Multilevel assessment of carbamazepine effects: An integrative approach using zebrafish early-life stages.

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is the most commonly used drug in epilepsy treatment, and its metabolites are commonly detected among persistent pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. This study aimed to investigate CBZ effects on early-life-stage zebrafish (Danio rerio) (from 2 to 168 hpf) by employing of an integrative approach linking endpoints from molecular to individual level: (i) development; (ii) locomotor activity; (iii) biochemical markers (lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione-S-transferase, acetylcholinesterase and catalase) and (iv) transcriptome analysis using microarray. A 168 h - LC50 of 73.4 mg L-1 and a 72 h - EC50 of 66.8 mg L-1 for hatching were calculated while developmental effects (oedemas and tail deformities) were observed at CBZ concentrations above 37.3 mg L-1. At the biochemical level, AChE activity proved to be the most sensitive parameter, as evidenced by its decrease across all concentrations tested (∼25% maximum reduction, LOEC (lowest observed effect concentration) < 0.6 µg L-1). Locomotor behaviour seemed to be depressed by CBZ although this effect was only evident at the highest concentration tested (50 mg L-1). Molecular analysis revealed a dose-dependent effect of CBZ on gene expression. Although only 25 genes were deregulated in organisms exposed to CBZ when compared to controls, both 0.6 and 2812 µg L-1 treatments impaired gene expression related to development (e.g. crygmxl1, org, klf2a, otos, stx16 and tob2) and the nervous system (e.g. Rtn3, Gdf10, Rtn3), while activated genes were associated with behavioural response (e.g. prlbr and taar). Altogether, our results indicate that environmentally relevant CBZ concentrations might affect biochemical and genetic traits of fish. Thus, the environmental risk of CBZ cannot be neglected, especially in a realistic scenario of constant input of domestic effluents into aquatic systems.

Toxicological effects of aqueous extract of Genipa americana L. leaves on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio): Chemical profile, histopathological effects and lack of genotoxicity.

Genipa americana is a native plant of Brazil with potential applications in folk medicine. Whereas most of the phytochemical and pharmacological studies on this plant have focused on its fruits, the crude extracts of its leaves contain chemical metabolites that may have toxicity to organisms, which have yet to be investigated. This study aimed to determine the main groups of secondary metabolites in the aqueous extract of the leaves of G. americana by phytochemistry and qualitative HPLC, and to evaluate the possible toxicological effects and histopathological changes caused by this extract in zebrafish (Danio rerio) adults, through micronucleus test, nuclear abnormalities and histopathological analyses of gills and liver. While three metabolites of high intensity (phenolic compounds, flavonoids and triterpenes) were found in the phytochemical evaluation, the HPLC showed results compatible with flavonoids and iridoids, all belonging to common classes for this species and the Rubiaceae family. The acute toxicity test did not induce mortality or genotoxicity in zebrafish, but after exposure for 96 h, it was possible to observe injuries to the fish gill tissue, such as lamellar fusion, vasodilation and telangiectasia; in the liver, necrosis was visualized at 40 mg/L, and at higher concentrations (80 and 100 mg/L) induced sinusoidal widening was identified. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the toxic potential of this plant for aquatic species.

Multi-level toxicity assessment of the antidepressant venlafaxine in embryos/larvae and adults of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The toxic effects of venlafaxine (VLX) on aquatic organisms have already been verified and therefore are a proven matter of concern. Herein, we evaluated zebrafish embryos/adults after acute exposure to VLX. Embryos/larvae were exposed to different concentrations of VLX (100-1000 mg/L; 1.33 as a dilution factor), to evaluate mortality/developmental changos and to analyze biomarkers (0.002-100 mg/L). For adults, mortality, genotoxicity, and biomarkers were assessed in five different concentrations of VLX (1-100 mg/L). The median lethal concentration (LC50-168h) was 274.1 mg/L for embryos/larvae, and >100 mg/L for adults (LC50-96h). VLX decreased the heart rate frequency and caused premature hatching and lack of equilibrium in embryos/larvae exposed to different concentrations ranging from 100 to 562.5 mg/L. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was inhibited in larvae exposed to 1, 25 and 100 mg/L. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was reduced in both larvae and adults after exposure to different concentrations, mainly at 25 mg/L. For both larvae and adults, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity increased after 100 mg/L of VLX exposure. No DNA damage was observed in peripheral erythrocytes. Exposure to VLX may cause adverse effects on zebrafish in their early and adult life stages, interfering with embryo-larval development, and can induce physiological disturbances in adults.

