Neurobehavioral effects of fungicides in zebrafish: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Pesticides are widely used in global agriculture to achieve high productivity levels. Among them, fungicides are specifically designed to inhibit fungal growth in crops and seeds. However, their application often results in environmental contamination, as these chemicals can persistently be detected in surface waters. This poses a potential threat to non-target organisms, including humans, that inhabit the affected ecosystems. In toxicologic research, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is the most commonly used fish species to assess the potential effects of fungicide exposure, and numerous and sometimes conflicting findings have been reported. To address this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the neurobehavioral effects of fungicides in zebrafish. Our search encompassed three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science), and the screening process followed predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. We extracted qualitative and quantitative data, as well as assessed reporting quality, from 60 included studies. Meta-analyses were performed for the outcomes of distance traveled in larvae and adults and spontaneous movements in embryos. The results revealed a significant overall effect of fungicide exposure on distance, with a lower distance traveled in the exposed versus control group. No significant effect was observed for spontaneous movements. The overall heterogeneity was high for distance and moderate for spontaneous movements. The poor reporting practices in the field hindered a critical evaluation of the studies. Nevertheless, a sensitivity analysis did not identify any studies skewing the meta-analyses. This review underscores the necessity for better-designed and reported experiments in this field.

Exposure to epoxiconazole induces hyperlocomotion in adult zebrafish

“…In our study, EPX exposure increased the distance, crossings, entries in the top area, and mean speed, which suggests hyperlocomotion. Our findings contradict what was reported by a recent metanalysis (Reis et al 2023). The study showed that fungicides exposure overall and triazoles specifically decrease the distance traveled both in larvae and adult zebrafish.…”

“…Considering that these compounds, EPX, and triadimefon, belong to the same chemical group, it is feasible that EPX could present still unknown similar properties. The same argument can be used to clarify our divergence from the above-cited metanalysis (Reis et al 2023).…”

“…Although there are some available studies of exposure to EPX in zebrafish, none of them explored its potential consequences regarding the behavior in different domains (Reis et al 2023).…”

“…The same pattern in the literature is verified for non-zebrafish fish species, where few studies with these aquatic animals are available. Although there are some available studies of exposure to EPX in zebrafish, none of them explored its potential consequences regarding the behavior in different domains (Reis et al 2023).…”

Evaluation of behavioral and neurochemical changes induced by carbofuran in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

“…Notably, a study assessing the impact of exposure to the herbicide 2,4-D on zebrafish has observed alterations in both the time spent in the upper zone and the distance traveled, disrupting their natural behavior (Thiel et al 2020). Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis showed that fungicides decrease the locomotion in both zebrafish larvae and adults (Reis et al 2023). In our study, there is no evidence that CF alters any locomotor parameter.…”