Exploring the Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic and Proapoptotic Properties of Virkon-S in Carp Epithelioma Papulosum Cells

Cyprinus carpio is one of most produced fish species farmed in Turkey. There are many factors comprising with the viral diseases that reduce productivity and cause significant economic losses in carp production. Epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) is of the viral diseases with high infection and mortality rates. For prevention of parasitic diseases disinfectants have been used but due to the potential genotoxicity and cytotoxic effects alternative non-toxic agents are required. The biocompatible, and non-toxic disinfectant Virkon-S is recommended by FAO for this manner but its application on Epithelioma papulosum cyprini, but its usage on this disease has not yet been researched. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic, antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of Virkon-S on EPC cells. Cytotoxicity, morphological and ultrastructural changes were investigated by MTT assay, confocal and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Cell death mode was investigated by Annexin-V and Caspase 3/7 analysis. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis was detected on Virkon-S treated EPC cells. Also, TEM results revealed that Virkon-S notably changed the ultrastructure of EPC cells together with indications like swollen mitochondria, loss of cristae and membrane blebbings. The study results showed that Virkon-S has cytotoxic, antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on EPC cells and might be used for prevention of EPC disease after deeper in vivo investigations. These findings collectively suggest the induction of cytotoxicity on the cellular ultrastructure. Furthermore, in alignment with the findings from confocal microscopy, it can be concluded that Virkon-S triggers apoptosis in EPC cells.