1
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di Domenico K, Lacchetti I, Cafiero G, Mancini A, Carere M, Mancini L. Reviewing the use of zebrafish for the detection of neurotoxicity induced by chemical mixtures through the analysis of behaviour. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142246. [PMID: 38710414 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142246] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The knowledge and assessment of mixtures of chemical pollutants in the aquatic environment is a complex issue that is often challenging to address. In this review, we focused on the use of zebrafish (Danio rerio), a vertebrate widely used in biomedical research, as a model for detecting the effects of chemical mixtures with a focus on behaviour. Our aim was to summarize the current status of the ecotoxicological research in this sector. Specifically, we limited our research to the period between January 2012 and September 2023, including only those works aimed at detecting neurotoxicity through behavioural endpoints, utilizing zebrafish at one or more developmental stages, from egg to adult. Additionally, we gathered the findings for every group of chemicals involved and summarised data from all the works we included. At the end of the screening process 101 papers were considered eligible for inclusion. Results show a growing interest in zebrafish at all life stages for this kind of research in the last decade. Also, a wide variety of different assays, involving different senses, was used in the works we surveyed, with exposures ranging from acute to chronic. In conclusion, the results of this study show the versatility of zebrafish as a model for the detection of mixture toxicity although, for what concerns behavioural analysis, the lack of standardisation of methods and endpoints might still be limiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin di Domenico
- Ecohealth Unit, Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ines Lacchetti
- Ecohealth Unit, Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cafiero
- Environmental Risk Assessment, Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Aurora Mancini
- Ecohealth Unit, Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Carere
- Ecohealth Unit, Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Mancini
- Ecohealth Unit, Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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2
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Marchese M, Bernardi S, Ogi A, Licitra R, Silvi G, Mero S, Galatolo D, Gammaldi N, Doccini S, Ratto GM, Rapposelli S, Neuhauss SCF, Zang J, Rocchiccioli S, Michelucci E, Ceccherini E, Santorelli FM. Targeting autophagy impairment improves the phenotype of a novel CLN8 zebrafish model. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 197:106536. [PMID: 38763444 PMCID: PMC11163972 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106536] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
CLN8 is an endoplasmic reticulum cargo receptor and a regulator of lysosome biogenesis whose loss of function leads to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. CLN8 has been linked to autophagy and lipid metabolism, but much remains to be learned, and there are no therapies acting on the molecular signatures in this disorder. The present study aims to characterize the molecular pathways involved in CLN8 disease and, by pinpointing altered ones, to identify potential therapies. To bridge the gap between cell and mammalian models, we generated a new zebrafish model of CLN8 deficiency, which recapitulates the pathological features of the disease. We observed, for the first time, that CLN8 dysfunction impairs autophagy. Using autophagy modulators, we showed that trehalose and SG2 are able to attenuate the pathological phenotype in mutant larvae, confirming autophagy impairment as a secondary event in disease progression. Overall, our successful modeling of CLN8 defects in zebrafish highlights this novel in vivo model's strong potential as an instrument for exploring the role of CLN8 dysfunction in cellular pathways, with a view to identifying small molecules to treat this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Marchese
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Sara Bernardi
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Asahi Ogi
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosario Licitra
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giada Silvi
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Mero
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele Galatolo
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Gammaldi
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Doccini
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gian Michele Ratto
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Stephan C F Neuhauss
- University of Zurich, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jingjing Zang
- University of Zurich, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Elena Michelucci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy; Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Ceccherini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo M Santorelli
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
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3
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Zizioli D, Quiros-Roldan E, Ferretti S, Mignani L, Tiecco G, Monti E, Castelli F, Zanella I. Dolutegravir and Folic Acid Interaction during Neural System Development in Zebrafish Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4640. [PMID: 38731859 PMCID: PMC11083492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094640] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Dolutegravir (DTG) is one of the most prescribed antiretroviral drugs for treating people with HIV infection, including women of child-bearing potential or pregnant. Nonetheless, neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequently reported. Early reports suggested that, probably in relation to folic acid (FA) shortage, DTG may induce neural tube defects in infants born to women taking the drug during pregnancy. Subsequent reports did not definitively confirm these findings. Recent studies in animal models have highlighted the association between DTG exposure in utero and congenital anomalies, and an increased risk of neurologic abnormalities in children exposed during in utero life has been reported. Underlying mechanisms for DTG-related neurologic symptoms and congenital anomalies are not fully understood. We aimed to deepen our knowledge on the neurodevelopmental effects of DTG exposure and further explore the protective role of FA by the use of zebrafish embryos. We treated embryos at 4 and up to 144 h post fertilization (hpf) with a subtherapeutic DTG concentration (1 μM) and observed the disruption of the anterior-posterior axis and several morphological malformations in the developing brain that were both prevented by pre-exposure (2 hpf) and rescued by post-exposure (10 hpf) with FA. By whole-mount in situ hybridization with riboprobes for genes that are crucial during the early phases of neurodevelopment (ntl, pax2a, ngn1, neurod1) and by in vivo visualization of the transgenic Tg(ngn1:EGFP) zebrafish line, we found that DTG induced severe neurodevelopmental defects over time in most regions of the nervous system (notochord, midbrain-hindbrain boundary, eye, forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain, spinal cord) that were mostly but not completely rescued by FA supplementation. Of note, we observed the disruption of ngn1 expression in the dopaminergic regions of the developing forebrain, spinal cord neurons and spinal motor neuron projections, with the depletion of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)+ dopaminergic neurons of the dorsal diencephalon and the strong reduction in larvae locomotion. Our study further supports previous evidence that DTG can interfere with FA pathways in the developing brain but also provides new insights regarding the mechanisms involved in the increased risk of DTG-associated fetal neurodevelopmental defects and adverse neurologic outcomes in in utero exposed children, suggesting the impairment of dopaminergic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Zizioli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.Z.); (S.F.); (L.M.); (E.M.); (I.Z.)
| | - Eugenia Quiros-Roldan
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.T.); (F.C.)
| | - Sara Ferretti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.Z.); (S.F.); (L.M.); (E.M.); (I.Z.)
| | - Luca Mignani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.Z.); (S.F.); (L.M.); (E.M.); (I.Z.)
| | - Giorgio Tiecco
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.T.); (F.C.)
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.Z.); (S.F.); (L.M.); (E.M.); (I.Z.)
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.T.); (F.C.)
| | - Isabella Zanella
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.Z.); (S.F.); (L.M.); (E.M.); (I.Z.)
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Diagnostic Department, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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4
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Nonarath HJT, Jackson MA, Penoske RM, Zahrt TC, Price NPJ, Link BA. The tunicamycin derivative TunR2 exhibits potent antibiotic properties with low toxicity in an in vivo Mycobacterium marinum-zebrafish TB infection model. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2024; 77:245-256. [PMID: 38238588 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-023-00694-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Tunicamycins (TUN) are well-defined, Streptomyces-derived natural products that inhibit protein N-glycosylation in eukaryotes, and by a conserved mechanism also block bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. TUN inhibits the polyprenylphosphate-N-acetyl-hexosamine-1-phospho-transferases (PNPT), an essential family of enzymes found in both bacteria and eukaryotes. We have previously published the development of chemically modified TUN, called TunR1 and TunR2, that have considerably reduced activity on eukaryotes but that retain the potent antibacterial properties. A mechanism for this reduced toxicity has also been reported. TunR1 and TunR2 have been tested against mammalian cell lines in culture and against live insect cells but, until now, no in vivo evaluation has been undertaken for vertebrates. In the current work, TUN, TunR1, and TunR2 are investigated for their relative toxicity and antimycobacterial activity in zebrafish using a well-established Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum) infection system, a model for studying human Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. We also report the relative ability to activate the unfolded protein response (UPR), the known mechanism for the eukaryotic toxicity observed with TUN treatment. Importantly, TunR1 and TunR2 retained their antimicrobial properties, as evidenced by a reduction in M. marinum bacterial burden, compared to DMSO-treated zebrafish. In summary, findings from this study highlight the characteristics of recently developed TUN derivatives, mainly TunR2, and its potential for use as a novel anti-bacterial agent for veterinary and potential medical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J T Nonarath
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Michael A Jackson
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Renewable Products Technology Research, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL, 61604, USA
| | - Renee M Penoske
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Thomas C Zahrt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Neil P J Price
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Renewable Products Technology Research, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL, 61604, USA.
