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Updated: May 4, 2026
Cytotoxicity Assays with Zebrafish Cell Lines
Published on: January 6, 2023
Toxicity assessments of chalcone and some synthetic chalcone analogues in a zebrafish model
Ya-Ting Lee1, Tsorng-Harn Fong2, Hui-Min Chen3
1Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, 151, Yingzhuan Road, Danshui Dist., New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan. joanna20520@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo toxicities of some novel synthetic chalcones. Chalcone and four chalcone analogues 1a-d were evaluated using zebrafish embryos following antibody staining to visualize their morphological changes and muscle fiber alignment. Results showed that embryos treated with 3'-hydroxychalcone (compound 1b) displayed a high percentage of muscle defects (96.6%), especially myofibril misalignment. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that compound 1b-treated embryos displayed many muscle defect phenotypes, including breakage and collapse of myofibrils, reduced cell numbers, and disorganized thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments. Taken together, our results provide in vivo evidence of the myotoxic effects of the synthesized chalcone analogues on developing zebrafish embryos.
Insights
Novel synthetic chalcones were tested for toxicity in zebrafish embryos. Compound 1b, 3'-hydroxychalcone, demonstrated significant myotoxicity, causing widespread muscle defects in developing embryos.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Synthetic Chemistry
Background:
- Chalcones are a diverse class of natural and synthetic compounds with a wide range of biological activities.
- Understanding the in vivo toxicity of novel synthetic chalcones is crucial for assessing their safety and potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo toxicities of synthetic chalcones and their analogues.
- To evaluate the effects of these compounds on zebrafish embryo development, specifically focusing on muscle morphology and fiber alignment.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were exposed to chalcone and four analogues (1a-d).
- Antibody staining was employed to visualize morphological changes and muscle fiber alignment.
- Ultrastructural analysis was performed to examine muscle tissue at a microscopic level.
Main Results:
- Treatment with 3 extbackslash'hydroxychalcone (compound 1b) resulted in a high incidence (96.6%) of muscle defects.
- Observed defects included myofibril misalignment, breakage, and collapse.
- Ultrastructural analysis confirmed disorganized thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments and reduced cell numbers in compound 1b-treated embryos.
Conclusions:
- The synthetic chalcone analogues, particularly compound 1b, exhibit significant myotoxic effects in vivo.
- Zebrafish embryos serve as a valuable model for assessing the developmental toxicity of novel chemical compounds.
- These findings highlight the importance of evaluating the safety profile of synthetic chalcones before considering their use.
