EFFECT of CHRONIC FLUORIDE on OXIDATIVE STRESS in ZEBRAFISH HEART TISSUE

Due to rapid industrialization, the use of fluoride pesticides, and the discharge of fluoridated municipal waters, surface water fluoride levels are constantly increasing. Fluoride (F) is a trace element commonly found in the environment. Overexposure to fluoride, a toxic pollutant, can cause serious damage to the body. Recent studies have shown that some cardiovascular diseases are associated with excessive intake of F, and the effects of F on cardiovascular function are of interest to researchers. Excessive F exposure creates an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. As a result, the biochemical stress in the body increases, and thus oxidative stress is induced. In high concentrations, it can lead to negative results in neurological, behavioral, and physiological functions in soft tissues such as the myocardium, kidney, liver, and brain. In this study, the effect of chronic fluoride on oxidative stress in the heart tissue of zebrafish was investigated. For this purpose, 1.5, 5, and 100 ppm fluoride treatments were applied to adult zebrafish for 6 weeks. After exposure, fish were dissected and heart tissues were taken. Then, SOD, CAT, and GPx enzyme activities in these tissues were examined. When the results obtained were evaluated, it was found that SOD, CAT, and GPx activity did not show a significant change at 1.5 ppm when compared to the control group, but showed a significant increase at 5 and 100 ppm. Considering all the results obtained, it shows that low doses of chronic fluoride application increase the antioxidant enzyme activities by creating oxidative stress in zebrafish.