Effects of acute exposure to chlorfenapyr on hepatic enzyme activities and serum lipid profile of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

The effects of acute exposure to chlorfenapyr on hepatic enzymes and lipid profile of Clarias gariepinus juveniles were investigated following standard protocols. Test organisms were exposed to chlorfenapyr concentrations of 5, 7, 9, 11 and 15 mgL-1 for 96 hr exposure period. After exposure, peripheral blood was collected through the caudal vein into plain sterilised tubes and allowed stand for 1 h for clot to form. The clotted blood was then centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min and the serum obtained was used for all the biochemical assay. Cross-sections of the gills were examined for histological aberrations. Results showed significant increase in enzymatic activities of Aspartate amino transferases (AST), Alanine amino transferases (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p< 0.05) when compared with control. Lipid profile results showed significant (p<0.05) increase in Total cholesterol (TC) and Low- density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) in all treated groups when compared with the control. Significant (p<0.05) reduction in high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and triacylglycerides in all treated groups compared to the control was also recorded. Such alterations in biochemical parameters did not show any relationship with gills histology as the cross-section of the gills provided no evidence of aberrations. The results suggest that exposure to acute concentrations of chlorfenapyr can alter liver enzyme activities and serum lipid profile initiating a jump in the energy requirement of the exposed organism.