EVALUATION OF MULTIPLE PARAMETERS FOR RISK ASSESSMENT OF FLAME RETARDANTS: Changes in Development, Induction of Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Damage in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract

The consequences of the direct or indirect actions of the modern way of life on the environment have been targets of constant concern regarding the future of the planet. Several substances that are inappropriately disposed of to the environment have shown significant toxic effects. Among these is the class of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a group of flame retardants released from consumer goods into the environment by different means, such as volatilization after direct disposal or during production. PBDEs have high lipophilicity, resistance to degradation and bioaccumulative potential, being classified as persistent organic pollutants (POP), resulting in high levels of PBDEs in the environment (air, water and sediments), biota and humans and therefore alternative compounds such as diethylphosphinate have been suggested. To assess the safety of these compounds biological assays are needed and an experimental model increasingly accepted as an excellent model for unraveling the toxicity mechanisms of environmental contaminants is zebrafish (Danio rerio), a small tropical freshwater fish native to the India and South Asia. In this project we propose to evaluate the ability of these compounds to interfere with the development of embryo-larval zebrafish stage as well as to induce oxidative stress and for this we will evaluate both mitochondrial parameters and biomarkers that confirm the existence of oxidative stress and genotoxicity, to assist in the risk assessment of these compounds. (AU)