Oxidative stress, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium chloride on Paramisgurnus dabryanus.

This study evaluated the toxicity of 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium chloride ([Cmim]Cl) on Paramisgurnus dabryanus by enzyme analysis, comet assay, and apoptosis analysis. The study showed that [Cmim]Cl had an obvious toxic effect inducing oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity to fish liver cells. [Cmim]Cl also induced changes in the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and the glutathione content and malondialdehyde level in fish exposed at 20-80mgL. With increased exposure concentration and time, the four antioxidant enzyme activities, three different comet parameters and apoptosis rates of tested cells were significantly increased, with significant differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01) observed between control group and each treatment group. This study shows that [Cmim]Cl could be a threat to aquatic organism health when accidentally released into aquatic ecosystems.