Dim light at night induces cardiac injury in zebrafish embryos via disrupted chloride homeostasis

Jun 15, 2026iScience

Dim light at night may cause heart damage in zebrafish embryos by disrupting chloride balance

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Abstract

Chronic dim-light-at-night (dLAN) exposure induced cardiac injury in zebrafish and mice.

  • Cardiac injury from dLAN was characterized by pericardial edema and impaired blood flow.
  • Gene expression analysis indicated disruptions in inflammatory and oxidative stress responses.
  • Significant suppression of a specific protein related to calcium and chloride channels was observed.
  • Genetic manipulation replicated the core cardiac issues linked to dLAN exposure.
  • Treatment with the diuretic bumetanide reversed cardiac dysfunction in both zebrafish and mice.
  • A potential pathway involving chloride imbalance is associated with light pollution-related heart damage.

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