Evaluation of Nephrotoxic Effects of Aflatoxins on Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Background: We investigated the effects of different dose of aflatoxins, secondary toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus, on some biochemical parameters in kidney of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Methods: This study was done in Aquaculture and Biology Laboratory of Behbahn Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran in 2015. Fishes were distributed into five groups: Group I-III was fed contaminated diets with 0.5, 0.7 and 1.4 mg kg^-1 feed, respectively. Group IV was fed contaminated diets with extraction solution (methanol, acetone, and diluted water) as a positive control. Control group received normal feed (Group V). After 21 d of experiment, activities of cellular enzymes and oxidative stress biomarker were evaluated. Results: Aflatoxins (0.7 and 1.4 mg kg^-1) caused a significant increase in ALT activity. Although, significant increase of LDH activity (P<0.05) were found in kidney of fish fed diet contaminated with 0.5 mg kg^-1 of aflatoxins, LDH activity was significantly decreased in kidney of fish fed diet contaminated with 0.7 and 1.4 mg kg^-1 of aflatoxins. A significant increase (P<0.05) were observed in MDA levels and CAT activity in kidney of fish fed diet contaminated with different concentrations of aflatoxins for 21 d. The total antioxidant levels, AST and ALP activities in kidney of fish were significantly reduced (P<0.05) on the 21st day following aflatoxins administration. Conclusion: Diets containing certain concentrations of aflatoxins (0.5, 0.7 and 1.4 mg kg^-1 feed) made oxidative damage to kidney tissue, including changes in oxidative stress biomarker and biochemical parameters.