BDE-99 (2,2′,4,4′,5 - pentain polybrominated diphenyl ether) induces toxic effects in Oreochromis niloticus after sub-chronic and oral exposure

PBDEs are toxic, lipophilic, hydrophobic, and persistent artificial chemicals, characterized by high physical and chemical stability. Although PBDEs are known to disturb hormone signaling, many effects of 2,2′,4,4′,5 - pentain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (BDE-99) in fish remain unclear. The current study investigates the effects of BDE-99 in Oreochromis niloticus where sixty-four juvenile fish were orally exposed to 0.294, 2.94, 29.4 ng g−1 of BDE-99, every 10 days, during 80 days. The results showed histopathological findings in liver and kidney, increasing acetylcholinesterase activity in muscle, disturbs in the antioxidant system in liver and brain and decreasing the plasmatic levels of vitellogenin in females. According to multivariate analysis (IBR), the higher doses are related to the interaction of oxidative and non-oxidative enzymes. The present study provided evidence of deleterious effects after sub-chronic exposure of BDE 99 to O. niloticus, increasing the knowledge about its risk of exposure in fish.