| | - Brian A Link
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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5
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Feng WW, Chen HC, Audira G, Suryanto ME, Saputra F, Kurnia KA, Vasquez RD, Casuga FP, Lai YH, Hsiao CD, Hung CH. Evaluation of Tacrolimus' Adverse Effects on Zebrafish in Larval and Adult Stages by Using Multiple Physiological and Behavioral Endpoints. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:112. [PMID: 38392330 PMCID: PMC10886482 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Tacrolimus (FK506) is a common immunosuppressant that is used in organ transplantation. However, despite its importance in medical applications, it is prone to adverse side effects. While some studies have demonstrated its toxicities to humans and various animal models, very few studies have addressed this issue in aquatic organisms, especially zebrafish. Here, we assessed the adverse effects of acute and chronic exposure to tacrolimus in relatively low doses in zebrafish in both larval and adult stages, respectively. Based on the results, although tacrolimus did not cause any cardiotoxicity and respiratory toxicity toward zebrafish larvae, it affected their locomotor activity performance in light-dark locomotion tests. Meanwhile, tacrolimus was also found to slightly affect the behavior performance, shoaling formation, circadian rhythm locomotor activity, and color preference of adult zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, alterations in the cognitive performance of the fish were also displayed by the treated fish, indicated by a loss of short-term memory. To help elucidate the toxicity mechanism of tacrolimus, molecular docking was conducted to calculate the strength of the binding interaction between tacrolimus to human FKBP12. The results showed a relatively normal binding affinity, indicating that this interaction might only partly contribute to the observed alterations. Nevertheless, the current research could help clinicians and researchers to further understand the toxicology of tacrolimus, especially to zebrafish, thus highlighting the importance of considering the toxicity of tacrolimus prior to its usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Wei Feng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
- Dr. Feng's Dermatology Clinic, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chao Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
- Dr. Feng's Dermatology Clinic, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Gilbert Audira
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Michael Edbert Suryanto
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Ferry Saputra
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Kevin Adi Kurnia
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Ross D Vasquez
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
- The Graduate School, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
| | - Franelyne P Casuga
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
- The Graduate School, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
| | - Yu-Heng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Der Hsiao
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Research Center for Aquatic Toxicology and Pharmacology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Hung
- Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
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6
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Schimith LE, Machado da Silva V, Costa-Silva DGD, Seregni Monteiro LK, Muccillo-Baisch AL, André-Miral C, Hort MA. Preclinical toxicological assessment of polydatin in zebrafish model. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38311823 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2024.2311287] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Polydatin (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene-3-β-D-glucoside, piceid), a natural stilbenoid found in different plant sources, has gained increasing attention for its potential health benefits. However, prior to its widespread adoption in human therapeutics and consumer products, a comprehensive investigation of its toxicological effects is crucial. In this study, the toxicity of polydatin was investigated in a developmental toxicity test using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a valuable model for preclinical assessments. We employed the Fish Embryo Test (FET test - OECD n°236) to investigate the effects of polydatin on survival, hatchability, development, and behavior of zebrafish embryo-larval stage. Remarkably, the results demonstrated that polydatin up to 435 μM showed no toxicity. Throughout the exposure period, zebrafish embryos exposed to polydatin exhibited normal development, with no significant mortality observed. Furthermore, hatching success and heartbeat rate were unaffected, and no morphological abnormalities were identified, signifying a lack of teratogenic effects and cardiotoxicity. Locomotion activity assessment revealed normal swimming patterns and response to stimuli, indicating no neurotoxic effects. Our study provides valuable insights into the toxicological profile of polydatin, suggesting that it may offer potential therapeutic benefits under a considerable concentration range. In addition, zebrafish model proves to be an efficient system for early-stage toxicological screening, guiding further investigations into the secure utilization of polydatin for human health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Emanueli Schimith
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
| | | | - Dennis Guilherme da Costa-Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
| | | | - Ana Luiza Muccillo-Baisch
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
| | | | - Mariana Appel Hort
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
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7
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Hodorovich DR, Fryer Harris T, Burton DF, Neese KM, Bieler RA, Chudasama V, Marsden KC. Effects of 4 Testing Arena Sizes and 11 Types of Embryo Media on Sensorimotor Behaviors in Wild-Type and chd7 Mutant Zebrafish Larvae. Zebrafish 2024; 21:1-14. [PMID: 38301171 PMCID: PMC10902501 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0052] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The larval zebrafish is a highly versatile model across research disciplines, and the expanding use of behavioral analysis has contributed to many advances in neuropsychiatric, developmental, and toxicological studies, often through large-scale chemical and genetic screens. In the absence of standardized approaches to larval zebrafish behavior analysis, however, it is critical to understand the impact on behavior of experimental variables such as the size of testing arenas and the choice of embryo medium. Using a custom-built, modular high-throughput testing system, we examined the effects of 4 testing arena sizes and 11 types of embryo media on conserved sensorimotor behaviors in zebrafish larvae. Our data show that testing arena size impacts acoustic startle sensitivity and kinematics, as well as spontaneous locomotion and thigmotaxis, with fish tested in larger arenas displaying reduced startle sensitivity and increased locomotion. We also find that embryo media can dramatically affect startle sensitivity, kinematics, habituation, and prepulse inhibition, as well as spontaneous swimming, turning, and overall activity. Common medium components such as methylene blue and high calcium concentration consistently reduced startle sensitivity and locomotion. To further address how the choice of embryo medium can impact phenotype expression in zebrafish models of disease, we reared chd7 mutant larvae, a model of CHARGE syndrome with previously characterized morphological and behavioral phenotypes, in five different types of media and observed impacts on all phenotypes. By defining the effects of these key extrinsic factors on larval zebrafish behavior, these data can help researchers select the most appropriate conditions for their specific research questions, particularly for genetic and chemical screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana R Hodorovich
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tiara Fryer Harris
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Derek F Burton
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katie M Neese
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachael A Bieler
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vimal Chudasama
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kurt C Marsden
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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8
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Lucon-Xiccato T, Savaşçı BB, Merola C, Benedetti E, Caioni G, Aliko V, Bertolucci C, Perugini M. Environmentally relevant concentrations of triclocarban affect behaviour, learning, and brain gene expression in fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166717. [PMID: 37657536 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Many chemicals spilled in aquatic ecosystems can interfere with cognitive abilities and brain functions that control fitness-related behaviour. Hence, their harmful potential may be substantially underestimated. Triclocarban (TCC), one of the most common aquatic contaminants, is known to disrupt hormonal activity, but the consequences of this action on behaviour and its underlying cognitive mechanisms are unclear. We tried to fill this knowledge gap by analysing behaviour, cognitive abilities, and brain gene expression in zebrafish larvae exposed to TCC sublethal concentrations. TCC exposure substantially decreased exploratory behaviour and response to stimulation, while it increased sociability. Additionally, TCC reduced the cognitive performance of zebrafish in a habituation learning task. In the brain of TCC-exposed zebrafish, we found upregulation of c-fos, a gene involved in neural activity, and downregulation of bdnf, a gene that influences behavioural and cognitive traits such as activity, learning, and memory. Overall, our experiments highlight consistent effects of non-lethal TCC concentrations on behaviour, cognitive abilities, and brain functioning in a teleost fish, suggesting critical fitness consequences of these compounds in aquatic ecosystems as well as the potential to affect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Beste Başak Savaşçı
- Unit of Evolutionary Biology/Systematic Zoology, Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany; Department of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Carmine Merola
- Department of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giulia Caioni
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valbona Aliko
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Cristiano Bertolucci
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monia Perugini
- Department of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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9
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Hodorovich DR, Fryer Harris T, Burton D, Neese K, Bieler R, Chudasama V, Marsden KC. Effects of 4 testing arena sizes and 11 types of embryo media on sensorimotor behaviors in wild-type and chd7 mutant zebrafish larvae: Media and arena size impact zebrafish behavior. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.31.551330. [PMID: 37577457 PMCID: PMC10418063 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.31.551330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The larval zebrafish is a highly versatile model across research disciplines, and the expanding use of behavioral analysis has contributed to many advances in neuro-psychiatric, developmental, and toxicological studies, often through large-scale chemical and genetic screens. In the absence of standardized approaches to larval zebrafish behavior analysis, however, it is critical to understand the impact on behavior of experimental variables such as the size of testing arenas and the choice of embryo medium. Using a custom-built, modular high-throughput testing system, we examined the effects of 4 testing arena sizes and 11 types of embryo media on conserved sensorimotor behaviors in zebrafish larvae. Our data show that testing arena size impacts acoustic startle sensitivity and kinematics as well as spontaneous locomotion and thigmotaxis, with fish tested in larger arenas displaying reduced startle sensitivity and increased locomotion. We also find that embryo media can dramatically affect startle sensitivity, kinematics, habituation, and pre-pulse inhibition, as well as spontaneous swimming, turning, and overall activity. Common media components such as methylene blue and high calcium concentration consistently reduced startle sensitivity and locomotion. To further address how the choice of embryo medium can impact phenotype expression in zebrafish models of disease, we reared chd7 mutant larvae, a model of CHARGE syndrome with previously characterized morphological and behavioral phenotypes, in 5 different types of media and observed impacts on all phenotypes. By defining the effects of these key extrinsic factors on larval zebrafish behavior, these data can help researchers select the most appropriate conditions for their specific research questions, particularly for genetic and chemical screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana R. Hodorovich
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, United States of America
- Current Address: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tiara Fryer Harris
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Derek Burton
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, United States of America
- Current Address: Biogen, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Katie Neese
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rachael Bieler
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Vimal Chudasama
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kurt. C Marsden
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, United States of America
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10
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Hedge JM, Hunter DL, Sanders E, Jarema KA, Olin JK, Britton KN, Lowery M, Knapp BR, Padilla S, Hill BN. Influence of Methylene Blue or Dimethyl Sulfoxide on Larval Zebrafish Development and Behavior. Zebrafish 2023; 20:132-145. [PMID: 37406269 PMCID: PMC10627343 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of larval zebrafish developmental testing and assessment, specifically larval zebrafish locomotor activity, has been recognized as a higher throughput testing strategy to identify developmentally toxic and neurotoxic chemicals. There are, however, no standardized protocols for this type of assay, which could result in confounding variables being overlooked. Two chemicals commonly employed during early-life stage zebrafish assays, methylene blue (antifungal agent) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, a commonly used vehicle) have been reported to affect the morphology and behavior of freshwater fish. In this study, we conducted developmental toxicity (morphology) and neurotoxicity (behavior) assessments of commonly employed concentrations for both chemicals (0.6-10.0 μM methylene blue; 0.3%-1.0% v/v DMSO). A light-dark transition behavioral testing paradigm was applied to morphologically normal, 6 days postfertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae kept at 26°C. Additionally, an acute DMSO challenge was administered based on early-life stage zebrafish assays typically used in this research area. Results from developmental toxicity screens were similar between both chemicals with no morphological abnormalities detected at any of the concentrations tested. However, neurodevelopmental results were mixed between the two chemicals of interest. Methylene blue resulted in no behavioral changes up to the highest concentration tested, 10.0 μM. By contrast, DMSO altered larval behavior following developmental exposure at concentrations as low as 0.5% (v/v) and exhibited differential concentration-response patterns in the light and dark photoperiods. These results indicate that developmental DMSO exposure can affect larval zebrafish locomotor activity at routinely used concentrations in developmental neurotoxicity assessments, whereas methylene blue does not appear to be developmentally or neurodevelopmentally toxic to larval zebrafish at routinely used concentrations. These results also highlight the importance of understanding the influence of experimental conditions on larval zebrafish locomotor activity that may ultimately confound the interpretation of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan M. Hedge
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Advanced Experimental Toxicology Models Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Deborah L. Hunter
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Erik Sanders
- Aquatics Lab Services LLC 1112 Nashville Street St. Peters, MO 63376, USA
| | - Kimberly A. Jarema
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Immediate Office, Program Operations Staff, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Jeanene K. Olin
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Katy N. Britton
- ORAU Research Participation Program hosted by EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Morgan Lowery
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Bridget R. Knapp
- ORISE Research Participation Program hosted by EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Bridgett N. Hill
- ORISE Research Participation Program hosted by EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
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11
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von Hellfeld R, Gade C, Baumann L, Leist M, Braunbeck T. The sensitivity of the zebrafish embryo coiling assay for the detection of neurotoxicity by compounds with diverse modes of action. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27662-2. [PMID: 37213015 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27662-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In the aim to determine neurotoxicity, new methods are being validated, including tests and test batteries comprising in vitro and in vivo approaches. Alternative test models such as the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo have received increasing attention, with minor modifications of the fish embryo toxicity test (FET; OECD TG 236) as a tool to assess behavioral endpoints related to neurotoxicity during early developmental stages. The spontaneous tail movement assay, also known as coiling assay, assesses the development of random movement into complex behavioral patterns and has proven sensitive to acetylcholine esterase inhibitors at sublethal concentrations. The present study explored the sensitivity of the assay to neurotoxicants with other modes of action (MoAs). Here, five compounds with diverse MoAs were tested at sublethal concentrations: acrylamide, carbaryl, hexachlorophene, ibuprofen, and rotenone. While carbaryl, hexachlorophene, and rotenone consistently induced severe behavioral alterations by ~ 30 h post fertilization (hpf), acrylamide and ibuprofen expressed time- and/or concentration-dependent effects. At 37-38 hpf, additional observations revealed behavioral changes during dark phases with a strict concentration-dependency. The study documented the applicability of the coiling assay to MoA-dependent behavioral alterations at sublethal concentrations, underlining its potential as a component of a neurotoxicity test battery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca von Hellfeld
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 23 St Machar Drive, Aberdeen, AB24 3UK, UK.
- National Decommissioning Centre, Main Street, Ellon, AB41 6AA, UK.
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Christoph Gade
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 23 St Machar Drive, Aberdeen, AB24 3UK, UK
- National Decommissioning Centre, Main Street, Ellon, AB41 6AA, UK
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Baumann
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Science, Environmental Health & Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amersterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marcel Leist
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Yang Q, Deng P, Xing D, Liu H, Shi F, Hu L, Zou X, Nie H, Zuo J, Zhuang Z, Pan M, Chen J, Li G. Developmental Neurotoxicity of Difenoconazole in Zebrafish Embryos. TOXICS 2023; 11:353. [PMID: 37112580 PMCID: PMC10142703 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Difenoconazole is a type of triazole fungicide that is widely used in the treatment of plant diseases. Triazole fungicides have been shown in several studies to impair the development of the nervous system in zebrafish embryos. There is still little known about difenoconazole-induced neurotoxicity in fish. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/L of difenoconazole solution until 120 h post-fertilization (hpf). The difenoconazole-exposed groups showed concentration-dependent inhibitory tendencies in heart rate and body length. Malformation rate and spontaneous movement of zebrafish embryos increased, and the locomotor activity decreased in the highest exposure group. The content of dopamine and acetylcholine was reduced significantly in difenoconazole treatment groups. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was also increased after treatment with difenoconazole. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment was remarkably altered, which corresponded with the alterations of neurotransmitter content and AChE activity. These results indicated that difenoconazole might affect the development of the nervous system through influencing neurotransmitter levels, enzyme activity, and the expression of neural-related genes, ultimately leading to abnormal locomotor activity in the early stages of zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yang
- Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Ping Deng
- Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Dan Xing
- Dadu River Hydropower Development Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610016, China
| | - Haoling Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Fang Shi
- Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Lian Hu
- Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Xi Zou
- Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Hongyan Nie
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junli Zuo
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zimeng Zhuang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Meiqi Pan
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Juan Chen
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Changsha Xinjia Bio-Engineering Co., Ltd., Changsha 410000, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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13
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Wang X, Zhang J, Lu C, Liu Y, Yang X, Hou K, Du Z, Li B, Juhasz A, Zhu L. Development toxicity and cytotoxicity of pyroxsulam on embryos and adults of zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 319:121040. [PMID: 36632968 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pyroxsulam is a typical triazolopyrimidine sulfonamide herbicide, which plays a vital role in weed control for wheat production. Previous studies on pyroxsulam have mainly focused on weed resistance, control effects, and soil microorganisms, however, research on aquatic ecotoxicity is lacking. This study evaluated the toxicity of pyroxsulam in zebrafish embryos (120 h) and adults (14 and 28 d). Chronic exposure to pyroxsulam (0.2, 2, and 10 μg L-1) reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in embryos but increased ROS content in adults. Pyroxsulam caused lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in embryos and adults. The expression of p53, bcl-2/bax, and caspase 3/8/9 indicated that pyroxsulam inhibited apoptosis in embryos but induced apoptosis in adults. By calculating integrated biomarker response, apoptosis was more readily affected than oxidative damage in embryos and adults. The toxicity of pyroxsulam increased with increasing concentration, however, with increasing exposure time, the toxicity of pyroxsulam to adults decreased. Pyroxsulam exerted toxic effects on zebrafish at different life stages (embryos and adults), and different stages had different toxicity. These results indicate that in future studies on the toxicity of pyroxsulam to zebrafish, different life stages (embryos and adults) need to be studied. The present study evaluated the toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of pyroxsulam to zebrafish embryos and adults, providing worthy data for assessing its effects on aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaole Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian, 271018, China.
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian, 271018, China.
| | - Chengbo Lu
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian, 271018, China.
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian, 271018, China.
| | - Xiao Yang
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian, 271018, China.
| | - Kaixuan Hou
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian, 271018, China.
| | - Zhongkun Du
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian, 271018, China.
| | - Bing Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian, 271018, China.
| | - Albert Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia.
| | - Lusheng Zhu
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian, 271018, China.
