Abstract
Genistein is a phytoestrogen, which is structurally similar to 17β-estradiol. It is present in plants, food, and as a contaminant in effluents. In this article, we demonstrate the effects of embryonic exposure to three different concentrations of genistein (10 μg/L, 40 μg/L, and 80 μg/L) which is similar to those found in effluents. Zebrafish eggs were exposed during the first 72 h post-fertilization (hpf). Heart rate was evaluated at 48 hpf and mortality rate was assessed during the first 72 hpf. The light/dark (LDT) and open field (OFT) behavioral tests were applied to the larvae (6 dpf), and the novel tank (NTT), social preference (SPT), light-dark (LDT), and sexing tests were performed on adult fish (90 dpf). Embryonic exposure to genistein caused anxiolytic-like behavior in both larvae and adult animals. In adult stage, we observed an increase in locomotor activity and antisocial behavior in the concentration of 40 μg/L. There was an increase in the mortality rate in all concentrations when compared to the control and an increase in heart rate at the concentration of 80 μg/L. Exposure to 10 μg/L generated a higher frequency of females when compared to the control group. Our results show that exposure to genistein during the embryonic phase brings damage in the short and long term as it increases the mortality rate and leads to behavioral disorders both in the larval stage, with perpetuation until adult stage. The anxiolytic-like effect and less social interaction are effects that harm fish survival.
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Data availability
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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This study had the support of FAPERGS, by means of the edicts 05/2017 (Project n° 88887.161013/2017-00) and ARD/2017 (grant term number 17/2551-0000 804-9).
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ASM performed practical experiments, behavioral tests, and embryonic assessments, performed data analysis using the ANY-maze software and wrote the article. MF assisted in carrying out the behavioral tests and analysis on the ANY-maze software. SMS performed euthanasia and sexing. VCM was responsible for reproduction. MTM was responsible for the maintenance of the animals and assistance in the tests. LJGB analyzed and interpreted the data. LGR interpreted the data and performed the text review. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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This study was approved by the Animal Use Ethics Committee (Comissão de Ética em Uso Animal - CEUA) of the University of Passo Fundo, UPF, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil (protocol n°: 041/2019) which fully follows the guidelines of the National Council for the Control of Animal Experimentation (CONCEA) and SisGen (National System for the Management of Genetic Heritage and Associated Traditional Knowledge).
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Menegasso, .S., Fortuna, M., Soares, S.M. et al. Embryonic exposure to genistein induces anxiolytic and antisocial behavior in zebrafish: persistent effects until the adult stage. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29, 8957–8969 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16324-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16324-w