Protective Effect of Vitamin C and N-Acetylcysteine Against Metsulfuron-methyl-Induced Oxidative Stress in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

Pesticide toxicity is a frequent occurrence within aquatic ecosystems, leading to detrimental impacts on aquatic organisms. Consequently, enhancing the antioxidant defense mechanisms of aquatic creatures becomes crucial in safeguarding them from the harmful effects of these noxious substances. In this study, simulative toxicity was established in the fish then the treatment process was followed. For this purpose, Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus exposed to Metsulfuron methyl (triazinylsulfonylurea herbicide) for 24 days and was treated with either N-acetyl cysteine (1.0 mM concentration) and dietary vitamin C 500 mg per kg feed (antioxidant) for 96 h. In this context, Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, GSH) were measured in fish gills and liver of the fish. Besides, hematology parameters were performed for all groups. At the result of MSM exposure, SOD, CAT, POD, CAT and GSH activities were reduced but ROS and TBARS were increased MSM treated groups in gills and liver tissues as compared to control group (p < 0.05). Treatment with NAC and vitamin C improved the overall antioxidant status and hematological parameters as well (p < 0.05). Considering the findings of the study, it was observed that dietary vitamin C was more effective than NAC administration at (1.0 Mm NAC) on herbicide toxicity. It was concluded that the most sensitive tissue was the gills.