Bisphenol A Analogues Induce Neuroendocrine Disruption via Gut-Brain Regulation in Zebrafish
Xiyan Mu1, Zaiteng Liu1, Xiaoyu Zhao1
1Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 2, 2024
Summary
Bisphenol G (BPG) and BPAF disrupt the gut-brain axis, impacting neuroendocrine function and behavior. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect neurotransmitter levels and gut-brain signaling pathways differently.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Gut-brain axis research
Background:
- Epidemiological studies link endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like bisphenol A (BPA) to neuroendocrine dysfunction.
- The precise mechanisms, especially concerning gut-brain regulation, remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of BPA and its analogues (BPG, BPAF) in zebrafish.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of bisphenol-induced gut-brain axis disruption.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of BPA, BPG, and BPAF.
- Neurotransmitter levels, enteroendocrine cell distribution, vagal neural development, and gene expression (scRNA-Seq) were analyzed.
- Immunofluorescence and immune staining were employed.
Main Results:
- BPG showed the most significant behavioral impact and neurotransmitter inhibition, followed by BPAF and BPA.
- BPG and BPAF altered enteroendocrine cell distribution, correlating with reduced neurotransmitter levels and activity.
- BPAF impaired vagal neural development, while BPG induced inflammatory responses in intestinal cells via TNFα-trypsin-EEC signaling.
Conclusions:
- BPG and BPAF disrupt the neuroendocrine system and gut-brain axis through distinct mechanisms.
- These findings offer new insights into how bisphenols mediate neuroendocrine disruption.
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