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14
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Lucon-Xiccato T, Montalbano G, Gatto E, Frigato E, D'Aniello S, Bertolucci C. Individual differences and knockout in zebrafish reveal similar cognitive effects of BDNF between teleosts and mammals. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20222036. [PMID: 36541170 PMCID: PMC9768640 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2036] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The remarkable similarities in cognitive performance between teleosts and mammals suggest that the underlying cognitive mechanisms might also be similar in these two groups. We tested this hypothesis by assessing the effects of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is critical for mammalian cognitive functioning, on fish's cognitive abilities. We found that individual differences in zebrafish's learning abilities were positively correlated with bdnf expression. Moreover, a CRISPR/Cas9 mutant zebrafish line that lacks the BDNF gene (bdnf-/-) showed remarkable learning deficits. Half of the mutants failed a colour discrimination task, whereas the remaining mutants learned the task slowly, taking three times longer than control bdnf+/+ zebrafish. The mutants also took twice as long to acquire a T-maze task compared to control zebrafish and showed difficulties exerting inhibitory control. An analysis of habituation learning revealed that cognitive impairment in mutants emerges early during development, but could be rescued with a synthetic BDNF agonist. Overall, our study indicates that BDNF has a similar activational effect on cognitive performance in zebrafish and in mammals, supporting the idea that its function is conserved in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Montalbano
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elia Gatto
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Frigato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore D'Aniello
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bertolucci
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
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15
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Tan JXM, Ang RJW, Wee CL. Larval Zebrafish as a Model for Mechanistic Discovery in Mental Health. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:900213. [PMID: 35813062 PMCID: PMC9263853 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.900213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are essential for the discovery of mechanisms and treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. However, complex mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are difficult to fully recapitulate in these models. Borrowing from the field of psychiatric genetics, we reiterate the framework of 'endophenotypes' - biological or behavioral markers with cellular, molecular or genetic underpinnings - to reduce complex disorders into measurable behaviors that can be compared across organisms. Zebrafish are popular disease models due to the conserved genetic, physiological and anatomical pathways between zebrafish and humans. Adult zebrafish, which display more sophisticated behaviors and cognition, have long been used to model psychiatric disorders. However, larvae (up to 1 month old) are more numerous and also optically transparent, and hence are particularly suited for high-throughput screening and brain-wide neural circuit imaging. A number of behavioral assays have been developed to quantify neuropsychiatric phenomena in larval zebrafish. Here, we will review these assays and the current knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms of their behavioral readouts. We will also discuss the existing evidence linking larval zebrafish behavior to specific human behavioral traits and how the endophenotype framework can be applied. Importantly, many of the endophenotypes we review do not solely define a diseased state but could manifest as a spectrum across the general population. As such, we make the case for larval zebrafish as a promising model for extending our understanding of population mental health, and for identifying novel therapeutics and interventions with broad impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caroline Lei Wee
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Faria M, Bellot M, Bedrossiantz J, Ramírez JRR, Prats E, Garcia-Reyero N, Gomez-Canela C, Mestres J, Rovira X, Barata C, Oliván LMG, Llebaria A, Raldua D. Environmental levels of carbaryl impair zebrafish larvae behaviour: The potential role of ADRA2B and HTR2B. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 431:128563. [PMID: 35248961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The insecticide carbaryl is commonly found in indirectly exposed freshwater ecosystems at low concentrations considered safe for fish communities. In this study, we showed that after only 24 h of exposure to environmental concentrations of carbaryl (0.066-660 ng/L), zebrafish larvae exhibit impairments in essential behaviours. Interestingly, the observed behavioural effects induced by carbaryl were acetylcholinesterase-independent. To elucidate the molecular initiating event that resulted in the observed behavioural effects, in silico predictions were followed by in vitro validation. We identified two target proteins that potentially interacted with carbaryl, the α2B adrenoceptor (ADRA2B) and the serotonin 2B receptor (HTR2B). Using a pharmacological approach, we then tested the hypothesis that carbaryl had antagonistic interactions with both receptors. Similar to yohimbine and SB204741, which are prototypic antagonists of ADRA2B and HTR2B, respectively, carbaryl increased the heart rate of zebrafish larvae. When we compared the behavioural effects of a 24-h exposure to these pharmacological antagonists with those of carbaryl, a high degree of similarity was found. These results strongly suggest that antagonism of both ADRA2B and HTR2B is the molecular initiating event that leads to adverse outcomes in zebrafish larvae that have undergone 24 h of exposure to environmentally relevant levels of carbaryl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Faria
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Bellot
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià-Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juliette Bedrossiantz
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jonathan Ricardo Rosas Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n. Col. Residencial Colón, 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Eva Prats
- Research and Development Center (CID-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Garcia-Reyero
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Cristian Gomez-Canela
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià-Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Mestres
- Chemotargets, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Xavier Rovira
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Barata
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez Oliván
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n. Col. Residencial Colón, 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Amadeu Llebaria
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Demetrio Raldua
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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17
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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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18
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Gundlach M, Di Paolo C, Chen Q, Majewski K, Haigis AC, Werner I, Hollert H. Clozapine modulation of zebrafish swimming behavior and gene expression as a case study to investigate effects of atypical drugs on aquatic organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152621. [PMID: 34968598 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mental illnesses affect more than 150 million people in Europe and lead to an increasing consumption of neuroactive drugs during the last twenty years. The antipsychotic compound, clozapine, is one of the most used psychotropic drugs worldwide, with potentially negative consequences for the aquatic environment. Hence, the objectives of the study presented here were the quantification of clozapine induced changes in swimming behavior of exposed Danio rerio embryos and the elucidation of the molecular effects on the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. Yolk-sac larvae were exposed to different concentrations (0.2 mg/L, 0.4 mg/L, 0.8 mg/L, 1.6 mg/L, 3.2 mg/L and 6.4 mg/L) of clozapine for 116 h post-fertilization, and changes in the swimming behavior of the larvae were assessed. Further, quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of selected genes. The qualitative evaluation of changes in the swimming behavior of D. rerio larvae revealed a significant decrease of the average swimming distance and velocity in the light-dark transition test, with more than a 36% reduction at the highest exposure concentration of 6.4 mg/L. Furthermore, the total larval body length was reduced at the highest concentration. An in-depth analysis based on expression of selected target genes of the serotonin (slc6a4a) and dopamine (drd2a) system showed an upregulation at a concentration of 1.6 mg/L and above. In addition, a lower increase in expression was detected for biomarkers of general stress (adra1a and cyp1a2). Our data show that exposure to clozapine during development inhibits swimming activity of zebrafish larvae, which could, in part, be due to disruption of the serotonin- and dopamine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gundlach
- Department of Ecosystem Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research, ABBt-Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Carolina Di Paolo
- Department of Ecosystem Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research, ABBt-Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Kendra Majewski
- Department of Ecosystem Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research, ABBt-Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ann-Cathrin Haigis
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Inge Werner
- Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology, Überlandstrasse 131, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department of Ecosystem Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research, ABBt-Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Liu F, Zhang Y, Wang F. Environmental relevant concentrations of triclosan affected developmental toxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in zebrafish embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:848-857. [PMID: 34981884 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Triclosan (TCS), as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, is widely used in various pharmaceutical and personal care products. However, the details of ecological environmental health risks of TCS are not clear. In this study, zebrafish embryos/larval were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of TCS to evaluate the developmental toxicity. Four-hour post-fertilization (hpf) zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 2, 10, 50, and 250 μg/L TCS until 96 h. The heart beats at 72 hpf were significantly increased in 2 μg/L TCS group, while significantly decreased in 250 μg/L TCS treated group compared with control. The results of acridine orange staining, terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated UTPnick end labeling assay, and detection of mitochondrial membrane potential showed that 50 and 250 μg/L TCS resulted in apoptosis. Meanwhile, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage were induced, but SOD activity was significantly decreased in 250 μg/L TCS treated group. In addition, SOD(Mn) and GPx gene mRNA expressions were significantly down-regulated in 50 and 250 μg/L TCS treated groups, while Casp3, Casp9, Puma, Casp8, Apaf1, and Bid genes in 250 μg/L TCS and Mdm2 gene in 50 μg/L treated groups were significantly up-regulated. P53 protein was significantly up-regulated in 250 μg/L TCS treated group. The overall results showed that TCS can cause oxidative stress and result in apoptosis via the involvement of ROS-p53-caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway in zebrafish embryos. The present findings suggest the potential mechanisms of TCS-induced developmental toxicity appears to be the generation of ROS and the consequent triggering of apoptosis genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- School of Biological Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Biological Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, China
| | - Fan Wang
- School of Biological Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, China
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20
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von Hellfeld R, Pannetier P, Braunbeck T. Specificity of time- and dose-dependent morphological endpoints in the fish embryo acute toxicity (FET) test for substances with diverse modes of action: the search for a "fingerprint". ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:16176-16192. [PMID: 34643865 PMCID: PMC8827326 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The fish embryo acute toxicity (FET) test with the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo according to OECD TG 236 was originally developed as an alternative test method for acute fish toxicity testing according to, e.g., OECD TG 203. Given the versatility of the protocol, however, the FET test has found application beyond acute toxicity testing as a common tool in environmental hazard and risk assessment. Whereas the standard OECD guideline is restricted to four core endpoints (coagulation as well as lack of somite formation, heartbeat, and tail detachment) for simple, rapid assessment of acute toxicity, further endpoints can easily be integrated into the FET test protocol. This has led to the hypothesis that an extended FET test might allow for the identification of different classes of toxicants via a "fingerprint" of morphological observations. To test this hypothesis, the present study investigated a set of 18 compounds with highly diverse modes of action with respect to acute and sublethal endpoints. Especially at higher concentrations, most observations proved toxicant-unspecific. With decreasing concentrations, however, observations declined in number, but gained in specificity. Specific observations may at best be made at test concentrations ≤ EC10. The existence of a "fingerprint" based on morphological observations in the FET is, therefore, highly unlikely in the range of acute toxicity, but cannot be excluded for experiments at sublethal concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca von Hellfeld
