Endocrine disruption and neurotoxicity induced by emerging contaminants: early detection multibiomarker platform

• Grant number: 22/08724-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2023
• End date: February 28, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal Investigator: Danielle Palma de Oliveira
• Grantee: Danielle Palma de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Carlos Alexandre Sarabando Gravato ; Lusânia Maria Greggi Antunes

Abstract

The presence of certain chemicals in soils and in the aquatic environment is a great concern, since they can induce different effects, specially on the complex relationship between endocrine disruption (EDs) and neurotoxicity. Thus, considering the importance of the systematic characterization of such effects and their relationship, the main objective of this work is to establish an early multibiomarker platform for the detection of neurotoxic effects and endocrine disruption. Therefore, with this project, we propose the use of highly sensitive tools for the identification of biological effects at environmentally relevant concentrations of selected emerging contaminants (dyes, phthalates and pesticides) using the embryo-larval stage of Zebrafish (Danio rerio). The neurotoxicity assessment will be performed using high-performance tools, such as the assessment of embryonic activity using the DanioScope software (Noldus), as well as the video monitoring of larvae using the Zebrabox equipment. These analyzes will be complemented with the evaluation of the activity of the cholinesterase enzyme and the expression of genes related to neurodevelopment. Neuroendocrine dysregulation will initially be evaluated by immunofluorescence, in addition to the expression of related genes. The general health of the organisms will be assessed through energy balance biomarkers. Together, these high-yield, high-sensitivity, and low-cost biomarkers may indicate the relationship between possible endocrine disruption and neurobehavioral changes, in addition to the general health status of organisms, and can be used together as early exposure biomarkers. (AU)