Integrative assessment of silver nanoparticles toxicity on the fish Prochilodus lineatus

ALE, A.; ROSSI, ANDREA S.; BACCHETTA, CARLA; GERVASIO, SUSANA; DE LA TORRE, FERNANDO R.; CAZENAVE, JIMENA

ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2018 vol. 93 p. 1190 - 1198

1470-160X

The aim of this study was to evaluate simultaneously a batteryof biomarkers in the fish Prochilodus lineatus with the purpose ofobtaining a holistic interpretation of silver nanopartilces (AgNP)toxicity. Juveniles were exposed to 2.5 and 25.0 µgAgNP L-1 for 5 and 15days. We analyzed silver accumulation in tissues (liver, intestine andbrain), morphometric and hematological parameters, oxidative stressmarkers (antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidantcapacity against peroxyl radicals -ACAP-), and metabolic responses inplasma (glucose, proteins, triglycerides and cholesterol), liver andmuscle (glycogen, proteins, and lipids). Additionally, after 15 daysexposure, the number of colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria living atthe skin mucus secretion was analyzed to corroborate the AgNP biocideproperties. Tissue Ag accumulation was concentration and time-dependent:liver>intestine>brain. The hepatosomatic index increased at both periodsof exposure at 25.0 µgAgNP L-1. Hematological and plasma biochemicalparameters increased after 5 days of exposure to the higherconcentration. When fish were exposed for 15 days to 25.0 µgAgNP L-1,many changes were observed: glycogen content increased in liver andmuscle, muscle protein concentration decreased, all antioxidant enzymesactivities were enhanced and ACAP decreased in liver. The CFU decreasedin the mucus of fish exposed to both AgNP treatments, when compared tocontrol group. The multivariate analysis revealed a clear difference inphysiological profiles among individuals exposed to the differenttreatments. Our results showed that AgNP in short and subchronicexposures threaten the health of fish