Investigation of oxidative effects of physiological doses of metformin on liver of Labeo rohita

Metformin (Glucophage) is an orally administered antidiabetic drug. It is commonly prescribed as the first-line therapy for managing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it is used to treat gestational diabetes, cancer, and polycystic ovary syndrome. The imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize their harmful effects is known as oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the potential oxidative effects of metformin on the liver of Labeo rohita at physiological doses of 0.6 μg/ml and 1.2μg/ml. The liver of Labeo rohita was exposed to metformin for a period of 5 days, after which we evaluated the protective effects of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the physiological doses of metformin may induce oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased activity of glutathione peroxidase and decreased activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the liver of Labeo rohita. These changes suggest a potential disruption of the antioxidant defense system in the liver of the fish, highlighting the need for further investigation into the potential effects of metformin on aquatic organisms.