Follicular and neural toxic effect of prolonged exposure of synthetic dye fast green FCF (E143)–Insights from zebrafish model

Abstract

This study highlights the toxic effects of prolonged exposure of synthetic food dye fast green FCF (E143) in zebrafish and the cumulative consequences of such exposure on multiple biological systems mainly neural and reproductive. Chronic exposure to FCF at concentrations of 0.1 %, 0.3 %, and 0.5 % led to a reduction in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating impaired neuronal function. The disruption in the production of key antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO), further supported the link between elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Histopathological analysis using H&E, MTS, Toluidine blue, and PAS staining revealed significant changes in the brain, liver, and ovaries of FCF-exposed zebrafish, suggesting potential neurological damage, hepatotoxicity, and reproductive disturbances, particularly arrest of follicular maturation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis confirmed bioaccumulation of FCF in the ovaries. Gene expression analysis of SOD1, CAT, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, BCL2, BAX, MBP, and Syn2a provided molecular evidence of disrupted antioxidant defenses, impaired myelin formation, altered synaptic function in the brain, inflammatory responses, and increased apoptosis in the ovaries. This study is crucial for understanding the potential risks to zebrafish and provides insights into the broader implications for consumer health when exposed to similar food dyes in the environment.