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.