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Lu X, Song Y, Wang J, Cai Y, Peng S, Lin J, Lai B, Sun J, Liu T, Chen G, Xing L. Developmental dopaminergic signaling modulates neural circuit formation and contributes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related phenotypes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00086-5. [PMID: 38492733 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex etiology. Recent evidence suggests that dopamine plays a crucial role in neural development. However, it remains unclear whether and how disrupted dopaminergic signaling during development contributes to ASD. In this study, human brain RNA-seq transcriptome analysis revealed a significant correlation between changes in dopaminergic signaling pathways and neural developmental signaling in ASD patients. In the zebrafish model, disrupted developmental dopaminergic signaling led to neural circuit abnormalities and behavior reminiscent of autism. Dopaminergic signaling may impact neuronal specification by potentially modulating integrins. These findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying the link between disrupted developmental dopamine signaling and ASD, and they point to the possibility of targeting dopaminergic signaling in early development for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yixing Song
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Yunyun Cai
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Siwan Peng
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaqi Lin
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Biqin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Junjie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tianqing Liu
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Gang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China.
| | - Lingyan Xing
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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Wang J, Zou L, Jiang P, Yao M, Xu Q, Hong Q, Zhu J, Chi X. Vitamin A ameliorates valproic acid-induced autism-like symptoms in developing zebrafish larvae by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis. Neurotoxicology 2024; 101:93-101. [PMID: 38191030 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been reported to induce ASD-like symptoms in human and rodents. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD have not been well elucidated. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors using zebrafish model and investigated whether vitamin A could prevent VPA-induced neurotoxicity. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 25 and 50 μM VPA from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and the neurotoxicity was assessed. Our results showed that VPA affected the normal development of zebrafish larvae and induced ASD-like behaviors, including reduced locomotor activity, decreased distance near conspecifics, impaired social interaction and repetitive swimming behaviors. Exposure to VPA decreased the GFP signal in transgenic HuC:egfp zebrafish according to the negative effect of VPA on the expression of neurodevelopmental genes. In addition, VPA enhanced oxidative stress by promoting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and inhibiting the activity of superoxide dismutase, then triggered apoptosis by upregulation of apoptotic genes. These adverse outcomes were mitigated by vitamin A, suggesting that vitamin A rescued VPA-induced ASD-like symptoms by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis. Overall, this study identified vitamin A as a promising strategy for future therapeutic regulator of VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Wang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Li Zou
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, PR China; Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210036, PR China
| | - Peiyun Jiang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Mengmeng Yao
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Qu Xu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Qin Hong
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Jiansheng Zhu
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
| | - Xia Chi
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, PR China.
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Chen J, Liang Q, Zheng Y, Lei Y, Gan X, Mei H, Bai C, Wang H, Ju J, Dong Q, Song Y. Polystyrene nanoplastics induced size-dependent developmental and neurobehavioral toxicities in embryonic and juvenile zebrafish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 267:106842. [PMID: 38266469 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Because of widespread environmental contamination, there is growing concern that nanoplastics may pose a risk to humans and the environment. Due to their small particle size, nanoplastics may cross the blood-nerve barrier and distribute within the nervous system. The present study systematically investigated the uptake/distribution and developmental/neurobehavioral toxicities of different sizes (80, 200, and 500 nm) of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS) in embryonic and juvenile zebrafish. The results indicate that all three sizes of PS could cross the chorion, adsorb by the yolk, and distribute into the intestinal tract, eye, brain, and dorsal trunk of zebrafish, but with different patterns. The organ distribution and observed developmental and neurobehavioral effects varied as a function of PS size. Although all PS exposures induced cell death and inflammation at the cellular level, only exposures to the larger PS resulted in oxidative stress. Meanwhile, exposure to the 80 nm PS increased the expression of neural and optical-specific mRNAs. Collectively, these studies indicate that early life-stage exposures to PS adversely affect zebrafish neurodevelopment and that the observed toxicities are influenced by particle size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; School of Public health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Pathology and Physiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China.
| | - Qiuju Liang
- School of Public health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Yi Zheng
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Yuhang Lei
- School of Public health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Xiufeng Gan
- School of Public health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - He Mei
- School of Public health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Chenglian Bai
- School of Public health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- School of Public health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Jingjuan Ju
- School of Public health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Pathology and Physiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Qiaoxiang Dong
- School of Public health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China.
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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Li X, Feng T, Lu W. The effects of valproic acid neurotoxicity on aggressive behavior in zebrafish autism model. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 275:109783. [PMID: 37926328 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is an effective drug, which is preferred for the treatments of epilepsy and various kinds of seizures. Nonetheless, VPA has many side effects associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, we conducted molecular and behavior tests in adult proactive zebrafish after VPA exposure to investigate gene transcription changes, social behavior, aggression, anxiety and locomotion. Our findings revealed that VPA exposure generates ASD-like phenotypes and behaviors: genes associated with autism, such as adsl, mbd5 and shank3a altered; social interaction deficit. Further behavioral patterns suggest that VPA exposure induces decreases in aggression and increases the anxiety behavior and body cortisol significantly. VPA exposure did not affect locomotor activity in zebrafish. Additionally, we used correlative analyses to investigate the robustness between the ASD-related genes and the different behavior tests, results showed that ASD-related genes are negatively associated with aggressive behavior. Our study demonstrated that aggressive behavior assay is a better predictor of behavior for neurotoxicology of VPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Li
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Tangsong Feng
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Weiqun Lu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201306, China.
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Chen J, Lei Y, Wen J, Zheng Y, Gan X, Liang Q, Huang C, Song Y. The neurodevelopmental toxicity induced by combined exposure of nanoplastics and penicillin in embryonic zebrafish: The role of aging processes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122281. [PMID: 37516295 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
As ubiquitous contaminants, nanoplastics and antibiotics are frequently co-presence and widely detected in the freshwater environment and biota, posing a high co-exposure risk to aquatic organisms and even humans. More importantly, how the aging process of nanoplastics affects the joint toxic potential of nanoplastics and antibiotics has not been explored. Here, we generated two aged polystyrene nanoplastics (PS) by UV radiation (UV-PS) and ozonation (O3-PS). Non-teratogenic concentrations of pristine PS (80 nm) and antibiotics penicillin (PNC) co-exposure synergistically suppressed the embryo heart beating and behaviors of spontaneous movement, touch response, and larval swimming behavioral response. Pristine PS and aged UV-PS, but not aged O3-PS, showed similar effects on zebrafish embryo/larval neurodevelopment. However, when co-exposure with PNC, both aged PS, but not pristine PS, showed antagonistic effects. In late-stage juvenile social behavior testing, we found that PS decreased the exploration in light/dark preference assay. The synergistic effect of aged PS with PNC was further explored, including cellular apoptosis, ROS formation, and neurotransmitter metabolite regulation. Mechanistically, aged UV-PS but not O3-PS significantly increased the adsorption rate of PNC compared to pristine PS, which may account for the toxicity difference between the two aged PS. In conclusion, our results confirmed that PS served as a carrier for PNC, and the environmental aging process changed their neurobehavioral toxicity pattern in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Yuhang Lei
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Xiufeng Gan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Qiuju Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Changjiang Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China.
