Developmental bisphenol A exposure impairs sperm function and reproduction in zebrafish

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Developmental Biology
• Reproductive Toxicology

Background:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with known developmental and reproductive toxicity.
• Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a widely used model organism for studying toxicity due to their genetic similarity to humans and rapid development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental and reproductive toxicity of BPA in zebrafish (Danio rerio) across three distinct exposure periods.
• To evaluate the effects of BPA on adult zebrafish growth, reproduction, and F1 offspring development.

Main Methods:

• Zebrafish were exposed to BPA waterborne at various concentrations during embryonic, larval, and sexually mature stages.
• Evaluated endpoints included adult growth, testis weight, sperm parameters (volume, density, motility, velocity), egg production, fertilization rates, and F1 offspring malformations and mortality.

Main Results:

• BPA exposure did not impact adult zebrafish growth.
• Reduced testis weight and impaired sperm parameters were observed, with the lowest effect level at 0.001 μM BPA.
• F1 offspring exhibited increased malformations and mortality at 0.001 μM BPA, while higher concentrations reduced egg production and fertilization.

Conclusions:

• BPA exposure during critical developmental periods significantly impairs zebrafish reproductive development and F1 offspring viability.
• Nonmonotonic dose-response relationships were observed for several reproductive endpoints.
• Potential genetic impacts on gamete development may underlie the observed reproductive and developmental toxicities.