Effects of environmental concentrations of caffeine on adult zebrafish behaviour: a short-term exposure scenario.

Caffeine (CAF) has been considered an emerging environmental contaminant and its presence indicator of anthropogenic contamination. This study evaluated the effects of environmental concentrations of CAF (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 300 µg. L-1) on the behaviour of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) after 7 days of exposure. The components of feeding, locomotion, boldness (new tank test), sociability (schooling test), and aggression (mirror test) were analysed. Growth rate and weight were investigated as complementary measures. CAF (0.5, 1.5, and 300 µg. L-1) reduced exploratory behaviour in zebrafish, increased feeding latency time (1.5, and 300 µg. L-1), and decreased growth rate and fish weight (300 µg. L-1). CAF also induced aggressive behaviour (0.5, 1.5, and 300 µg. L-1) and decreased appetence to the shoal (sociability) (0.5, and 1.5 µg. L-1). This study showed that low doses of CAF can induce behavioural effects in zebrafish that may have significant long-term impacts on vital ecological functions.

Multilevel Toxicity Evaluations of Polyethylene Microplastics in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Microplastics in freshwater environments pose a serious threat to living beings. Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) are the type most used around the world as microbeads in personal care products, and they have been found in aquatic organisms. The behavior and toxicity of fluorescent PE-MP spheres with an average diameter of 58.9 µm were studied in adult, juvenile and embryo zebrafish (Danio rerio). The adults were studied for genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, histology and biochemical markers. Juveniles underwent a follow-up in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with histologic observations, and embryos were studied for embryotoxicity with the FET-test. In adults, micronucleus test and comet assays found neither genotoxicity after acute exposure for 96 h at concentrations of 0.0, 12.5, 50 and 100 mg.L-1, nor cytotoxicity through the nuclear abnormalities test. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were measured in adults exposed for 96 h. The AChE and GST activities were significantly changed, while no changes occurred for LDH. In conclusion, these PE-MP spheres did not cause serious toxic effects in zebrafish because there was no internalization. The observed biochemical changes in AChE and GST may be associated with GI microbiological dysbiosis, previously reported. The PE-MP spheres in the intestine of juveniles remained present for 12-15 days on average after the post-exposure clearance study, showing a slow depuration. The histological analysis, in adults, found no internalization of these microbeads, with complete depuration. The PE-MP spheres did not cross the chorion barrier, showing no embryotoxic effects after exposures at 0.0, 6.25, 12.5, 50.0 or 100.0 mg.L-1 for 96 h.

In the screening of alternative insecticides to control Aedes aegytpti larvae 2-methylanthraquinone showed no genotoxicity and low toxicity to zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The threats posed by insecticide resistance to Aedes aegypti in the context of controlling dengue have led to an urgent search for an environmentally safer alternative chemical with more effective larvicidal properties. Among many molecules tested, 2-methylanthraquinone showed the lowest LC50 for A. aegypti in a previous study and the highest LC50 for zebrafish embryos. Embryos were exposed at concentrations of 1.0, 2.19, 4.78, 10.46, 22.87, 50.0 and 100.0 mg/L, and malformations and mortality were significantly observed only at the highest exposures of 50 and 100 mg/L after 96 h. Micronucleus test and comet assay in zebrafish adults were both negative after exposures at 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 mg/L for 96 h. Several biochemical biomarkers were analyzed in adults, and 2-methylanthraquinone did not interfere with acetylcholinesterase activity. The lactate dehydrogenase activity was higher at concentrations of 25 and 100 mg/L. Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) activities were tested in the gill and body (muscle tail). The gill was more sensitive than body for GST activity after exposure to 2-methylanthraquinone, showing the highest activities, and 2-methylanthraquinone showed low toxicity to a non-target organism.

