Abstract
Present study examined the impact of copper (Cu) as nanoparticle (Cu-NPs) and soluble form (CuSO4) in adult male catfish Clarias batrachus. Following treatment, upregulation of transcripts of several testis-related genes and increased androgen levels were evident. Though profound promotional effect was seen at gene and androgen levels, structural analysis revealed completely different scenario. Histological observations of testis showed disruption of basal lamina, distinct spermatogonium and enlarged spermatocytes in the treated groups. Quite alarmingly, transmission electron microscopic analysis showed damage of testicular lumen with irregular basal lamina and distinctive spermatocytes. In addition, Sertoli cells and erythrocytes exhibited damage after Cu treatments. Cytotoxic effects of Cu in catfish primary testis and TM3 Leydig cells showed cytotoxicity which is correlated well with morphological and flow cytometric analysis. Taken together, the results demonstrated that low dose of Cu/Cu-NPs can be detrimental to catfish testicular recrudescence vis-a-vis reproduction and the toxic effect manifest drastically in in vitro cultures.
Highlights
Living organisms require varying amount of certain metals which are essential for normal physiological functions
Characterization of Cu-NPs were done through Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and distribution of Cu-NPs were provided (Figures 1A–G)
TEM images before and after sonication were taken (Figures 1C–E), the particle size reduction was evident in TEM images
Summary
Living organisms require varying amount of certain metals which are essential for normal physiological functions. Soluble heavy metals (aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, copper (Cu), iron, lead, manganese, etc.,) are part of the environmental pollutants being released into water sources from effluents. Heavy metals gets accumulated in their body, and elicit toxic effects or even death (Authman et al, 2015). Due to biomagnification contaminated fish upon consumption will lead to serious health hazards in human (Fernandes et al, 2012). Cu is one of the major toxic heavy metal pollutants and have been widely used in alloys, coins, jewelry, and food pack container industries. It is sparingly soluble in water and binds to sediments and organic matters in and around the water bodies receiving industrial effluents. According to the report submitted by World Health Organization on “Copper in drinking-water” revealed that Cu is found in complex or as particulate matter in various water bodies including drinking and sea water (ATSDR, 2002)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
