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Xie M, Cai K, Zhang J, Tu S, Feng J. Preparation of PBAT microplastics and their potential toxicity to zebrafish embryos and juveniles. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 275:107065. [PMID: 39213726 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.107065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The extensive use of traditional non-biodegradable plastics results in the generation of microplastics (MPs), forming a new pollutant that can pose significant environmental risks. Biodegradable plastics (BP) possess degradation properties and can partially replace conventional plastics, thereby reducing pollution. However, further investigation is needed into the toxicity of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) on aquatic organisms. This study explores the toxic effects of PBAT microplastics (PBAT-BMPs) and microplastics produced from degradable PBAT/TPS (thermoplastic starch) composite film (PBAT/TPS-BMPs) on zebrafish embryos. Our findings indicate that the presence of microplastics on the embryo's surface increases with higher BMPs concentration. Nonetheless, PBAT-BMPs tend to aggregate and are blocked by the embryonic membrane, thus diminishing their toxic effects on the embryo. Acute toxicity experiments revealed that 30 mg/L of PBAT-BMPs significantly reduced the survival rate of zebrafish embryos, whereas PBAT/TPS-BMPs had a lesser effect on survival. Both types of BMPs influenced the hatching rate of the embryos, leading to prolonged incubation periods. Additionally, both types of BMPs impacted the locomotor behavior of zebrafish larvae, causing an increase in larval locomotor speed. However, these BMPs had little impact on larval body development and heartbeat behavior. Fluorescent microplastic tracer experiments demonstrated that PBAT-BMPs persisted in juvenile fish for at least 144 h and were difficult to metabolize and excrete. Our study aims to gain a better understanding of the potential effects of BMPs on aquatic ecosystems and biological health, as well as to propose effective strategies for reducing environmental pollution and protecting organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Xie
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Kai Cai
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shuhua Tu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Jie Feng
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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2
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Xu W, Chang M, Li J, Li M, Stoks R, Zhang C. Local thermal adaption mediates the sensitivity of Daphnia magna to nanoplastics under global warming scenarios. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134921. [PMID: 38909466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The toxicity of nanoplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations has received widespread attention in the context of global warming. Despite numerous studies on the impact of mean temperature (MT), the effects of daily temperature fluctuations (DTFs) on the ecotoxicity of nanoplastics remains largely unexplored. Moreover, the role of evolutionary adaptation in assessing long-term ecological risks is unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (5 μg L-1) on Daphnia magna under varying MT (20 °C and 24 °C) and DTFs (0 °C, 5 °C, and 10 °C). Capitalizing on a space-for-time substitution approach, we further assessed how local thermal adaptation affect the sensitivity of Daphnia to nanoplastics under global warming. Our results indicated that nanoplastics exposure in general reduced heartbeat rate, thoracic limb activity and feeding rate, and increased CytP450, ETS activity and Hgb concentrations. Higher MT and DTFs enhanced these effects. Notably, clones originating from their respective sites performed better under their native temperature conditions, indicating local thermal adaptation. Warm-adapted low-latitude D. magna showed stronger nanoplastics-induced increases in CytP450, ETS activity and Hgb concentrations under local MT 24 °C, while cold-adapted high-latitude D. magna showed stronger nanoplastics-induced decreases in heartbeat rate, thoracic limb activity and feeding rate under high MT than under low MT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Xu
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Mengjie Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jingzhen Li
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Robby Stoks
- Evolutionary Stress Ecology and Ecotoxicology, KU Leuven, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Chao Zhang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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3
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Zhang Q, Zhou X, Sun Y, Deng Q, Wu Q, Wen Z, Chen H. Harmful effects of microplastics on respiratory system of aquatic animals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 273:107003. [PMID: 38901219 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.107003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in the aquatic environment has attracted widespread attention. A large number of studies have assessed the effects of microplastics on the respiratory system of aquatic animals, but the results are not directly comparable across studies due to inconsistent evaluation criteria. Therefore, we adopted an integrated research approach that can integrate and parse complex data to improve reliability, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 published studies, and elucidated the mechanisms of microplastic damage to cells. The results showed that PE had the greatest impact on aquatic animals, and fish were the most sensitive to the effects caused by microplastics, with oxidative stress induced by exposure concentrations exceeding 1000 µg/L or exposure times exceeding 28 days, leading to depletion of antioxidant defenses, cellular damage, inflammatory responses, and behavioral abnormalities. As this review is based on existing studies, there may be limitations in terms of literature quality, data availability and timeliness. In conclusion, we suggest to combat microplastic pollution by limiting plastic use, promoting plastic substitution and recycling, and enhancing microplastic capture degradation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiurong Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China; Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control & Evaluation Technology of Medicine, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China; Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control & Evaluation Technology of Medicine, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China; Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control & Evaluation Technology of Medicine, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Qingfang Deng
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China; Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control & Evaluation Technology of Medicine, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Qing Wu
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China; Innovation Laboratory, The Third Experiment Middle School, China
| | - Zhirui Wen
- College of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China; Qiannan Normal College for Nationalities, No.5, Middle Jianjiang Avenue, Duyun 558000, China
| | - Huaguo Chen
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China; Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control & Evaluation Technology of Medicine, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.
