Investigating Developmental Toxicity of Phenylalanine and Phenylpyruvate: Insights from the Danio rerio Embryo Model

Abstract

Phenylalanine (PA) as Essential amino acids required from the outer side the body for normal physiological function and development. Different scientific published literature is indicating the pathophysiological role of PA, specifically in PKU and responsible for Neurotoxicity, Birth Defects, Developmental Delays, Microcephaly, Seizures, Musty odor and Eczema. The metabolic pathway of PA also creates concern about the responsibility towards its metabolites Phenylpyruvate (PP). Therefore this current study will investigate the role of PA & PP about its developmental effect (Eye Diameter, Head Length, Head Width, Yolk Sac Area, Pericardial Area, Caudal Fin Length, Total Body Length, Heartbeat Rate, Axial Angle, and Circulation) on Zebra fish Embryo. The entire study has been done on Danio rerio embryo considering PA concentration 0.3 µg/ml, 0.5 µg/ml, 1 µg/ml and PP concentration 0.3 µg/ml, 0.5 µg/ml, 0.7 µg/ml. Finally it has been observed PA does not have major effect in the selected concentration except Total Body Length but PP has shown significant developmental effect in most of the parameters.