Sub-lethal effects of profenofos on tissue-specific antioxidative responses in a Euryhyaline fish, Oreochromis mossambicus

The euryhaline fish, Oreochromis mossambicus was exposed to sub-lethal concentration (30 μg/L) of profenofos (PF) for 28 days and allowed to recover for 7 days. Responses were evaluated through antioxidant enzyme activities in various tissues of fish. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities showed transient increases in gill, viscera and muscle, but decreased in brain. However, catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) were inhibited in gill and viscera. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were depleted in all the tissues and a significant induction in lipid peroxidation (LPO) was observed. Significant recovery in all the studied parameters was noticed at the end of recuperation period. The enhanced LPO in the present study suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative damage could be one of the main toxic effect of PF. The increased LPO and alterations in the antioxidant defense system can be used as biomarkers in the pesticide-contaminated aquatic streams.