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Huang W, Mo J, Li J, Wu K. Exploring developmental toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPS): Insights from investigations using zebrafish embryos. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173012. [PMID: 38719038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have received increasing attention due to their high detection rates in human matrices and adverse health implications. However, the toxicity of MNPs on embryo/fetal development following maternal exposure remains largely unexplored. Zebrafish, sharing genetic similarities with human, boast a shorter life cycle, rapid embryonic development, and the availability of many transgenic strains, is a suitable model for environmental toxicology studies. This review comprehensively explores the existing research on the impacts of MNPs on zebrafish embryo development. MNPs exposure induces a wide array of toxic effects, encompassing neurodevelopmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, gastrointestinal effects, microbiota dysbiosis, cardiac dysfunctions, vascular toxicity, and metabolic imbalances. Moreover, MNPs disrupt the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant capacity, culminating in oxidative damage and apoptosis. This study also offers insight into the current omics- and multi-omics based approaches in MNPs research, which greatly expedite the discovery of biochemical or metabolic pathways, and molecular mechanisms underlying MNPs exposure. Additionally, this review proposes a preliminary adverse outcome pathway framework to predict developmental toxicity caused by MNPs. It provides a comprehensive overview of pathways, facilitating a clearer understanding of the exposure and toxicity of MNPs, from molecular effects to adverse outcomes. The compiled data in this review provide a better understanding for MNPs effects on early life development, with the goal of increasing awareness about the risks posed to pregnant women by MNPs exposure and its potential impact on the health of their future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiezhang Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiejie Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Kusheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Ali N, Khan MH, Ali M, Sidra, Ahmad S, Khan A, Nabi G, Ali F, Bououdina M, Kyzas GZ. Insight into microplastics in the aquatic ecosystem: Properties, sources, threats and mitigation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169489. [PMID: 38159747 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Globally recognized as emergent contaminants, microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in aquaculture habitats and subject to intense management. Aquaculture systems are at risk of microplastic contamination due to various channels, which worsens the worldwide microplastic pollution problem. Organic contaminants in the environment can be absorbed by and interact with microplastic, increasing their toxicity and making treatment more challenging. There are two primary sources of microplastics: (1) the direct release of primary microplastics and (2) the fragmentation of plastic materials resulting in secondary microplastics. Freshwater, atmospheric and marine environments are also responsible for the successful migration of microplastics. Until now, microplastic pollution and its effects on aquaculture habitats remain insufficient. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems. It highlights the sources and distribution of microplastics, their physical and chemical properties, and the potential ecological consequences they pose to marine and freshwater environments. The paper also examines the current scientific knowledge on the mechanisms by which microplastics affect aquatic organisms and ecosystems. By synthesizing existing research, this review underscores the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies and further investigation to safeguard the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisar Ali
- Key Laboratory for Palygorskite Science and Applied Technology of Jiangsu Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian 223003, PR China.
| | - Muhammad Hamid Khan
- Key Laboratory for Palygorskite Science and Applied Technology of Jiangsu Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian 223003, PR China
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Key Laboratory for Palygorskite Science and Applied Technology of Jiangsu Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian 223003, PR China
| | - Sidra
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Key Laboratory for Palygorskite Science and Applied Technology of Jiangsu Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian 223003, PR China
| | - Adnan Khan
- Key Laboratory for Palygorskite Science and Applied Technology of Jiangsu Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian 223003, PR China; Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan.
| | - Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Nature Conservation Polish Academy of Sciences Krakow, Poland
| | - Farman Ali
- Department of Chemistry, Hazara University, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mansehra 21300, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed Bououdina
- Department of Mathematics and Science, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - George Z Kyzas
- Hephaestus Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, School of Science, International Hellenic University, 654 04 Kavala, Greece.
