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Chen Y, Jiang Q, Zhang Y, Zuo Z, Yang C. Long-term carbaryl exposure leads to behavioral abnormalities and reproductive toxicity in male marine medaka through apoptosis-mediated HPA and HPG axes dysregulation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 281:116584. [PMID: 38896904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116584] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Carbaryl is a widely used carbamate pesticide that has been detected in the marine environment, but its effects on marine fish are still unknown. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of long-term exposure of carbaryl on male marine medaka. For this purpose, we set up five exposure concentration groups of 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µg/L for 180 days. On the one hand, we observed increased aggression and decreased ability to avoid predators in males after exposure, which was affected by the levels of HPA-axis hormones, especially decreased cortisol level. On the other hand, after exposure, HPG axis hormone levels and gene transcription levels were disturbed. Males exhibited a decreased gonadosomatic index and a notable reduction in mature sperm proportion and the F1 generation displayed a significant increase in malformation rate. Additionally, the number of apoptotic cells and the transcription level of apoptosis-related genes in the brains of male marine medaka substantially increased after exposure. Apoptosis of brain cells may be responsible for the disturbance of HPA and HPG axes, consequently leading to behavioral and reproductive abnormalities. These findings provide novel insights into evaluating the toxic effects of carbaryl on male marine medaka and emphasizing the criticality of exploring the potential environmental risks posed by carbaryl in the marine environment, thus providing toxicity value basis for further strengthening marine environmental monitoring and the protection of biological resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Qun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhenghong Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Department of Endocrinology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Chunyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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2
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Michailidou K, Palisidou C, Feidantsis K, Ainali NM, Kastrinaki G, Lambropoulou DA, Kyzas GZ, Bikiaris DN, Kaloyianni M, Bobori DC. Impact of aged and virgin polyethylene microplastics on multi end-points effects of freshwater fish tissues. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174704. [PMID: 39002604 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The buildup of plastic waste in aquatic environments presents serious threats to the environment, wildlife, and ultimately to humans. Specifically, microplastics (MPs) ingestion by aquatic animals leads to adverse physiological and toxicological effects. In addition, discarded MPs undergo aging and degradation processes which affect their morphological properties and chemical composition, enhancing the absorption of environmental pollutants. Under this prism, the present research was conducted to investigate and compare the impact of 'aged' versus pristine low-density polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on various toxicity endpoints as biochemical and molecular parameters in the muscle tissue and liver of the freshwater fish species Perca fluviatilis. In parallel, the morphological, physicochemical, and structural changes occurred in "aged" PE-MPs, (after being exposed to UV radiation for 120 days) were studied, significantly illustrating signs of oxidation and crack propagation at the surface of the studied MPs. Fish were exposed to artificial diet reached with virgin and "aged" PE-MPs, sized 100-180 μm, at concentrations of 1 mg/g of dry food for a period of 15-days. Thereafter, liver and muscle tissues were analyzed in relation to multi oxidative parameters. Compared to the control group, the observed changes in the examined fish included increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase, enhanced concentrations of malondialdehyde, protein carbonylation, HSP70 levels, elevated MAPK phosphorylation, induction of ubiquitin-proteins, as well as heightened levels of Bax/Bcl-2 proteins, caspases and differentiated levels of LC3 II/I, SQSTM1/p62. From the studied biomarkers, apoptosis, ubiquitin and hsp70 levels, showed a more sensitive response against the ingested MPs, followed by autophagy, p38MAPK levels, antioxidant enzymes, MDA and carbonylation levels. The effect of "aged" PE-MPs was more pronounced compared to that of the virgin ones. When evaluating the response of all oxidative stress biomarkers across the studied tissues, the liver demonstrates the highest response for the majority of the biomarkers against both virgin and "aged" PE-MPs. These findings strongly indicate that "aged" MPs activate the antioxidant defence mechanisms and impact the cellular well-being of the examined fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostantina Michailidou
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; Laboratory of Ichthyology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Christina Palisidou
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; Laboratory of Ichthyology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Feidantsis
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Patras, GR-26504, Mesolonghi, Greece.
