PUBLICATION

Organobromine compounds in aquatic environments: Embryotoxicity linked to lipophilicity and molecular structure

Authors
Hou, Z., Shi, Z., Lu, Z., Wang, D., Yan, Z., Jiang, Y., Li, K.
ID
ZDB-PUB-250213-5
Date
2025
Source
Journal of hazardous materials   489: 137550137550 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Keywords
Acute toxicity, Bromophenols, Lipophilicity, Myocardial contraction, Retinol metabolism
MeSH Terms
  • Zebrafish/embryology
  • Phenols*/chemistry
  • Phenols*/toxicity
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical*/chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical*/toxicity
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian*/abnormalities
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian*/drug effects
  • Bile Acids and Salts/biosynthesis
  • Teratogens*/chemistry
  • Teratogens*/toxicity
  • Animals
PubMed
39938363 Full text @ J. Hazard. Mater.
Abstract
Organobromine compounds, prevalent in marine environments due to both anthropogenic activities and natural processes, have been shown to exhibit significant toxicity toward aquatic organisms. This study investigates the embryotoxicity and teratogenic effects of six bromophenol compounds using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos as a model. The compounds exhibited varying degrees of toxicity, with BP-6 and BP-5 showing the lowest LC50 values. The study identified distinct embryonic malformations, including venous sinus edema, pericardial cysts, and craniofacial malformations. A correlation was observed between the toxicity of the bromophenols and their lipophilicity, with higher lipophilicity compounds demonstrating greater toxicity. Mechanistic insights into the toxicity of bromophenols were further explored through transcriptomic analysis, which identified significant effects on retinol metabolism, modulation of myocardial contraction via Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ion flux, stimulation of nonspecific immune responses, and suppression of primary bile acid synthesis. BP-2 exposure significantly altered calcium signaling and bile acid biosynthesis, indicating a potential mechanism for its enhanced toxicity. These findings underscore the need for further investigation into the environmental and health impacts of bromophenols, particularly as they accumulate in marine ecosystems and the food chain.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping