Biochemical Effects of Euphorbia tirucalli Latex Powder on Oreochromis mossambicus using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
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Abstract
Introduction: Aquatic ecosystems face increasing threats from natural and anthropogenic contaminants, including plant-based toxins such as Euphorbia tirucalli (E. tirucalli) latex, which pose specific risks to marine organisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical effects of E. tirucalli latex on the gills, liver, and kidneys of Oreochromis mossambicus (O. mossambicus) using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy over a 28-day exposure period.
Materials and methods: A total of 54 O. mossambicus fish were collected from the Krishnagiri Reservoir, Tamil Nadu, India. The fish were divided into two groups, including the control group (Group A), maintained in clean water without latex exposure, and the second group exposed to lyophilized E. tirucalli latex at a concentration of 0.315 g/L for 28 days under continuous aeration (Group B). The latex of E. tirucalli was lyophilized and administered through water exposure following a 10-day acclimation period. The latex-induced biochemical alterations in gill, liver, and kidney tissues were assessed by FTIR spectral shifts in protein, lipid, and carbohydrate bands.
Results: The FTIR analysis revealed distinct, organ-specific biochemical alterations in response to latex exposure. The liver analysis in Group B exhibited a pronounced C=O ester stretch at 1745 cm⁻¹, indicating lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, whereas the kidney indicated notable sugar and phosphate absorption bands (1084-1030 cm⁻¹) and a unique peak at 875 cm⁻¹, suggesting metabolic disturbance. Gill tissues in Group B displayed relatively moderate biochemical responses. Protein content analysis across different tissues in both experimental groups revealed significant variations, confirming that E. tirucalli latex disrupted protein metabolism.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of FTIR spectroscopy in detecting organ-specific biochemical changes, highlighting the toxic potential of E. tirucalli latex as an environmental hazard in aquatic ecosystems.
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