Developmental and reproductive effects of 2-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenol (UV-P) on the model fish species, zebrafish (Danio rerio), following embryonic exposure

Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) are emerging contaminants of concern. They are added to a variety of products including building materials, personal care products, and paints to prevent degradation caused by UV light. Despite widespread occurrence in aquatic environments, little is known regarding effects of BUVSs on aquatic organisms. The aim of this study was to characterize effects of exposure to 2-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenol (UV-P) on reproductive success of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) following embryonic exposure. Zebrafish embryos were exposed, by use of microinjection, to UV-P at a control, low, and high dose, then reared until sexual maturity, where reproductive performance was assessed, following which molecular and biochemical endpoints were analyzed. Exposure to UV-P did not have a significant effect on fecundity. However, there was a significant effect on fertilization success. Using UV-P exposed males and females, fertility was decreased in the low and high treatments, relative to control. Additionally, in a reproduction assay with UV-P exposed males and control females, fertility was decreased in the high treatment, relative to the control. Embryonic exposure to UV-P might have perturbed male sex steroid synthesis as indicated by small changes in blood plasma concentrations of E2 and 11-KT, and small decreases in mRNA abundances of cyp19a1a, cyp11c1, and hsd17b3. Additionally, decreased transcript abundances of genes involved in spermatogenesis was observed. Decreases in later stages of sperm development were observed, suggesting that embryonic exposure to UV-P impaired spematogenesis, resulting in decreased sperm quantity. This study is the first to demonstrate latent effects of BUVSs, specifically on fish reproduction.

Grantor dc:publisher

Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Authors dc:creator

• Raza, Yamin
• University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science

Advisor dc:contributor.supervisor

• Wiseman, Steve

• reproductive toxicity
• endocrine disruption
• spermatogenesis
• latent effects
• benzotriazole UV stabilizer
• fertilization

Language dc:language.iso

en

Identifier

hdl:10133/6651

OAI record oai:identifier

https://opus.uleth.ca/server/oai/request?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=dim&identifier=oai%3Aopus.uleth.ca%3A10133%2F6651