Biochemical and physiological effect of dietary supplements of ZnO nanoparticles on common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

ZnO-NPs, like other macromolecule sources, may provide the fish with sufficient amounts of zinc and be effective in regulating the biochemical function of cells in organisms. This study aimed to assess the possibility of using nanoparticles in common carp diet by evaluating alterations in blood biochemical parameters, as a clinical marker of fish health. In this study, fish were fed diets supplemented with 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 mg kg^-1 ZnO-NPs for 21 days. The results showed that after 21 days admiration of ZnO-NPs, 10 and 15 mg kg^-1 concentrations significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and creatinine levels in plasma of fish (P 0.05). Also, the administration of 15 mg kg^-1 ZnO-NPs significantly (P 0.05) increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. No significant changes were observed in plasma total protein, albumin and globulin levels (P 0.05). In conclusion, the results showed that diets containing high concentrations of ZnONPs supplement (10 and 15 mg) is caused severe cytotoxic effects, including changes in blood biochemical parameters. The primary toxic mechanism of ZnO-NPs was possibly increasing the cellular oxidative stress and disrupting the biochemical function of cells.