Impact of aluminum on oxidative stress and behavior-related biomarkers in Cyprinus carpio larvae

Authors

  • Karina Ruiz-Lara Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120, Toluca, Estado de México, México.
  • Leobardo Manuel Gómez Oliván Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (Facultad de Química)
  • Marcela Galar-Martínez Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n y cerrada Manuel Stampa, Col. Industrial Vallejo, CP 07700, Ciudad de México, México.
  • Rodrigo Ramírez-Rodríguez Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n y cerrada Manuel Stampa, Col. Industrial Vallejo, CP 07700, Ciudad de México, México.
  • Misael Hernández-Díaz Laboratory of Aquatic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México 07738, México
  • Sandra García-Medina Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n y cerrada Manuel Stampa, Col. Industrial Vallejo, CP 07700, Ciudad de México, México.

Abstract

Exposure to metals like aluminum (Al) is an increasing concern in aquatic environments, affecting both wildlife and human health. This study investigates the effects of Al on 6-day post-fertilization Cyprinus carpio larvae, focusing on oxidative stress biomarkers, neurochemical responses, gene expression, and behavioral alterations. The results showed a significant reduction in SOD, CAT, and GPx activity in larvae exposed to Al, indicating oxidative stress. The findings reveal that Al exposure induces oxidative damage, inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity, reduces dopamine levels, and reduced locomotor activity and visual motor response, along with increased thigmotaxis. In conclusion, Al exposure during critical stages of C. carpio development induces oxidative stress, cellular damage, and neurobehavioral dysfunction. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the ecological impacts of metal pollution in aquatic environments and the need for mitigation strategies to protect the health of aquatic organisms.

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Published

2025-12-23

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 2 (2025): Aquatic ecosystem health of Latin American habitats: Toxicological assessment of Mexican stressors

Section

Research article

License

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