Accumulation, Chronicity, and Induction of Oxidative Stress Regulating Genes Through Allium cepa L. Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles in Freshwater Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Green evolutionary products such as biologically fabricated nanoparticles (NPs) pose a hazard to aquatic creatures. Herein, biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by the reaction between ionic silver (AgNO3) and aqueous onion peel extract (Allium cepa L). The synthesized biogenic AgNPs were characterized with UV-Visible spectrophotometer, XRD, FT-IR, and TEM with EDS analysis; then, their toxicity was assessed on common carp fish (Cyprinus carpio) using biomarkers of haematological alterations, oxidative stress, histological changes, differential gene expression patterns, and bioaccumulation. The 96 h lethal toxicity was analysed with various concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg/l) of biogenic AgNPs. Based on 96 h LC50, sublethal concentrations (1/15(th), 1/10(th), and 1/5(th)) were given to C. carpio for 28 days. At the end of experiment, the bioaccumulations of Ag content were accumulated mainly in the gills, followed by the liver and muscle. At an interval of 7 days, the haematological alterations showed significance (p < 0.05) and elevation of antioxidant defence mechanism reveals the toxicity of biogenic synthesized AgNPs. Adverse effects on oxidative stress were probably related to the histopathological damage of its vital organs like gill, liver, and muscle. Finally, the fish treated with biogenic synthesized AgNPs were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulates the oxidative stress genes such as Cu-Zn SOD, CAT, GPx1a, GST-alpha, CYP1A, and Nrf-2 expression patterns. The present study provides evidence of biogenic synthesized AgNPs influence on the aquatic life through induction of oxidative stress.

Automated summary

Green evolutionary products, such as biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), can be hazardous to aquatic organisms. This study synthesized biogenic AgNPs using ionic silver and onion peel extract and characterized their properties. The toxicity of these AgNPs was evaluated on common carp fish, showing significant hematological alterations, oxidative stress, and histological damage in vital organs. Furthermore, the fish treated with these AgNPs exhibited downregulation of oxidative stress genes. This study provides evidence of the influence of biogenic synthesized AgNPs on aquatic life through induction of oxidative stress.