Effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3) on the antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation in the gill of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles on the gill antioxidant defense system of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The juveniles (17±0.6g) were exposed to different concentrations (10, 30 and 50.0 mg.L-1) of waterborne iron oxide nanoparticles for 0, 1, 7 and 14 days and then the levels of antioxidant enzymes activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated in gills. The results showed that exposure to nanoparticles led to a significant increase in MDA levels and time-related changes in antioxidant enzyme activities (P<0.05). Therefore, the biomarkers such as antioxidant enzymes and MDA level can be used as a suitable index for monitoring oxidative stress in carp.