Exposure to Mancozeb results in increased MAPK phosphorylation and locomotor deficits in zebrafish larvae

• Published in: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology Vol. 270; p. 109659
• Main Authors: Martins, Illana Kemmerich, Pereira, Leonardo Gomes, Nunes, Mauro Eugênio Medina, Lopes, Andressa Rubim, Leandro, Luana Paganotto, de Mello, Renata Siqueira, Mariano, Maria Vitória Takemura, Franco, Jeferson Luis, Posser, Thaís
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.08.2023
• Subjects: Acetylcholinesterase; Apoptosis; Danio rerio; Dithiocarbamates; DNA damage; Acetylcholinesterase; Dithiocarbamates; DNA damage; Danio rerio; Apoptosis
• ISSN: 1532-0456; 1878-1659
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109659

Mancozeb is a widely used fungicide whose toxicity has been reported in non-target organisms, being considered to have high or very high acute toxicity to aquatic organisms. However, the toxicity of this compound is not well characterized in the developmental stages of fish. In this study, Danio rerio with 4-, 5-, and 6-days post fertilization (dpf) was exposed to MZ at non-lethal concentrations for 24, 48, or 72 h and subsequently, behavioral alterations, oxidative stress parameters and ERK, p38MAPK, and Akt phosphorylation were analyzed. MZ exposure during the larval period decreased motor performance evaluated by traveled distance, immobile time, and time spent in the peripheral area. In parallel, MZ induced ROS levels and increased the number of cells in apoptosis, causing severe DNA damage, inducing Acetylcholinesterase and Superoxide dismutase activities, and inhibiting Glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase. Additionally, phosphorylation levels of the proteins p38MAPK, ERK2, and Akt were stimulated. These findings are relevant considering the ecological implications of MZ exposure to fishes in different developmental stages and the role of the MAPK pathway in events like development and cell death. [Display omitted] •Mancozeb induces MAPK phosphorylation in zebrafish.•ERK, p38MAPK, and AKT phosphorylation is augmented in response to Mancozeb exposure.•Exposure to Mancozeb induces behavioral alteration in zebrafish larvae.•Exposure to Mancozeb induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in zebrafish larvae.