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Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: July 7, 2014
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Roundup(®) in Zebrafish: Effects on Oxidative Status and Gene Expression
Robson Rabelo Velasques1, Juliana Zomer Sandrini1, Carlos Eduardo da Rosa1
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG , Rio Grande, Brazil .
Zebrafish
|June 18, 2016
Summary
Roundup exposure in zebrafish alters oxidative status, affecting reactive oxygen species and antioxidant capacity in liver and gills. Gene expression related to antioxidant defense also showed significant changes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Zebrafish (Danio rerio) research
- Oxidative stress mechanisms
Background:
- Glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup are widely used, raising concerns about aquatic ecosystem health.
- Oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant capacity (ACAP), is a key indicator of toxicity.
- Understanding the impact of herbicides on fish physiology is crucial for environmental risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Roundup exposure on oxidative status in adult zebrafish liver and gills.
- To evaluate changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant capacity (ACAP) levels.
- To assess the impact on the gene expression of key antioxidant response enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Adult zebrafish were exposed to two concentrations of Roundup (5 and 10 mg/L) for varying durations (24, 48, 72, and 96 hours).
- Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant capacity (ACAP) in liver and gill tissues.
- Quantitative analysis of gene expression for antioxidant-related enzymes, including superoxide dismutase 2 (sod2), glutathione S-transferase (gstπ), uncoupling protein 1 (ucp1), and glutathione peroxidase (gpx).
Main Results:
- Roundup exposure altered ROS and ACAP levels in zebrafish liver and gills, with concentration and time-dependent effects observed.
- Significant changes in antioxidant gene expression were noted, including reductions in sod2 and gstπ, and induction of ucp1 and gpx in specific tissues and exposure conditions.
- The highest Roundup concentration induced increased ACAP in gills after 96 hours and in the liver after 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Zebrafish exposure to Roundup significantly disrupts oxidative balance in liver and gill tissues.
- The observed alterations in gene expression indicate an adaptive response of the antioxidant defense system to herbicide-induced stress.
- These findings highlight the potential ecotoxicological risks of glyphosate-based herbicides to aquatic organisms.
