3.4. Overall multi-generational influences of DEHTP combining
various aspects
Further analysis combined the aforementioned aspects to explore the
underlying connections. The correlation analysis demonstrated positive
correlations (i) between the effects on 5-HT and those on GPAT and ACS,
(ii) between DA and GPAT, FAS and FA-CoA, (iii) between ACH and ATGL,
GPAT, ACS, FAS and ACA, (iv) between AChE and NEFA, and (v) between GABA
and NEFA (Figure 4).
The HCA further assessed the potential strategies in the nematode
response to DEHTP over generations (Figure 5). The indicators in F1 had
shorter distance (with the longest distance < 2 in x axis)
than those in F2-F4. Such results implied closer connections among
neural regulation, lipid metabolism, reproduction and locomotion in F1
than subsequent generations. Notably, 5-HT was connected firstly with
other neural indicators and secondly with behavior and lipid metabolism
in F1, while it was connected firstly with behavior and later with other
neural indicators. Interestingly, 5-HT showed closer connection with
other neural indicators in F3 again, which was similar to the results in
F1, while it had later connection in F4 which was similar to those in
F2.