Uranium (238U) bioaccumulation and its persuaded alterations on hematological, serological and histological parameters in freshwater fish Pangasius sutchi

- Liver and gills are the target organ for U toxicity.
- Uranium Bioaccumulation Order is gills < liver < brain < muscle.
- Uranium accumulation increases serum Cholesterol.

The early biomarkers for the hematological, serological and histological alterations due to the effect of ½ and ¼ LC50 of 238U in different organs in freshwater fish Pangasius sutchi for water-borne 238U accumulation was investigated. The toxicological data due to 238U accumulation on the hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and hematocrit (Hct) to evaluate the oxygen carrying capacity has been indicated as the secondary response of the organisms. The biomarkers of liver damage were determined as by Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), γ-Glutamyl Transferase (γ-GT). Similarly, the renal biomarkers of kidney damage were accessed by creatinine, uric acid, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The decrease in hemoglobin in the experimental group due to disturbed synthesis of hemoglobin was directly proportional to the concentration and exposure duration of 238U. The histological studies proved that liver and gills are the target organ for 238U toxicity. The extensive histological lesions were observed in various tissues due to oxidative stress by the accumulation of 238U, and the 238U toxicity in the organs was in the order of Gills < liver < brain < muscle. This study can be useful indicators of 238U toxicity to assess fish health in Uranium (238U) biomonitoring programs.