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Saleh Hodin NA, Chong SG, Bakar NA, Fahmi MSAM, Ramlan NF, Hamid NNAZZ, Fadzar MSIM, Zulkifli AR, Norazhar AI, Mastuki SN, Faudzi SMM, Ibrahim WNW, Azmai MNA. Toxicity and teratogenicity effects of valproic acid on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos in relation to autism spectrum disorder. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:1475-1485. [PMID: 37507847 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely prescribed antiepileptic drug with various medicinal efficacies. Accumulated evidence implied that prenatal exposure to VPA is highly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, the zebrafish were exposed to a set of VPA concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, and 2560 μM) at 5 h post fertilization (hpf) to 120 hpf. The adverse effects of VPA were extensively studied through the evaluations on the mortality, heartbeats, spontaneous tail coiling, and hatching rate. Morphological observations were conducted at 120 hpf, following the exposure termination. Basic locomotor responses and anxiety-like behavioral alterations evaluated for behavioral impairments are the hallmark feature of ASD. The exposure to VPA at teratogenic concentrations reduced the aforementioned parameters in a dose-dependent manner (p ≤ .05). At the selected non-teratogenic concentrations of VPA, the treated larvae demonstrated profound alterations of basic locomotor responses. No significant changes of anxiety and thigmotactic behaviors were observed on the VPA-treated fish compared to the control (p ≥ .005). This study depicted that embryonic zebrafish exposure to VPA produced significant toxicity and teratogenicity effects as well as the alterations of basic behavioral responses. Overall, this study provides a fundamental insight of the toxicity effects at morphological and behavioral levels to facilitate the understanding of ASD mechanisms at different molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Atikah Saleh Hodin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Centre of Foundation Studies for Agricultural Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siok Geok Chong
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Noraini Abu Bakar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | | | - Nurul Farhana Ramlan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Abdul Rahman Zulkifli
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Anis Irfan Norazhar
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nurulhuda Mastuki
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Munirah Mohd Faudzi
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Wan Norhamidah Wan Ibrahim
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Noor Amal Azmai
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Aquatic Animal Health and Therapeutics Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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DeOliveira-Mello L, Baronio D, Panula P. Zebrafish embryonically exposed to valproic acid present impaired retinal development and sleep behavior. Autism Res 2023; 16:1877-1890. [PMID: 37638671 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a drug widely used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder, is an environmental risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). VPA has been used to reproduce the core symptoms of ASD in animal model organisms, including zebrafish. Visual system functioning is essential in the interpretation of social conditions and plays an important role of several behavioral responses. We hypothesized that behavioral deficits displayed by ASD patients may involve impaired visual processing. We used zebrafish as model organism to investigate the visual system after embryonic exposure to VPA using histological, behavioral and gene expression analysis. We analyzed the pineal gland of zebrafish and sleep-like behavior to study how VPA exposure alters photo-sensibility of zebrafish. VPA-exposed zebrafish showed a delay in the development of the retina and optic nerve, which normalized at five days post fertilization. At larval stage, VPA-exposed zebrafish showed sleep disturbances associated with a reduced number of serotonin-producing cells of the pineal gland. In addition, the number of hypocretin/orexin (hcrt) expressing neurons in the rostral hypothalamus at 6 and 14 days post fertilization was reduced. In conclusion, we demonstrated that although VPA exposure leads to a delay in visual system development, it does not affect larval visual function. The novel finding that VPA alters significantly cells involved in sleep regulation and the sleep-like state itself may be relevant for understanding sleep disturbances in ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diego Baronio
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pertti Panula
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Finszter CK, Kemecsei R, Zachar G, Holtkamp S, Echevarría D, Adorján I, Ádám Á, Csillag A. Early cellular and synaptic changes in dopaminoceptive forebrain regions of juvenile mice following gestational exposure to valproate. Front Neuroanat 2023; 17:1235047. [PMID: 37603782 PMCID: PMC10435871 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1235047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational exposure of mice to valproic acid (VPA) is one currently used experimental model for the investigation of typical failure symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the present study we hypothesized that the reduction of dopaminergic source neurons of the VTA, followed by perturbed growth of the mesotelencephalic dopamine pathway (MT), should also modify pattern formation in the dopaminoceptive target regions (particularly its mesoaccumbens/mesolimbic portion). Here, we investigated VPA-evoked cellular morphological (apoptosis-frequency detected by Caspase-3, abundance of Ca-binding proteins, CaBP), as well as synaptic proteomic (western blotting) changes, in selected dopaminoceptive subpallial, as compared to pallial, regions of mice, born to mothers treated with 500 mg/kg VPA on day 13.5 of pregnancy. We observed a surge of apoptosis on VPA treatment in nearly all investigated subpallial and pallial regions; with a non-significant trend of similar increase the nucleus accumbens (NAc) at P7, the age at which the MT pathway reduction has been reported (also supplemented by current findings). Of the CaBPs, calretinin (CR) expression was decreased in pallial regions, most prominently in retrosplenial cortex, but not in the subpallium of P7 mice. Calbindin-D 28K (CB) was selectively reduced in the caudate-putamen (CPu) of VPA exposed animals at P7 but no longer at P60, pointing to a potency of repairment. The VPA-associated overall increase in apoptosis at P7 did not correlate with the abundance and distribution of CaBPs, except in CPu, in which the marked drop of CB was negatively correlated with increased apoptosis. Abundance of parvalbumin (PV) at P60 showed no significant response to VPA treatment in any of the observed regions we did not find colocalization of apoptotic (Casp3+) cells with CaBP-immunoreactive neurons. The proteomic findings suggest reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase in the crude synaptosome fraction of NAc, but not in the CPu, without simultaneous decrease of the synaptic protein, synaptophysin, indicating selective impairment of dopaminergic synapses. The morpho-functional changes found in forebrain regions of VPA-exposed mice may signify dendritic and synaptic reorganization in dopaminergic target regions, with potential translational value to similar impairments in the pathogenesis of human ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Klaudia Finszter
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Kemecsei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Zachar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sophie Holtkamp
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diego Echevarría
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - István Adorján
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ádám
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Csillag
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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10
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Abu Bakar N, Wan Ibrahim WN, Zulkiflli AR, Saleh Hodin NA, Kim TY, Ling YS, Md Ajat MM, Shaari K, Shohaimi S, Nasruddin NS, Mohd Faudzi SM, Kim CH. Embryonic mercury exposure in zebrafish: Alteration of metabolites and gene expression, related to visual and behavioral impairments. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 256:114862. [PMID: 37004432 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The widespread presence of mercury, a heavy metal found in the environment and used in numerous industries and domestic, raises concerns about its potential impact on human health. Nevertheless, the adverse effects of this environmental toxicant at low concentrations are often underestimated. There are emerging studies showing that accumulation of mercury in the eye may contribute to visual impairment and a comorbidity between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) trait and visual impairment. However, the underlying mechanism of visual impairment in humans and rodents is challenging. In response to this issue, zebrafish larvae with a cone-dominated retinal visual system were exposed to 100 nM mercury chloride (HgCl2), according to our previous study, followed by light-dark stimulation, a social assay, and color preference to examine the functionality of the visual system in relation to ASD-like behavior. Exposure of embryos to HgCl2 from gastrulation to hatching increased locomotor activity in the dark, reduced shoaling and exploratory behavior, and impaired color preference. Defects in microridges as the first barrier may serve as primary tools for HgCl2 toxicity affecting vision. Depletion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), linoleic acid, arachidonic acid (ARA), alpha-linoleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), stearic acid, L-phenylalanine, isoleucine, L-lysine, and N-acetylputrescine, along with the increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), sphingosine-1-phosphate, and citrulline assayed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) suggest that these metabolites serve as biomarkers of retinal impairments that affect vision and behavior. Although suppression of adsl, shank3a, tsc1b, and nrxn1a gene expression was observed, among these tsc1b showed more positive correlation with ASD. Collectively, these results contribute new insights into the possible mechanism of mercury toxicity give rise to visual, cognitive, and social deficits in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noraini Abu Bakar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Norhamidah Wan Ibrahim
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Natural Medicines and Product Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Rahman Zulkiflli
- Natural Medicines and Product Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Atikah Saleh Hodin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tae-Yoon Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Yee Soon Ling
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Mokrish Md Ajat
- Natural Medicines and Product Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Malaysia
| | - Khozirah Shaari
- Natural Medicines and Product Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shamarina Shohaimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurrul Shaqinah Nasruddin
- Centre for Craniofacial Diagnostics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Munirah Mohd Faudzi
- Natural Medicines and Product Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Cheol-Hee Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Domínguez-Oliva A, Hernández-Ávalos I, Martínez-Burnes J, Olmos-Hernández A, Verduzco-Mendoza A, Mota-Rojas D. The Importance of Animal Models in Biomedical Research: Current Insights and Applications. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071223. [PMID: 37048478 PMCID: PMC10093480 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal research is considered a key element in advance of biomedical science. Although its use is controversial and raises ethical challenges, the contribution of animal models in medicine is essential for understanding the physiopathology and novel treatment alternatives for several animal and human diseases. Current pandemics’ pathology, such as the 2019 Coronavirus disease, has been studied in primate, rodent, and porcine models to recognize infection routes and develop therapeutic protocols. Worldwide issues such as diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, pain, rehabilitation medicine, and surgical techniques require studying the process in different animal species before testing them on humans. Due to their relevance, this article aims to discuss the importance of animal models in diverse lines of biomedical research by analyzing the contributions of the various species utilized in science over the past five years about key topics concerning human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Master’s Program in Agricultural and Livestock Sciences [Maestría en Ciencias Agropecuarias], Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Clinical Pharmacology and Veterinary Anesthesia, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis, Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis, Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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12
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Salahinejad A, Meuthen D, Attaran A, Chivers DP, Ferrari MCO. Effects of common antiepileptic drugs on teleost fishes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161324. [PMID: 36608821 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are globally prescribed to treat epilepsy and many other psychiatric disorders in humans. Their high consumption, low metabolic rate in the human body and low efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in eliminating these chemicals results in the frequent occurrence of these pharmaceutical drugs in aquatic systems. Therefore, aquatic organisms, including ecologically and economically important teleost fishes, may be inadvertently exposed to these chemicals. Due to their physiological similarity with humans, fishes may be particularly vulnerable to AEDs. Almost all AED drugs are detectable in natural aquatic ecosystems, but diazepam (DZP) and carbamazepine (CBZ) are among the most widely detected AEDs to date. Recent studies suggest that these drugs have a substantial capacity to induce neurotoxicity and behavioral abnormality in fishes. Here we review the current state of knowledge regarding the potential mode of action of DZP and CBZ as well as that of some other AEDs on teleosts and put observable behavioral effects into a mechanistic context. We find that following their intended mode of action in humans, AEDs also disrupt the GABAergic, glutamatergic and serotonergic systems as well as parasympathetic neurotransmitters in fishes. Moreover, AEDs have non-specific modes of action in teleosts ranging from estrogenic activity to oxidative stress. These physiological changes are often accompanied by dose-dependent disruptions of anxiety, locomotor activity, social behaviors, food uptake, and learning and memory, but DZP and CBZ consistently induced anxiolytic effects. Thereby, AED exposure severely compromises individual fitness across teleost fish species, which may lead to population and ecosystem impairment. We also showcase promising avenues for future research by highlighting where we lack data when it comes to effects of certain AEDs, AED concentrations and behavioral endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Salahinejad
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada.
| | - Denis Meuthen
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Anoosha Attaran
- Robart Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5K8, Canada
| | - Douglas P Chivers
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Maud C O Ferrari
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
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13
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Bai C, Zheng Y, Tian L, Lin J, Song Y, Huang C, Dong Q, Chen J. Structure-based developmental toxicity and ASD-phenotypes of bisphenol A analogues in embryonic zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 253:114643. [PMID: 36805134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has become more prevalent in recent years. Environmental endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to ASD. BPA analogues (BPs) are structure-modified substitutes widely used as safer alternatives in consumer products, yet few studies have explored the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) of BPA analogues. In the present study, we used the larval zebrafish model to assess the DNT effects of BPA and its analogues. Our results showed that many BPA analogues are more toxic than BPA in the embryonic zebrafish assay regarding teratogenic effect and mortality, which may partially due to differences in lipophilicity and/or different substitutes of structural function groups such as CF3, benzene, or cyclohexane. At sublethal concentrations, zebrafish embryos exposed to BPA or BPs also displayed reduced prosocial behavior in later larval development, evidenced by increased nearest neighbor distance (NND) and the interindividual distance (IID) in shoaling, which appears to be structurally independent. An in-depth analysis of BPA, bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS) revealed macrocephaly and ASD-like behavioral deficits resulting from exposures to sublethal concentrations of these chemicals. The ASD-like behavioral deficits were characterized by hyperactivity, increased anxiety-like behavior, and decreased social contact. Mechanistically, accelerated neurogenesis that manifested by increased cell proliferation, the proportion of newborn mature neurons, and the number of neural stem cells in proliferation, as well as upregulated genes related to the K+ channels, may have contributed to the observed ASD-like morphological and behavioral alterations. Our findings indicate that BPF and BPS may also pose significant risks to ASD development in humans and highlight the importance of a comprehensive assessment of DNT effects for all BPA analogues in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglian Bai
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Yi Zheng
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Linjie Tian
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Jian Lin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PR China
| | - Changjiang Huang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Qiaoxiang Dong
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China.
| | - Jiangfei Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China.
