Multi-biomarker approach to assess the toxicity of carbamazepine, a neuropharmaceutical, in the female fish Astyanax lacustris (Teleostei: Characidae)

Author(s)

Guerreiro, Amanda da Silveira ; de Aguiar, Guilherme ; Bertacini, Cecilia ; Andrade de Godoi, Filipe Guilherme ; Branco, Giovana Souza ; Honji, Renato Massaaki ; Caminhas, Larissa ; Rath, Susanne ; Moreira, Renata Guimaraes

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY; v. 114, p. 13-pg., 2025-03-01.

Abstract

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a pharmaceutical commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder and has been detected in different aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Considering its possible role in altering nervous system and reproduction, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of CBZ on molecular and cellular biomarkers of the teleost Astyanax lacustris. Results demonstrated that CBZ, in environmentally relevant concentrations (500 ng L- 1) increases fsh beta gene expression levels, decreases muscle protein content and hepatic LPO (500 ng L- 1 and 1250 ng L- 1 of CBZ). Nonetheless, no effects were observed towards enzymatic activities, steroid plasma levels and/or lipid content. Considering that A. lacustris inhabits clean and polluted environments, it is possible to suggest that animals possess a level of tolerance to stressors, allowing them to maintain reproductive functions regardless of environmental challenges. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/11174-9 - Contaminants of emerging concern in the reproductive physiology of teleosts
• Grantee: Renata Guimarães Moreira Whitton
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/11583-0 - Effects of carbamazepine, a contaminant of emerging concern, on the physiology of Astyanax lacustris mature females
• Grantee: Amanda da Silveira Guerreiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral