Involved Members: Prof. Paul Kwan Sing LAM, Dr. Phoebe Yuefei RUAN, Dr. Meng YAN

This study investigates the tissue-specific uptake and depuration kinetics of two pairs of pharmaceutical enantiomers, metoprolol and venlafaxine, in marine medaka during a 28-day exposure and 14-day clearance period. Considerable bioconcentration potential of these chemicals was found in the exposed fish. Metoprolol and venlafaxine exhibited higher bioconcentration potential in the eyes than other tissues, indicating the possibility of impairment in the visual function of marine medaka, which needs further investigation. This is the first time to report the toxicokinetic parameters of pharmaceuticals concerning chirality in marine model organisms. The enantiospecific difference in bioconcentration and metabolism provides future directions for eco-toxicodynamic studies, especially for marine species.

Reference:
Jin, L., Wang, Q., Yan, M., Gu, J., Zhang, K., Lam, P.K., Ruan, Y.F., (2023). Enantiospecific Uptake and Depuration Kinetics of Chiral Metoprolol and Venlafaxine in Marine Medaka (Oryzias melastigma): Tissue Distribution and Metabolite Formation. Environmental Science & Technology, 57(11), 4471-4480. (impact factor: 11.357)