Genotoxic and oxidative stress-inducing effects of deltamethrin in the erythrocytes of a freshwater biomarker fish species, Channa punctata Bloch

Deltamethrin, an alpha-cyano class of pyrethroid insecticide is used in insect pest control and antimalaria programs in several countries including India. Although various toxic manifestations of deltamethrin are reported in mammals, its ecotoxicologic dimensions are not adequately researched in ecologically and commercially important fishes. In this study, we report genotoxic effect of deltamethrin in a biomarker fish Channa punctata (Bloch). Adult fish were exposed to three concentrations of technical grade deltamethrin (0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 microg/L) for 48 and 72 h. Ethyl methane sulfonate was used as a positive control. Fish were analyzed for induction of micronucleus (MN), nuclear abnormalities (NAs), and oxidative stress biomarkers in erythrocytes. Deltamethrin significantly induced MN and NAs accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation. Activity of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase was significantly decreased but an increase was observed in reduced glutathione level after 72 h of exposure. The NAs in exposed fish included blebbed, lobed and notched nuclei, and binucleated erythrocytes. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress may, in part, be contributing to deltamethrin-induced genotoxic damage to erythrocytes. Although MN induction is a nonspecific biomarker, it may provide an indication of pollution load of deltamethrin in the affected fish population when used as part of suite of other biomarkers.