Neurobehavioral, apoptotic, and DNA damaging effects of sub-chronic profenofos exposure on the brain tissue of Cyprinus carpio L.: Antagonistic role of Geranium essential oil.

•Profenofos (PFF) insecticide altered behavior and growth of Cyprinus carpio L.•PFF induced DNA damage and apoptosis in the brain and gills of fish.•PFF induced circulatory, inflammatory, regressive and progressive alterations in the brain and gill.•Geranium oil supplemented diet enhanced biochemical and antioxidant status of fish.•GEO significantly upregulated Bcl-2 and downregulated caspase-3 immunoexpression.