2. Academic Validation
  3. Exposure to 2-chlorohydroquinone induces systemic vascular disorders and increases the risk of cerebral hemorrhage in zebrafish larvae

Exposure to 2-chlorohydroquinone induces systemic vascular disorders and increases the risk of cerebral hemorrhage in zebrafish larvae

  • J Hazard Mater. 2026 Mar 15:506:141564. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141564.
Jian Li 1,  Hao Cheng 2,  Yulian Li 2,  Shanshan Zhu 2,  Wenyan Liu 3,  Baochun Wang 3,  Xiaowen Shi 4
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Jinggangshan University School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Epigenetics, Clinical Medical Research Center, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China.
  • 2 Jinggangshan University School of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Epigenetics, Clinical Medical Research Center, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China.
  • 3 Jinggangshan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Epigenetics, Clinical Medical Research Center, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China.
  • 4 Jinggangshan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Epigenetics, Clinical Medical Research Center, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
PMID: 41775204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141564
Abstract

2-Chlorohydroquinone (2-CHQ), a chlorinated phenolic compound widely used in industrial processes, poses potential ecological risks due to its persistence and bioaccumulation. This study investigated the developmental toxicity of 2-CHQ in zebrafish larvae following 72-hour exposure. Results demonstrated that 2-CHQ induced severe systemic vascular malformations and dose-dependent cerebral hemorrhage, accompanied by blood-brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, and Apoptosis. QRT-PCR analysis revealed dysregulation of vascular development genes (e.g., VEGFR2, pdgfrb) and tight junction proteins. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified MAPK/ERK pathway as a core pathway, and pharmacological inhibition of the MAPK/ERK pathway with PD98059 ameliorated vascular defects and hemorrhage. These findings reveal that 2-CHQ impairs vascular integrity via MAPK/ERK activation, providing critical insights into its mechanistic toxicity and potential environmental health risks.

Keywords

2-Chlorohydroquinone (2-CHQ); Hemorrhage; MAPK/ERK pathway; Vascular.

Figures
Products