Neuromotor activity inhibition in zebrafish early-life stages after exposure to environmental relevant concentrations of caffeine.

Caffeine (CAF), a neuroactive compound, has been found in surface waters at concentrations ranging from few nanograms up to micrograms and may induce adverse effects in aquatic vertebrates. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of CAF in affecting fish early-life stages in a wide concentration range, including occurring levels in surface waters. Specimens of zebrafish in early-life stages were exposed to CAF for 168 h and survival, developmental alterations, locomotor activity and acetylcholinesterase activity were evaluated. CAF induced mortality in embryos unable to hatch or in larvae after hatching (LC50 - 168 h = 283.2 mg/L). Tail deformities were observed in organisms exposed to concentrations ≥ 40 mg/L, while edemas were found at concentrations of 100 mg/L. CAF also decreased the total swimming time and distance moved of exposed organisms (LOEC = 0.0006 mg/L). Locomotor inhibition may be associated with an acetylcholinesterase inhibition observed at concentration ≥ 0.0088 mg/L. Therefore, the hazard of CAF for fish populations deserves further attention since unexpected effects on neuro-behavioral parameters occurs at concentrations often detected in natural aquatic ecosystems.

Andiroba oil and nanoemulsion (Carapa guianensis Aublet) reduce lesion severity caused by the antineoplastic agent doxorubicin in mice.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic used in the fight against many types of cancer. Although it is quite effective for this purpose, its clinical use is limited by its severe side effects, highlighting the relevance of efforts to identify substances that act to minimize these effects. In this work, we sought to verify the ability of andiroba oil (AO) and a nanoemulsion of andiroba oil (AN) to lessen the side effects of DOX. The animals were separated into 7 groups with 6 animals each: mice treated with AO (2000 mg/kg), AN (2000 mg/kg), the antineoplastic agent DOX (40 mg/kg), AO+DOX, AN+DOX and solvent controls was used of negative control (corn oil and nanoemulsion surfactant). AO and AN were administered for 14 consecutive days orally by gavage and on the 13th day, applied DOX by intraperitoneal route (i.p.), in order to evaluate the protective potential of andiroba. The animals were euthanized on the 15th day. Hematological, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical parameters were analyzed. Andiroba reduced several aspects of the severity of lesions caused by DOX, decreasing hematotoxicity and the severity of histological changes in the liver and kidneys, and reducing the frequency of apoptotic cell death. In many cases, AN showed greater efficacy than AO alone, reflecting the feasibility of using this nanotechnology to improve the pharmacokinetics of lipid compounds in the body. The study sheds new light on the therapeutic benefits of andiroba and suggests new ways for investigating how the quantity and quality of lipid compounds affect exposed organisms.

Auramine dyes induce toxic effects to aquatic organisms from different trophic levels: an application of predicted non-effect concentration (PNEC).

The dyes Auramine and Auramine O are used in several industrial products, despite the scarce information regarding their ecotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to assess the acute and chronic toxicity of both dyes to aquatic organisms from different trophic levels (Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia similis, Hydra attenuata, and Danio rerio) and calculate their predicted non-effect concentrations (PNEC). Auramine and Auramine O induced toxicity to all selected test organisms with L(E)C50 values ranging from 300 to 4800 ug/L. Both dyes induced inhibition in the growth rate of exposed algae, negatively affecting the reproduction of D. similis and induced deformities in H. attenuata (clubbed tentacles and shortened tentacles) and D. rerio (edemas, tail malformation and delay in yolk sac absorption). PNEC values of 0.92 µg/L and 4.0 µg/L were obtained for Auramine and Auramine O, respectively, based on results of the most sensitive test system (algae). Test results were analyzed using the Criteria of Reporting and Evaluating Ecotoxicity Data (CRED), confirming their reliability and relevance. Thus, PNEC values can be used in future risk assessments of those substances in freshwater systems.

