Influence of waterborne gallic and pelargonic acid exposures on biochemical and reproductive parameters in the zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract

Gallic and pelargonic acids are biologically derived substances receiving a growing interest as eco-friendly biocides with potential applications in freshwater system management. However, some data gaps remain to address their chronic ecotoxicity issue, particularly for fish. This work aimed at investigating the sublethal effects of a long-term waterborne exposure of zebrafish to these compounds. Mature fish were exposed to gallic or pelargonic acid at the concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5 mg/L during one month under semi-static conditions. Fecundity, hatching rate and median hatching time were regularly evaluated. Circulating sex hormone levels (11 ketotestosterone -11 KT, 17 βestradiol -E2-), plasma vitellogenin (Vtg), and gonad histology were monitored in males and females after exposure. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total glutathione peroxydase (GPx) and glutathione-S transferase (GST) activities were assessed as enzymatic biomarkers of exposure in fish liver. Significant increases of GPx activity were reported in females exposed to both type of chemicals regardless the contamination level. Moreover, 5 mg/L gallic acid induced a decrease in 11-KT levels for males. For fish exposed to pelargonic acid, decreases in circulating hormone levels were reported respectively at 0.05 and 5 mg/L for 11-KT in males, and at 0.5 mg/L for E2 in females. However, no histological alteration in gonads neither significant variation in reproductive performances were detected following zebrafish exposure to gallic or pelargonic acid. Additional investigations concerning the mode of application and the environmental fate of these substances may warrant their further use in freshwater systems at concentrations compatible with biocidal/allelochemical effects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 227-240, 2017.

Roundup®, but Not Roundup-Ready® Corn, Increases Mortality of Drosophila melanogaster

“…Few previous studies have examined the toxicity of pelargonic acid to animals. One exception is the work of Techer et al [102,103], who demonstrated lethal and sub lethal toxicity to zebrafish, including LC 50 = 81.2 mg/L, and decreased hormone levels and liver damage at sub lethal concentrations. Our results corroborate the importance of formulation in elucidating herbicide toxicity.…”

Zebrafish as a Model for Toxicological Perturbation of Yolk and Nutrition in the Early Embryo

“…Several studies have demonstrated that the endocrine disrupting compounds 2,4,6-tribromophenol [31] and bisphenol A [32] increased the accumulation of vitellogenin in oocytes following maternal toxicant exposures in fish species including zebrafish. Others demonstrated that vitellogenin expression in the liver and in circulation is a sensitive biomarker of exposures to toxicants and endocrine disrupting compounds such as: perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [33] (unpublished data), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [34], bisphenol A and tetrabromobisphenol A [33, 35, 36], endosulfan [35], heptachlor and methoxychlor [35], flutamide [37], betulinol [38], and pharmacological agents such as: diethylstilbestrol [37], 17α-ethinylestradiol [39, 40, 36], 17β-trenbolone [40], and gallic and pelargonic acids [41]. The zebrafish embryo provides an excellent model to study vitellogenesis, as fluorescently-labeled vitellogenin can be injected into maternal fish and incorporation into eggs can be quantified [29].…”

Exploring the metabolic biomarkers and pathway changes in crucian under carbonate alkalinity exposure using high-throughput metabolomics analysis based on UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS

“…When fishes live in the suitable pH range environment, the main enzyme activity in corresponding tissues and organs activity were increased for maintaining the metabolism. 101 The pH value caused by some chemicals beyond the scope can lead to the water content changes, it may even be turned into some toxic substances, affecting the water quality and condition of the dissolved oxygen in the water. 102 If the ion concentration in the water is higher that exceeds the plasma osmotic pressure in the fish, a large amount of salt enters the fish causing water loss in the body and the osmotic pressure increase.…”