served as control. Groups II and III were maintained with 3 mg l-1 of Rauwolfia root extract and 0.4 mg l-1 of Cu2+, respectively. Groups IV, V, and VI were simultaneously co-exposed with 0.4 mg l-1 of Cu2+ and three different concentrations of Rauwolfia root extract 1, 2 and 3 mg l-1, respectively. For the genotoxicity assessment, blood and kidney tissues were used. Hepatic impairments were assessed after each exposure period. Results: A significant increase (p<0.05) in chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei frequency, activity of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and a decrease in protein level were recorded in Group III in comparison to the control. Groups co-exposed with Cu2+and Rauwolfia serpentine showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in cytogenetic biomarkers, activity of liver enzymes and an increase in protein levels, as compared to Group III, with respect to control in a dose dependent manner. Interpretation: Thus, result of the present investigation establish the efficacy of R. serpentina root extract against Cu2+ induced toxicity in spotted snakehead (Channa punctatus).

Micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities in phorate exposed fish, Channa punctatus

Aim: The present study aims to establish morphology-based nuclear abnormalities (NAs) including micronuclei (MN) as effective and sensitive genotoxic endpoint biomarkers in fish against the sub-lethal exposure of phorate. Methodology: Fish, Channa punctatus (35 ± 3.0 g; 14.5 ± 1.0 cm) were randomly exposed in two sets, treated group 1 and 2 (0.0375 mg l-1 and 0.075 mg l-1 of phorate, respectively) along with a simultaneous control (0 mg l-1). The blood was sampled after 30 days. Results: A significant (p < 0.05) induction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) coupled with elevated frequency of blood cells showing micronuclei along with the gross appearance of notched nuclei, curved nuclei, blebbed nuclei, kidney-shaped nuclei, V-shaped nuclei, nuclear buds, nucleoplasmic bridges, dumbbell nuclei, and condensed/rounded nuclei were recorded in a dose-dependent manner. Interpretation: A significant (p < 0.05) induction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) coupled with elevated frequency of blood cells showing micronuclei along with the gross appearance of notched nuclei, curved nuclei, blebbed nuclei, kidney-shaped nuclei, V-shaped nuclei, nuclear buds, nucleoplasmic bridges, dumbbell nuclei, and condensed/rounded nuclei were recorded in a dose-dependent manner.

Effect of Paper Mill Effluent on Lipid Profile of Freshwater Snake Headed Fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793)

Industrial effluents reaching the aquatic ecosystem through various routes like run-off, leaching, and direct discharge from factories are major causes of environmental pollution. These were reported to have a negative metabolic impact on different non-target aquatic organisms. Fish is a close inhabitant of the aquatic environment, serves as a useful model for assessing the effect of chemicals mixed in the aquatic environment. Channa punctatus Bloch (Actinopterygii: Channidae), one of the most common edible fish, if exposed to industrial effluents containing harmful substances, maybe a serious threat to human health. In the present study, an attempt was made to understand the effect of sublethal concentrations of paper mill effluent on lipid profiles of Channa punctatus after exposure to 96 hours. A significant increase was observed in total serum lipid, cholesterol, and phospholipid with decreased triglyceride levels. A significant increase was observed in the cholesterol and triglycerides levels, whereas total lipids and phospholipid levels showed a marked decline in the liver. Thus present study concludes that the estimation of the lipids profile of fish will certainly detect early signs of stress physiology concerning their habitat.

Immunostimulant Effect of Seaweeds in Channa punctatus Challenged by Aeromonas hydrophila

The current study focused on to evaluate the bioactive potential and immunostimulant effect of seaweeds in striped murrel Channa punctatus against the fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila. The aqueous extracts of seaweeds, Glacilaria foliifera, Acanthophora spicifera and Ulva lactuca were obtained in four different concentrations (25 µL, 50 µL, 75 µL and 100 µL) and evaluated for their immunostimulant potential. Aqueous extract of G. foliifera and A. spicifera has shown promising activity against fish pathogen. G. foliifera exhibited higher bacterial inhibitory zone of 8mm at 100 µL concentration followed by A. spicifera with 6mm at same concentration. The disease challenge study was used to ascertain the immunostimulant efficacy of active seaweed extracts. C. punctatus was administrated with the A. hydrophila and then fed with artificial feed incorporated with seaweeds extract. The survival rate seems to be higher in G. foliifera (80%) when compared with A. spicifera (60%). Observed result shows that both seaweeds possess active metabolites which may pave the way for the discovery of novel compounds with immunostimulant potential, which can be used in the field of aqua industry to augment disease management. Keywords: Seaweed, Bioactive compounds, Aeromonas hydrophila, Gracilaria polifera