Endocrine Disruption by the Consumption of Fish (Tilapia oreochromis) from Heavy Metals Polluted River Sites and its Reversal Using Zinc
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Date
2014
Authors
Ebuehi, O.A.T.
Bolawa O.E.
Gbenle G.O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Aquaculture
Abstract
Background: Metals can disrupt hormonal functioning by binding to the receptor site and this can lead to various hormonal changes.
Objectives: This research paper present the changes in hormonal levels due to the consumption of Tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) gotten from heavy metals polluted riverine sources and its reversal using Zinc.
Methods: Twenty –one rabbits of mean weight 6.30kg + 0.5 were randomly grouped. The first group consists of seven rabbits fed with 100g of fish from Carter Bridge riverine site together with rabbits pellets. The 2nd group was fed with 100g of fish from Makoko Riverine site together with rabbits pellets while the third group which is the control group was fed with just rabbits pellets. The
duration of the experience was three months. The level of hormones (progesterone, lutenizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin) were investigated using the blood samples. A similar experiment was conducted on another set of twenty one rabbits grouped and fed in the same way as the previous set but this time the second group consists of rabbits fed 100g of fish from Carter bridge site together with rabbits pellets and 0.133g (extrapolated from their weights) of zinc. Also the levels of hormones were investigated.
Results: Progesterone levels significantly decreased from 1.60 ± 0.05 to 0.03±0.01ng/ml while FSH level also decreased from
1.60±0.01 to 1.10±0.05 IU/ml. The ratio of FSH to LH was greatly altered. Prolactin levels increased significantly from 1.10±0.02 to 1.80±0.03 ng/ml. The progesterone levels of zinc supplemented rabbits shoots up from 0.03±0.02 to 6.80±0.70 ng/ml.
Conclusion: Data of this study suggest that ingestion of fishes from heavily polluted sites by animals is capable of inducing low
progesterone levels and prolactinaemia which can lead to infertility. Also the ingestion of a daily supplement in form of zinc can
reverse this change.
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Citation
Bolawa O.E. , Gbenle G.O., Ebuehi O.A.T (2014). Endocrine Disruption by the Consumption of Fish (Tilapia oreochromis) from Heavy Metals Polluted River Sites and its Reversal Using Zinc. International Journal of Aquaculture 4 (13) : 79-84.