Assessment of oxidative stress and metabolic changes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) acutely exposed to different concentrations of the fungicide tebuconazole

The aim of this research is to determine the lethal concentration (LC50−96h) of fungicide tebuconazole for common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and to investigate the occurrence of oxidative stress and metabolic changes after acute exposure to different concentrations of tebuconazole. For this purpose, several parameters were assessed as whole-body levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS), protein carbonyl, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, nonprotein thiols, ascorbic acid, glycogen, glucose, lactate, protein, amino acids and ammonia in tebuconazole-exposed fish. The calculated LC50−96h was 2.37 mg L−1. Fish exhibited significant increase in TBARS levels in all concentrations used while the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants were decreased. Among the metabolic parameters, glycogen and glucose increased at 1.19 mg L−1 and protein levels decreased at 1.78 and 2.37 mg L−1. In conclusion, the fish health was adversely affected by exposure to tebuconazole, and those changes can compromise animal survival in the natural environment. The results indicate that the some of the parameters measured like a possible biomarkers of exposure to tebuconazole for this species of fish.

Research highlights
► The calculated LC50−96h of tebuconazole for Cyprinus carpio was 2.37 mg L−1.
► The fungicide tebuconazole cause oxidative stress in Cyprinus carpio.
► The fungicide tebuconazole cause metabolic changes in Cyprinus carpio.
► The fish health might be adversely affected by exposure to tebuconazole.
► The parameters measured might be used as biomarkers of tebuconazole exposure for Cyprinus carpio.