Biochemical Patterns and Genotoxicity of the Endocrine Disruptor Metformin in the Freshwater Fish Labeo rohita

Metformin is one of the most extensively used drugs, making it one of the most likely endocrine disruptors in the environment, which may negatively affect fish and other freshwater animals. Still, there is a dearth of studies examining metformin’s impact on freshwater creatures, like fish. This research aimed to identify the biochemical and genotoxicity effects of the endocrine disruptor metformin in the freshwater fish Labeo rohita at ecologically appropriate doses. Metformin’s toxicity was evaluated by subjecting L. rohita to the drug over 28 days at two dosages (40 µg/L to 80 µg/L). The results indicated that 40 µg/L and 80 µg/L of metformin caused an increase in reactive oxygen species and the generation of free radicals in the body of L. rohita, which in turn caused impairment and alterations in total hemoglobin, red blood corpuscles, white blood corpuscles, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl activity, respiratory burst activity, myeloperoxidase activity, and lysozyme activity. In addition, animals treated with the maximum metformin dose (80 µg/L) demonstrated substantial DNA damage in the genotoxicity experiment. Metformin’s endocrine-disrupting actions may have unintended ramifications for the well-being of aquatic species in their natural habitats. Results of the study demonstrated a serious concern that metformin exposure might be harmful to aquatic life. © 2023 by the authors.