Persistent Metabolic Changes Are Induced by 24 h Low-Dose Lead (Pb) Exposure in Zebrafish Embryos

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal associated with a range of toxic effects. Relatively few studies attempt to understand the impact of lead on development from a mechanistic perspective. Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos are a model organism for studying the developmental consequences of exposure to chemical agents. This study examined the metabolome of developing zebrafish embryos exposed to 5 ppb, 15 ppb, 150 ppb, and 1500 ppb Pb concentrations during the first 24 h post fertilization, followed by 24 h of unexposed development and harvest at 48 h. Untargeted metabolomics and multivariate analysis revealed that various Pb exposures differentially affected the embryonic metabolome. Pathway analyses showed the dysregulation of biopterin, purine, alanine, and aspartate metabolism. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry demonstrated Pb accumulation in embryos. Additionally, decreases in oxidation–reduction ratios were observed in 5–150 ppb groups but not in the 1500 ppb exposure group. This finding, along with several metabolite abundances, suggests a hormetic effect of Pb concentrations on the developing zebrafish metabolome. Together, these data reveal persistent global changes in the embryonic metabolome, pin-point biomarkers for Pb exposure, unveil dose-dependent relationships, and reflect Pb-induced changes in cellular energy. This work highlights aberrant processes and persistent changes underlying low-dose heavy metal exposure during early development.