Degradation evaluation and toxicity profile of bilobol, a promising eco-friendly larvicide.

Aedes aegypti is the main arbovirus vector transmitting chikungunya, Zika and dengue. The current vector control strategies are limited due to multiple insecticide resistance, deleterious impacts on the environment, and toxicity to non-target organisms. Bilobol, an alkylresorcinol isolated from the plant species Schinus terebinthifolia, demonstrated larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti (LC50 7.67 mg/L in less than 24 h). To ensure that bilobol presents a viable alternative as an eco-friendly larvicide, this study aimed to explore the degradation process and acute toxicity of this alkylresorcinol in zebrafish, a non-target organism. A quantification method with validated parameters was developed and used to evaluate bilobol degradation in water over time. The Fish Embryo Toxicity (FET) test was applied to evaluate the acute toxicity of bilobol together with its degradation derivates. Results demonstrated that bilobol gradually degrades over time and almost completely disappears after 96 h, turning into small aliphatic chains which are less toxic than bilobol in its fundamental form. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that bilobol does not present significant toxicity to zebrafish embryos nor does it show signs of persistence in the environment. Additionally, bilobol can be found in high quantities not only in S. terebinthifolia, but also in cashew nut industry waste. Thus, bilobol constitutes an alternative environmentally friendly insecticide because it is not persistent, has indications of low toxicity to non-target organisms and presents a way to exploit massive quantities of material discarded by the food industry.

Steroid androgen 17 alpha methyltestosterone used in fish farming induces biochemical alterations in zebrafish adults.

The 17 alpha methyltestosterone (MT) hormone is fed to Oreochromis niloticus larvae in fish farms with the purpose of inducing sex reversal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and sub-lethality of MT (99.9% purity) and cMT (a commercial MT with 90% purity) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) adults, where the animals were exposed to concentrations of 0, 4, 23, 139, 833 and 5000 µg/L for 96 hours. Genotoxicity was evaluated by micronucleus test (MN), nuclear abnormalities (NA) and comet assay. A low genotoxic potential of MT was showed, inducing micronucleus, nuclear abnormalities and DNA damage in Danio rerio, depending on the use of MT or cMT, gender and tested concentrations. In the sub-lethality trials, there was a basal difference in the activity of the enzymatic biochemical markers for males and females, while the Glutatione S transferase (GST) activity decreased in all analyzed tissues, and for males the enzymatic activity decreased only in the intestine. Results suggest that MT has a toxic potential to fish because it alters enzymatic metabolic pathways and may pose a risk to the ecosystems.

Fluoxetine chronic exposure affects growth, behavior and tissue structure of zebrafish.

Fluoxetine (FLX) is among the top 100 pharmaceutical prescribed annually worldwide and consequently is often detected in wastewater treatment plant effluent and surface waters, in concentrations up to 2.7 and 0.33 µg/L, respectively. Despite the presence of FLX in surface waters, little is known about its chronic effects in fish. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the chronic toxicity of FLX to Danio rerio adults. Rate of weight gain, behavior (feeding and swimming activity) and tissue organization (liver and intestine) were evaluated, after 30 days exposure. A lower rate of weight gain was observed at 100 µg/L FLX. The food intake time decreased, showing a decrease in fish appetite. The preference for the upper aquarium layer was observed at 10 and 100 µg/L of FLX, indicating an inhibition of the stress level (anxiolytic effect). Mild to moderate damage of hepatic tissue and a decrease epithelium height and increase in villus height of intestine were observed in fish exposed to concentrations as low as 0.01 µg/L. Based on obtained results, chronic exposure of fish to FLX could affect swimming and feeding behavior and alter morphological structure of liver and intestine tissues at environmental levels.

