Effects of levetiracetam an antiepileptic drug on the multi-biological parameters in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822).

This study investigated the impact of levetiracetam on the multi-biological parameters in juvenile Clarias gariepinus. Fish were exposed to 0.2, 0.6, and 0.8 mg/L of levetiracetam and filtered dechlorinated water (control) for 10 days, followed by a recovery period of 5 days. Blood samples were collected periodically for haematological and serum biochemical profiling, and the fish were sacrificed for the liver and brain tissues' analysis. Skin colouration, mucus secretion, and air-gulping increased with concentration and duration of exposure, while swimming rate and opercula movement decreased. A significant (p < 0.05) dose- and duration-dependent decrease was recorded in the red blood cells, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and white blood cell counts, while the opposite was recorded in the mean corpuscular haemoglobin, volume, and haemoglobin concentrations. Compared to the control, there were no significant differences in the values of the differential leukocyte counts, except for lymphocytes, which were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the highest concentration at the end of the exposure period. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities increased significantly (p < 0.05), while the values for protein and glucose were reduced compared to the control. The oxidative stress biomarkers, liver catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while malondialdehyde and acetylcholinesterase activities increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control. The activities were duration- and concentration-dependent. No significant difference in the correction factor, while the hepatosomatic index decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control. The parameters returned to normal after post 5-day withdrawal of levetiracetam administration. The study indicated that levetiracetam is toxic to fish.