Long-term exposure of zebrafish to bisphenol F: Adverse effects on parental reproduction and offspring neurodevelopment

Bisphenol F (BPF), an alternative to bisphenol A (BPA) has potential endocrine and reproductive toxicity; however, the effects of environmental concentrations of BPF on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of offspring following parental exposure to BPF remain unclear. In the present study, the effects of life-cycle BPF exposure at environmental concentrations on zebrafish reproduction, offspring growth, and development were investigated. The results showed that the life-cycle of BPF exposure significantly elevated oxidative stress levels, increased gonadal apoptosis, and reduced zebrafish (F0) spawning. Notably, through maternal transfer, BPF exposure significantly affected offspring development. Developmental parameters such as hatching rate, spontaneous movements, heart rate, body length, and locomotor behavior decreased in zebrafish larvae (F1). In addition, the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neurodevelopment were altered in F1 larvae. Therefore, the present study provides evidence that BPF, even at environmental concentrations, can be potentially adverse in terms of reproductive defects and offspring neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, BPF, as a substitute for BPA, is worthy of in-depth evaluation.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of life-cycle exposure to environmental concentrations of BPF on zebrafish reproduction and offspring development. The results showed that BPF exposure increased oxidative stress levels, induced gonadal apoptosis, and reduced zebrafish spawning. Additionally, through maternal transfer, BPF significantly affected the development of the offspring, resulting in decreased hatching rate, spontaneous movements, heart rate, body length, and locomotor behavior. Gene expression related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neurodevelopment was also altered in the offspring.