Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The study titled investigates the neurodevelopmental toxicity caused by tributyltin (TBT) exposure in zebrafish and evaluates the protective effects of folic acid (FA). TBT, a common environmental pollutant, was found to cause significant neurotoxic effects during early life stages in zebrafish, including increased anxiety, reduced aggression, and altered neurotransmitter levels. These effects were observed not only in the exposed generation (F0) but also in their offspring (F1), indicating intergenerational toxicity. The study also explored the potential protective effects of folic acid, a DNA methyl donor, which mitigated some of the neurobehavioral and biochemical disruptions in the F1 generation, particularly by influencing DNA methylation processes.
Who is affected?
The populations most affected by the findings include workers in industries using TBT, such as antifouling paint manufacturers and agricultural sectors, as well as people living near contaminated water bodies. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised health are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of TBT due to its impact on neurodevelopment. The study also highlights the environmental risk to fish populations in areas where TBT is prevalent. Regulatory bodies and public health organizations play a significant role in assessing and controlling the exposure of these chemicals in the environment, food products, and industrial applications.
Most important findings
The study revealed that early-life exposure to TBT significantly altered zebrafish behavior, increasing anxiety-like behavior and reducing aggression, even in subsequent generations. TBT exposure also led to changes in serotonin and dopamine levels, which are critical for regulating behavior. These neurochemical changes were associated with altered gene expression in the brain, particularly in genes related to DNA methylation, which is crucial for normal brain development. The study also found that FA supplementation helped reduce the neurodevelopmental damage in the F1 generation, demonstrating a potential protective strategy against the intergenerational effects of TBT exposure. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the epigenetic mechanisms behind TBT toxicity and the potential role of nutrients like folic acid in preventing such damage.
Key implications
The primary implication for the food and environmental industries is the need for tighter regulations on the use of TBT and other organotin compounds, particularly in coastal and marine environments where they can accumulate in the food chain. Seafood industries, in particular, must be aware of the risks of TBT contamination in marine species, which may affect human health through consumption. Public health agencies should prioritize monitoring TBT levels in both the environment and food supply to protect vulnerable populations. The study also points to the potential of folic acid supplementation as an effective intervention, highlighting the need for further research into epigenetic treatments to prevent neurodevelopmental damage caused by environmental pollutants. This research can guide the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies for neurotoxicity linked to industrial chemicals.
Citation
Cai, H., Zheng, N., Tang, C., Zhang, Y., Zuo, Z., & He, C. (2024). Tributyltin causes generational neurodevelopmental toxicity and the protective effect of folic acid in zebrafish. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 137, 615-625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2023.03.015
