Ameliorative Role of Vitamin C against Cypermethrin Induced Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) Using Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis

The present study was undertaken to evaluate cypermethrin (CYP)-induced oxidative stress [reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in gills, muscles, brain, and liver tissues] and DNA damage/genotoxicity (peripheral blood erythrocytes) in a freshwater teleost rohu (Labeo rohita) and the protective role of vitamin C. The LC50 of CYP against rohu was found to be 4.5 mu g/L in a semi-static culture system through probit analysis. Fingerlings of rohu were distributed into four groups (Group 1st served as a control, fed 35% protein basal diet and was not exposed to CYP; Group 2nd was fed a basal diet and exposed to CYP; Group 3rd and Group 4th were fed diets supplemented with vitamin C at the rate of 100 and 200 mg/kg diet, respectively, and exposed to CYP). Fingerlings were reared on a basal and vitamin C-supplemented diet for 28 days prior to exposure to CYP. The results indicate a time-dependent significant increase in ROS and LPO (indicated by time course increase in TBARS level) as well as DNA damage in terms of number of comets, % DNA in tail, tail moment, tail length, and olive tail moment after exposure to LC50 of CYP. However, statistically comparable results in both Groups 1st and 4th indicate the protective role of vitamin C. The results reveal the effectiveness of vitamin C as a feed additive for countering pesticides toxicity in Labeo rohita. The current study indicates CYP as a potential genotoxicant for fish and classifies SCGE as a reliable and sensitive tool for assessing DNA damage.