| | - Nina Maria Ainali
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | | | - Dimitra A Lambropoulou
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, GR-570 01 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - George Z Kyzas
- Hephaestus Laboratory, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Kavala GR-654 04, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios N Bikiaris
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Martha Kaloyianni
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Dimitra C Bobori
- Laboratory of Ichthyology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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3
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Zhou S, Lin H, Liu Z, Lian X, Pan CG, Dong Z, Lin Z, Li C, Hou L, Liang YQ. The impact of co-exposure to polystyrene microplastics and norethindrone on gill histology, antioxidant capacity, reproductive system, and gut microbiota in zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 273:107018. [PMID: 38968675 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.107018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, studies have focused on the combined ecological risks posed by microplastics and other organic pollutants. Although both microplastics and progestin residues are frequently detected in the aquatic environments, their ecological implications remain unknown. Adult zebrafish were exposed to polystyrene microplastics (PS, 200 nm, 200 μg/L), norethindrone (NET, 69.6 ng/L), and their mixture (200 μg/L PS + 63.1 ng/L NET) for 30 days. The results demonstrated that exposure to PS and NET resulted in gill damage. Notably, the PS and PS+NET exhibited a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) content, as well as reduced antioxidase activity in the gills. The oxidative stress in PS+NET primarily originated from PS. The PS, NET, or their mixture resulted in a decrease in testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) levels in female. Furthermore, compared to NET, the PS+NET showed a significant reduction in E2 levels, thereby augmenting the inhibitory effect on reproductive ability mediated by NET. However, males showed an increase in 11-ketodihydrotestosterone (11-KT) content, accompanied by a significant decrease in spermatogonia (Sg) and increase in spermatocytes (Sc). Consequently, it can be inferred that PS enhances the androgenic effect of NET. In female fish brain, NET alone resulted in transcriptional down-regulation of partial hormone receptors; however, co-administration of PS effectively mitigated the interference effects. Furthermore, transcriptional downregulation of 17-alpha-hydroxylase (cyp17), hydroxysteroid 3-beta dehydrogenase (hsd3b), estrogen receptor 1 (esr1), and estrogen receptor 2a (esr2b) genes in the ovary was found to be associated with the androgenic activity induced by NET. Moreover, in comparison to PS or NET alone, PS+NET resulted in a notable decrease in Cetobacterium abundance and an increase in Aeromonas population, suggesting that the co-exposure of PS+NET may exacerbate intestinal burden. The findings highlight the importance of studying the combined toxicity of PS and NET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Zhou
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Hongjie Lin
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ziyun Liu
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Xiaoyi Lian
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chang-Gui Pan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Zhongdian Dong
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhong Lin
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Liping Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Yan-Qiu Liang
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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Rojoni SA, Ahmed MT, Rahman M, Hossain MMM, Ali MS, Haq M. Advances of microplastics ingestion on the morphological and behavioral conditions of model zebrafish: A review. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106977. [PMID: 38820743 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106977] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Concerns have been conveyed regarding the availability and hazards of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic biota due to their widespread presence in aquatic habitats. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are widely used as a model organism to study the adverse impacts of MPs due to their several compelling advantages, such as their small size, ease of breeding, inexpensive maintenance, short life cycle, year-round spawning, high fecundity, fewer legal restrictions, and genetic resemblances to humans. Exposure of organisms to MPs produces physical and chemical toxic effects, including abnormal behavior, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, immune toxicity, reproductive imbalance, and histopathological effects. But the severity of the effects is size and concentration-dependent. It has been demonstrated that smaller particles could reach the gut and liver, while larger particles are only confined to the gill, the digestive tract of adult zebrafish. This thorough review encapsulates the current body of literature concerning research on MPs in zebrafish and demonstrates an overview of MPs size and concentration effects on the physiological, morphological, and behavioral characteristics of zebrafish. Finding gaps in the literature paves the way for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraiya Alam Rojoni
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mer Mosharraf Hossain
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sadek Ali
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Monjurul Haq
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh.
