Shahryari_2025_J.Trace.Elem.Med.Biol_88_127613

BACKGROUNDS: This study aimed to assess the toxicity effect of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on the biochemical and oxidative markers in freshwater miniature shrimp (Caridina fossarum). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the pre-test results, 540 shrimp were distributed into six trial groups in triplicate and exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Fe3O4 nanoparticles at 0.0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 320 microg L(-1) for 14 days. Next, biochemical parameters and oxidative biomarkers were measured. RESULTS: The results showed that exposure to 120 microg L >= of IONPs significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase activity in C. fossarum. Alanine aminotransferase activity showed a significant increase at 320 microg L . Similarly, alkaline phosphatase activity was meaningfully elevated at 160 and 320 microg L . Lactate dehydrogenase activity notably increased at 120 and 320 microg L of IONPs. IONPs at <= 80 microg L significantly reduced gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and butyrylcholinesterase activities. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly increased at 320 microg L . Exposure to 80 microg L >= of IONPs significantly increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in C. fossarum. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde content increased considerably in shrimp exposed to different concentrations of IONPs. Exposure to IONPs could induce oxidative stress, disrupt protein structures, oxidize sulfur-containing and essential aromatic and aliphatic amino acids, impair nucleic acid stability, and change lipid metabolism and membrane integrity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, significant changes in biochemical parameters, oxidative biomarkers, and metabolic profile disruptions in C. fossarum exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of IONPs indicated cellular damage and oxidative stress.