Mancozeb exposure at sublethal concentration alters the transcription of the genes related to apoptosis in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain

Mancozeb one of the most widely used dithiocarbamates fungicide in countries like India, Pakistan, and Brazil to protect the various crops. This present study aimed to evaluate the effects of mancozeb on the expression of mRNA of the related to the apoptosis pathway in the brain of the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). The acute toxicity test was performed, and lethal concentration 50 (LC₅₀) values were estimated. The effect of sublethal concentrations of pesticides was evaluated by exposing to 1/4th, 1/2th, and 3/4th of the LC₅₀ for 8 days. Significant changes in the level of mRNA expression of genes (Bcl-2, Bax, Casp-3, and casp-9) related to the apoptosis pathway were observed. Therefore, the finding of the present study shows that mancozeb has the potential to cause apoptosis in the brain of adult zebrafish.