Dietary banana peels modulate waterborne oxyfluorfen-induced hepatotoxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) via regulation of redox homeostasis and ER stress signaling.

Aquatic habitats are increasingly endangered by oxyfluorfen (OXY), a diphenyl ether herbicide that induces hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in aquatic organisms. Banana (Musa acuminata) peel, a valuable byproduct, is known for its antioxidant properties; however, its potential to counteract OXY-induced liver toxicity in Oreochromis niloticus remains unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of banana peel powder (BPP) against OXY-induced liver damage and the underlying pathways. A hepatotoxicity model was implemented by subjecting O. niloticus to OXY (0.33 mg/L) for 9 weeks, with or without dietary BPP supplementation (20 g/kg). To assess hepatic injury, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and biochemical alterations, hepatic histopathological examination, and real-time quantitative PCR analyses were conducted. Outcomes revealed that OXY exposure disrupted lipid and protein profiles, as evidenced by increased blood cholesterol and triglycerides and reduced serum protein levels. In addition, an elevation in bilirubin content, liver functional enzymes, and lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde), with a lowering of antioxidant enzymes, was observed in the OXY-exposed fish. Moreover, OXY induced upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptotic-related genes (ire-1α, xbp-1, atf-6, eif-2α, chop, and jnk). In addition to that, histopathological investigation of hepatic tissues demonstrated severe hepatic degeneration, peripancreatic hemorrhage, necrosis, and congestion. Notably, dietary BPP improves antioxidant response, lipid metabolism, and liver structure, while alleviating hepatocyte damage and disrupted gene expression. Overall, BPP (20 g/kg) may protect O. niloticus against OXY-induced liver damage through its antioxidant potential, supporting its application as a functional additive in aquaculture.