Evaluation of the embryotoxic potential of different formulations of ivermectin using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model system.

• Grant number: 24/19092-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Bruno Fiorelini Pereira
• Grantee: João Pedro Camargo Mitne
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Ivermectin (IVM) is a member of the macrocyclic lactone family and is a widely used veterinary and human antiparasitic. Although its efficacy has not been proven, it has been widely used for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19. IVM can be used in various oral, topical, and injectable formulations, and the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics are directly dependent on the formulation composition and routes of exposure, but it is unclear how each formulation influences its toxicity. This project aims to investigate the toxicity of different formulations of IVM and the active ingredient in the early development of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Four formulations of IVM: veterinary tablet, human tablet, topical formulation, injectable formulation, and the active ingredient will be tested in the extended fish embryotoxicity test (FET) (120 h). During exposure, lethality, hatching rate, frequency of spontaneous contractions, heart rate, and morphological changes will be analyzed. The results of this project will provide valuable insights into understanding the toxicity of IVM on fish embryonic development, as well as the influence of formulations for human and veterinary use on the induction of apoptosis. The results of this project will provide valuable insights into understanding the toxicity of IVM on fish embryonic development, as well as the influence of formulations for human and veterinary use on the induction of apoptosis.