Sub-lethal toxicity effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on the biochemical, oxidative biomarkers, and metabolic profile in Caridina fossarum

Abstract

Backgrounds

This study aimed to assess the toxicity effect of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on the biochemical and oxidative markers in freshwater miniature shrimp (Caridina fossarum).

Materials and methods

Based on the pre-test results, 540 shrimp were distributed into six trial groups in triplicate and exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Fe3O4 nanoparticles at 0.0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 320 µg L⁻¹ for 14 days. Next, biochemical parameters and oxidative biomarkers were measured.

Results

The results showed that exposure to 120 µg L⁻¹ ≤ of IONPs significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase activity in C. fossarum. Alanine aminotransferase activity showed a significant increase at 320 µg L⁻¹ . Similarly, alkaline phosphatase activity was meaningfully elevated at 160 and 320 µg L⁻¹ . Lactate dehydrogenase activity notably increased at 120 and 320 µg L⁻¹ of IONPs. IONPs at ≥ 80 µg L⁻¹ significantly reduced gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and butyrylcholinesterase activities. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly increased at 320 µg L⁻¹ . Exposure to 80 µg L⁻¹ ≤ of IONPs significantly increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in C. fossarum. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde content increased considerably in shrimp exposed to different concentrations of IONPs. Exposure to IONPs could induce oxidative stress, disrupt protein structures, oxidize sulfur-containing and essential aromatic and aliphatic amino acids, impair nucleic acid stability, and change lipid metabolism and membrane integrity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, significant changes in biochemical parameters, oxidative biomarkers, and metabolic profile disruptions in C. fossarum exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of IONPs indicated cellular damage and oxidative stress.