BPA Disrupts Hepatic Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Female Zebrafish: Protective Effects of Probiotics Revealed by FTIRI and Lipidomics

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread endocrine disruptor that interferes with metabolism in humans and animals by inducing oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. Probiotics, conversely, have shown potential in promoting host health and reducing the toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study examined whether sub-chronic BPA exposure disrupts hepatic lipid metabolism in female zebrafish (Danio rerio), and whether co-administration of probiotics mitigates these effects. Adult females were exposed for 28 days to the following treatments: 10 & micro;g/L BPA via water (BPA); 109 CFU/g body weight/day of probiotic formulation (P); and both treatments (BPA+P). An untreated group served as a control (CTRL). Hepatic lipid composition was analyzed using UHPLC-QTOF-MS, while liver sections were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging (FTIRI) spectroscopy. BPA exposure decreased 14 unsaturated triacylglycerols and lysophosphatidylcholine 18:0, suggesting steatosis onset and inflammation, while in the group exposed to BPA+P, the decrease was limited to 8 triacylglycerols and the reduction in lysophosphatidylcholine 18:0 was prevented. Analyses of pooled liver samples precluded modeling tank-level effects; thus, the results are interpreted as semi-quantitative. Partial least square discriminant analysis built on the comparison of all groups together confirmed an intermediate phenotype for BPA+P fish between BPA and P groups. The observed beneficial role of probiotics in counteracting BPA-related metabolic disturbances was also supported by FTIRI, evidencing the ability to mitigate the effects of BPA on lipid and glycosylated compound metabolism. These findings highlight the potential of probiotic supplementation as a practical and accessible strategy to mitigate BPA-induced metabolic disturbances, contributing to the development of mitigating approaches against environmental contaminant-related liver dysfunction.