Toxicological findings about an anticancer fraction with casearins described by traditional and alternative techniques as support to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Extracts, essential oils and molecules from Casearia sylvestris have popularly shown pharmacological actions against chronic diseases, as anxiety, inflammation, cancer and dyslipidemia. In the context of antitumoral therapy, we investigated in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo toxicological changes induced by a Fraction with Casearins (FC) and its component Casearin X isolated from C. sylvestris on animal and vegetal cells, and upon invertebrates and mammals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cytotoxicity was carried out using normal lines and absorbance and flow cytometry techniques, Artemia salina nauplii, Danio rerio embryos and meristematic cells from Allium cepa roots. Acute and 30 days-mice analysis were done by behavioral, hematological and histological investigations and DNA/chromosomal damages detected by alkaline Cometa and micronucleus assays. RESULTS: FC was cytotoxic against lung and fibroblasts cells and caused DNA breaks, loss of integrity and mitochondrial depolarization on ex vivo human leukocytes. It revealed 24 h-LC50 values of 48.8 and 36.7 µg/mL on A. salina nauplii and D. rerio embryos, reduced mitotic index of A. cepa roots, leading to cell cycle arrest at metaphase and anaphase and micronuclei. FC showed i.p. and oral LD50 values of 80.9 and 267.1 mg/kg body weight. Subacute i.p. injections induced loss of weight, swelling of hepatocytes and tubules, tubular and glomerular hemorrhage, microvesicular steatosis, lung inflammatory infiltration, augment of GPT, decrease of albumin, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, erythrocytes, and lymphocytes, and neutrophilia (p > 0.05). FC-treated animals at 10 mg/kg/day i.p. caused micronuclei in bone marrow and DNA strand breaks in peripheral leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS: This research postulated suggestive side effects after use of FC-related drugs, demonstrating FC as antiproliferative and genotoxic on mammal and meristematic cells, including human leukocytes, teratogenicity upon zebrafish embryos, myelosuppression, clastogenicity, and morphological and biochemical markers indicating liver as main target for FC-induced systemic toxicity.

CNTs coated charcoal as a hybrid composite material: Adsorption of fluoxetine probed by zebrafish embryos and its potential for environmental remediation.

Although traditional water treatment systems can remove various substances from wastewater, these conventional systems fail to remove many chemical molecules that pose potential ecological and health risks. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) appear attractive to adsorption of many substances, but CNTs adsorbed with toxic substances becomes a nanocomposite still more toxic. Here, we employ zebrafish embryos as biosensor to examine how a hybrid micro/nanostructured carbonaceous material (HMNC) derived from a combination of activated carbon (AC) with hydrophilic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can remediate wastewater contaminated with the pharmaceutical fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLX). AC and HMNC are practically non-toxic to zebrafish embryos (LC50 > 1000 mg.L-1). HMNC addition to culture medium containing FLX significantly reduces sublethal effects and lethality. Interaction between FLX and HMNC involves chemical adsorption such that embryo co-exposure to HMNC adsorbed with FLX in the range of concentrations evaluated herein does not elicit any behavioral changes in zebrafish.

Effects of AgNPs on the Snail Biomphalaria glabrata: Survival, Reproduction and Silver Accumulation.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used intensively in medical and industrial applications. Environmental concerns have arisen from the potential release of this material into aquatic ecosystems. The aims of this research were to evaluate the potential accumulation of silver in the whole body of organisms and analyze the effects of AgNPs on the survival and reproduction of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata. Results show slow acute toxicity with a 10-day LC50 of 18.57 mg/L and an effective decrease in the eggs and egg clutches per organism exposed to tested concentrations. Based on these data, the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) observed was <1 mg/L for snail reproduction. For silver accumulation, we observed that uptake was faster than elimination, which was very slow and still incomplete 35 days after the end of the experiment. However, the observed accumulation was not connected with a concentration/response relationship, since the amount of silver was not equivalent to a higher reproductive effect. The data observed show that AgNPs are toxic to B. glabrata, and suggest that the snail has internal mechanisms to combat the presence of Ag in its body, ensuring survival and reduced reproduction and showing that the species seems to be a potential indicator for Ag presence in contaminated aquatic ecosystems.

