Antioxidant Astaxanthin Co-Treatment Protects Zebrafish from Dimethomorph-Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Cardiovascular Toxicology
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Dimethomorph (DIM) is a widely used morpholine fungicide.
• Concerns exist regarding its toxicity to non-target organisms.
• Cardiovascular impacts of DIM are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cardiovascular and metabolic toxicity of DIM in zebrafish embryos.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying DIM's toxic effects.
• To evaluate the potential protective role of Astaxanthin (AST) against DIM toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Zebrafish embryos were exposed to varying DIM concentrations for 48 hours.
• Cardiac and vascular performance was assessed.
• Gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR was performed.
• A rescue experiment with Astaxanthin was conducted.

Main Results:

• DIM exposure led to cardiac hypertrophy and reduced heart rate in zebrafish.
• Significant alterations in cardiovascular gene expression were observed.
• DIM increased metabolic rate, indicating disrupted energy homeostasis.
• Astaxanthin partially mitigated DIM-induced cardiac and metabolic abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Dimethomorph exhibits significant cardiovascular and metabolic toxicity in zebrafish.
• Gene expression changes provide mechanistic insights into DIM's toxic effects.
• Astaxanthin demonstrates potential as a counteragent to DIM toxicity.
• Findings underscore the need to re-evaluate DIM's environmental impact and promote safer alternatives.