Evaluation of Blood Biochemical Parameters and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Exposed to Deltamethrin

Deltamethrin has magnificent potential for agricultural pest control. The penetration of deltamethrin into aquatic ecosystems can endanger the life of aquatic organisms. In this study, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was exposed to the sub-lethal concentrations of deltamethrin (0.0, 6, 12, and 18 µg L-1) for 30 days. Then, the biochemical parameters of blood and the biomarkers of oxidative stress in fish were evaluated to assess the toxic effects of deltamethrin. Based on the results deltamethrin exposure altered antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation rate in hepatocytes. However, the course of these changes was dose-dependent to deltamethrin. There was a significant reduction in the total antioxidant and glycogen contents in the hepatocytes of fish challenged with deltamethrin. Conversely, exposure of C. carpio to deltamethrin increased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, creatinine phosphokinase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Deltamethrin significantly inhibited butyrylcholinesterase activity and declined total protein and globulin levels. However, glucose, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels significantly increased in the plasma of C. carpio exposed to deltamethrin. Therefore, these findings demonstrated the potential of deltamethrin to induce cytotoxicity in fishes by disrupting cellular homeostasis and producing reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress.