Gene co-expression network analysis reveals mechanisms underlying ozone-induced carbamazepine toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

Sewage effluent ozonation can reduce concentrations of chemical pollutants including pharmaceutical residues. However, the formation potentially toxic byproducts (OBPs) is a matter concern. This study sought to elucidate toxicity mechanisms ozonated carbamazepine (CBZ), an anti-epileptic drug frequently detected in sewage effluents and surface water, zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). Embryos were exposed non-ozonated CBZ from 3 h post-fertilization (hpf) until 144 hpf. Embryotoxicity endpoints (proportion dead malformed embryos) assessed at 24, 48, Heart rate was recorded 48 Exposure gave rise cardiovascular-related malformations reduced heart rate. Moreover, embryo-larvae displayed lack swim bladder inflation. Hence, expression patterns target genes involved cardiovascular embryonal development investigated through stepwise gene co-expression analysis approach. Two networks their upstream transcription regulators identified, offering mechanistic explanations for observed phenotypes. The presents novel application elucidating potential with environmental relevance. resulting data used establish putative adverse outcome pathway (AOP).