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Winiarska E, Jutel M, Zemelka-Wiacek M. The potential impact of nano- and microplastics on human health: Understanding human health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118535. [PMID: 38460665 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118535] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are used all over the world. Unfortunately, due to limited biodegradation, plastics cause a significant level of environmental pollution. The smallest recognized to date are termed nanoplastics (1 nm [nm] up to 1 μm [μm]) and microplastics (1 μm-5 mm). These nano- and microplastics can enter the human body through the respiratory system via inhalation, the digestive tract via consumption of contaminated food and water, or penetration through the skin via cosmetics and clothes contact. Bioaccumulation of plastics in the human body can potentially lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders like lung cancer, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, neurological symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness, inflammatory bowel disease and even disturbances in gut microbiota. Most studies to date have confirmed that nano- and microplastics can induce apoptosis in cells and have genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of plastics' actions may help extrapolate the risks to humans. The article provides a comprehensive review of articles in databases regarding the impact of nano- and microplastics on human health. The review included retrospective studies and case reports of people exposed to nanoplastics and microplastics. This research highlights the need for further research to fully understand the extent of the impact of plastics on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Winiarska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland
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6
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Xu T, Chen H, Zhang L, Xie D, Tan S, Guo H, Xiang M, Yu Y. Aged polystyrene microplastics cause reproductive impairment via DNA-damage induced apoptosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142519. [PMID: 38830467 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Although polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) could induce toxic effects on environmental organisms, the toxicity of aged PS-MPs with H2O2 on soil organisms remains unclear. Our study utilized Caenorhabditis elegans as model organism to examine the reproductive toxicity of pristine PS-MPs (pPS-MPs) and aged PS-MPs (aPS-MPs) at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1-100 μg/L). Acute exposure to aPS-MPs could induce greater reproductive impairment compared to pPS-MPs, as evidenced by changes in brood size and egg release. Assessment of gonad development using the number of mitotic cells, length of gonad arm, and relative area of gonad arm as parameters revealed a high reproductive toxicity caused by aPS-MPs exposure. Furthermore, aPS-MPs exposure promoted substantial germline apoptosis. Additionally, exposure to aPS-MPs (100 μg/L) markedly altered the expression of DNA damage-induced apoptosis-related genes (e.g., egl-1, cep-1, clk-2, ced-3, -4, and -9). Alterations in germline apoptosis caused by aPS-MPs were observed in mutants of cep-1, hus-1, egl-1, ced-3, -4, and -9. Consequently, the augmentation of reproductive toxicity resulting from aPS-MPs exposure was attributed to DNA damage-triggered cellular apoptosis. Additionally, the EGL-1-CEP-1-HUS-1-CED-3-CED-4-CED-9 signaling pathway was identified as a key regulator of germline apoptosis in nematodes. Our study provides insights into potential environmental risk of aPS-MPs with H2O2 on environmental organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, 710048, China
| | - Haibo Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Luohong Zhang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, 710048, China
| | - Dongli Xie
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404100, China
| | - Shihui Tan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Hongzhi Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404100, China
| | - Mingdeng Xiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
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Marchellina A, Soegianto A, Irawan B, Indriyasari KN, Rahmatin NM, Mukholladun W, Irnidayanti Y, Payus CM, Hartl MGJ. The presence and physico-chemical properties of microplastics in seawater, sediment, and several organs of the spotted scat fish (Scatophagus argus, Linnaeus, 1766) collected from different locations along the East Java coast in Indonesia. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142214. [PMID: 38701863 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142214] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
A comprehensive study was undertaken to examine the contamination of spotted scat fish (Scatophagus argus) with microplastics (MP) in various locations along the East Java coast of Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to collect detailed information regarding the abundance, color, shape, size, type of polymer, and chemical components of the MP. The findings of this study indicated that MP exhibiting distinct attributes-including a specific fiber type, black coloration, and a size range of 1000- <5000 μm-was most abundant in the gill, stomach, and intestines of spotted scat fish of varying lengths. And MP with a size range of 100-<500 μm was prevalent in the sediment. MP with black fragments measuring less than 100 μm in diameter were found primarily in seawater. A positive correlation was identified between fish length and MP abundance in the intestines, as indicated by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Conversely, a negative correlation was detected between fish length and MP abundance in the gills. The findings of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses, which indicate the presence of various polymers and chemical substances including plasticizers (e.g., diethyl phthalate, decane, and eicosane), stabilizers (2-piperidinone, hexadecanoic acid, mesitylene, and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol), and flame retardant (cyclododecene), in fish, are of the utmost importance. These substances have the potential to endanger the health of both animals and humans if they are ingested through the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ary Marchellina
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Agoes Soegianto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Bambang Irawan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | | | - Nailul Muthiati Rahmatin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Wildanun Mukholladun
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Yulia Irnidayanti
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Carolyn Melissa Payus
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
| | - Mark G J Hartl
- Institute for Life and Earth Sciences, Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
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8
