Evaluation of co-exposure of the neuropharmaceutical carbamazepine and calcium on the testicular and hepatic morphology of Astyanax lacustris (Characiformes: Characidae) in sub-chronic exposure.

Abstract

The aquatic environment has a unique biological richness, housing diverse forms of life. However, it is known that this environment is the destination of many pollutants, which as a result, in addition to causing local contamination, can also cause physiological deregulations, injuries or even death of organisms that inhabit it. Among them, pharmaceuticals stand out, since the levels found in these environments have grown exponentially. As an example, we can mention Carbamazepine (CBZ), which is an antiepileptic with psychoactive properties considered persistent in the aquatic environment and which has already been found in water for human consumption. Studies have shown that CBZ can cause changes in reproductive physiology, liver damage, oxidative stress, bioaccumulation in tissues, reduced enzymatic responses and many other problems. Furthermore, together with the presence of other compounds, such as ions and metals, they can attenuate/aggravate the availability of the pharmaceuticals in the environment and consequently reduce/increase the physiological damage to the organisms. One mechanism of action of CBZ is the inhibition of voltage-dependent sodium and calcium channels, and considering that the presence of other compounds can influence its bioavailability, the objective of the present study will be to evaluate the influence of carbamazepine co-exposure and calcium in testes and liver morphology of Astyanax lacustris in sub-chronic exposure. The results obtained will contribute to urgent action in understanding the ecotoxicity of CBZ, a drug of emerging concern with possible endocrine and reproductive disrupting actions in teleost fish.