A systematic review on the evaluation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals as potential neurotoxins during zebrafish development.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are well known for their ability to interfere with endocrine function, however, growing evidence indicates that they can also cause profound neurotic effects. These substances affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems of aquatic organisms, including fish, and can disrupt neurobehavioral development, posing a potential threat to aquatic species. In this systematic review, we examine the neurotoxic effects of EDCs on zebrafish (Danio rerio) , a widely utilized model organism for investigating vertebrate nervous system development. A comprehensive bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed using the terms “developmental neurotoxicity” and “fish,” – which yielded 603 articles. The search was refined by incorporating the terms “endocrine disruptors” and “zebrafish,” resulting in 15 relevant studies. Of these, three were excluded—two due to irrelevance to the topic, and one for being a review on strobilurin, a fungicide. The remaining 12 studies provided detailed insights into the neurotoxic effects of 14 chemicals, including 6-OH-BDE-47, Atrazine, BDE-209, Bisphenol (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), cadmium (Cd), estrone, OBS, lead (Pb), tributyltin (TBT), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), THM, and titanium (Ti). These compounds, encompassing fungicides, herbicides, heavy metals, hormones, and flame retardants, were identified as potential EDCs that disrupt nervous system development and behavior in zebrafish during embryonic, larval, and adult stages. Several studies have also investigated co-exposure effects of binary mixtures such as BDE 209 with Pb, BPA with Ti, and TBT with Cd. We identified several significant neurodevelopmental endpoints, including alterations in hormone levels (T3 and T4), neurotransmitter contents (dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA, histamine, norepinephrine), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, locomotor behavior, and expression of sensitive genes and proteins. Notably, these neurotoxic effects were shown to have intergenerational and transgenerational consequences. Overall, this review provides comprehensive evidence of the neurotoxic potential of EDCs on zebrafish development, emphasizing their relevance to vertebrate neurodevelopment and the potential implications for human health.
Source: Figshare
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7214027664