Sodium arsenite altered the parameters of oxidative stress and induced carcinogenesis and neurotoxicity in Canton-S Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Arsenite, an inorganic arsenic compound, is not only acutely toxic but also plays a role in carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and inflammation. It can also lead to various skin disorders. <italic>Drosophila melanogaster</italic>, commonly known as the fruit fly, serves as a cost-effective and efficient model organism for studying chemical-induced toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of sodium arsenite using <italic>Drosophila melanogaster</italic> as a model. We exposed fruit flies to increasing doses of sodium arsenite (0.03 mM, 0.06 mM, 0.12 mM, and 0.14 mM) and assessed the impacts on survival rates; oxidative stress marker levels; gene expression; and histological changes in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and fat body over 21 days. Additionally, we examined morphological changes. Our findings indicate that exposure to sodium arsenite significantly reduces survival rates and increases oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage similar to that observed in cancer and certain neurodegenerative diseases. Histological examinations revealed structural changes in the brain, suggesting potential pathways for neurotoxicity and alterations in enterocytes that may be indicative of cancer. Changes in the fat body imply compromised energy metabolism and fat storage. These results highlight <italic>Drosophila</italic> as a valuable model for studying the carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, and ovotoxicity induced by sodium arsenite, thus facilitating the development of treatment and prevention strategies.