Impact of Aflatoxin B1 on Growth, Hematological Indices, Oxidative Stress, and Gill Surface Ultrastructure in Channa punctata

Aflatoxin contamination is a global concern that imperils food security and aquaculture. This study was focused on evaluating the toxicological impact of aflatoxin B1 on fish growth, hematological parameters, and oxidative stress markers in the liver, kidneys, and gill tissues of Channa punctata. Additionally, a superficial examination of the gill tissue was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After two weeks of acclimatization, following LD50 estimation (6.5 mg/kg), the sublethal dosages (1/10, 1/20, and 1/40 of LD50) were calculated. The fish specimens (70 ± 4 grams) were then subjected to three sublethal doses of aflatoxin B1 (0.0114 ml, 0.0228 ml, and 0.0455 ml), with one group serving as a control. The toxin was first dissolved in a medium of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) to create a stock solution; each dose had a final volume of 0.5 mL (toxin and DMSO), ready to be administered via the intraperitoneal cavity. After 28 days of exposure, significant alterations were observed in the erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and derived erythrocytic indices. Moreover, oxidative stress markers revealed dose-dependent increases in lipid peroxidation alongside significant reductions in antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, etc.) levels in liver, kidney, and gill tissues. SEM revealed gill surface deformities as the toxin concentration was increased. The observed deviations of these parameters from physiological levels were evident, and it was concluded that AFB1 contamination is a serious matter of concern, raising food safety concerns for humans who consume these fish. It emphasizes the critical necessity for strategies to prevent or mitigate aflatoxin effects.