Mechanistic Insights into 3-Isopropylphenol-Induced Neurotoxicity in Zebrafish: A Network Toxicology and Molecular Docking Approach

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances discharged into the environment through human activities. 3-Isopropylphenol, a typical alkylphenol-based EDC, has been extensively studied due to its broad application and potential ecological impacts. However, the mechanism of its neurotoxicity remains unclear. In this study, the neurotoxic effects of 3-isopropylphenol were examined using the zebrafish model. We predicted its potential toxic mechanisms and action targets using network toxicology and molecular docking and verified them via RT-qPCR. Results showed that 3-isopropylphenol exposure inhibits the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in zebrafish larvae, promoting apoptosis, impairing neural development, and suppressing locomotor behavior. These findings enhance our understanding of the toxic effects and mechanisms of 3-isopropylphenol on zebrafish larval neural development and aid in evaluating its potential ecological hazards.