| Bisphenol A (BPA) is a significant global industrial pollutant frequently detected in surface waters, residues, and biota. This study investigates the histopathological and biochemical effects of BPA on female Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to various sublethal concentrations. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of BPA for Heteropneustes fossilis was determined to be 7.1443 mg/L over a 96-hour period using probit analysis. Fish were subjected to sublethal concentrations of 0.714 mg/L (1/10th), 1.428 mg/L (1/20th), and 2.142 mg/L (1/30th) (Groups II, III, and IV) with ten specimens per aquarium for 28 days. Post-exposure, fish were dissected, and ovarian tissues were collected for histopathological examination. Blood samples were obtained by severing the caudal peduncle and analyzed for total plasma protein content, glucose, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT, EC 2.6.1.1), Alanine transaminase (ALT/GPT, EC 2.6.1.2), and 17β-Estradiol (E2).
Results indicated that BPA exhibits considerable toxicity to Heteropneustes fossilis, with effects being concentration-dependent. Sublethal BPA exposure led to significant structural alterations in the ovaries, including necrosis, increased oocyte atresia, perifollicular cell hyperplasia/hypertrophy, reduced vitellogenesis, and changes in gonadal staging. Additionally, BPA exposure resulted in a marked decrease in plasma protein levels and a significant, progressive increase in AST, ALT, and plasma E2 levels across all experimental groups. These findings suggest that sublethal concentrations of BPA can disrupt endocrine function and reproductive health in adult fish, warranting further research into its impacts.
Keywords: Bisphenol A, Heteropneustes fossilis, histopathology, biochemistry, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity
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