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Published on: May 13, 2019
Determination of micronuclei frequency in Danio rerio for assessing genotoxicity induced by propineb
Pinar Goc Rasgele1, Fatma Demir2, Serife Gulsun Kirankaya3
1Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Duzce University, Duzce, Türkiye.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxic effect of Propineb fungicide at different concentrations (0.167, 0.335 and 0.670 mg L-1) and different treatment times (24, 48, 72 and 96 h) on Danio rerio. At the end of the treatment periods, blood was collected from the fish with a heparin injector; smear preparations were prepared, fixed and stained. In the prepared preparations, the numbers of cells with MN and erythrocyte nucleus abnormalities were examined. It was found that propineb increased micronucleus formation at all treatment times and concentrations and induced the formation of erythrocytes with morphological abnormal nuclei such as segmented, kidney-shaped, notched, vacuolated nuclei and binucleated. The increase in micronucleus formation and the number of erythrocytes with abnormal nuclei were found to be concentration and treatment time-dependent. In conclusion, in this study, Danio rerio erythrocytes were used to evaluate the genotoxic effects of propineb fungicide on aquatic organisms, which have an important place in environmental risk assessment criteria. Since fungicides used in agricultural control such as propineb may have the potential to be genotoxic to aquatic organisms, the results of toxicity tests should be taken into consideration in the selection and use of concentrations of these chemicals.
Insights
Propineb fungicide caused genotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) by increasing micronucleus formation and abnormal erythrocyte nuclei. These effects were dependent on both propineb concentration and exposure time, highlighting risks to aquatic organisms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Genetics
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Propineb is a widely used agricultural fungicide.
- Assessing the environmental impact of pesticides on aquatic life is crucial.
- Genotoxicity testing in fish models provides valuable data for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the genotoxic potential of Propineb fungicide.
- To determine the effects of varying concentrations and exposure durations of Propineb on zebrafish (Danio rerio).
- To assess the formation of micronuclei and erythrocyte abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to Propineb at concentrations of 0.167, 0.335, and 0.670 mg L⁻¹ for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours.
- Blood samples were collected, and smear preparations were analyzed for micronucleus (MN) formation and erythrocyte nucleus abnormalities.
- Data analysis focused on concentration- and time-dependent responses.
Main Results:
- Propineb significantly increased micronucleus formation in zebrafish erythrocytes across all tested concentrations and treatment times.
- The fungicide induced various erythrocyte nucleus abnormalities, including segmented, kidney-shaped, notched, vacuolated, and binucleated nuclei.
- Both the increase in micronuclei and the incidence of abnormal nuclei showed a clear dose-dependent and time-dependent relationship.
Conclusions:
- Zebrafish erythrocytes serve as a reliable indicator for assessing the genotoxicity of Propineb in aquatic ecosystems.
- Propineb exhibits genotoxic effects on aquatic organisms, necessitating careful consideration of its environmental risk.
- Results underscore the importance of toxicity testing for informed selection and application of agricultural fungicides like Propineb.