In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo zebrafish toxicity evaluation of Ru(ii)/2-mercaptopyrimidine complexes.

In this paper, four new ruthenium complexes, [Ru(N-S)(dppm)2]PF6 (1), [Ru(N-S)(dppe)2]PF6 (2), [Ru(N-S)2(dppp)] (3) and [Ru(N-S)2(PPh3)2] (4) [dppm = 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, dppp = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane, PPh3 = triphenylphosphine and N-S = 2-mercaptopyrimidine anion] were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopy techniques, molar conductance, elemental analysis, electrochemical techniques and X-ray diffraction. The DNA binding studies were investigated using voltammetry and spectroscopy techniques. The results show that all complexes exhibit a weak interaction with DNA. HSA interaction with the complexes was studied using fluorescence emission spectroscopy, where the results indicate a spontaneous interaction between the species by a static quenching mechanism. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was evaluated against A549, MDA-MB-231 and HaCat cells by MTT assay. Complexes (1) and (2), which are very active against triple negative MDA-MB-231, were subjected to further biological tests with this cell line. The cytotoxic activity triggered by the complexes was confirmed by clonogenic assay. Cell cycle analyses demonstrated marked anti-proliferative effects, especially at the G0/G1 and S phases. The morphological detection of apoptosis and necrosis - HO/PI and Annexin V-FITC/PI assay, elucidated that the type of cell death triggered by these complexes was probably by apoptosis. The in vivo toxicological assessment performed on zebrafish embryos revealed that complexes (1) and (2) did not present embryotoxic or toxic effects during embryonic and larval development showing that they are promising new prototypes of safer and more effective drugs for triple negative breast cancer treatment.

Exposure to dilute concentrations of bupropion affects zebrafish early life stages.

Psychiatric pharmaceuticals are one of the most prescribed active substances globally. Bupropion (BPP) is an antidepressant that acts via inhibition of norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake. It has been found in various water matrices, and thus its effects on aquatic organisms must be studied. The present study aimed to evaluate the acute toxic effects of BPP on zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages. For developmental analysis, organisms were exposed for 168 h to concentrations ranging from 0 to 82000 µg/L. Two other experiments were performed by exposing embryos to a wide range of concentrations (from 0 to 50000 µg/L) in order to evaluate BPP effects on embryonic behavior, using the Zebrabox and testing at the biochemical level (acetylcholinesterase, glutathione-S-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and catalase). Developmental analysis indicated that BPP had low acute toxicity with a calculated 168 h-LC50 of 50346 µg/L. Concentrations equal to or above 44800 µg/L elicited several effects such as hatching delay, edemas and tail deformities. However, concentrations from 7300 µg/L upwards elicited equilibrium alteration. Behavioral analysis showed that BPP affected zebrafish locomotor behavior by decreasing activity at 0.6 µg/L, increasing activity at 8.8 and 158 µg/L, and decreasing activity at 50000 µg/L. Biochemical analysis showed an increase of AChE activity at 158 and 2812 µg/L, an increase in GST at the highest concentrations, CAT alteration and increase of LDH at 0.6, 2812 and 50000 µg/L. We can conclude that BPP affects zebrafish early life stages at environmental concentrations.

Why pesticides with mutagenic, carcinogenic and reproductive risks are registered in Brazil.