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14
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Zhang SY, Lei Y, Liang Q, Wang Y, Zheng Y, Gan X, Bai C, Chen J. Cold stress during the perinatal period leads to developmental and neurobehavioral toxicity in zebrafish larvae. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 96:107164. [PMID: 36805521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
In nature, cold stress is a core threat to aquatic organisms. But the neurodevelopmental effects of cold stress during the perinatal period on the offspring development were unknown. In the present study, adult zebrafish were cold-stressed at 18 °C for five days before spawning, and then the fertilized eggs were raised at 18, 24, or 28 °C from 0 to 120 h post fertilization (hpf). The resulting embryos and larvae were assessed for developmental and neurobehavioral responses. Our findings showed that embryos raised at 18 °C (Cold+++) suffered hatching failure and death, at 24 °C (Cold++) had decreased hatching, while those raised at 28 °C (Cold+) exhibited no developmental adversity. The neurobehavioral assessment showed that embryos from Cold+ and Cold++ groups displayed decreased motor behaviors, including spontaneous movement at 20-24 hpf, touch response at 48 hpf, and swimming speed at 120 hpf. In addition, cold stress during perinatal stage irreversibly affected larval social behaviors examined during 10-13 days post fertilization (dpf), such as unconsolidated shoaling, increased mirror attacks, and decreased social contacts. Notably, behavioral adversity was more pronounced in larvae from the Cold ++ group than those from the Cold+ group. Mechanistically, cold stress increased cell apoptosis, evidenced by increased acridine orange positive cells at 24 hpf and upregulation of casp8 at 120 hpf, increased oxidative stress (upregulation of cat and nos1) at 120 hpf, delayed motor neuron extension at 72 hpf, and upregulated nrxn2 and rab33a at 120 hpf. Our data indicate that cold stress during the perinatal period impaired neural development in zebrafish larvae, showing high mental health risk. These findings highlight cold stress should be avoided during the perinatal period for both aquatic fish or even humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yun Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China.; School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 318000, PR China
| | - Yuhang Lei
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Qiuju Liang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Yigan Wang
- Ruian Taoshan Community Hospital, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Yi Zheng
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Xiufeng Gan
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Chenglian Bai
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Jiangfei Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China..
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15
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Rahmati-Holasoo H, Salek Maghsoudi A, Akbarzade M, Gholami M, Shadboorestan A, Vakhshiteh F, Armandeh M, Hassani S. Oxytocin protective effects on zebrafish larvae models of autism-like spectrum disorder. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:316-325. [PMID: 36865037 PMCID: PMC9922369 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.68165.14889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Autism is a complicated neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social interaction deficiencies, hyperactivity, anxiety, communication disorders, and a limited range of interests. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a social vertebrate used as a biomedical research model to understand social behavior mechanisms. Materials and Methods After spawning, the eggs were exposed to sodium valproate for 48 hr, after which the eggs were divided into eight groups. Except for the positive and control groups, there were six treatment groups based on oxytocin concentration (25, 50, and 100 μM) and time point (24 and 48 hr). Treatment was performed on days 6 and 7, examined by labeling oxytocin with fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC) and imaging with confocal microscopy and the expression levels of potential genes associated with the qPCR technique. Behavioral studies, including light-dark background preference test, shoaling behavior, mirror test, and social preference, were performed on 10, 11, 12, and 13 days post fertilization (dpf), respectively. Results The results showed that the most significant effect of oxytocin was at the concentration of 50 μM and the time point of 48 hr. Increased expression of shank3a, shank3b, and oxytocin receptor genes was also significant at this oxytocin concentration. Light-dark background preference results showed that oxytocin in the concentration of 50 µM significantly increased the number of crosses between dark and light areas compared with valproic acid (positive group). Also, oxytocin showed an increase in the frequency and time of contact between the two larvae. We showed a decrease in the distance in the larval group and an increase in time spent at a distance of one centimeter from the mirror. Conclusion Our findings showed that the increased gene expression of shank3a, shank3b, and oxytocin receptors improved autistic behavior. Based on this study some indications showed that oxytocin administration in the larval stage could significantly improve the autism-like spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Rahmati-Holasoo
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Center of Excellence for Warm Water Fish Health and Disease, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran,These authors contributed eqully to this work
| | - Armin Salek Maghsoudi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran,These authors contributed eqully to this work
| | - Milad Akbarzade
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Gholami
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Shadboorestan
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Vakhshiteh
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Armandeh
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Hassani
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author: Shokoufeh Hassani, Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
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16
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Dixon SC, Calder BJ, Lilya SM, Davies BM, Martin A, Peterson M, Hansen JM, Suli A. Valproic acid affects neurogenesis during early optic tectum development in zebrafish. Biol Open 2023; 12:286129. [PMID: 36537579 PMCID: PMC9916031 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian superior colliculus and its non-mammalian homolog, the optic tectum (OT), are midbrain structures that integrate multimodal sensory inputs and guide non-voluntary movements in response to prevalent stimuli. Recent studies have implicated this structure as a possible site affected in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Interestingly, fetal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has also been associated with an increased risk of ASD in humans and animal models. Therefore, we took the approach of determining the effects of VPA treatment on zebrafish OT development as a first step in identifying the mechanisms that allow its formation. We describe normal OT development during the first 5 days of development and show that in VPA-treated embryos, neuronal specification and neuropil formation was delayed. VPA treatment was most detrimental during the first 3 days of development and did not appear to be linked to oxidative stress. In conclusion, our work provides a foundation for research into mechanisms driving OT development, as well as the relationship between the OT, VPA, and ASD. This article has an associated First Person interview with one of the co-first authors of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra C. Dixon
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Bailey J. Calder
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Shane M. Lilya
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Brandon M. Davies
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Annalie Martin
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Maggie Peterson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Jason M. Hansen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Arminda Suli
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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17
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Geng Y, Yates C, Peterson RT. Social behavioral profiling by unsupervised deep learning reveals a stimulative effect of dopamine D3 agonists on zebrafish sociality. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100381. [PMID: 36814839 PMCID: PMC9939379 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It has been a major challenge to systematically evaluate and compare how pharmacological perturbations influence social behavioral outcomes. Although some pharmacological agents are known to alter social behavior, precise description and quantification of such effects have proven difficult. We developed a scalable social behavioral assay for zebrafish named ZeChat based on unsupervised deep learning to characterize sociality at high resolution. High-dimensional and dynamic social behavioral phenotypes are automatically classified using this method. By screening a neuroactive compound library, we found that different classes of chemicals evoke distinct patterns of social behavioral fingerprints. By examining these patterns, we discovered that dopamine D3 agonists possess a social stimulative effect on zebrafish. The D3 agonists pramipexole, piribedil, and 7-hydroxy-DPAT-HBr rescued social deficits in a valproic-acid-induced zebrafish autism model. The ZeChat platform provides a promising approach for dissecting the pharmacology of social behavior and discovering novel social-modulatory compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Geng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Christopher Yates
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Randall T. Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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18
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Wang B, Chen J, Sheng Z, Lian W, Wu Y, Liu M. Embryonic exposure to fentanyl induces behavioral changes and neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14524. [PMID: 36540796 PMCID: PMC9760023 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of fentanyl during pregnancy, whether by prescription or illicit use, may result in high blood levels that pose an early risk to fetal development. However, little is known regarding the neurotoxicity that might arise from excessive fentanyl exposure in growing organisms, particularly drug-related withdrawal symptoms. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to fentanyl solutions (0.1, 1, and 5 mg/L) for 5 days post fertilization (dpf), followed by a 5-day recovery period, and then the larvae were evaluated for photomotor response, anxiety behavior, shoaling behavior, aggression, social preference, and sensitization behavior. Fentanyl solutions at 1 and 5 mg/L induced elevated anxiety, decreased social preference and aggressiveness, and behavioral sensitization in zebrafish larvae. The expression of genes revealed that embryonic exposure to fentanyl caused substantial alterations in neural activity (bdnf, c-fos) and neuronal development and plasticity (npas4a, egr1, btg2, ier2a, vgf). These results suggest that fentanyl exposure during embryonic development is neurotoxic, highlighting the importance of zebrafish as an aquatic species in research on the neurobehavioral effects of opioids in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Wang
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiale Chen
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhong Sheng
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanting Lian
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanzhao Wu
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Liu
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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19
