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Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate induces heart looping disorders during zebrafish development
Yangyong Sun1, Fan Yang1, Yang Liu1,2
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Institute of Cardiac Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Toxicology and Industrial Health
|May 28, 2021
Summary
Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) exposure in zebrafish embryos increased mortality and caused significant heart development issues, including reduced heart rate and looping disorders. This highlights the need for safer plasticizers to protect health.
Area of Science:
- Developmental toxicology
- Cardiovascular research
- Environmental health
Background:
- Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer with known endocrine and reproductive toxicity.
- DEHP has been detected in human placental and amniotic fluid samples.
- Potential impacts of DEHP on embryonic development, particularly cardiac formation, require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) on heart development in zebrafish embryos.
- To assess DEHP-induced alterations in cardiac function and morphology.
- To examine the impact of DEHP on the expression of key cardiac development genes.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were exposed to Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) via yolk sac injection at the one-cell stage.
- Embryonic lethality, heart rate, and pericardial edema were monitored at various developmental stages.
- Heart looping and the expression of cardiac transcription factors were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Main Results:
- DEHP exposure led to increased mortality at 2 and 3 days postfertilization.
- Surviving zebrafish larvae exhibited reduced heart rate, significant pericardial edema, and heart looping disorders.
- DEHP significantly altered the expression of crucial cardiac development transcription factors, with downregulation of some and upregulation of others.
Conclusions:
- Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) significantly disrupts embryonic heart development in zebrafish.
- DEHP exposure can lead to cardiac abnormalities and altered gene expression critical for heart formation.
- The findings underscore the necessity for developing non-toxic plasticizers to mitigate potential health risks.