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Mottola F, Carannante M, Barretta A, Palmieri I, Rocco L. Reproductive cytotoxic and genotoxic impact of polystyrene microplastic on Paracentrotus lividus spermatozoa. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 6:100173. [PMID: 38826685 PMCID: PMC11143891 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, industrialization, intensive agriculture, and urban development have severely impacted marine environments, compromising the health of aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Inadequate disposal results in hundreds of tons of plastic products released annually into the environment, which degrade into microplastics (MPs), posing health risks due to their ability to biomagnify and bioaccumulate. Among these, polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) are significant pollutants in marine ecosystems, widely studied for their reproductive toxicological effects. This research aimed to evaluate the reproductive cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of PS-MPs on sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) spermatozoa in vitro. Results showed that PS-MPs significantly reduced sperm viability and motility without altering morphology, and induced sperm DNA fragmentation mediated by reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, head-to-head agglutination of the spermatozoa was observed exclusively in the sample treated with the plastic agents, indicating the ability of microplastics to adhere to the surface of sperm cells and form aggregates with microplastics on other sperm cells, thereby impeding movement and reducing reproductive potential. These findings suggest that PS-MPs can adversely affect the quality of sea urchin sperm, potentially impacting reproductive events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Mottola
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Carannante
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Angela Barretta
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Ilaria Palmieri
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Lucia Rocco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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9
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Xian H, Li Z, Bai R, Ye R, Feng Y, Zhong Y, Liang B, Huang Y, Guo J, Wang B, Dai M, Tang S, Ren X, Chen X, Chen D, Yang X, Huang Z. From cradle to grave: Deciphering sex-specific disruptions of the nervous and reproductive systems through interactions of 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and nanoplastics in adult zebrafish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134298. [PMID: 38626679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134298] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are common in personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) and consumer goods; however, they have become pervasive environmental contaminants. MNPs serve as carriers of 4-MBC in both PCCPs and the environment. Our previous study demonstrated that 4-MBC induces estrogenic effects in zebrafish larvae. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the sex- and tissue-specific accumulation and potential toxicities of chronic coexposure to 4-MBC and MNPs. Herein, adult zebrafish were exposed to environmentally realistic concentrations of 4-MBC (0, 0.4832, and 4832 μg/L), with or without polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 50 nm, 1.0 mg/L) for 21 days. Sex-specific accumulation was observed, with higher concentrations in female brains, while males exhibited comparable accumulation in the liver, testes, and brain. Coexposure to PS-NPs intensified the 4-MBC burden in all tested tissues. Dual-omics analysis (transcriptomics and proteomics) revealed dysfunctions in neuronal differentiation, death, and reproduction. 4-MBC-co-PS-NP exposure disrupted the brain histopathology more severely than exposure to 4-MBC alone, inducing sex-specific neurotoxicity and reproductive disruptions. Female zebrafish exhibited autism spectrum disorder-like behavior and disruption of vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation, while male zebrafish showed Parkinson's-like behavior and spermatogenesis disruption. Our findings highlight that PS-NPs enhance tissue accumulation of 4-MBC, leading to sex-specific impairments in the nervous and reproductive systems of zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Xian
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhiming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruobing Bai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Rongyi Ye
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yu Feng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yizhou Zhong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Boxuan Liang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuji Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jie Guo
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Binjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Mingzhu Dai
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Shuqin Tang
- College of Environment and Climate, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaohu Ren
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xueping Chen
- Vitargent (International) Biotechnology Limited, Shatin 999077, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Da Chen
- College of Environment and Climate, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xingfen Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhenlie Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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10
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Kadac-Czapska K, Ośko J, Knez E, Grembecka M. Microplastics and Oxidative Stress-Current Problems and Prospects. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:579. [PMID: 38790684 PMCID: PMC11117644 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles between 0.1 and 5000 µm in size that have attracted considerable attention from the scientific community and the general public, as they threaten the environment. Microplastics contribute to various harmful effects, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, cell membrane breakages, mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal defects, inflammation, and apoptosis. They affect cells, tissues, organs, and overall health, potentially contributing to conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease. They pose a significant danger due to their widespread occurrence in food. In recent years, information has emerged indicating that MPs can cause oxidative stress (OS), a known factor in accelerating the aging of organisms. This comprehensive evaluation exposed notable variability in the reported connection between MPs and OS. This work aims to provide a critical review of whether the harmfulness of plastic particles that constitute environmental contaminants may result from OS through a comprehensive analysis of recent research and existing scientific literature, as well as an assessment of the characteristics of MPs causing OS. Additionally, the article covers the analytical methodology used in this field. The conclusions of this review point to the necessity for further research into the effects of MPs on OS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Małgorzata Grembecka
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.K.-C.); (J.O.); (E.K.)
