Study on the effects of pectin, a feed additive against cadmium toxicity in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This study was investigated the protective effects of pectin on changes in some blood biochemical parameters against cadmium exposure in common carp. Fish juveniles (37.5±7 g) were fed by 6 different diets during 21 days. The first group (control) was only fed by commercial diet. The diets for second and third group were prepared by addition sublethal dosage of 150 and 250 mg cadmium (per kg diet), respectively. For the fourth and fifth groups, the commercial diet was supplemented by 150 or 250 mg cadmium/kg diet plus 0.5 percent of pectin. Similar level of pectin has been used as a unique feed additive for the last group. Following 21 days feeding trial, blood sampling was withdrawn separately for all six mentioned groups and some plasma biochemical parameters were analyzed, subsequently. Plasma levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, albumin, globulin, triglyceride and creatinine were remained undisturbed in pectin plus cadmium groups compared to control (P>0.05). On the other hands, the most above factors were changed in only cadmium administrated groups compared to the control. Based on obtained results, it seems that pectin potentially can ameliorate the harmful effects of heavy metals.