Effect of Chlorantraniliprole on Kidney of Freshwater Fish Channa punctatus (Bloch): A Review

Abstract

Agricultural intensification has led to widespread use of modern insecticides, including chlorantraniliprole, a diamide insecticide widely applied for controlling lepidopteran pests. Although chlorantraniliprole is considered comparatively safer for mammals, its persistence and runoff into aquatic ecosystems may pose significant risks to aquatic organisms. Freshwater fish such as Channa punctatus (Bloch) are highly sensitive to pesticide contamination and serve as valuable bioindicators of aquatic pollution. The kidney is one of the most important organs in fish responsible for osmoregulation, excretion, hematopoiesis, and maintenance of ionic balance. Toxic exposure may therefore severely disrupt renal structure and function. This review synthesizes available information regarding the effects of chlorantraniliprole exposure on the kidney of freshwater fish, particularly Channa punctatus. Studies have demonstrated that exposure to sub-lethal and lethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole causes significant biochemical, physiological, and histopathological alterations in fish tissues. Behavioral disturbances such as erratic swimming, hyperactivity, and excessive mucus secretion have been reported in exposed fish populations. These responses indicate acute stress and physiological imbalance caused by pesticide toxicity Experimental investigations further reveal substantial changes in biochemical constituents including proteins, glycogen, amino acids, and lipid content in vital tissues such as kidney, liver, and gills following pesticide exposure. Declines in protein and energy reserves indicate metabolic stress and disruption of cellular homeostasis. Histopathological examination of kidney tissues commonly shows glomerular degeneration, tubular necrosis, epithelial degeneration, and vacuolation. Such alterations impair renal filtration and ion regulation, ultimately affecting fish survival and growth. Overall, this review highlights that chlorantraniliprole contamination in freshwater ecosystems can significantly affect renal physiology in fish. Understanding these toxicological effects is essential for environmental monitoring, ecological risk assessment, and development of sustainable pesticide management strategies.