Effect of human pharmaceutical Carbamazepine on the quality parameters and oxidative stress in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) spermatozoa

The effects of CBZ (a human pharmaceutical commonly present in aquatic environment) on the quality parameters and oxidative stress of common carp spermatozoa were investigated in vitro. Fish spermatozoa were incubated with different concentration of CBZ (0.2, 2.0 and 20 mg L−1) for 2 h. Results revealed that the percentage of spermatozoa motile and velocity were decreased significantly at higher concentration of CBZ (2.0 and 20 mg L−1) and a dose-dependent reduction was observed. But the viability of fish spermatozoa was not affected significantly in all CBZ treatment groups. After 2 h exposure of CBZ at higher test concentration (2.0 or 20 mg L−1), oxidative stress was apparent as reflected by the significant higher LPO and CP levels in fish spermatozoa, as well as the significant inhibition of antioxidant enzymes activities including SOD, GR and GPx. In short, CBZ can induce ROS stress in fish spermatozoa, which could impair the sperm quality and antioxidant defense system. Our results suggested that the use of fish spermatozoa in vitro assays may provide a novel and efficiently means for monitoring residual pharmaceutical in aquatic environment.