Study of the effect of Thymol on brain tissue oxidative stress responses caused by mercury metal poisoning in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Aquatic Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran

2 Department of comparative biosciences, faculty of veterinary medicine, university of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Aquatic Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

4 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Background

One of the most significant heavy metals that is not biodegradable is mercury. Fish exposed to mercury may experience negative consequences, such as a decrease in brain tissue. Using herbal compounds or their active constituents is one of the best ways to lessen the negative effects of heavy metals. The essential oils of plants like thyme contain thymol, a naturally occurring monoterpene.

Objectives

This research was conducted to investigate the protective effects of thymol on the brain tissue oxidative stress responses of juvenile carp exposed to mercury metal.

Methods

The 120 common carp (Cyprinus carpio) used in this study were split into four groups at random: control, HgCl2, thymol, and thymol+HgCl2. Each group had ten fish and was reproduced three times. The fish spent 56 days in captivity. For the control group, the fish were kept in water devoid of mercury (II) chloride and fed simple diet. Thymol and thymol+HgCl2 fish were fed food containing 100 mg/kg of thymol for 56 days. Fish in the thymol+HgCl2 and HgCl2 groups had 0.44 mg/l of mercury chloride in their tank water. A necropsy and removal of the fish's brain tissue followed their euthanasia after 56 days. The brain tissue's response variables to oxidative stress (MDA, TAC, CAT, SOD) were then assessed.

Results

The results of this research showed that thymol has a good protective effect on oxidative stress responses of brain tissue following chronic mercury exposure.

Conclusions

Therefore, it can be said that thymol is capable of reducing the negative effects that common carp experience from exposure to mercury chloride.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 August 2025

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