Plasma metabolites, ions and thyroid hormones levels, and hepatic enzymes׳ activity in Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus caspicus) exposed to waterborne manganese

•Clinical chemistry can be used to study manganese toxicity.•Manganese exposure may affect thyroid function.•Manganese may damage fish liver.•Manganese exposure causes plasma ionic disturbance.

To investigate the effect of waterborne manganese on plasma biochemical characteristics in fish, Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus caspicus) was exposed to 0 (control), 60 (M60), 150 (M150) and 300 (M300) mg/L water manganese for 96 h. Thereafter, plasma biochemical characteristics were studied. Plasma glucose level significantly increased in M60 and decreased in M150 and M300 groups, compared to the control. M300 had significantly lower hematocrit compared to the control. Albumin remained unchanged after manganese exposure, however, the manganese-exposed fish showed significant increase in plasma total protein levels. M150 and M300 showed significant increase in the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to the control and M60. M60 and M150 had significantly higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity compared to the control. The manganese-exposed groups had significantly higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity compared to the control. M150 and M300 had aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity significantly higher than those of the control and M60. M300 had significantly higher triiodothyronine (T3) levels than the other groups. All manganese-exposed fish had significantly higher thyroxin (T4) levels than the control. The plasma levels of chloride showed a significant decrease in the manganese-exposed fish, compared to the control. M150 and M300 had significantly lower sodium levels, compared to the control. M60 and M150 had significantly lower plasma calcium levels compared to the other groups. It is concluded that clinical chemistry along with thyroid hormones levels can be the useful tools to monitor manganese toxicity in fish. The possible mechanisms involving in the biochemical changes were discussed.