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Wang N, Wang Q, Song S, Sun Z, Zhao A, Ali A, Xu G, Zhong X, Wang F, Xu H. Microplastics drive community dynamics of periphytic protozoan fauna in marine environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:13327-13334. [PMID: 38244160 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32054-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The pollution of microplastics (MPs) to the marine environment has become a widespread focus of attention. To assess MP-induced ecotoxicity on marine ecosystems, periphytic protozoan communities were used as test organisms and exposed to five concentrations of MPs: 0, 1, 5, 25, and 125 mg l-1. Protozoan samples were collected using microscope slides from coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China. A total of 13 protozoan species were identified and represented different tolerance to MP-induced ecotoxicity. Inhibition effects of MPs on the test protozoan communities were clearly shown in terms of both the species richness and individual abundance and followed linear relationships to MP concentrations. The community patterns were driven by MPs and significantly shifted at concentrations over 5 mg l-1. Our findings demonstrated that MPs may induce the community-level ecotoxic response of periphytic protozoan fauna and followed significant community dynamics. Thus, it is suggested that periphytic protozoan fauna may be used as useful community-based test model organisms for evaluating MP-induced ecotoxicity in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wang
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qiaoling Wang
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Suihan Song
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Zhiyi Sun
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Anqi Zhao
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Awais Ali
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Guangjian Xu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhong
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Henglong Xu
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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de Souza Teodoro L, Jablonski CA, Pelegrini K, Pereira TCB, Maraschin TG, de Sousa Araujo AC, Monserrat JM, de Souza Basso NR, Kist LW, Bogo MR. Toxic effects of environmental-relevant exposure to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro and nanoparticles in zebrafish early development. NANOIMPACT 2024; 33:100497. [PMID: 38316295 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a commonly used thermoplastic in industry due to its excellent malleability and thermal stability, making it extensively employed in packaging manufacturing. Inadequate disposal of PET packaging in the environment and natural physical-chemical processes leads to the formation of smaller particles known as PET micro and nanoplastics (MNPs). The reduced dimensions enhance particle bioavailability and, subsequently, their reactivity. This study involved chemical degradation of PET using trifluoroacetic acid to assess the impact of exposure to varying concentrations of PET MNPs (0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L) on morphological, functional, behavioral, and biochemical parameters during the early developmental stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Characterization of the degraded PET revealed the generated microplastics (MPs) ranged in size from 1305 to 2032 μm, and that the generated nanoplastics (NPs) ranged from 68.06 to 955 nm. These particles were then used for animal exposure. After a six-day exposure period, our findings indicate that PET MNPs can diminish spontaneous tail coiling (STC), elevate the heart rate, accumulate on the chorion surface, and reduce interocular distance. These results suggest that PET exposure induces primary toxic effects on zebrafish embryo-larval stage of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian de Souza Teodoro
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), School of Health and Life Sciences, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Camilo Alexandre Jablonski
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), School of Health and Life Sciences, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Kauê Pelegrini
- Organometallic Compounds and Resins Laboratory, School of Technology, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Materials Technology and Engineering, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Talita Carneiro Brandão Pereira
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), School of Health and Life Sciences, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Thuany Garcia Maraschin
- Organometallic Compounds and Resins Laboratory, School of Technology, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Materials Technology and Engineering, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alan Carvalho de Sousa Araujo
- Graduate Program in Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography (IO), Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Jose Maria Monserrat
- Graduate Program in Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography (IO), Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Luiza Wilges Kist
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), School of Health and Life Sciences, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maurício Reis Bogo
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), School of Health and Life Sciences, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Chen T, Jiang H, Shen Y, Cui T, Yang Z, Liu Y, Zhao J, Chen X. Impacts of exposure to nanopolystyrene and/or chrysene at ambient concentrations on neurotoxicity in Siniperca chuatsi. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139830. [PMID: 37597625 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Health risks caused by widespread environmental pollutants such as nanopolystyrene (NP) and chrysene (CHR) in aquatic ecosystems have aroused considerable concern. The present study established juvenile Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) models of NP and/or CHR exposure at ambient concentrations for 21 days to systematically investigate the underlying neurotoxicity mechanisms. The results showed that single and combined exposure to NP and CHR not only reduced the density of small neuronal cells in the grey matter layer of the optic tectum, but also induced brain oxidative stress according to physiological parameters including CAT, GSH-Px, SOD, T-AOC, and MDA. The co-exposure alleviated the histopathological damage, compared to NP and CHR single exposure group. These results indicate that NP and/or CHR causes neurotoxicity in S. chuatsi, in accordance with decreased acetylcholinesterase activity and altered expression of several marker genes of nervous system functions and development including c-fos, shha, elavl3, and mbpa. Transcriptomics analysis was performed to further investigate the potential molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicity. We propose that single NP and co-exposure induced oxidative stress activates MMP, which degrades tight junction proteins according to decreased expression of claudin, JAM, caveolin and TJP, ultimately damaging the integrity of the blood-brain barrier in S. chuatsi. Remarkably, the co-exposure exacerbated the blood-brain barrier disruption. More importantly, single NP and co-exposure induced neuronal apoptosis mainly activates the expression of apoptosis-related genes through the death receptor apoptosis pathway, while CHR acted through both death receptor apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum apoptosis pathways. Additionally, subchronic CHR exposure caused neuroinflammation, supported by activation of TNF/NF-κB and JAK-STAT signaling pathways via targeting-related genes, while the co-exposure greatly alleviated the neuroinflammation. Collectively, our findings illuminate the underlying neurotoxicity molecular mechanisms of NP and/or CHR exposure on aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Hewei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yawei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Tingwen Cui
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Zonglin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jinliang Zhao
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Xiaowu Chen
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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