Patho-physiological effects of environmental relevant concentrations of lufenuron in male Japanese quails

The widespread utilization of synthetic chemicals contaminates the land and water environments. The present investigation determined the effects of sub-lethal concentrations of lufenuron in the male Japanese quail. The birds exposed to lufenuron showed the clinical signs of behavioral, digestive, nervous and reproductive upsets. The drug significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the feed intake, body weight, absolute and relative weights of visceral organs (kidneys, liver, brain, heart, testes), RBCs count, HCT, Hg concentration, serum proteins and anti-oxidants enzymes (SOD, CAT, LPO, GSH) while concentrations of hepatic, cardiac and renal biomarkers were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the birds treated with higher doses (15 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) of lufenuron, in a time and dose dependent manner. Comet assay revealed significantly (p < 0.05) increased frequency of DNA damage in the isolated cells of liver, kidneys and intestine along with a significant (p < 0.05) increased frequency of micronucleus in the erythrocytes. The visceral organs showed prominent histo-pathological ailments in the birds exposed to higher doses of lufenuron. Our study is the first comprehensive report that demonstrates the significant physio-biochemical health effects of lufenuron on complete clinico-hematological parameters of free ranging fauna (quail) of the natural ecosystem, even at sub-lethal environment relevant concentrations.