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Zoodsma JD, Keegan EJ, Moody GR, Bhandiwad AA, Napoli AJ, Burgess HA, Wollmuth LP, Sirotkin HI. Disruption of grin2B, an ASD-associated gene, produces social deficits in zebrafish. Mol Autism 2022; 13:38. [PMID: 36138431 PMCID: PMC9502958 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00516-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), like many neurodevelopmental disorders, has complex and varied etiologies. Advances in genome sequencing have identified multiple candidate genes associated with ASD, including dozens of missense and nonsense mutations in the NMDAR subunit GluN2B, encoded by GRIN2B. NMDARs are glutamate-gated ion channels with key synaptic functions in excitatory neurotransmission. How alterations in these proteins impact neurodevelopment is poorly understood, in part because knockouts of GluN2B in rodents are lethal. METHODS Here, we use CRISPR-Cas9 to generate zebrafish lacking GluN2B (grin2B-/-). Using these fish, we run an array of behavioral tests and perform whole-brain larval imaging to assay developmental roles and functions of GluN2B. RESULTS We demonstrate that zebrafish GluN2B displays similar structural and functional properties to human GluN2B. Zebrafish lacking GluN2B (grin2B-/-) surprisingly survive into adulthood. Given the prevalence of social deficits in ASD, we assayed social preference in the grin2B-/- fish. Wild-type fish develop a strong social preference by 3 weeks post fertilization. In contrast, grin2B-/- fish at this age exhibit significantly reduced social preference. Notably, the lack of GluN2B does not result in a broad disruption of neurodevelopment, as grin2B-/- larvae do not show alterations in spontaneous or photic-evoked movements, are capable of prey capture, and exhibit learning. Whole-brain imaging of grin2B-/- larvae revealed reduction of an inhibitory neuron marker in the subpallium, a region linked to ASD in humans, but showed that overall brain size and E/I balance in grin2B-/- is comparable to wild type. LIMITATIONS Zebrafish lacking GluN2B, while useful in studying developmental roles of GluN2B, are unlikely to model nuanced functional alterations of human missense mutations that are not complete loss of function. Additionally, detailed mammalian homologies for larval zebrafish brain subdivisions at the age of whole-brain imaging are not fully resolved. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that zebrafish completely lacking the GluN2B subunit of the NMDAR, unlike rodent models, are viable into adulthood. Notably, they exhibit a highly specific deficit in social behavior. As such, this zebrafish model affords a unique opportunity to study the roles of GluN2B in ASD etiologies and establish a disease-relevant in vivo model for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiah D. Zoodsma
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA ,grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
| | - Emma J. Keegan
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
| | - Gabrielle R. Moody
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
| | - Ashwin A. Bhandiwad
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Amalia J. Napoli
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA ,grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
| | - Harold A. Burgess
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Lonnie P. Wollmuth
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA ,grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA ,grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
| | - Howard I. Sirotkin
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
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A Mini-Review Regarding the Modalities to Study Neurodevelopmental Disorders-Like Impairments in Zebrafish—Focussing on Neurobehavioural and Psychological Responses. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091147. [PMID: 36138883 PMCID: PMC9496774 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are complex disorders which can be associated with many comorbidities and exhibit multifactorial-dependent phenotypes. An important characteristic is represented by the early onset of the symptoms, during childhood or young adulthood, with a great impact on the socio-cognitive functioning of the affected individuals. Thus, the aim of our review is to describe and to argue the necessity of early developmental stages zebrafish models, focusing on NDDs, especially autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and also on schizophrenia. The utility of the animal models in NDDs or schizophrenia research remains quite controversial. Relevant discussions can be opened regarding the specific characteristics of the animal models and the relationship with the etiologies, physiopathology, and development of these disorders. The zebrafish models behaviors displayed as early as during the pre-hatching embryo stage (locomotor activity prone to repetitive behavior), and post-hatching embryo stage, such as memory, perception, affective-like, and social behaviors can be relevant in ASD and schizophrenia research. The neurophysiological processes impaired in both ASD and schizophrenia are generally highly conserved across all vertebrates. However, the relatively late individual development and conscious social behavior exhibited later in the larval stage are some of the most important limitations of these model animal species.
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21
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Dong H, Mao L, Bai C, Ye K, Wu H, Lei Y, Yu S, Liu Y, Tao J, Pan W, Xu H, Lin J, Zhu J, Dong Q. Characterization of Developmental Neurobehavioral Toxicity in a Zebrafish MPTP-Induced Model: A Novel Mechanism Involving Anemia. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1877-1890. [PMID: 35758696 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish represent an economical alternative to rodents for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing. Mechanistic understanding is the key to successfully translating zebrafish findings to humans. In the present study, we used a well-known dopaminergic (DA) neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) as a model chemical to uncover the molecular pathways for observed DNT effects. To enhance the specificity of potential molecular targets, we restricted our exposure to a concentration that is nonteratogenic yet exhibits high DNT effects and an exposure window sensitive to MPTP. Our DNT assessment based on a battery of motor and social behavioral tests revealed an effective concentration of 1 μM and a sensitive window of 48-96 h postfertilization (hpf) for MPTP-induced hypoactivity. It is worth noting that this hypoactivity persisted into later larval development until 28 dpf. We observed increased cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and decreased ATP levels in larvae immediately after exposure at 96 hpf. Significant reductions of DA neurons were found in the retina at 72, 96, and 120 hpf. No visible deformity was found in motoneurons at 72, 96, and 120 hpf. Transcriptome analysis uncovered a novel pathway manifested by significant upregulation of genes enriched with erythropoiesis. Sensitive window exposure of MPTP and other DA neurotoxins rotenone and paraquat exhibited a concentration-dependent effect on transcriptional changes of embryonic hemoglobins and anemia. Given that anemia is a significant risk factor for Parkinson's disease and MPTP is known to cause parkinsonism in humans, we concluded that anemia resulting from dysregulation of primitive erythropoiesis during embryonic development might serve as a common mechanism underlying DA neurotoxin-induced DNT effects between zebrafish and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojia Dong
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Luying Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, P. R. China
| | - Chenglian Bai
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Kaiwei Ye
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, P. R. China
| | - Han Wu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yuhang Lei
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Sunrui Yu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Junyan Tao
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Wenhao Pan
- Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, P. R. China
| | - Hui Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, P. R. China
| | - Jian Lin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, P. R. China
| | - Jianhong Zhu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qiaoxiang Dong
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, P. R. China
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22
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Jarema KA, Hunter DL, Hill BN, Olin JK, Britton KN, Waalkes MR, Padilla S. Developmental Neurotoxicity and Behavioral Screening in Larval Zebrafish with a Comparison to Other Published Results. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10050256. [PMID: 35622669 PMCID: PMC9145655 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
With the abundance of chemicals in the environment that could potentially cause neurodevelopmental deficits, there is a need for rapid testing and chemical screening assays. This study evaluated the developmental toxicity and behavioral effects of 61 chemicals in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae using a behavioral Light/Dark assay. Larvae (n = 16–24 per concentration) were exposed to each chemical (0.0001–120 μM) during development and locomotor activity was assessed. Approximately half of the chemicals (n = 30) did not show any gross developmental toxicity (i.e., mortality, dysmorphology or non-hatching) at the highest concentration tested. Twelve of the 31 chemicals that did elicit developmental toxicity were toxic at the highest concentration only, and thirteen chemicals were developmentally toxic at concentrations of 10 µM or lower. Eleven chemicals caused behavioral effects; four chemicals (6-aminonicotinamide, cyclophosphamide, paraquat, phenobarbital) altered behavior in the absence of developmental toxicity. In addition to screening a library of chemicals for developmental neurotoxicity, we also compared our findings with previously published results for those chemicals. Our comparison revealed a general lack of standardized reporting of experimental details, and it also helped identify some chemicals that appear to be consistent positives and negatives across multiple laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Jarema
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Immediate Office, Program Operations Staff, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
- Correspondence: (K.A.J.); (S.P.); Tel.: +1-919-541-2299 (K.A.J.); +1-919-541-3956 (S.P.)
| | - Deborah L. Hunter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (D.L.H.); (J.K.O.)
| | - Bridgett N. Hill
- ORISE Research Participation Program Hosted by EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA;
| | - Jeanene K. Olin
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (D.L.H.); (J.K.O.)
| | - Katy N. Britton
- ORAU Research Participation Program Hosted by EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA;
| | - Matthew R. Waalkes
- ORISE Research Participation Program Hosted by EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, Genetic and Cellular Toxicology Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA;
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (D.L.H.); (J.K.O.)
- Correspondence: (K.A.J.); (S.P.); Tel.: +1-919-541-2299 (K.A.J.); +1-919-541-3956 (S.P.)
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23
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Zosen D, Austdal LPE, Bjørnstad S, Lumor JS, Paulsen RE. Antiepileptic drugs lamotrigine and valproate differentially affect neuronal maturation in the developing chick embryo, yet with PAX6 as a potential common mediator. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2022; 90:107057. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2021.107057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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24
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Rai AR, Joy T, Rashmi KS, Rai R, Vinodini NA, Jiji PJ. Zebrafish as an experimental model for the simulation of neurological and craniofacial disorders. Vet World 2022; 15:22-29. [PMID: 35369579 PMCID: PMC8924399 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.22-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish have gained momentum as a leading experimental model in recent years. At present, the zebrafish vertebrate model is increasingly used due to its multifactorial similarities to humans that include genetic, organ, and cellular factors. With the emergence of novel research techniques that are very expensive, it is necessary to develop affordable and valid experimental models. This review aimed to highlight some of the most important similarities between zebrafish and humans by emphasizing the relevance of the first in simulating neurological disorders and craniofacial deformity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Rohan Rai
- Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Teresa Joy
- Department of Anatomy, American University of Antigua College of Medicine, University Park, Coolidge, St. John's, Antigua
| | - K. S. Rashmi
- Department of Physiology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajalakshmi Rai
- Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - N. A. Vinodini
- Department of Physiology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - P. J. Jiji
- Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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25
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Evidence-based hormonal, mutational, and endocrine-disrupting chemical-induced zebrafish as an alternative model to study PCOS condition similar to mammalian PCOS model. Life Sci 2022; 291:120276. [PMID: 34990650 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) causes swollen ovaries in women at reproductive age due to hormonal disorder with small cysts on the outer edges. The cause of the disorder is still yet to be found. Multiple factors have increased PCOS prevalence, hyperandrogenism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Various animal PCOS models have been developed to imitate the pathophysiology of PCOS in humans. Zebrafish is one of the most versatile animal experimental models because of the transparency of the embryos, small size, and rapid growth. The zebrafish similarity to higher vertebrates made it a useful non-mammalian model for PCOS drug testing and screening. This review provides an insight into the usage of zebrafish, a non-mammalian model for PCOS, as an opportunity for evaluating future initiatives in such a research domain.
