Oxyfluorfen induces hepatotoxicity through lipo-sugar accumulation and inflammation in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Oxyfluorfen (OXY) is widely used in agriculture as a herbicide, resulting in its continuous accumulation in the environment. The presence of OXY can be detected in soil and rivers. However, until now, the potential toxicity of OXY to aquatic organisms has not been evaluated. In this study, zebrafish was used as a model animal to evaluate OXY-induced liver toxicity. The study found that 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/L of OXY affected the early development of zebrafish and severely damaged the lipid and sugar metabolism in the liver of zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, a metabolic function disorder caused liver damage. OXY also caused inflammation by upregulating the inflammatory factors IL-6 , IL-8 , and TNF-α , and activated the apoptotic pathway to inhibit hepatocyte proliferation, resulting in zebrafish liver toxicity. Our research showed that OXY had certain toxic effects on zebrafish development and liver and could cause potential harm to other aquatic organisms and humans. • OXY can cause liver toxicity in zebrafish. • OXY causes hepatotoxicity by inhibiting hepatocyte proliferation and inflammation. • Liver damage caused by OXY is related to the lipid metabolism and glycolytic ability of the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]