BIOCHEMICAL AND ENZYMATIC ALTERATIONS IN THE SERUM OF Synodontis clarias And Clarias agboyiensis FROM EPE AND LEKKI LAGOONS

Abstract

In order to evaluate the impact of the environment on fish physiology, this study examined seasonal fluctuations in
biochemical and enzymatic parameters in the serum of Synodontis clarias and Clarias agboyiensis taken from
Lekki and Epe Lagoons, Nigeria. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline
phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density
lipoprotein (LDL), and glucose (GLU) were among the important biomarkers examined. Significant seasonal
variations (p<0.05) were found in both lagoons. In general, the dry season had greater lipid profiles (TG, HDL,
LDL) and enzyme activities (AST, ALT, ALP) than the wet season, suggesting increased metabolic activity and
potential environmental stress during the dry season. On the other hand, glucose levels were consistently higher
during the dry season, which may indicate a stress response or increased energy demands. There were also
differences in biochemical and enzymatic parameters in the lagoons in both seasons; Epe Lagoon frequently had
somewhat higher biochemical and enzymatic values, which may indicate different ecological conditions. While
Clarias agboyiensis showed significant increases in AST and ALT during the rainy season, Synodontis clarias
showed large decreases in ALP, HDL, and GLU. These results demonstrate how sensitive fish biochemical indices
are to seasonal and habitat changes, highlighting their significance as biomarkers for tracking the health of
aquatic ecosystems and promoting sustainable fisheries management.