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26
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Joseph TP, Zhou F, Sai LY, Chen H, Lin SL, Schachner M. Duloxetine ameliorates valproic acid-induced hyperactivity, anxiety-like behavior, and social interaction deficits in zebrafish. Autism Res 2022; 15:27-41. [PMID: 34605202 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Syndromic autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by impaired social communication and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. Currently available therapeutic agents against ASD have limited efficacy. Thus, searching for novel and effective drugs ameliorating core symptoms, in particular social deficits, is of utmost importance. Duloxetine (DLX), an antidepressant that has been identified as an agonist mimetic for the cell adhesion molecule L1, exhibits beneficial functions in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the rapid and persistent neuroprotective function of DLX following valproic acid (VPA)-triggered hyperactivity, anxiety-like behavior and social deficits in zebrafish. Embryonic exposure to VPA reduced survival in a dose- and time-dependent manner, delayed hatching, and also resulted in a significant number of malformed larvae. After initial dose-response experiments in zebrafish larvae, 10 μM VPA exposure between 0.33 and 4.5 days post fertilization (dpf) was identified as an effective concentration that led to an early and persistent ASD-like phenotype in zebrafish. ASD-like elevated acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and reduced Akt-mTOR signaling was observed in zebrafish whole brain. Acute administration of DLX (4.5-6 dpf) reduced the VPA-induced ASD-like phenotype in zebrafish larvae. Additionally, such early-life acute DLX treatment had long-term effects in ameliorating social impairments, hyperactivity, and anxiety-like behaviors through adulthood. This was accompanied by reduced AChE activity and by normalized Akt-mTOR signaling. Overall, DLX treatment showed a long-term therapeutic effect on autistic-like behaviors, and alteration of AChE activity and Akt-mTOR signaling were identified as crucial in the VPA-induced ASD zebrafish model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fang Zhou
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Liu Yang Sai
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Hanyu Chen
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Stanley Li Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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27
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Battistoni M, Bacchetta R, Di Renzo F, Metruccio F, Moretto A, Menegola E. Modified Xenopus laevis approach (R-FETAX) as an alternative test for the evaluation of foetal valproate spectrum disorder. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 107:140-149. [PMID: 34923091 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In compliance to animal welfare 3Rs principle there is a great demand for refined tests alternative to classical mammal teratogenicity tests. We propose a refined alternative amphibian method (R-FETAX) to evaluate chemical induced embryotoxicity. The human foetal valproate spectrum disorder (FVSD) characteristics are morphological defects (including cranio-facial, neural tube defects) and behavioural alterations due to valproate (VPA) exposure in pregnancy. Vertebrate assays to evaluate FVSD include classical and alternative mammal (implying adult sacrifice), and non-mammal developmental models (zebrafish, amphibians, chick). Among these latter only zebrafish assays report in the same test both morphological and behavioural examinations. Compared to zebrafish, the amphibian Xenopus laevis excels having a more comparable organ development and morphology to mammalian systems. We used X. laevis embryos exposed during developmental specific windows to VPA therapeutic concentrations. Different VPA effects were observed depending on the exposure window: concentration-related embryo-lethal and teratogenic effects (neural tube, facial, tail defects) were observed in groups exposed at the organogenetic phylotypic stages. Neurobehavioral deficits were described using a functional swimming test at the highest VPA concentration exposure during the phylotypic stages and at any concentration during neurocognitive competent stages. Malformations were compared to those obtained in a mammalian assay (the rat post-implantation whole embryo culture method, WEC), that we used in the past to evaluate VPA teratogenicity. R-FETAX and WEC data were modelled and their relative sensitivity was calculated. We suggest the amphibian R-FETAX as a refined windowed alternative test for the evaluation of chemicals inducing both morphological and behavioural anomalies, including VPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Battistoni
- Università Degli Studi di Milano, Department of Physics Aldo Pontremoli, via Celoria, 16-20133, Milan, Italy; Università Degli Studi di Milano, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria, 26-20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Renato Bacchetta
- Università Degli Studi di Milano, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria, 26-20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesca Di Renzo
- Università Degli Studi di Milano, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria, 26-20133, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Angelo Moretto
- Università Degli Studi di Milano, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", via GB Grassi, 74- 20159, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elena Menegola
- Università Degli Studi di Milano, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria, 26-20133, Milan, Italy.
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28
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Meador JP. The fish early-life stage sublethal toxicity syndrome - A high-dose baseline toxicity response. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118201. [PMID: 34740289 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A large number of toxicity studies report abnormalities in early life-stage (ELS) fish that are described here as a sublethal toxicity syndrome (TxSnFELS) and generally include a reduced heart rate, edemas (yolk sac and cardiac), and a variety of morphological abnormalities. The TxSnFELS is very common and not diagnostic for any chemical or class of chemicals. This sublethal toxicity syndrome is mostly observed at high exposure concentrations and appears to be a baseline, non-specific toxicity response; however, it can also occur at low doses by specific action. Toxicity metrics for this syndrome generally occur at concentrations just below those causing mortality and have been reported for a large number of diverse chemicals. Predictions based on tissue concentrations or quantitative-structure activity relationship (QSAR) models support the designation of baseline toxicity for many of the tested chemicals, which is confirmed by observed values. Given the sheer number of disparate chemicals causing the TxSnFELS and correlation with QSAR derived partitioning; the only logical conclusion for these high-dose responses is baseline toxicity by nonspecific action and not a lock and key type receptor response. It is important to recognize that many chemicals can act both as baseline toxicants and specific acting toxicants likely via receptor interaction and it is not possible to predict those threshold doses from baseline toxicity. We should search out these specific low-dose responses for ecological risk assessment and not rely on high-concentration toxicity responses to guide environmental protection. The goal for toxicity assessment should not be to characterize toxic responses at baseline toxicity concentrations, but to evaluate chemicals for their most toxic potential. Additional aspects of this review evaluated the fish ELS teratogenic responses in relation to mammalian oral LD50s and explored potential key events responsible for baseline toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Meador
- Ecotoxicology Program, Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
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29
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Lu D, Ma R, Xie Q, Xu Z, Yuan J, Ren M, Li J, Li Y, Wang J. Application and advantages of zebrafish model in the study of neurovascular unit. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174483. [PMID: 34481878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The concept of "Neurovascular Unit" (NVU) was put forward, so that the research goal of Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases gradually transitioned from a single neuron to the structural and functional integrity of the NVU. Zebrafish has the advantages of high homology with human genes, strong reproductive capacity and visualization of neural circuits, so it has become an emerging model organism for NVU research and has been applied to a variety of CNS diseases. Based on CNKI (https://www.cnki.net/) and PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/about/) databases, the author of this article sorted out the relevant literature, analyzed the construction of a zebrafish model of various CNS diseases,and the use of diagrams showed the application of zebrafish in the NVU, revealed its relationship, which would provide new methods and references for the treatment and research of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Rong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qian Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Zhuo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jianmei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Mihong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jinxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Chen J, Lei L, Mo W, Dong H, Li J, Bai C, Huang K, Truong L, Tanguay RL, Dong Q, Huang C. Developmental titanium dioxide nanoparticle exposure induces oxidative stress and neurobehavioral changes in zebrafish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 240:105990. [PMID: 34673465 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The widespread commercial application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) leads to ubiquitous presence of TiO2 NPs in the aquatic environment, which highlights the necessity to determine their potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms. The developing nerve system is particularly susceptible to environment perturbation. However, few studies have explored the developmental neurobehavioral toxicity of TiO2 NPs, especially at smaller particle size ranges (≤20 nm) that have relatively longer retention time in the water column. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to non-teratogenic concentrations of 0.1 and 1 mg/L TiO2 NPs (average size of 14-20 nm) from 8 to 108 h post-fertilization (hpf) followed by various assessments at different time points up to 12 days post-fertilization (dpf). Our findings revealed that 1 mg/L TiO2 NPs perturbed the motor and social behaviors in larval zebrafish. These behavioral changes were characterized by decreased swimming speed in a locomotor response test at 5 dpf, increased travel distance in a flash stimulus test at 5 dpf, increased preference to the light zone in a light/dark preference test at 10 dpf, and increased mirror attack and percent time spent in the mirror zone in a mirror stimulus response assay at 12 dpf. Mechanistic examinations at 5 dpf revealed elevated cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Cell apoptosis was characterized by increased acridine orange (AO) positive cells in the olfactory region and neuromasts of the lateral line system. Oxidative stress was characterized by increased lipid peroxidation, increased ROS production, and upregulated catalase (cat) gene expression. In addition, TiO2 NP exposure also upregulated genes associated with the developmental nervous system such as the growth associated protein 43 (gap43) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (pcna). Our results suggest that the neurobehavioral changes in larvae exposed to 1 mg/L TiO2 NPs during early development may result from cell apoptosis and oxidative stress induced neuronal damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfei Chen
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Lei Lei
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Wen Mo
- Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Haojia Dong
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jiani Li
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Chenglian Bai
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Kaiyu Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, 28645 East Highway 34, Corvallis, OR 97333, United States
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, 28645 East Highway 34, Corvallis, OR 97333, United States
| | - Qiaoxiang Dong
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Changjiang Huang
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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Chen J, Li J, Jiang H, Yu J, Wang H, Wang N, Chen S, Mo W, Wang P, Tanguay RL, Dong Q, Huang C. Developmental co-exposure of TBBPA and titanium dioxide nanoparticle induced behavioral deficits in larval zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 215:112176. [PMID: 33780780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Both tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2 NP) have widespread commercial applications, resulting in their ubiquitous co-presence in the environment and biota. Although environmental chemicals exist as mixtures, toxicity studies are nearly always conducted with single chemicals. Few studies explore potential interactions of different chemical mixtures. In this study, we employ the sensitive developing nerve system in zebrafish to assess the neurotoxicity of TBBPA/TiO2 NP mixtures. Specifically, zebrafish embryos were exposed to solvent control (0.1% DMSO), 2 μM TBBPA, 0.1 mg/L TiO2 NP, and their mixture from 8 to 120 h post fertilization (hpf), and motor/social behavioral assessments were conducted on embryos/larvae at different developmental stages. Our results showed that TBBPA/TiO2 NP single or co-exposures increased spontaneous movement, decreased touch response and swim speed, and affected social behaviors of light/dark preference, shoaling, mirror attack and social contact. In particular, many of these phenotypes were manifested with higher magnitude of changes from the mixture exposure. These behavioral deficits were also accompanied with increased cell death in olfactory region and neuromasts in the lateral line system, increased ROS in gallbladder, pancreas, liver, and intestine, as well as increased lipid peroxidation and decreased ATP levels in whole larval tissue homogenates. Further, genes coding for key cell apoptosis marker and antioxidant enzyme were significantly upregulated by these two chemicals, in particular to their mixture. Interestingly, the co-presence of TBBPA also increased the mean particle size of TiO2 NP in the exposure solutions and the TiO2 NP content in larval tissue. Together, our analysis suggests that TBBPA/TiO2 NP induced behavioral changes may be due to physical accumulation of these two chemicals in the target organs, and TiO2 NP may serve as carriers for increased accumulation of TBBPA. To conclude, we demonstrated that TBBPA/TiO2 NP together cause increased bioaccumulation of TiO2, and heightened responses in behavior, cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Our findings also highlight the importance of toxicity assessment using chemical mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfei Chen
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China.
