Subchronic toxicity study of GH transgenic carp

Area of Science:

• Aquatic Biotechnology
• Toxicology
• Genetically Modified Organisms

Background:

• Genetically modified (GM) fish, such as growth hormone (GH) transgenic carp, are being developed for aquaculture.
• Assessing the safety of consuming GM fish is crucial for regulatory approval and consumer acceptance.
• Subchronic toxicity and endocrine disruption potential need thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the subchronic toxicity and endocrine disruption potential of GH transgenic carp in Sprague-Dawley rats.
• To compare the effects of GH transgenic carp, parental carp, and common carp on rat health parameters.

Main Methods:

• A 90-day feeding study using 60 Sprague-Dawley rats divided into three groups: GH transgenic carp, parental carp, and control.
• Dietary administration of 10% carp powder (GH-TC, PC, or common carp) in a soy- and alfalfa-free diet.
• Assessment of body and organ weights, food intake, blood routine, blood biochemical parameters, serum hormone levels (T3, T4, FSH, E2, P, T), and pathological examination.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in body weight, organ weights, food intake, blood routine, or blood biochemical parameters among the three groups.
• Serum hormone levels (T3, T4, FSH, E2, P, T) showed no significant variations between the GH transgenic carp-treated group and the control groups.
• Pathological examinations revealed no treatment-related adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• GH transgenic carp, at the tested dose level and duration, demonstrated no evidence of subchronic toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats.
• Consumption of GH transgenic carp did not induce significant endocrine disruption in the studied rat model.
• These findings support the safety of GH transgenic carp as a food source regarding subchronic toxicity and endocrine effects.