Evaluation of the estrogenic and oxidative stress effects of the UV filter 3-benzophenone in zebrafish (Danio rerio) eleuthero-embryos

• The effect of 3-benzophenone on the induction of vitellogenin and antioxidant enzymes was evaluated.
• 3-benzophenone produced an increase in VTG1 relative expression at 1000 µg/L.
• 3-benzophenone did not alter the transcription levels of CAT, SOD.
• A trend toward increase in GPx expression was observed as a positive significant correlation.

Personal care products have been detected in superficial waters, representing an environmental risk to the biota. Some studies indicated that 3-benzophenone (3BP) alters hormones, inducing vitellogenesis and having adverse effects on fish reproduction. Other studies have reported generation of free radicals and changes in antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test acute exposure to 3BP at concentrations within and beyond that found environmentally to provide important toxicological information regarding this chemical. We evaluated the effect of 3BP on vitellogenin 1 (VTG1) gene expression and the transcription of the enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) or glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which are involved in cellular redox balance. Zebrafish eluthero-embryos (168 hpf) were exposed to 1,10, 100, 1000 µg/L 3BP, in addition to a negative control and a 0.1% ethanol control for 48 h. The results of our study indicated a positive significant correlation between exposure concentrations and VTG1 expression (r=0.986, p=0.0028) but only 1000 µg/L 3BP produced a significant increase from control. Acute exposure showed no significant differences in transcription levels of CAT, SOD or GPx at the tested conditions. Nevertheless, a trend toward increase in GPx expression was observed as a positive significant correlation (r=0.928, p=0.017) was noted.