| | - Jiani Li
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Jiajian Yu
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Hongzhu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Nengzhuang Wang
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Shan Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Wen Mo
- Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center, Hangzhou 310051, PR China
| | - Ping Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, 28645 East Highway 34, Corvallis, OR 97333, United States
| | - Qiaoxiang Dong
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Changjiang Huang
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China.
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Santos D, Luzio A, Matos C, Bellas J, Monteiro SM, Félix L. Microplastics alone or co-exposed with copper induce neurotoxicity and behavioral alterations on zebrafish larvae after a subchronic exposure. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 235:105814. [PMID: 33933832 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) have been frequently detected in aquatic ecosystems, representing both health and ecological concerns. However data about the combined effects of MPs and other contaminants is still limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of MPs and the heavy metal copper (Cu) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae development and behavior. Zebrafish embryos were subchronically exposed to MPs (2 mg/L), two sub-lethal concentrations of Cu (60 and 125 µg/L) and binary mixtures of MPs and Cu using the same concentrations, from 2-h post fertilization until 14 days post fertilization. Lethal and sub-lethal responses (mortality, hatching, body length) were evaluated during the embryogenesis period, and locomotor, avoidance, anxiety and shoaling behaviors, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were measured at 14 dpf. The results showed that survival of larvae was reduced in groups exposed to MPs, Cu and Cu+MPs. Regarding the behavioral patterns, the higher Cu concentration and mixtures decreased significantly the mean speed, the total distance traveled and the absolute turn angle, demonstrating an adverse effect on swimming competence of zebrafish larvae. Exposure to MPs and Cu, alone or combined, also affected avoidance behavior of zebrafish, with larvae not reacting to the aversive stimulus. There was a significant inhibition of AChE activity in larvae exposed to all experimental groups, compared to the control group. Moreover, a higher inhibition of AChE was noticed in larvae exposed to MPs and both Cu+MPs groups, comparatively to the Cu alone groups. Our findings demonstrate the adverse effects of MPs, alone or co-exposed with Cu, on fish early life stages behavior. This study highlights that MPs and heavy metals may have significant impacts on fish population fitness by disrupting locomotor and avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dércia Santos
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Ana Luzio
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carlos Matos
- Chemistry Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Juan Bellas
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Sandra M Monteiro
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Félix
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, Laboratory Animal Science, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, n° 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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Robea MA, Ciobica A, Curpan AS, Plavan G, Strungaru S, Lefter R, Nicoara M. Preliminary Results Regarding Sleep in a Zebrafish Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11050556. [PMID: 33924776 PMCID: PMC8146635 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most salient developmental neurological diseases and remarkable similarities have been found between humans and model animals of ASD. A common method of inducing ASD in zebrafish is by administrating valproic acid (VPA), which is an antiepileptic drug that is strongly linked with developmental defects in children. In the present study we replicated and extended the findings of VPA on social behavior in zebrafish by adding several sleep observations. Juvenile zebrafish manifested hyperactivity and an increase in ASD-like social behaviors but, interestingly, only exhibited minimal alterations in sleep. Our study confirmed that VPA can generate specific ASD symptoms, indicating that the zebrafish is an alternative model in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina Andreea Robea
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (A.-S.C.); (G.P.); (M.N.)
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (A.-S.C.); (G.P.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandrina-Stefania Curpan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (A.-S.C.); (G.P.); (M.N.)
| | - Gabriel Plavan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (A.-S.C.); (G.P.); (M.N.)
| | - Stefan Strungaru
- Department of Interdisciplinary Research in Science, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I Avenue, 11, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Radu Lefter
- Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Bd. Carol I, No 8, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Mircea Nicoara
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (A.-S.C.); (G.P.); (M.N.)
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Lee JG, Cho HJ, Jeong YM, Lee JS. Genetic Approaches Using Zebrafish to Study the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Neurological Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030566. [PMID: 33807650 PMCID: PMC8002147 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is a bidirectional signaling pathway mediating the interaction of the microbiota, the intestine, and the central nervous system. While the MGBA plays a pivotal role in normal development and physiology of the nervous and gastrointestinal system of the host, its dysfunction has been strongly implicated in neurological disorders, where intestinal dysbiosis and derived metabolites cause barrier permeability defects and elicit local inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, concomitant with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, mobilization and infiltration of immune cells into the brain, and the dysregulated activation of the vagus nerve, culminating in neuroinflammation and neuronal dysfunction of the brain and behavioral abnormalities. In this topical review, we summarize recent findings in human and animal models regarding the roles of the MGBA in physiological and neuropathological conditions, and discuss the molecular, genetic, and neurobehavioral characteristics of zebrafish as an animal model to study the MGBA. The exploitation of zebrafish as an amenable genetic model combined with in vivo imaging capabilities and gnotobiotic approaches at the whole organism level may reveal novel mechanistic insights into microbiota-gut-brain interactions, especially in the context of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Geun Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyun-Ju Cho
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
| | - Yun-Mi Jeong
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jeong-Soo Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-860-4643
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Multistate models of developmental toxicity: Application to valproic acid-induced malformations in the zebrafish embryo. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 414:115424. [PMID: 33524444 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
For the determination of acute toxicity of chemicals in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, the OECD test guideline 236, relative to the Fish Embryo Toxicity Test (FET), stipulates a dose-response analysis of four lethal core endpoints and a quantitative characterization of abnormalities including their time-dependency. Routinely, the data are analyzed at the different observation times separately. However, observations at a given time strongly depend on the previous effects and should be analyzed jointly with them. To solve this problem, we developed multistate models for occurrence of developmental malformations and live events in zebrafish embryos exposed to eight concentrations of valproic acid (VPA) the first five days of life. Observations were recorded daily per embryo. We statistically infer on model structure and parameters using a numerical Bayesian framework. Hatching probability rate changed with time and we compared five forms of its time-dependence; a constant rate, a piecewise constant rate with a fixed hatching time at 48 h post fertilization, a piecewise constant rate with a variable hatching time, as well as a Hill and Gaussian form. A piecewise constant function of time adequately described the hatching data. The other transition rates were conditioned on the embryo body concentration of VPA, obtained using a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model. VPA impacted mostly the malformation probability rate in hatched and non-hatched embryos. Malformation reversion probability rates were lowered by VPA. Direct mortality was low at the concentrations tested, but increased linearly with internal concentration. The model makes full use of data and gives a finer grain analysis of the teratogenic effects of VPA in zebrafish than the OECD-prescribed approach. We discuss the use of the model for obtaining toxicological reference values suitable for inter-species extrapolation. A general result is that complex multistate models can be efficiently evaluated numerically.
