Pharmaceuticals as endocrine disruptors in Neotropical teleosts: an integrative approach

Abstract

The use of pharmaceuticals has become essential for improving the quality of human life. However, indiscriminate use has led to an increase in the concentration of these compounds in aquatic ecosystems around the world. These compounds act as Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals (EDCs), interfering at different levels of the neuroendocrine control of metabolism, development, reproduction, and physiological adaptations of teleost in response to stressors. In aquatic environments, several pharmaceuticals act as EDCs and are considered Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), that is, they can impact the health of organisms, but are not regulated by environmental legislation. Tree pharmaceuticals were chosen, identified in relevant concentrations in the water bodies of the State of São Paulo: the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen (IBU) and diclofenac (DCF), and the neuropharmaceutical, carbamazepine (CBZ). The effects of these pharmaceuticals will be evaluated on the physiology of the teleost Astyanax lacustris, used as a biological model in ecotoxicological assays. By using in vivo experimental strategies, environmentally relevant concentrations of these compounds, and biomarkers at different levels of biological organization, our aim is to evaluate the effects of CBZ, IBU, and DCF (in the case of NSAIDs, the effects will be evaluated separately and in combination) on histological, neuroendocrine, and behavioral variables in sexually mature males and females of A. lacustris. Considering that there are interactions of these bioactive molecules with the HH-thyroid (HHT) and HH-interrenal (HHI) axes, the effects of these drugs will be evaluated at different levels of organization of these axes.