- Center for Organismal Studies, Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- University of Aberdeen, Institute of Biological and Environmental Science, 23 St Machar Drive, AB24 3UU, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Pauline Pannetier
- Center for Organismal Studies, Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Center for Organismal Studies, Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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21
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Gusso D, Cruz FF, Fritsch PM, da Silva Gobbo MO, Morrone FB, Bonan CD. Pannexin channel 1, P2X7 receptors, and Dimethyl Sulfoxide mediate pain responses in zebrafish. Behav Brain Res 2022; 423:113786. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Wang B, Zhu J, Wang A, Wang J, Wu Y, Yao W. Early detection of cyanide, organophosphate and rodenticide pollution based on locomotor activity of zebrafish larvae. PeerJ 2022; 9:e12703. [PMID: 35036170 PMCID: PMC8710045 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanide, organophosphate and rodenticides are highly toxic substances widely used in agriculture and industry. These toxicants are neuro- and organotoxic to mammals at low concentrations, thus early detection of these chemicals in the aqueous environment is of utmost importance. Here, we employed the behavioral toxicity test with wildtype zebrafish larvae to determine sublethal concentrations of the above mentioned common environmental pollutants. After optimizing the test with cyanide, nine rodenticides and an organophosphate were successfully tested. The compounds dose-dependently initially (0-60-min exposure) stimulated locomotor activity of larvae but induced toxicity and reduced swimming during 60-120-min exposure. IC50 values calculated based on swimming distance after 2-h exposure, were between 0.1 and 10 mg/L for both first-generation and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. Three behavioral characteristics, including total distance travelled, sinuosity and burst count, were quantitatively analyzed and compared by hierarchical clustering of the effects measured by each three parameters. The toxicity results for all three behavioral endpoints were consistent, suggesting that the directly measured parameter of cumulative swimming distance could be used as a promising biomarker for the aquatic contamination. The optimized method herein showed the potential for utilization as part of a monitoring system and an ideal tool for the risk assessment of drinking water in the military and public safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Wang
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhao Zhu
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, People's Republic of China
| | - Anli Wang
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, People's Republic of China.,College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, National Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, Fuli Institute of Food Science, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiye Wang
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzhao Wu
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixuan Yao
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, People's Republic of China
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Eldridge RJ, de Jourdan BP, Hanson ML. A Critical Review of the Availability, Reliability, and Ecological Relevance of Arctic Species Toxicity Tests for Use in Environmental Risk Assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:46-72. [PMID: 34758147 PMCID: PMC9304189 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
There is a pressing need to understand the impact of contaminants on Arctic ecosystems; however, most toxicity tests are based on temperate species, and there are issues with reliability and relevance of bioassays in general. Together this may result in an underestimation of harm to Arctic organisms and contribute to significant uncertainty in risk assessments. To help address these concerns, a critical review to assess reported effects for these species, quantify methodological and endpoint relevance gaps, and identify future research needs for testing was performed. We developed uniform criteria to score each study, allowing an objective comparison across experiments to quantify their reliability and relevance. We scored a total of 48 individual studies, capturing 39 tested compounds, 73 unique Arctic test species, and 95 distinct endpoints published from 1975 to 2021. Our analysis shows that of 253 test substance and species combinations scored (i.e., a unique toxicity test), 207 (82%) failed to meet at least one critical study criterion that contributes to data reliability for use in risk assessment. Arctic-focused toxicity testing needs to ensure that exposures can be analytically confirmed, include environmentally realistic exposure scenarios, and report test methods more thoroughly. Significant data gaps were identified as related to standardized toxicity testing with Arctic species, diversity of compounds tested with these organisms, and the inclusion of ecologically relevant sublethal and chronic endpoints assessed in Arctic toxicity testing. Overall, there needs to be ongoing improvement in test conduction and reporting in the scientific literature to support effective risk assessments in an Arctic context. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:46-72. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Eldridge
- Huntsman Marine Science CentreSt. AndrewsNew BrunswickCanada
- Department of Environment and GeographyUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | | | - Mark L. Hanson
- Department of Environment and GeographyUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
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24
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Bauer B, Mally A, Liedtke D. Zebrafish Embryos and Larvae as Alternative Animal Models for Toxicity Testing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13417. [PMID: 34948215 PMCID: PMC8707050 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prerequisite to any biological laboratory assay employing living animals is consideration about its necessity, feasibility, ethics and the potential harm caused during an experiment. The imperative of these thoughts has led to the formulation of the 3R-principle, which today is a pivotal scientific standard of animal experimentation worldwide. The rising amount of laboratory investigations utilizing living animals throughout the last decades, either for regulatory concerns or for basic science, demands the development of alternative methods in accordance with 3R to help reduce experiments in mammals. This demand has resulted in investigation of additional vertebrate species displaying favourable biological properties. One prominent species among these is the zebrafish (Danio rerio), as these small laboratory ray-finned fish are well established in science today and feature outstanding biological characteristics. In this review, we highlight the advantages and general prerequisites of zebrafish embryos and larvae before free-feeding stages for toxicological testing, with a particular focus on cardio-, neuro, hepato- and nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, we discuss toxicokinetics, current advances in utilizing zebrafish for organ toxicity testing and highlight how advanced laboratory methods (such as automation, advanced imaging and genetic techniques) can refine future toxicological studies in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Bauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Julius-Maximilians-University, 97078 Würzburg, Germany; (B.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Angela Mally
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Julius-Maximilians-University, 97078 Würzburg, Germany; (B.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Daniel Liedtke
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius-Maximilians-University, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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25
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Lamotrigine effects on immune gene expression in larval zebrafish. Epilepsy Res 2021; 178:106823. [PMID: 34844088 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106823] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite growing evidence that neuroinflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of seizures and epilepsy, this knowledge has not been incorporated in the proposed mechanism of action of any of the current antiseizure medications (ASMs). Here, we tested the hypothesis by assessing inflammation markers in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to lamotrigine (LTG). METHODS In order to establish the most appropriate LTG concentrations for the transcriptome analysis (RNAseq), we initially assessed for teratogenic (spinal cord deformation, heart oedema, failed inflation of the swim bladder) and behavioural effects (distance moved, time spent active, and average swimming speed during a light/dark test) in zebrafish larvae exposed to 0, 50, 100, 300, 500, 750, and 1000 μM LTG continuously between 5 and 120 h post fertilisation. Subsequently, we repeated the experiment with 0, 50, 100, or 300 μM LTG for transcriptomic analyses. Two databases (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes; Gene Ontology) were used to interpret changes in gene expression between groups. RESULTS Major teratogenic effects were observed at concentrations of ≥ 500 μM LTG, whereas behavioural changes were observed at ≥ 300 μM LTG. Transcriptome analysis revealed a non-linear response to LTG. From the suite of differentially expressed genes (DEG), 85% (n = 80 DEGs) were upregulated following exposure to 50 μM LTG, whereas 58% (n = 12 DEGs) and 91% (n = 210 DEGs) were downregulated in response to 100 and 300 μM LTG. The metabolic pathways affected following exposure to 50 and 300 μM LTG were associated with responses to inflammation and pathogens as well development and regulation of the immune system in both groups. Notable genes within the lists of DEGs included component complement 3 (C3.a), which was significantly upregulated in response to 50 μM LTG, whereas interleukin 1β (IL-1β) was significantly downregulated in the 300 μM LTG group. The lowest exposure of 50 μM LTG is regarded as clinically relevant to therapeutic exposure. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that LTG had an impact on the immune system, with a non-monotonic response curve. This dose-dependent relation could indicate that LTG can affect inflammatory responses and also at clinically relevant concentration. Further studies are needed to establish this method as a tool for screening the effects of ASMs on the immune system.
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26
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Gu L, Peng S, Zhang J, Lu X, Xia C, Yu J, Sun L. Development and validation of an activated immune model with zebrafish eleutheroembryo based on caudal fin acupuncture. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 785:147288. [PMID: 33930807 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollutants are ubiquitous in global aquatic ecosystems and may cause immunotoxicity in aquatic organisms. However, disadvantages remain in the existing in vivo immunotoxicological methods, which make it difficult to meet the increasing demands for screening and for discriminating the immunotoxicity of environmental pollutants. In this study, the immune response in zebrafish eleutheroembryo was activated by acupuncture of the caudal fin at 72 hours post fertilization (hpf), and this immune model was further validated with a well-defined immunosuppressor, beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP). It was shown that acupuncture resulted in no increase in mortality in zebrafish eleutheroembryos. The transcription and protein levels of most immune genes were significantly increased after acupuncture, which indicated that acupuncture can effectively activate the immune response in zebrafish eleutheroembryos. Following exposure to BDP (0.01-1 μmol/L), the suppressive effects on the immune system were more significant in zebrafish that received acupuncture than in zebrafish that did not receive acupuncture. Considering these advantages, including its sensitivity, safety, and simple operation, over existing methods, the established immune model of zebrafish is promising for assessing the immunotoxicity of environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqi Gu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China
| | - Shaohong Peng
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China
| | - Jieyu Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China
| | - Xingfan Lu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China
| | - Caihong Xia
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China
| | - Jie Yu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China
| | - Liwei Sun
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China.
