Effects of chlorobromoisocyanuric acid on embryonic development and immunotoxicity of zebrafish

Although chlorobromoisocyanuric acid has been widely used in agriculture, its deleterious toxicity on aquatic organisms remains rare. In this study, zebrafish were exposed to chlorobromoisocyanuric acid (0, 30, 40, and 50 mg/L) from 10 to 96 h post-fertilization (hpf). We found a significant reduction in immune cell numbers (neutrophils and macrophages) and the area of thymus at 96 hpf. The expression of immune-related genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines genes were upregulated. Besides, chlorobromoisocyanuric acid triggered neutrophils cell apoptosis. The mRNA and protein levels of pro-apoptotic p53 pathway and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio further indicated the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, the oxidative stress was observed that the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde significantly increased. Subsequently, the antioxidant agent astaxanthin significantly attenuated the level of oxidative stress and the dysregulation of inflammatory response. In summary, our results showed that chlorobromoisocyanuric acid induced developmental defects and immunotoxicity of zebrafish, partly owing to oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.

Automated summary

The study showed that chlorobromoisocyanuric acid induced immune cell reduction, thymus shrinkage, upregulation of pro-inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in zebrafish. However, the antioxidant astaxanthin could significantly alleviate these toxic effects.