Trichlorfon is an
organophosphate insecticide that is widely used on fish farms to control
parasitic infections. It has been detected in freshwater ecosystems as well as in fishery products. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that certain feed additives may reduce or prevent
pesticide-induced toxicity in fish. The aim of the present study was to determine whether acute exposure to
trichlorfon would alter bioenergetic homeostasis and alter
fatty acid profiles in muscles of
silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). We also sought to determine whether
rutin prevents or reduces these effects. Cytosolic and
mitochondrial creatine kinase (CK) and activities of complexes II-III and IV in muscle were significantly inhibited by exposure to 11 mg/L
trichlorfon for 48 h compared to effects in the unexposed group. Total content of
polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) were significantly lower in muscle of
silver catfish exposed to 11 mg/L
trichlorfon for 48 h than in the unexposed group. Addition of 3 mg
rutin/kg feed increased CK activity and prevented inhibition of complex IV activity, as well as preventing all alterations of muscle
fatty acid profiles elicited by exposure to
trichlorfon. No significant differences were observed between groups with respect to muscle
adenylate kinase or
pyruvate kinase activities, as well as total content of saturated and
monounsaturated fatty acids. Our findings suggest that exposure (48 h) to 11 mg
trichlorfon/L water inhibits cytosolic and mitochondrial CK activity in muscle.
Trichlorfon also affects activities of complexes II-III and IV in respiratory chain, with important consequences for
adenosine triphosphate production. The
pesticide alters
fatty acid profiles in the fish and endangers human consumers of the product. The most important finding of the present study is that inclusion of
rutin improves bioenergetic homeostasis and muscle
fatty acid profiles, suggesting that it reduces
trichlorfon-induced muscle damage.