Molecular and behavioral assessment in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) following exposure to environmentally relevant levels of the antineoplastic cyclophosphamide

Developmental toxicity of the emerging contaminant cyclophosphamide and the integrated biomarker response (IBRv2) in zebrafish

“…The hatching rate is highly contingent on the spontaneous movement of embryos. 9 The neurotoxic effect of drugs could affect the locomotion and eventually delay the hatching of zebrafish embryos. 50 Delay in hatching is an indication of general responses of the embryo to drug-induced anatomical or physiological or biochemical changes.…”

“…61 Abnormal heart beats could have an impact on endothelial vessels which supply the yolk sac, and this could possibly lead to yolk sac oedema. 9 Drug-induced apoptosis in the pericardial space and oxidative stress-mediated damage of cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells could affect the cardiac system of zebrafish embryos. 56 We also noticed a correlation between a slowed heart rate, apoptosis, oxidative stress and morphological anomalies of zebrafish treated with CP.…”

“…In addition, the delay in nutrient absorption caused by the oedema of the yolk sac could affect the growth and development of the embryo. 9 Because of its lipophilic nature, once it enters the embryo, CP can reach the yolk sac and cause oedema. Thus, alterations in the energy reservoir induced by CP might result in an energy crisis and developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos/larvae.…”

“…4,8 Depending on their pharmacokinetics, pharmaceuticals (antineoplastic drugs) are released from households, hospital effluents, wastewater from pharmaceutical factories and municipal wastewater. 9 As a result of stable structures, slow degradability and low concentrations pharmaceuticals have not been removed completely in the wastewater treatment plants. 10 The existence of anticancer drugs is detected in various water bodies (maximum 762 mg/L (ref.…”

A study to assess the health effects of an anticancer drug (cyclophosphamide) in zebrafish (Danio rerio): eco-toxicity of emerging contaminants

“…1,[28][29][30] An additional concern is that the presence of these medications in the aquatic environment, even at low levels, can pose a health risk to aquatic species. 31,32 Available studies stated that CP could induce embryotoxicity, neurotoxicity, genotoxicity and morphological anomalies in organisms. 9,33,34 Data on the potential health effects of antineoplastic drugs on aquatic organisms are very limited.…”