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Miletto Petrazzini ME, Gambaretto L, Dadda M, Brennan C, Agrillo C. Are cerebral and behavioural lateralization related to anxiety-like traits in the animal model zebrafish ( Danio rerio)? Laterality 2020; 26:144-162. [PMID: 33334244 DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2020.1854280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Brain lateralization refers to hemispheric asymmetries in functions and/or neuroanatomical structures. Functional specialization in non-human animals has been mainly inferred through observation of lateralized motor responses and sensory perception. Only in a few cases has the influence of brain asymmetries on behaviour been described. Zebrafish has rapidly become a valuable model to investigate this issue as it displays epithalamic asymmetries that have been correlated to some lateralized behaviours. Here we investigated the relation between neuroanatomical or behavioural lateralization and anxiety using a light-dark preference test in adult zebrafish. In Experiment 1, we observed how scototaxis response varied as a function of behavioural lateralization measured in the detour task as turning preference in front of a dummy predator. In Experiment 2, foxD3:GFP transgenic adult zebrafish with left or right parapineal position, were tested in the same light-dark test as fish in Experiment 1. No correlation was found between the behaviour observed in the detour test and in the scototaxis test nor between the left- and right-parapineal fish and the scototaxis response. The consistency of results obtained in both experiments indicates that neither behavioural nor neuroanatomical asymmetries are related to anxiety-related behaviours measured in the light-dark test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Miletto Petrazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Linda Gambaretto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Dadda
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Caroline Brennan
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Christian Agrillo
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Merola C, Lai O, Conte A, Crescenzo G, Torelli T, Alloro M, Perugini M. Toxicological assessment and developmental abnormalities induced by butylparaben and ethylparaben exposure in zebrafish early-life stages. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 80:103504. [PMID: 32980526 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Toxicological effects of butylparaben (BuP) and ethylparaben (EtP) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) early-life stages are not well established. The present study evaluated, using zebrafish embryos and larvae, the toxicity of BuP and EtP through benchmark dose (BMD) approach. BuP was more toxic than EtP to zebrafish larvae. In fact, Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50) values at 96 h post-fertilization (hpf) for BuP and EtP were 2.34 mg/L and 20.86 mg/L, respectively. Indeed, BMD confidence interval (lower bound (BMDL) - upper bound (BMDU) was 0.91-1.92 mg/L for BuP and 10.8-17.4 mg/L for EtP. Zebrafish embryos exposed to 1 mg/L, 2.5 mg/L of BuP and 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, 20 mg/L, 30 mg/L of EtP showed several developmental abnormalities and teratological effects compared to negative control. Exposed zebrafish developed reduced heartbeat, reduction in blood circulation, blood stasis, pericardial edema, deformed notochord and misshaped yolk sac. Embryos exposed to the highest concentrations of the chemicals (2.5 mg/L of BuP, 10 mg/L, 20 mg/L and 30 mg/L of EtP) showed the developmental abnormalities at 48 hpf while those treated with 1 mg/L of BuP and 10 mg/L of EtP reported behavioral changes at 72 hpf, including trembling of head, pectoral fins and spinal cord. This research identified the lethal and sublethal effects of BuP and EtP in zebrafish early-life stages and could be helpful to elucidate the developmental pathways of toxicity of parabens.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Merola
- Faculty of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - O Lai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, S.P. per Casamassima, Km 3, 70010, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - A Conte
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale "G. Caporale", via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - G Crescenzo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, S.P. per Casamassima, Km 3, 70010, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - T Torelli
- Faculty of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - M Alloro
- Faculty of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - M Perugini
- Faculty of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
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de Abreu MS, Genario R, Giacomini AC, Demin KA, Lakstygal AM, Amstislavskaya TG, Fontana BD, Parker MO, Kalueff AV. Zebrafish as a Model of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Neuroscience 2020; 445:3-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Tao J, Bai C, Chen Y, Zhou H, Liu Y, Shi Q, Pan W, Dong H, Li L, Xu H, Tanguay R, Huang C, Dong Q. Environmental relevant concentrations of benzophenone-3 induced developmental neurotoxicity in zebrafish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 721:137686. [PMID: 32169642 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Benzophenone-3 (BP3 or oxybenzone) is an organic UV filter that has been widely used in personal care products. Its frequent detection in the environment and humans as well as its structural similarity to estradiol have prompted most research focus on its endocrine effect. However, these effects are usually associated with concentrations 10-100 fold higher than its environmental relevant concentrations. Few studies explore its adverse effects at environmental relevant concentrations. In the present study, we evaluated the developmental neurotoxic (DNT) effects of low concentration BP3 exposure during a sensitive developmental window in zebrafish. Our findings revealed that BP3 exposure at 10 μg/L (0.04 μM) during 6-24 h post fertilization (hpf) led to various DNT effects such as increased spontaneous movement at 21 and 24 hpf, decreased touch response at 27 hpf, heightened hyperactivity in locomotor response at 5 day post fertilization (dpf), decreased shoaling behavior at 11 dpf and decreased mirror attacks at 12 dpf. These effects were accompanied with decreased axonal growth at 27 hpf, decreased cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis in the head region of larval zebrafish immediately after BP3 exposure at 24 hpf, and increased expression of retinoid X receptor gene rxrgb at 5 dpf. Interestingly, rxrgb knockdown through morpholino injection largely restored most of BP3-induced DNT effects, axonal growth delay, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis, suggesting that BP3-induced DNT effects are likely mediated through the Rxrgb receptor. In considering with recent findings on the endocrine effects of BP3, we conclude that BP3 at environmental relevant concentrations has limited estrogenic effect, but is neurotoxic to developing embryos in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Tao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Chenglian Bai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yuanhong Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yahui Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qingyu Shi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Wenhao Pan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haojia Dong
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Luyi Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Hui Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Robyn Tanguay
- Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America
| | - Changjiang Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Qiaoxiang Dong
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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Ádám Á, Kemecsei R, Company V, Murcia-Ramón R, Juarez I, Gerecsei LI, Zachar G, Echevarría D, Puelles E, Martínez S, Csillag A. Gestational Exposure to Sodium Valproate Disrupts Fasciculation of the Mesotelencephalic Dopaminergic Tract, With a Selective Reduction of Dopaminergic Output From the Ventral Tegmental Area. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:29. [PMID: 32581730 PMCID: PMC7290005 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is known to cause behavioral deficits of sociability, matching similar alterations in human autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Available data are scarce on the neuromorphological changes in VPA-exposed animals. Here, we focused on alterations of the dopaminergic system, which is implicated in motivation and reward, with relevance to social cohesion. Whole brains from 7-day-old mice born to mothers given a single injection of VPA (400 mg/kg b.wt.) on E13.5 were immunostained against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). They were scanned using the iDISCO method with a laser light-sheet microscope, and the reconstructed images were analyzed in 3D for quantitative morphometry. A marked reduction of mesotelencephalic (MT) axonal fascicles together with a widening of the MT tract were observed in VPA treated mice, while other major brain tracts appeared anatomically intact. We also found a reduction in the abundance of dopaminergic ventral tegmental (VTA) neurons, accompanied by diminished tissue level of DA in ventrobasal telencephalic regions (including the nucleus accumbens (NAc), olfactory tubercle, BST, substantia innominata). Such a reduction of DA was not observed in the non-limbic caudate-putamen. Conversely, the abundance of TH+ cells in the substantia nigra (SN) was increased, presumably due to a compensatory mechanism or to an altered distribution of TH+ neurons occupying the SN and the VTA. The findings suggest that defasciculation of the MT tract and neuronal loss in VTA, followed by diminished dopaminergic input to the ventrobasal telencephalon at a critical time point of embryonic development (E13-E14) may hinder the patterning of certain brain centers underlying decision making and sociability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágota Ádám
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Kemecsei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Verónica Company
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Raquel Murcia-Ramón
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Iris Juarez
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - László I Gerecsei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Zachar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diego Echevarría
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eduardo Puelles
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Salvador Martínez
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - András Csillag
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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41
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Qiu N, Su L, Wu B, Hou M, Xu C, Wang J. Chemicals affect color preference in rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:23206-23214. [PMID: 32335831 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08924-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral response of fish has been shown that was sensitive to chemicals in water. Herein, larval and adult rare minnows of Gobiocypris rarus were studied for their innate color preference and response to a concentration gradient of chemicals (cadmium ion [Cd2+], tricaine methanesulfonate [MS222], and p-chloroaniline). The results showed that both larval and adult rare minnows preferred blue and green over yellow and red in water with no chemicals added. Larval color preference changed significantly under concentrations of Cd2+ ≥ 0.4 mg/L, MS222 ≥ 3 mg/L, and p-chloroaniline ≥ 10 mg/L; for adults, color preference changed significantly when Cd2+ ≥ 3 mg/L, MS222 ≥ 34 mg/L, and p-chloroaniline ≥ 38 mg/L. In addition, the color preference priorities of both larvae and adults also changed at high concentrations of chemicals. The present study provides useful information on how changes in rare minnow behavior could be used as an early indicator of water pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Qiu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liangxia Su
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Benli Wu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Hou
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, People's Republic of China
- Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, China
| | - Chunsen Xu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, People's Republic of China.
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Rapid well-plate assays for motor and social behaviors in larval zebrafish. Behav Brain Res 2020; 391:112625. [PMID: 32428631 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Behavior phenotypes are a powerful means of uncovering subtle xenobiotic chemical impacts on vertebrate nervous system development. Rodents manifest complex and informative behavior phenotypes but are generally not practical models in which to screen large numbers of chemicals. Zebrafish recapitulate much of the behavioral complexity of higher vertebrates, develop externally and are amenable to assay automation. Short duration automated assays can be leveraged to screen large numbers of chemicals or comprehensive dose-response for fewer chemicals. Here we describe a series of mostly automated assays including larval photomotor response, strobe light response, blue color avoidance, shoaling and mirror stimulus-response performed on the ZebraBox (ViewPoint Behavior Technologies) instrument platform. To explore the sensitivity and uniqueness of each assay endpoint, larval cohorts from 5 to 28 days post fertilization were acutely exposed to several chemicals broadly understood to impact different neuro-activities. We highlight the throughput advantages of using the same instrument platform for multiple assays and the ability of different assays to detect unique phenotypes among different chemicals.