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Lai S, Kumari A, Liu J, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Yen K, Xu J. Chemical screening reveals Ronidazole is a superior prodrug to Metronidazole for nitroreductase-induced cell ablation system in zebrafish larvae. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:1081-1090. [PMID: 34411714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.07.015] [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: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Metronidazole (MTZ)/nitroreductase (NTR)-mediated cell ablation system is the most commonly used chemical-genetic cell ablation method in zebrafish. This system can specifically ablate target cells under spatial and temporal control. The MTZ/NTR system has become a widely used cell ablation system in biological, developmental, and functional studies. However, the inadequate cell-ablation ability of some cell types and the side effects of high concentration MTZ impede extensive applications of the MTZ/NTR system. In the present study, the US drug collection library was searched to extend the NTR system. Six MTZ analogs were found, and the cell-ablation ability of these analogs was tested in zebrafish larvae. The results revealed that two of the NTR substrates, Furazolidone and Ronidazole, ablated target cells more efficiently than MTZ at lower concentrations. Furthermore, the working concentration of Ronidazole, but not Furazolidone and MTZ, did not affect axonal bridge formation during spinal cord regeneration. Our results, taken together, indicate that Ronidazole is a superior prodrug to MTZ for the NTR system, especially for the study of neuron regeneration in zebrafish larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Lai
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ankita Kumari
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jixiang Liu
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yiyue Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Kuangyu Yen
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Jin Xu
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Lachowicz J, Niedziałek K, Rostkowska E, Szopa A, Świąder K, Szponar J, Serefko A. Zebrafish as an Animal Model for Testing Agents with Antidepressant Potential. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11080792. [PMID: 34440536 PMCID: PMC8401799 DOI: 10.3390/life11080792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a serious mental disease that, according to statistics, affects 320 million people worldwide. Additionally, a current situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant deterioration of mental health in people around the world. So far, rodents have been treated as basic animal models used in studies on this disease, but in recent years, Danio rerio has emerged as a new organism that might serve well in preclinical experiments. Zebrafish have a lot of advantages, such as a quick reproductive cycle, transparent body during the early developmental stages, high genetic and physiological homology to humans, and low costs of maintenance. Here, we discuss the potential of the zebrafish model to be used in behavioral studies focused on testing agents with antidepressant potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Lachowicz
- Student’s Scientific Circle at Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.L.); (K.N.)
| | - Karolina Niedziałek
- Student’s Scientific Circle at Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.L.); (K.N.)
| | | | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Świąder
- Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jarosław Szponar
- Clinical Department of Toxicology and Cardiology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
- Toxicology Clinic, Stefan Wyszyński Regional Specialist Hospital in Lublin, Al. Kraśnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (A.S.)
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Sub-lethal Camphor Exposure Triggers Oxidative Stress, Cardiotoxicity, and Cardiac Physiology Alterations in Zebrafish Embryos. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2021; 21:901-913. [PMID: 34339023 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-021-09682-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Camphor is a terpene ketone with aromatic and volatile properties in nature derived from the bark of Cinnamomum camphora or synthesized from turpentine. Camphor exhibits various biological properties such as anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-coccidial, and anti-cancer. It is also used as a form of topical medication for skin irritation, joint pain, and as a relief for itching from insect bites. However, even though the high dose of camphor has been documented to be toxic/lethal in humans in different studies, camphor's developmental toxicity has not yet been explored, and its extensive mechanism of action is still unclear. In the present study, we aimed to assess the toxic effects of camphor in zebrafish embryos in the initial developmental stages. The obtained results demonstrated that a sub-lethal dose of camphor caused a decrease in hatching rate, body length, and substantial elevation in malformation rate on zebrafish embryos. On further observation, in the following time frame, curved body and pericardial edema of zebrafish were also observed. Furthermore, exposure to a sub-lethal dose of camphor was also able to trigger cardiotoxicity in zebrafish larvae. Later, on subsequent biochemical analysis, it was found that the antioxidant capacity inhibition and oxidative stress elevation that occurred after camphor exposure might be associated with the inhibition of total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. In addition, compared to the control group, several apoptotic cells in treated zebrafish were also found to be elevated. Finally, after further investigation on marker gene expressions, we conclude that the developmental toxicity of camphor exposure might be associated with apoptosis elevation and oxidative stress. Taken together, the current study provides a better understanding of the developmental toxicity of camphor on zebrafish, a promising alternative animal model to assess the developmental toxicity of chemical compounds.
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Li RA, Talikka M, Gubian S, Vom Berg C, Martin F, Peitsch MC, Hoeng J, Zupanic A. Systems Toxicology Approach for Assessing Developmental Neurotoxicity in Larval Zebrafish. Front Genet 2021; 12:652632. [PMID: 34211495 PMCID: PMC8239408 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.652632] [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: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse outcomes that result from chemical toxicity are rarely caused by dysregulation of individual proteins; rather, they are often caused by system-level perturbations in networks of molecular events. To fully understand the mechanisms of toxicity, it is necessary to recognize the interactions of molecules, pathways, and biological processes within these networks. The developing brain is a prime example of an extremely complex network, which makes developmental neurotoxicity one of the most challenging areas in toxicology. We have developed a systems toxicology method that uses a computable biological network to represent molecular interactions in the developing brain of zebrafish larvae. The network is curated from scientific literature and describes interactions between biological processes, signaling pathways, and adverse outcomes associated with neurotoxicity. This allows us to identify important signaling hubs, pathway interactions, and emergent adverse outcomes, providing a more complete understanding of neurotoxicity. Here, we describe the construction of a zebrafish developmental neurotoxicity network and its validation by integration with publicly available neurotoxicity-related transcriptomic datasets. Our network analysis identified consistent regulation of tumor suppressors p53 and retinoblastoma 1 (Rb1) as well as the oncogene Krüppel-like factor (Klf8) in response to chemically induced developmental neurotoxicity. The developed network can be used to interpret transcriptomic data in a neurotoxicological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman A Li
- Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Marja Talikka
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Gubian
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Florian Martin
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Julia Hoeng
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Anze Zupanic
- Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Forner-Piquer I, Klement W, Gangarossa G, Zub E, de Bock F, Blaquiere M, Maurice T, Audinat E, Faucherre A, Lasserre F, Ellero-Simatos S, Gamet-Payrastre L, Jopling C, Marchi N. Varying modalities of perinatal exposure to a pesticide cocktail elicit neurological adaptations in mice and zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116755. [PMID: 33725534 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological indications connect maternal and developmental presence or exposure to pesticides with an increased risk for a spectrum of neurological trajectories. To provide pre-clinical data in support of this hypothesis, we used two distinct experimental models. First, female and male mice were fed immediately prior to mating, and the resulting pregnant dams were continously fed during gestation and lactation periods using chow pellets containing a cocktail of six pesticides at tolerable daily intake levels. Male and female offspring were then tracked for behavioral and in vivo electrophysiological adaptations. Second, a zebrafish model allowed us to screen toxicity and motor-behavior outcomes specifically associated with the developmental exposure to a low-to-high concentration range of the cocktail and of each individual pesticide. Here, we report anxiety-like behavior in aging male mice maternally exposed to the cocktail, as compared to age and gender matched sham animals. In parallel, in vivo electrocorticography revealed a decrease in gamma (40-80 Hz) and an increase of theta (6-9 Hz) waves, delineating a long-term, age-dependent, neuronal slowing. Neurological changes were not accompanied by brain structural malformations. Next, by using zebrafish larvae, we showed an increase of all motor-behavioral parameters resulting from the developmental exposure to 10 μg/L of pesticide cocktail, an outcome that was not associated with midbrain structural or neurovascular modifications as assessed by in vivo 2-photon microscopy. When screening each pesticide, chlorpyrifos elicited modifications of swimming parameters at 0.1 μg/L, while other components provoked changes from 0.5 μg/L. Ziram was the single most toxic component inducing developmental malformations and mortality at 10 μg/L. Although we have employed non-equivalent modalities and timing of exposure in two dissimilar experimental models, these outcomes indicate that presence of a pesticide cocktail during perinatal periods represents an element promoting behavioral and neurophysiological modifications. The study limitations and the possible pertinence of our findings to ecotoxicology and public health are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Forner-Piquer
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Wendy Klement
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Emma Zub
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Frederic de Bock
