Variations in the antioxidant system and circadian rhythms of goldfish, Carassius auratus, exposed to ammonia: profile of the effects of green LED spectra

Abstract

The present study evaluated effects of green light emitting diode (LED) spectra on oxidative stress and circadian rhythms in goldfish exposed to various concentrations (0.25 and 0.5mg/L) of NH3, under a white fluorescent bulb (control; simulated natural period) and green LED light. We measured mRNA expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and mRNA expression of circadian rhythms (period 2), in addition to levels of plasma hydrogen peroxide, cortisol and melatonin. Damage to nuclear DNA was assessed using the comet assay. All stress indicators and melatonin were significantly lower in the green LED group than in the control group. With an increase in the concentration of ammonia, the observed effects became even more significant and generally increased with time. Comparatively, damage to the nuclear DNA was greater in the 0.5mg/L NH3 group, and lower in the green LED group. The Period 2 mRNA expression reduced as increasing ammonia treatment but increased as green LED exposed. We have suggested that Green LED reduced levels of oxidative stress, which suggests an antioxidant effect against NH3 toxicity. Additionally, ammonia is affected the circadian rhythms and the green LED wavelength is able to regulate effectively the circadian rhythm.