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Wei X, Du M, Li D, Wen S, Xie J, Li Y, Chen A, Zhang K, Xu P, Jia M, Wen C, Zhou H, Lyu J, Yang Y, Fang H. Mutations in FASTKD2 are associated with mitochondrial disease with multi-OXPHOS deficiency. Hum Mutat 2020; 41:961-972. [PMID: 31944455 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in FASTKD2, a mitochondrial RNA binding protein, have been associated with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with isolated complex IV deficiency. However, deficiencies related to other oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) complexes have not been reported. Here, we identified three novel FASTKD2 mutations, c.808_809insTTTCAGTTTTG, homoplasmic mutation c.868C>T, and heteroplasmic mutation c.1859delT/c.868C>T, in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Cell-based complementation assay revealed that these three FASTKD2 mutations were pathogenic. Mitochondrial functional analysis revealed that mutations in FASTKD2 impaired the mitochondrial function in patient-derived lymphocytes due to the deficiency in multi-OXPHOS complexes, whereas mitochondrial complex II remained unaffected. Consistent results were also found in human primary muscle cell and zebrafish with knockdown of FASTKD2. Furthermore, we discovered that FASTKD2 mutation is not inherently associated with epileptic seizures, optic atrophy, and loss of visual function. Alternatively, a patient with FASTKD2 mutation can show sinus tachycardia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which was partially confirmed in zebrafish with knockdown of FASTKD2. In conclusion, both in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that loss of function mutation in FASTKD2 is responsible for multi-OXPHOS complexes deficiency, and FASTKD2-associated mitochondrial disease has a high degree of clinical heterogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Du
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dongxiao Li
- Department of Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shumeng Wen
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Municipal Hospital (Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Xie
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Aolong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Pu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Manli Jia
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chaowei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huaibin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianxin Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hezhi Fang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Fontana BD, Cleal M, Parker MO. Female adult zebrafish (
Danio rerio
) show higher levels of anxiety‐like behavior than males, but do not differ in learning and memory capacity. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2604-2613. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara D. Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences University of Portsmouth Portsmouth UK
| | - Madeleine Cleal
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences University of Portsmouth Portsmouth UK
| | - Matthew O. Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences University of Portsmouth Portsmouth UK
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) Slidell LA USA
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Porokhovnik L. Individual Copy Number of Ribosomal Genes as a Factor of Mental Retardation and Autism Risk and Severity. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101151. [PMID: 31561466 PMCID: PMC6830322 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a complex multifactorial developmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication and restricted interests, often followed by mental retardation. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are caused by defects in miscellaneous molecular mechanisms, many of which remain unclear. But a considerable part of the known pathways converges on protein synthesis or degradation processes at different stages in the dendrites, laying the foundation for a concept of disturbed “translational homeostasis” or “proteostasis” in autism. The protein synthesis is conducted on ribosomes, cellular organelles consisting from a complex of riboproteins and a ribosomal RNA (rRNA) framework. The rRNA is encoded by ribosomal genes (RG) existing in multiple copies in the genome. The more copies of RG that are contained in the genome, the higher is the peak (maximum possible) ribosome abundance in the cell. A hypothesis is proposed that the RG copy number, through determining the quantity of ribosomes available in the dendrites, modulates the level of local dendritic translation and thus is a factor of risk and severity of a series of neuropsychiatric disorders caused by aberrant dendritic translation. A carrier of very low copy number of ribosomal genes is expected to have a milder form of ASD than a subject with the same epigenetic and genetic background, but a higher ribosomal gene dosage. Various ways of evaluation and testing the hypothesis on clinical material and animal models are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev Porokhovnik
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechie str., Moscow 115478, Russia.
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Zachar G, Tóth AS, Gerecsei LI, Zsebők S, Ádám Á, Csillag A. Valproate Exposure in ovo Attenuates the Acquisition of Social Preferences of Young Post-hatch Domestic Chicks. Front Physiol 2019; 10:881. [PMID: 31379596 PMCID: PMC6646517 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is known to produce sociability deficits, resembling human autistic phenotypes, in several vertebrate species. Animals living in groups prefer the proximity of peers and have the ability to perceive and to respond to social signals for modifying behavior. Chicks of Galliform birds, known to display early preference behaviors, have been used extensively for adaptive learning studies. Young precocial birds seem to be useful models also for studying the effect of embryonic VPA treatment. Here, domestic chicken eggs were injected with sodium valproate (200 μl of 35 μmol/L solution) or with vehicle (distilled water) on the 14th day of incubation. After hatching, the chicks were tested for one-trial passive avoidance learning at day 1, vocalization due to isolation as a measure of stress level (day 2), approach preference to large versus small groups of age-matched conspecifics (day 5), and to those with normal versus blurred head features (day 7). In addition, we tested the preference of birds to conspecifics reared in group versus those reared in isolation (day 9), as well as the preference of chicks to familiar versus non-familiar conspecifics (day 21). Our findings confirm previous reports concerning an adverse effect of VPA on embryonic development, including a tendency for aborted or delayed hatching and, occasionally, for locomotor disorders in a small percentage of birds (eliminated from later studies). Otherwise, VPA treatment did not impair motor activity or distress level. Memory formation for the aversive stimulus and discrimination of colors were not impaired by VPA treatment either. Innate social predispositions manifested in approach preferences for the larger target group or for the birds with natural facial features remained unaffected by VPA exposure. The most prominent finding was attenuation of social exploration in VPA-exposed birds (expressed as the frequency of positional switches between two stimulus chicks after the first choice), followed by a deficit in the recognition of familiar conspecifics, unfolding at the end of the third week. Social exploration and recognition of familiar individuals are the key elements impaired at this stage. The results underline the importance of early social exploration in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Zachar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András S Tóth
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László I Gerecsei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Zsebők
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ádám
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Csillag
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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González EA, Carty DR, Tran FD, Cole AM, Lein PJ. Developmental exposure to silver nanoparticles at environmentally relevant concentrations alters swimming behavior in zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:3018-3024. [PMID: 30242895 PMCID: PMC6457247 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are ubiquitous in household and medical products because of their antimicrobial activity. A consequence of the high volume of Ag-NP production and usage is increased amounts of Ag-NPs released into the environment. Their small size (1-100 nm) results in unique physiochemical properties that may increase toxicity relative to their bulk counterpart. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to assess the potential toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of Ag-NPs in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Wild-type tropical 5D zebrafish embryos were exposed to Ag-NPs from 4 to 120 h postfertilization at 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 ppm (mg/L). Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry confirmed concentration-dependent uptake of Ag into zebrafish as well as bioaccumulation over time. A morphological assessment revealed no significant hatching impairment, morphological abnormalities, or mortality at any concentration or time point examined. However, assessment of photomotor behavior at 3 d postfertilization (dpf) revealed significant hyperactivity in the 0.3, 1, and 3 ppm Ag-NP treatment groups. At 4 dpf, significant hyperactivity was observed only in the 3 ppm treatment group, whereas 5 dpf larvae exposed to Ag-NPs displayed no significant abnormalities in photomotor behavior. These findings suggest that nonteratogenic concentrations of Ag-NPs are capable of causing transient behavioral changes during development. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:3018-3024. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo A. González
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Dennis R. Carty
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Franklin D. Tran
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Austin M. Cole
- Office of Research, University of California-Davis Interdisciplinary Center for Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Davis, CA 95616 USA ()
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Pamela J. Lein, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, 2009 VM3B, Davis, CA 95616, Telephone: (530) 752-1970 Fax: (530) 752-7690,
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48
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Prenatal Neuropathologies in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability: The Gestation of a Comprehensive Zebrafish Model. J Dev Biol 2018; 6:jdb6040029. [PMID: 30513623 PMCID: PMC6316217 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6040029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are neurodevelopmental disorders with overlapping diagnostic behaviors and risk factors. These include embryonic exposure to teratogens and mutations in genes that have important functions prenatally. Animal models, including rodents and zebrafish, have been essential in delineating mechanisms of neuropathology and identifying developmental critical periods, when those mechanisms are most sensitive to disruption. This review focuses on how the developmentally accessible zebrafish is contributing to our understanding of prenatal pathologies that set the stage for later ASD-ID behavioral deficits. We discuss the known factors that contribute prenatally to ASD-ID and the recent use of zebrafish to model deficits in brain morphogenesis and circuit development. We conclude by suggesting that a future challenge in zebrafish ASD-ID modeling will be to bridge prenatal anatomical and physiological pathologies to behavioral deficits later in life.
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Larval zebrafish model for studying the effects of valproic acid on neurodevelopment: An approach towards modeling autism. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2018; 95:56-65. [PMID: 30500431 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder of early onset, characterized by impaired sociability, cognitive function and stereotypies. The etiology of ASD involves a multidimensional link between genetic, neurobiological and environmental factors. Since existing, comprehensive animal models for ASD are time consuming and laborious, the need for simple, quick approaches to study subsets of ASD-associated characteristics has always been in demand for better understanding of disease. The aim of the present study was to develop a cost and time effective zebrafish model with quantifiable parameters to facilitate mechanistic studies as well as high-throughput screening of new molecules for autism. METHODS Zebrafish embryos were treated with valproic acid (75 μM) beginning at 4-h post fertilization to 5-days post fertilization. A series of behavioral tests (anxiety, inattentive behavior and circling behavior) and molecular studies were performed as surrogate parameters of ASD-like characteristic on the larvae at 7-dayspost fertilization for a quick screen. The study was followed by validation of model by screening positive control and negative control drugs. The social interaction test was performed on 21-days post fertilization to confirm that the surrogate phenotypes were indicative of social deficit (a core symptom of ASD). RESULTS The model showed a significant behavioral impairment (2-4fold difference) in valproic acid treated larvae compared to control larvae, which was further supported by alterations in select high-risk genes and proteins, implicated in human ASD. Reversal of behavioral impairments using standard drugs marketed for symptomatic treatment in ASD and no effect on behaviors when treated with paracetamol (negative control) signifies the role of model in preliminary drug screening. CONCLUSION The model shows robust parameters to study behavior, molecular mechanism and drug screening approach in a single frame. Thus, we postulate that our 7-day larval model could be a useful preliminary screening tool to identify novel targets as well as potential drugs for autism and also can be applied to develop a high-throughput screening approach.
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