Brazil is the biggest market for pesticides in the world. In the registration process, a pesticide must be authorized by the Institute of the Environment, Health Surveillance Agency and Ministry of Agriculture. Evaluations follow a package of toxicological studies submitted by the companies and also based on the Brazilian law regarding pesticides. We confronted data produced by private laboratories, submitted to the Institute of the Environment for registration, with data obtained from scientific databases, corresponding to mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and teratogenicity of pesticides. All studies submitted by the companies were carried out by private laboratories. From 247 pesticide formulations analyzed, none showed positive results for mutagenicity, carcinogenicity or teratogenicity. From 574 articles in the scientific literature, 84% published by public laboratories showed positive results, while 79% of those showing negative results came from private laboratories. There is an ethical concern about a conflict of interest between public/independent laboratories and private laboratories that produce data for registering pesticides. We demonstrated that there is a clear contradiction between public and private laboratories. Brazilian regulatory authorities have approved the registration of pesticides based almost exclusively on the monographs provided by the pesticide industry, because the use of scientific articles or information from the independent literature is strongly belittled by the industry. Pesticide companies argue that scientific articles cannot be trusted. Also, according to the industry, pesticide registration cannot be refused based on results from scientific articles. Thus, the registration of pesticides with mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic risks has been approved in Brazil.

Exposure to low concentration of fluoxetine affects development, behaviour and acetylcholinesterase activity of zebrafish embryos.

Fluoxetine (FLX) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant widely used in clinics and very often found in environmental samples of urban aquatic ecosystems in concentrations ranging from ng/L to µg/L. Fish populations might be especially susceptible to FLX due to the presence of conserved cellular receptors of serotonin. Neurotoxic effects on fish biota of polluted water bodies may be expected, but there are no sufficient studies in the current literature to elucidate this hypothesis. Batteries of embryo larval assays with zebrafish were performed to evaluate the potential effects of FLX exposure, including environmentally relevant concentrations. Evaluated parameters included survival, development, behaviour and neuronal biochemical markers. Regarding acute toxicity, a 168 h-LC50 value of 1.18 mg/L was obtained. Moreover, hatching delay and loss of equilibrium were observed, but at a concentration level much higher than FLX measured environmental concentrations (>100 µg/L). On the other hand, effects on locomotor and acetylcholinesterase activity (≥0.88 and 6 µg/L, respectively) were found at levels close to the maximum reported FLX concentration in surface waters. Altogether, these results suggest that FLX is neurotoxic to early life stages of zebrafish, in a short period of time causing changes in important ecological attributes which can probably be linked from molecular to population level.

Toxicological study of the degradation products of antineoplastic agent etoposide in commercial formulation treated by heterogeneous photocatalysis using SrSnO3.

Etoposide is an antineoplastic agent used for treating lung cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer, pediatric cancers, and lymphomas. It is a pollutant due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. Disposal of waste from this drug is still insufficiently safe, and there is no appropriate waste treatment. Therefore, it is important to use advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) for the treatment and disposal of medicines like this. The use of strontium stannate (SrSnO3) as a catalyst in heterogeneous photocatalysis reactions has emerged as an alternative for the removal of organic pollutants. In our study, SrSnO3 was synthesized by the combustion method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, UV-Vis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, obtaining a surface area of 3.28 m2 g-1 with cubic and well-organized crystallinity and a band gap of 4.06 eV. The experimental conditions optimized for degradation of an etoposide solution (0.4 mg L-1) were pH 5 and catalyst concentration of 1 g L-1. The results showed that the degradation processes using SrSnO3 combined with H2O2 (0.338 mol L-1) obtained total organic carbon removal from the etoposide solution, 97.98% (± 4.03 × 10-3), compared with TiO2, which obtained a mineralization rate of 72.41% (± 6.95 × 10-3). After photodegradation, the degraded solution showed no toxicity to zebrafish embryos through embryotoxicity test (OECD, 236), and no genotoxicity using comet assay and micronucleus test.