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Modulation of Detoxification, Immune, and Epigenetic Systems by Two Aryl Organophosphorus Flame Retardants During Early Development in Zebrafish

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) are emerging alternatives to halogenated compounds, yet their environmental toxicity remains underexplored. This study evaluated the developmental toxicity of two aryl-OPFRs, triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and tricresyl phosphate (TCP), in zebrafish (Danio rerio) from 2 h to 5 days post fertilization (hpf–dpf). Survival, hatching rate, and malformations were assessed across concentrations of 250–1000 µg/L, alongside with gene expression analysis at 5 dpf (250 and 500 µg/L) targeting detoxification (ces2), immune responses (il1β, casp9), and epigenetic markers (dnmt1, dnmt3). In vitro enzymatic assays evaluated interactions of both aryl-OPFRs with carboxylesterase (CE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes. While no significant morphological effects were observed, TPP showed higher toxicity than TCP. Notably, TCP (500 µg/L) downregulated genes linked to metabolism and immunity. CE activity and ces2 modulation may suggest CE as a potential biomarker for aryl-OPFR exposure. These findings, although at concentrations above the environmental ones, may be valuable for mechanistic purposes and underscore the need for further investigation in developmental toxicity given their lipophilic nature and distinct molecular responses.

Source: Toxics

DOI: 10.3390/toxics13090794

Authors: Montserrat Solé, Sílvia Joly, Sergi Omedes, Isabel Forner-Piquer, Laia Ribas

Institutions: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Institut de Ciències del Mar

Language: English

Topic: Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137