Nitrite acts as an endocrine disruptor by downregulating hepcidin gene expression: Evidence from common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Abstract
Natural nitrogen components are commonly introduced as potential pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. The aim of the present study is the evaluation of hepcidin regulation under high nitrite conditions through a gene expression assay in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as an animal model. Common carp (C. carpio), with an average weight of 15 ± 2 g were utilized in present study. After determining the 96-h LC50 dose through an assay, the fish were randomly divided into 4 groups. Three concentrations of nitrite were chosen for the 96-h challenge (80, 160 and 320 mg. L-1). The 0 dose serves as negative control. At 96-h of exposure, 5 fish were randomly selected from each aquarium and blood sample was obtained from the caudal vein using heparinized syringes for analyses of plasma parameters. After blood collection, the liver and kidney from each sampled fish was derived to the hepcidin (hamp) gene expression analysis. The nitrite challenge at doses of 80, 160, and 320 mg. L-1 significantly increased plasma total oxidant status level compared to the control group (0 dose) (P<0.05, P<0.05, and P<0.01, respectively), and significantly decreased plasma total antioxidant capacity level compared to the control group (P<0.01). Additionally, exposure to nitrite for 96-h significantly decreased hamp gene expression in the liver and kidney tissues compared to the control group. Exposure to nitrite downregulates the expression of the hamp gene in the liver and kidney tissues of common carp.
Article Details
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Ameli, Z., Eynizadeh, Z., Ghasemi, M., Hosseini, A., Azizi, V., & Mortazavi Moghadam, F. (2026). Nitrite acts as an endocrine disruptor by downregulating hepcidin gene expression: Evidence from common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 77(2), 10387–10393. https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.41060 (Original work published May 15, 2026)
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- Vol. 77 No. 2 (2026)
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- Research Articles
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