Abstract

Oxidative stress and toxicological impacts of Ethoxysulfuron exposure on bone marrow, and intestinal morphometry in male Japanese Quail

Authors: Shoaib Shafqat, Juon Abbass, Areej Khan, Hina Afsheen, Gulnaz Afzal, Qamar Un Nisa, Sana Alam, Muhammad Irfan Shamsher and Adil Jamal

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2023.022

Abstract
Herbicides use in agriculture, particularly in developing countries, continues to pose a significant threat to avian populations. To investigate the potential harm caused by ethoxysulfuron herbicide, an experiment was conducted focusing on its effects on bone marrow, erythrocyte, and intestine morphology in male Japanese quail. Forty-eight sexually mature quail weighing 120g were selected and divided into four groups (A, B, C and D), each comprising 12 quail. After a two-week adaptation period in their natural environment, the trial commenced. Group A served as the control, while groups B, C and D were exposed to ethoxysulfuron @ doses of 07mg/kg BW, 09mg/kg BW, and 12.5mg/kg BW, respectively. The study evaluated the concentrations of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and reduced glutathione (GSH). The results demonstrated a significant decrease in POD, SOD, CAT and GSH levels with an increase in dosage. Conversely, oxidative stress markers, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) exhibited a significant increase in all exposed groups. The results of CAT and SOD activity also exhibited a significant decrease in erythrocytes, whereas the content of LPO increased significantly in erythrocytes of all treated groups of Japanese quail. This study also analyzed morphological changes in the small intestine, revealing a decrease in villous height and crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. These alterations were observed across all experimental groups and intensified with both higher doses and longer exposure. The results indicated that exposure to ethoxysulfuron showed a toxic effect and caused minor to major alterations in male Japanese quail. These results emphasize the urgent need to address the detrimental impacts of herbicides on avian populations, particularly in developing countries where birds are disproportionately affected.

Keywords: Ethoxysulfuron; Japanese quail; Bone marrow; Small intestine; Oxidative stress