Bisphenol S-Induced Neurobehavioral Impairment Is Characterized by c-Jun Activation and Distinct Dysregulation of Nrf2 and BDNF in the Zebrafish Brain.

Abstract

Bisphenol S (BPS), a widely used substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), is increasingly detected in consumer products and aquatic environments, yet its neurotoxic potential remains insufficiently understood. Building on our previous findings that BPS induces anxiety-like behaviour and oxidative damage in zebrafish, the present study investigates the mechanistic basis of BPS-mediated neurotoxicity with a focus on stress-activated kinase signalling, antioxidant defences, and neurotrophic regulation. Adult zebrafish were exposed to a sub-lethal concentration of BPS (63.93 µM) for 7, 14, and 21 days, followed by neurobehavioral, biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses. Chronic BPS exposure resulted in pronounced anxiety-like behaviour and deficits in recognition memory, as evidenced by performance impairments in the novel tank diving test and novel object recognition test. These behavioural alterations coincided with elevated oxidative stress, including increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, alongside a progressive decline in superoxide dismutase activity. BPS also caused a significant, time-dependent rise in intracellular calcium levels, suggesting disrupted cellular homeostasis. Neuromorphological assessment revealed marked neuronal loss and pyknosis in the periventricular grey zone of the optic tectum, consistent with oxidative and excitotoxic damage. At the molecular level, western blot analysis showed robust activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, evidenced by elevated phosphorylated c-Jun, accompanied by a substantial reduction in Nrf2 expression, indicating suppressed antioxidant defence capacity. In parallel, expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was significantly decreased following prolonged exposure, pointing to impaired neurotrophic support and synaptic plasticity. Together, these findings demonstrate that BPS induces neurobehavioral disturbances through a multifaceted mechanism involving oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, activation of pro-apoptotic JNK signalling, suppression of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant activity, and inhibition of BDNF expression.

Key Findings

• Chronic Bisphenol S (BPS) exposure in zebrafish induces anxiety-like behavior and recognition memory deficits.
• BPS exposure leads to elevated oxidative stress markers including increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, alongside decreased superoxide dismutase activity.
• Molecular analysis revealed activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, reduced Nrf2 expression indicating suppressed antioxidant defense, and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression.

Clinical Significance

Citation

Sahoo Bhabani Sankar, Sarangi Prerana, Sahoo Pradyumna Kumaret al.. Bisphenol S-Induced Neurobehavioral Impairment Is Characterized by c-Jun Activation and Distinct Dysregulation of Nrf2 and BDNF in the Zebrafish Brain. Neurotoxicity research. 2026-Jul-11.