Ibuprofen at environmentally relevant concentrations alters embryonic development, induces teratogenesis and oxidative stress in Cyprinus carpio

Ibuprofen (IBU) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) that is used in various conditions. The prescriptions and the global consumption of this drug are very high and its annual production oscillates in millions of tons, this generates that the IBU is present in many waterbodies because it is discharged through the municipal, hospital and industrial effluents. For the above, the purpose of this work was to determine if IBU at environmentally relevant concentrations was capable of inducing alterations to embryonic development, teratogenic effects and oxidative stress in oocytes and embryos of Cyprinus carpio. Oocytes of common carp were exposed to IBU concentrations between 1.5 and 11.5 μg L⁻¹ (environmentally relevant). LC₅₀ and EC₅₀ of malformations were determined to calculate the teratogenic index (TI). Also, main alterations to embryonic development and teratogenic effects were evaluated. Oxidative stress was evaluated by determining biomarkers of cellular oxidation and antioxidation using the same concentrations at 72 and 96 hpf in embryos of Cyprinus carpio. The results showed a LC₅₀ of 4.17 μg L⁻¹, EC₅₀ of 1.39 μg L⁻¹ and TI of 3.0. The main embryonic development disorders and teratogenic effects were delayed hatching, hypopigmentation, pericardial edema, yolk deformation, and developmental delay. Biomarkers of cellular oxidation and antioxidants were increased with respect to the control in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of the study allow us to conclude that IBU at environmentally relevant concentrations is capable of inducing embryotoxicity and teratogenicity in a fish of commercial interest like Cyprinus carpio.