Zebrafish: a key model for unraveling endocrine-disrupting effects on thyroid development and function

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Toxicology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Zebrafish (Danio rerio) exhibit high genomic homology with mammals and possess advantageous traits like external embryogenesis and transparency.
• Thyroid hormones are critical for vertebrate development, metabolism, and homeostasis, making zebrafish a relevant model for studying these processes.
• Zebrafish are extensively used for toxicity testing of environmental chemicals impacting thyroid function, providing well-defined responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the literature on using zebrafish to investigate endocrine-disrupting chemicals' effects on the thyroid axis.
• To analyze associated physiological and behavioral responses in zebrafish models.
• To discuss the limitations and challenges of the zebrafish model in thyroid research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of current research on zebrafish thyroid physiology and toxicology.
• Examination of studies investigating endocrine-disrupting chemicals' impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.
• Discussion of experimental challenges and variability in zebrafish models.

Main Results:

• Zebrafish effectively model thyroid hormone-regulated development and metabolism, conserved across vertebrates.
• The model yields well-characterized responses to environmental chemicals affecting thyroid function.
• Identified limitations include exposure model realism, variability, and technical challenges.

Conclusions:

• Zebrafish are a versatile and powerful model for thyroid endocrinology and toxicology research, particularly during sensitive developmental periods.
• The model aids in understanding the impact of endocrine disruptors on thyroid function and related physiological processes.
• Addressing model limitations is crucial for enhancing reproducibility and relevance to human and environmental health.