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Marine Blaquiere
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, UMR_S1198, Montpellier, France
| | - Etienne Audinat
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Adèle Faucherre
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Frederic Lasserre
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Sandrine Ellero-Simatos
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurence Gamet-Payrastre
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Chris Jopling
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicola Marchi
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
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32
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Guzzolino E, Milella MS, Forini F, Borsò M, Rutigliano G, Gorini F, Zucchi R, Saba A, Bianchi F, Iervasi G, Pitto L. Thyroid disrupting effects of low-dose dibenzothiophene and cadmium in single or concurrent exposure: New evidence from a translational zebrafish model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 769:144703. [PMID: 33486188 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) are major regulators of biological processes essential for correct development and energy homeostasis. Although thyroid disruptors can deeply affect human health, the impact of exogenous chemicals and in particular mixture of chemicals on different aspects of thyroid development and metabolism is not yet fully understood. In this study we have used the highly versatile zebrafish model to assess the thyroid axis disrupting effects of cadmium (Cd) and dibenzothiophene (DBT), two environmental endocrine disruptors found to be significantly correlated in epidemiological co-exposure studies. Zebrafish embryos (5hpf) were exposed to low concentrations of Cd (from 0.05 to 2 μM) and DBT (from 0.05 to 1 μM) and to mixtures of them. A multilevel assessment of the pollutant effects has been obtained by combining in vivo morphological analyses allowed by the use of transgenic fluorescent lines with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry determination of TH levels and quantification of the expression levels of key genes involved in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis (HPTA) and TH metabolism. Our results underscore for the first time an important synergistic toxic effect of these pollutants on embryonic development and thyroid morphology highlighting differences in the mechanisms through which they can adversely impact on multiple physiological processes of the HPTA and TH disposal influencing also heart geometry and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Guzzolino
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - M S Milella
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Forini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Borsò
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Rutigliano
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Gorini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Zucchi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Saba
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Bianchi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Iervasi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Pitto
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
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Kim K, Lee SE. Combined toxicity of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and vanadium towards zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio): Unexpected synergistic effect by DMSO. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 270:129405. [PMID: 33412354 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is produced in nature and is known to be a source of carbon and sulfur for marine microorganisms. It is currently used in many biological experiments, pharmaceutical preparations, and energy-producing systems such as lithium batteries. Therefore, the toxicity of DMSO has been studied because of its various implications to living organisms; however, such studies are largely limited to measuring individual toxicity whereas the combined toxicity of DMSO with other compounds has rarely been investigated. In the present study, the combined acute toxicity of 0.1% and 0.5% DMSO with vanadium was investigated in zebrafish embryos; the LC50 values of these combinations were 62.0 and 6.38 ppm, respectively. In individual toxicity tests, neither DMSO nor vanadium caused such mortality levels. Therefore, both 0.1% and 0.5% DMSO had a synergistic effect with vanadium, and this result was confirmed using an independent action model. This combined toxicity delayed the development of zebrafish embryos and caused pericardial edema. The synergistic effect of DMSO and vanadium was found to be related to reduced pH and inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase activity. Given its potential synergistic toxicity to aquatic organisms, the introduction of DMSO into the environment should be investigated and routinely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeongnam Kim
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Lee
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrative Biology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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Hamilton TJ, Szaszkiewicz J, Krook J, Burggren W. Analysis of the potential behavioral impact of methanol when used as a solvent: Dataset from zebrafish ( Danio rerio) behavioral research. Data Brief 2021; 36:107018. [PMID: 33889698 PMCID: PMC8050856 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.107018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxicants are commonly administered to experimental organisms using solvents as vehicles. One common vehicle for dissolving toxicants is methanol (CH3OH), a solvent which on its own is capable of altering physiology and behavior high concentrations. This dataset describes behavioral results in zebrafish (Danio rerio) individually exposed to methanol (0.25%, 2.5% vol/vol), or control water, for 30 min prior to behavioral testing. Zebrafish were placed into an open field arena to examine locomotion and zone preference, which was recorded and quantified with motion-tracking software (EthoVision XT). Time spent in the outer (“thigmotaxis”) zone of the arena is a proxy for increased anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish. Additionally, a novel object was placed into the center of the arena to quantify relative increases in boldness/exploration between the methanol and control groups. There were no differences in time spent in any zone of the arena or distance travelled between either group, in either test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor J. Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Corresponding author.
| | | | - Jeffrey Krook
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Warren Burggren
- Developmental Integrative Biology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton TX76205, United States
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Azhari H, Younus M, Hook SM, Boyd BJ, Rizwan SB. Cubosomes enhance drug permeability across the blood-brain barrier in zebrafish. Int J Pharm 2021; 600:120411. [PMID: 33675926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The potential of cubosomes to improve delivery of incorporated cargo to the brain was explored in zebrafish. Cubosomes were formulated with one of three stabilisers, Pluronic F68, Pluronic F127 or Tween 80, with the hypothesis that coating with Tween 80 will enable brain targeting of cubosomes as has been previously shown for polymeric nanoparticles. The physiochemical properties and the ability of the cubosomes to facilitate delivery of the model drug lissamine rhodamine (RhoB) into the brain was investigated. Distribution of cubosomes in the midbrain was also investigated by ultrastructural analysis via incorporation of octanethiol-functionalized gold nanoparticles. Cubosomes were typically 165-195 nm in size with a Pn3m (Pluronics) or Im3m (Tween 80) cubic phase internal structure. Cubosomes were injected intravenously into zebrafish larvae (12-14 days post fertilization) and the concentration of RhoB in the midbrain was determined by quantifying its fluorescence intensity. Uptake of RhoB was significantly greater in larvae injected with Tween 80 stabilized cubosomes as compared to a control suspension of RhoB or cubosomes stabilized with Pluronics. Collectively, we show for the first time that cubosomes can be functionalized to deliver drug across the BBB, offering new opportunities to overcome drug delivery issues across this formidable biological barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Azhari
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Mohammad Younus
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sarah M Hook
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ben J Boyd
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics and ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Shakila B Rizwan
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand.
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García-González J, de Quadros B, Havelange W, Brock AJ, Brennan CH. Behavioral Effects of Developmental Exposure to JWH-018 in Wild-Type and Disrupted in Schizophrenia 1 ( disc1) Mutant Zebrafish. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020319. [PMID: 33669793 PMCID: PMC7922669 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids can cause acute adverse psychological effects, but the potential impact when exposure happens before birth is unknown. Use of synthetic cannabinoids during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development, and such effects could be moderated by the genetic makeup of an individual. Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is a gene with important roles in neurodevelopment that has been associated with psychiatric disorders in pedigree analyses. Using zebrafish as a model, we investigated (1) the behavioral impact of developmental exposure to 3 μM 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)-indole (JWH-018; a common psychoactive synthetic cannabinoid) and (2) whether disc1 moderates the effects of JWH-018. As altered anxiety responses are seen in several psychiatric disorders, we focused on zebrafish anxiety-like behavior. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to JWH-018 from one to six days post-fertilization. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed using forced light/dark and acoustic startle assays in larvae and novel tank diving in adults. Compared to controls, both acutely and developmentally exposed zebrafish larvae had impaired locomotion during the forced light/dark test, but anxiety levels and response to startle stimuli were unaltered. Adult zebrafish developmentally exposed to JWH-018 spent less time on the bottom of the tank, suggesting decreased anxiety. Loss-of-function in disc1 increased anxiety-like behavior in the tank diving assay but did not alter sensitivity to JWH-018. Results suggest developmental exposure to JWH-018 has a long-term behavioral impact in zebrafish, which is not moderated by disc1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit García-González
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (J.G.-G.); (B.d.Q.); (W.H.)
| | - Bruno de Quadros
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (J.G.-G.); (B.d.Q.); (W.H.)
| | - William Havelange
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (J.G.-G.); (B.d.Q.); (W.H.)
