Abstract
Cytostatics are compounds used in chemotherapy, known to be genotoxic, mutagenic, and teratogenic at low concentrations. The amount of cytostatic drugs prescribed increases every year as does their release into the aquatic ecosystems, which possibly is a major concern for the health of aquatic organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the putative toxicity of five cytostatics to fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) larvae: tamoxifen, capecitabine, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and ifosfamide. Eggs collected post-fertilization were exposed for 6 days to a range of concentrations, including one above environmental level. At all environmental concentrations, no significant difference in mortality, hatching time, length, heart rate, and presence of malformations were found. Altogether, these cytostatics do not seem embryotoxic to fish. Although, an increased proportion of complete swim bladder were found after ifosfamide’s exposure, suggesting an interaction with the thyroid axis, involved in swim bladder development. Complementary work should address other endpoints, such as behavioral changes, reproductive success, and transgenerational effects.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thanks Tuan Anh To and Scott Hepditch for helping with exposure and sampling. This project was funded by the St. Lawrence Action Plan to NP and GTB, by the Network of Ecotoxicologists of Quebec (EcotoQ) to VSL and NP, and by a Canada Research Chair (CRC) to VSL (#950-232235).
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Lefebvre-Raine, M., Paquet, N., Triffault-Bouchet, G. et al. Embryotoxicity of Five Cytostatics in Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) Larvae. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 106, 747–752 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-021-03146-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-021-03146-2