m-Cresol,a pesticide intermediate, induces hepatotoxicity and behavioral abnormalities in zebrafish larvae through oxidative stress, apoptosis.

m-Cresol is mainly used as a pesticide intermediate. It is industrially used in the production of insecticides including boronone and fenthion. It is also an intermediate for color film, resins, plasticizers and fragrances. However, m-cresol has the potential to cause environmental contamination if released accidentally. The molecular mechanism of m-cresol mediated hepatotoxicity remains unclear. In this study, zebrafish larvae were used to comprehensively study the hepatotoxicity of m-cresol and explore its molecular mechanism. After 72 hpf of fertilization, zebrafish larvae were exposed to 0.2 mM,0.4 mM, and 0.6 mM of m-cresol. Varying degrees of liver injury and behavioral abnormalities were observed. The hepatotoxicity of zebrafish larvae may be induced by oxidative stress pathway and apoptosis of cell.