Toxicidade do metilarsinato de sódio em embriões de Zebrafish (Danio rerio) estudo ecotoxicológico e análise metabolômica baseada em RMN 1H

Abstract

Pesticides and veterinary products containing organic arsenic compounds, such as sodium methyl arsenate (MSMA), are extensively used in agriculture and livestock farming to enhance productivity. However, it is crucial to analyze the effects of these substances on ecosystems and living organisms. This study investigated the impact of MSMA on aquatic species, specifically zebrafish, by combining ecotoxicological studies and metabolomics analysis based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR 1H). Zebrafish species was chosen due to their advantageous characteristics as a versatile laboratory model, including genetic similarity to mammals, ease of maintenance, high fecundity, and transparent embryos. Zebrafish embryos were acutely exposed (96h) to varying concentrations of MSMA (0, 10, 30, and 60 mg L-1) diluted in reconstituted water to determine the LC50 and assess embryotoxicity. Subsequently, samples (7n) from different treatments were pooled for metabolomic analysis based on NMR 1H spectroscopy. The embryotoxicity analysis showed that MSMA exposure led to teratogenicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity and mortality in zebrafish. Metabolomic profiling identified 34 metabolites associated with various metabolic pathways potentially impacted by MSMA exposure. Also, the ultivariate analysis results revealed discriminants metabolites such as (i) lactate, suggesting potential alterations in energy metabolism pathways; (ii) glutathione, indicating disturbances in the cellular antioxidant protection system; (iii) xanthine, potentially disrupting purine metabolism; (iv) glutamate: suggests potential neurotoxic effects of MSMA on zebrafish; (v) tryptophan: potential impacts on amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis pathways; (vi) acetoacetate, to potential disruptions in energy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation and adenosine monophosphate (AMP), which suggested potential disturbances in cellular energy metabolism. These results should contribute to advancing knowledge about the impact of contaminants on zebrafish organism, facilitating risk assessments, and developing environmental protection measures. A better understanding of toxicity mechanisms may also enable the identification of therapeutic targets, assisting in developing strategies to minimize adverse effects of contaminant exposure and benefiting the health of animals and humans.