Santhi_2024_Comp.Biochem.Physiol.C.Toxicol.Pharmacol_287_110069

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) is a synthetic organic molecule that belongs to the per and polyfluoroalkyl substances family. Due to its unique physicochemical characteristics, PFBS has been extensively used in consumer products and industries. However, its increasing usage and chemical stability cause environmental pollution and bioaccumulation. The toxicological effects of PFBS were not well studied. In this study, the impact of PFBS on zebrafish embryos was evaluated. PFBS (1000-1500 microM) exposure exhibited increased mortality and malformation in a concentration-dependent manner. After 96 hour post-fertilization of PFBS exposure, the LC50 was estimated to be 1378 microM. Furthermore, PFBS (1.4, 14, 140, 1400 microM) exposure significantly increases oxidative stress by suppressing antioxidant levels. Locomotor behavior analysis revealed that PFBS exposure caused locomotor changes in zebrafish larvae. Acetylcholine esterase activity was also reduced in the PFBS-exposed groups. Gene expression study showed that PFBS exposure downregulated the antioxidant gene expression in zebrafish larvae. Overall, the current study reveals that PFBS can trigger oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by reducing antioxidant activity in zebrafish larvae.