ASSESSING TOXICITY OF TRICLOSAN AND METHYL-TRICLOSAN IN ZEBRAFISH EMBRYOS USING METABOLOMICS AND TRANSCRIPTOMICS

Abstract

This study provides a comprehension of the biological pathway changes in triclosan (TCS), methyl-triclosan (MTCS), and TCS/MTCS mixture exposed zebrafish embryos based on metabolomic and transcriptomic data. The toxicity of a wide concentration range of TCS in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos using the metabolomics approach based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been firstly examined, followed by the assessment of pH-dependent toxicity of TCS. The significantly dysregulated metabolites in TCS exposed zebrafish embryos demonstrates the regulation of biological pathways. Moreover, the molecular toxicity of TCS, MTCS, and their joint effects on zebrafish embryos have been scrutinized by examining the dysregulation of metabolites and gene expressions. The transcriptomic profiles of TCS highlight its proton ionophoric property, which provides additional information to metabolomics study on TCS toxicity. Integration of metabolomic and transcriptomic information indicates the key metabolic pathway change in energy metabolism in TCS and MTCS treated zebrafish embryos.