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11
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Vojnits K, de León A, Rathore H, Liao S, Zhao M, Gibon J, Pakpour S. ROS-dependent degeneration of human neurons induced by environmentally relevant levels of micro- and nanoplastics of diverse shapes and forms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134017. [PMID: 38518696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134017] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Our study explores the pressing issue of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) inhalation and their subsequent penetration into the brain, highlighting a significant environmental health concern. We demonstrate that MNPs can indeed penetrate murine brain, warranting further investigation into their neurotoxic effects in humans. We then proceed to test the impact of MNPs at environmentally relevant concentrations, with focusing on variations in size and shape. Our findings reveal that these MNPs induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and neurodegeneration in human neurons, with cortical neurons being more susceptible than nociceptors. Furthermore, we examine the role of biofilms on MNPs, demonstrating that MNPs can serve as a vehicle for pathogenic biofilms that significantly exacerbate these neurotoxic effects. This sequence of investigations reveals that minimal MNPs accumulation can cause oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in human neurons, significantly risking brain health and highlights the need to understand the neurological consequences of inhaling MNPs. Overall, our developed in vitro testing battery has significance in elucidating the effects of environmental factors and their associated pathological mechanisms in human neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Vojnits
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Andrés de León
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Harneet Rathore
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Sophia Liao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Zhao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Julien Gibon
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Office of Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sepideh Pakpour
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
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12
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Ali W, Buriro RS, Gandahi JA, Chen Y, Aabdin ZU, Bhutto S, Sun J, Zhu J, Liu Z, Zou H. A critical review on male-female reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by micro-plastics and nano-plastics through different signaling pathways. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 394:110976. [PMID: 38552764 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that humans are constantly exposed to micro-plastics and nano-plastics through various routes, including inhalation of airborne particles, exposure to dust, and consumption of food and water. It is estimated that humans may consume thousand to millions of micro-plastic particles, equating to several milligrams per day. Prolonged exposure to micro-plastics and nano-plastics has been linked to negative effects on different living organisms, including neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity, and developmental toxicities. The main purpose of this review is to explore the effect of micro-plastics and nano-plastics on the male and female reproductive system, as well as their offspring, and the associated mechanism implicated in the reproductive and developmental toxicities. Micro-plastics and nano-plastics have been shown to exert negative effects on the reproductive system of both male and female mammals and aquatic animals, including developmental impacts on gonads, gametes, embryo, and their subsequent generation. In addition, micro-plastics and nano-plastics impact the hypothalamic-pituitary axes, leading to oxidative stress, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, cytotoxicity, developmental abnormalities, poor sperm quality, diminishes ovarian ovulation and immune toxicity. This study discusses the so many different signaling pathways associated in the male and female reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by micro-plastics and nano-plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Rehana Shahnawaz Buriro
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jameel Ahmed Gandahi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zain Ul Aabdin
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ziauddin University, Pakistan
| | - Sahar Bhutto
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
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13
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Li Q, Jiang L, Feng J, Wang X, Wang X, Xu X, Chu W. Aged polystyrene microplastics exacerbate alopecia associated with tight junction injuries and apoptosis via oxidative stress pathway in skin. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108638. [PMID: 38593689 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108638] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants in the natural environment and contribute to increased levels of illness in both animals and humans. However, thespecific impacts of MPs on skin damage and alopeciaare not yet well understood. In this study, we have examined the effects of two types of polystyrene MPs (pristine and aged) on skin and hair follicle damage in mice. UV irradiation changed the chemical and physical properties of the aged MPs, including functional groups, surface roughness, and contact angles. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, skin and cell injuries related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, tight junctions (TJs), alopecia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other damages were observed. Mechanistically, MPs and aged MPs can induce TJs damage via the oxidative stress pathway and inhibition of antioxidant-related proteins, and this can lead to alopecia. The regulation of cell apoptosis was also observed, and this is involved in the ROS-mediated mitochondrial signaling pathway. Importantly, aged MPs showed exacerbated toxicity, which may be due to their elevated surface irregularities and altered chemical compositions. Collectively, this study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for alopecia and hair follicle damage caused by MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lehua Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jianhai Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xusheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuejuan Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiwei Chu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China.