| | | | - Caroline H. Brennan
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (J.G.-G.); (B.d.Q.); (W.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Knoll-Gellida A, Dubrana LE, Bourcier LM, Mercé T, Gruel G, Soares M, Babin PJ. Hyperactivity and Seizure Induced by Tricresyl Phosphate Are Isomer Specific and Not Linked to Phenyl Valerate-Neuropathy Target Esterase Activity Inhibition in Zebrafish. Toxicol Sci 2021; 180:160-174. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Environmental exposure to tricresyl phosphate (TCP) may lead to severe neurotoxic effects, including organophosphate (OP)-induced delayed neuropathy. TCP has three symmetric isomers, distinguished by the methyl group position on the aromatic ring system. One of these isomers, tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (ToCP), has been reported for years as a neuropathic OP, targeting neuropathic target esterase (NTE/PNPLA6), but its mode of toxic action had not been fully elucidated. Zebrafish eleuthero-embryo and larva were used to characterize the differential action of the TCP isomers. The symmetric isomers inhibited phenyl valerate (PV)-NTE enzymatic activity in vivo with different IC50, while no effect was observed on acetylcholinesterase activity. Moreover, the locomotor behavior was also affected by tri-para-cresyl phosphate and tri-meta-cresyl phosphate, only ToCP exposure led to locomotor hyperactivity lasting several hours, associated with defects in the postural control system and an impaired phototactic response, as revealed by the visual motor response test. The electric field pulse motor response test demonstrated that a seizure-like, multiple C-bend-spaghetti phenotype may be significantly induced by ToCP only, independently of any inhibition of PV-NTE activity. Eleuthero-embryos exposed to picrotoxin, a known gamma-aminobutyric acid type-A receptor inhibitor, exhibited similar adverse outcomes to ToCP exposure. Thus, our results demonstrated that the TCP mode of toxic action was isomer specific and not initially related to modulation of PV-NTE activity. Furthermore, it was suggested that the molecular events involved were linked to an impairment of the balance between excitation and inhibition in neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Knoll-Gellida
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, INSERM, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), U1211, Université de Bordeaux, F-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Leslie E Dubrana
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, INSERM, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), U1211, Université de Bordeaux, F-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Laure M Bourcier
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, INSERM, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), U1211, Université de Bordeaux, F-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Théo Mercé
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, INSERM, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), U1211, Université de Bordeaux, F-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Gaëlle Gruel
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, INSERM, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), U1211, Université de Bordeaux, F-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Magalie Soares
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, INSERM, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), U1211, Université de Bordeaux, F-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Patrick J Babin
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, INSERM, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), U1211, Université de Bordeaux, F-33615 Pessac, France
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Chen K, Wu M, Chen C, Xu H, Wu X, Qiu X. Impacts of chronic exposure to sublethal diazepam on behavioral traits of female and male zebrafish (Danio rerio). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111747. [PMID: 33396073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Residues of the psychoactive drug diazepam (DZP) may pose potential risks to fish in aquatic environments, especially by disrupting their behavioral traits. In this study, female and male zebrafish were subjected to chronic exposure (21 days) to sublethal doses (120 and 12 µg/L) of DZP, aimed to compare the characteristics of their behavioral responses to DZP exposure, and to investigate the possible links between those behavioral responses and variations in their brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels. Chronic exposure to DZP significantly decreased the swimming velocity and locomotor activity of both genders, indicating a typical sedative effect. Compared with males, whose locomotor activity was only significantly decreased by exposure to DZP for 21 days, females became hypoactive on day 14 (i.e., more sensitive), and they developed tolerance to the hypoactive effect induced by 120 μg/L DZP by day 21. Exposure to DZP significantly disturbed the behavioral traits related to social interactions in females but not in males. Those results indicate that DZP exhibits sex-dependent effects on the behaviors of fish. Moreover, exposure to DZP for 21 days significantly disturbed almost all of the tested behavioral traits associated with courtship when both genders were put together. Sex-dependent responses in brain GABA and AChE levels due to DZP exposure were also identified. Significant relationships between the brain GABA/AChE levels and some behavioral parameters related to locomotor activity were detected in females, but not in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Min Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Hai Xu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Xuchun Qiu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China; Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
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39
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Cadena PG, Sales Cadena MR, Sarmah S, Marrs JA. Protective effects of quercetin, polydatin, and folic acid and their mixtures in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) fetal alcohol spectrum disorder model. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2020; 82:106928. [PMID: 32861842 PMCID: PMC7669573 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2020.106928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Protective effects of quercetin (QUE), polydatin (POL), and folic acid (FA) and their mixtures were tested using zebrafish to model fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in this study. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 150 mM ethanol for 6 or 22 h and co-treated with QUE, POL, FA, and their mixtures (37.5-100.0 μM). Epiboly progression, teratogenic effects, and behavior were evaluated. Ethanol exposure reduced epiboly, and FA and QUE protected against these ethanol-induced defects. POL did not reduce epiboly defects. The mixture QUE + FA showed a possible antagonistic effect. The observed teratogenic effects were similar in all ethanol exposed groups. QUE, FA and QUE + POL reduced the percentage of affected animals, but treatments did not eliminate teratogenic effects. Behavioral measurements were divided into small (between 4 and 8 mm/s) and high swimming activity (>8 mm/s). All experimental groups displayed a reduction in small swimming activity as compared to control and ethanol groups when exposed to bright light. Additionally, larvae exposed to ethanol were more inhibited than control, not showing a habituation period (after 60 min of experiment) in high swimming activity. Chemical treatments like QUE and POL reduced behavioral defects induced by ethanol exposure. In conclusion, this study presents new evidence that QUE, POL, FA and their mixtures partially protected epiboly, teratogenic, and behavioral defects induced by ethanol exposure. QUE, FA and QUE + POL were more effective in reducing these defects than the other studied compounds and mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabyton Gonçalves Cadena
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil; Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Marilia Ribeiro Sales Cadena
- Departamento de Biologia (DB), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil; Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Swapnalee Sarmah
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - James A Marrs
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Wu M, Qiu X, Chen C, Chen K, Li M, Xu H, Wu X, Shimasaki Y, Oshima Y. Short-term and persistent impacts of sublethal exposure to diazepam on behavioral traits and brain GABA levels in juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:140392. [PMID: 32927558 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution by the psychoactive drug diazepam (DZP) has been suggested to disrupt various behavioral traits of fishes. Exposure to DZP in natural waters may be of episodic duration, but there are few reports on the persistence of abnormal behaviors of fishes caused by such acute exposure. In the current study, we exposed juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) to sublethal doses of DZP (1200, 120, and 12 μg/L) for four days and evaluated their behavioral traits and brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels at days 0 (i.e., immediately after the 4-day exposure), 7, and 21 of the recovery period. Exposure to DZP induced short-term impairment of swimming ability and two-fish interactions of zebrafish. In contrast, DZP induced persistent and/or delayed effects on locomotor activity of zebrafish, i.e., hypoactivity at 1200 μg/L and hyperactivity at 120 and 12 μg/L, that could be still observed on days 7 and/or 21 during the recovery period. DZP exposure also exhibited concentration-specific effects on brain GABA levels in zebrafish, i.e., decreased at 1200 μg/L and increased at 120 and 12 μg/L. Correlation analysis suggested that the changes in brain GABA levels may contribute to the persistence of abnormalities in the locomotor activity of zebrafish. Our findings suggest that zebrafish need a long time to recover from acute exposure to DZP, thus highlighting that the persistence of behavioral abnormalities induced by such psychoactive drugs should be considered in order to better assess their risks in natural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Xuchun Qiu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China; Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Kun Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Ming Li
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Hai Xu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China.
| | - Yohei Shimasaki
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yuji Oshima
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Li HY, Yang JB, Li WF, Qiu CX, Hu G, Wang ST, Song YF, Gao HY, Liu Y, Wang Q, Wang Y, Cheng XL, Wei F, Jin HT, Ma SC. In vivo hepatotoxicity screening of different extracts, components, and constituents of Polygoni Multiflori Thunb. in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110524. [PMID: 33152900 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) is a traditional Chinese medicine, commonly used to treat a variety of diseases. However, the hepatotoxicity associated with PM hampers its clinical application and development. In this study, we refined the zebrafish hepatotoxicity model with regard to the following endpoints: liver size, liver gray value, and the area of yolk sac. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, albumin, and microRNAs-122 were evaluated to verify the model. Subsequently, this model was used to screen different extracts, components, and constituents of PM, including 70 % EtOH extracts of PM, four fractions from macroporous resin (components A, B, C, and D), and 19 compounds from component D. We found that emodin, chrysophanol, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, (cis)-emodin-emodin dianthrones, and (trans)-emodin-emodin dianthrones showed higher hepatotoxicity compared to other components in PM, whereas polyphenols showed lower hepatotoxicity. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to identify that dianthrones may account for the hepatotoxicity of PM. We believe that these findings will be helpful in regulating the hepatotoxicity of PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Ying Li
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jian-Bo Yang
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Wan-Fang Li
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Cai-Xia Qiu
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Guang Hu
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shu-Ting Wang
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yun-Fei Song
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hui-Yu Gao
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xian-Long Cheng
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hong-Tao Jin
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; Beijing Union-Genius Pharmaceutical Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Shuang-Cheng Ma
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China.
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42
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Zhou W, Wang J, Zhang J, Peng C, Li G, Li D. Environmentally relevant concentrations of geosmin affect the development, oxidative stress, apoptosis and endocrine disruption of embryo-larval zebrafish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 735:139373. [PMID: 32473435 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Geosmin (trans-1, 10-dimethyl-trans-9-decalol), a volatile organic compound, has been widely detected in aquatic ecosystems. However, the ecological effects of geosmin are not clear. Here, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo as a model, we investigated biological activity effects of environmentally relevant concentrations (50, 500, 5000 ng/L) of geosmin on the developing zebrafish starting from 2 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 96 hpf. Results showed geosmin had no effect on hatchability, malformations and mortality. However, we observed that geosmin exposure significantly increased zebrafish body length in a concentration dependent manner. This effect was possibly due to up-regulation of expression of genes along the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (GH/IGF) axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and catalase (CAT) activities significantly increased at 96 hpf when the embryos were exposed to 500 and 5000 ng/L of geosmin. The malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities decreased significantly after the exposure to 5000 ng/L geosmin. Simultaneously, exposure to geosmin resulted in significant increase in cell apoptosis, mainly in the heart area. The mRNA levels of the genes related to oxidative stress and apoptosis were also altered significantly after geosmin exposure. These findings indicated that geosmin can simultaneously induce multiple responses during zebrafish embryonic development, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, and endocrine disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weicheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China; College of Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Engineering, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou 423000, PR China
| | - Jinglong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jinli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Chengrong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Genbao Li
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Dunhai Li
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
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