Hepatic Histomorphological Changes and Oxidative Stress Profile of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Juveniles Fed with Sodium Propanoate-Preserved Diets

Abstract

Sodium propanoate is in the list of approved feed preservatives. However, there is dearth of information on its biological effects on the C. gariepinus. The present study investigated the effect of sodium propanoate-preserved feed on the hepatic histomorphometric changes, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters of C. gariepinus juveniles. One hundred juveniles of mixed sexes, assigned into 5 groups of 20 fish per group, with each group consisting of 2 replicates of 10 fish, were used for the investigation. Group A juveniles were fed basal diet, while groups B-E received basal diet incorporated with sodium propanoate at the rate of 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/15 kg of feed respectively. Treatments were done two times daily for 8 weeks. Samples (sera and liver) were collected on the last day for evaluation of a few biochemical parameters (malondialdehyde values, catalase activity, C-reactive protein levels) and histomorphometric alterations in the liver. Results indicated that fish in groups D and E had higher catalase activities, lower serum levels of C-reactive proteins and an intact hepatic histomorphormetry when compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in the plasma malondialdehyde values in all the groups. It was concluded that preservation of fish feed with sodium propanoates improved antioxidant status of C. gariepinus and protected liver histology.