Abstract
This study was carried out to explore the possible deleterious impacts of acrylamide (ACR) on catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The estimation of mortalities, the examination of the clinical picture, the evaluation of blood parameters, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and the histopathological picture were performed in the liver, kidney, and brain samples of the experimentally ACR-exposed catfish. The 96 hours LC50 value was estimated to be 133 mg/L by the hydrostatic method. Fish were reared in water containing four different concentrations of ACR as follows: 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of the estimated LC50 for 2 weeks. Abnormal behavioral, clinical, and postmortem responses were depicted. The anemic response including significant decreases in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume following the ascending concentrations of ACR were recorded. The malondialdehyde was significantly increased, whereas reduced glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity were significantly decreased. The DNA fragmentation assay illustrated a clear laddering pattern in all the tested organs. Notably, the brain was the most influenced organ. It is presumed that ACR contamination showed adverse impacts on the catfish.