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14
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Curi LM, Barrios CE, Attademo AM, Caramello C, Peltzer PM, Lajmanovich RC, Sánchez S, Hernández DR. A realistic combined exposure scenario: effect of microplastics and atrazine on Piaractus mesopotamicus. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29794-29810. [PMID: 38592632 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33177-1] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, considered emerging environmental contaminants resulting from plastic degradation, are discovered in diverse aquatic ecosystems and can be unintentionally ingested by fish. Therefore, it is essential to characterize their interaction with other contaminants, such as agrochemicals, in aquatic environments. This study aimed to assess histological, enzymatic, and genotoxic biomarkers in juvenile pacú (Piaractus mesopotamicus) exposed to polyethylene (PE) microplastic particles and the herbicide atrazine, individually or combined, for 15 days. Four treatments were used: a negative control (CON), PE in the fish diet (0.1% w/w, FPE), atrazine through water (100 μg L-1, ATZ), and the mixture (ATZ+FPE). Results confirmed histological alterations in gills (edema and lamellar fusion) and liver (necrotic areas and congestion) of fish exposed to ATZ and ATZ+FPE. The number of goblet cells increased in the posterior intestine of fish under ATZ+FPE compared to CON and FPE. Enzyme activities (CAT, GST, AChE, and BChE) significantly increased in ATZ+FPE compared to CON. However, no genotoxic effect was demonstrated. These findings provide insights into the complex impacts of simultaneous exposure to atrazine and microplastics, emphasizing the need for continued research to guide effective environmental management strategies against these contaminants that represent a risk to aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucila Marilén Curi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Instituto de Materiales de Misiones (IMAM). Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales (FCEQyN), Universidad Nacional de Misiones (UNAM-CONICET), Félix de Azara, 1552, Posadas, Argentina.
| | - Carlos Eduardo Barrios
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ictiología del Nordeste (INICNE). Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral, 2139, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Andrés Maximiliano Attademo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (FBCB -UNL-CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje "El Pozo", RNN 168, Km, 472, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Cynthia Caramello
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Materiales de Misiones (IMAM). Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales (FCEQyN), Universidad Nacional de Misiones (UNAM-CONICET), Félix de Azara, 1552, Posadas, Argentina
| | - Paola Mariela Peltzer
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (FBCB -UNL-CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje "El Pozo", RNN 168, Km, 472, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Rafael Carlos Lajmanovich
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (FBCB -UNL-CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje "El Pozo", RNN 168, Km, 472, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Sánchez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ictiología del Nordeste (INICNE). Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral, 2139, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - David Roque Hernández
- Instituto de Ictiología del Nordeste (INICNE). Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral, 2139, Corrientes, Argentina
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15
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Suman A, Mahapatra A, Gupta P, Ray SS, Singh RK. Polystyrene microplastics induced disturbances in neuronal arborization and dendritic spine density in mice prefrontal cortex. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141165. [PMID: 38224746 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141165] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
An increasing use of plastics in daily life leads to the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in the environment, posing a serious threat to the ecosystem, including humans. It has been reported that MPs cause neurotoxicity, but the deleterious effect of polystyrene (PS) MPs on neuronal cytoarchitectural morphology in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) region of mice brain remains to be established. In the present study, Swiss albino male mice were orally exposed to 0.1, 1, and 10 ppm PS-MPs for 28 days. After exposure, we found a significant accumulation of PS-MPs with a decreased number of Nissl bodies in the PFC region of the entire treated group compared to the control. Morphometric analysis in the PFC neurons using Golgi-Cox staining accompanied by Sholl analysis showed a significant reduction in basal dendritic length, dendritic intersections, nodes, and number of intersections at seventh branch order in PFC neurons of 1 ppm treated PS-MPs. In neurons of 0.1 ppm treated mice, we found only decrease in the number of intersections at the seventh branch order. While 10 ppm treated neurons decreased in basal dendritic length, dendritic intersections, followed by the number of intersections at the third and seventh branch order were observed. As well, spine density on the apical secondary branches along with mRNA level of BDNF was significantly reduced in all the PS-MPs treated PFC neurons, mainly at 1 ppm versus control. These results suggest that PS-MPs exposure affects overall basal neuronal arborization, with the highest levels at 1 and 10 ppm, followed by 0.1 ppm treated neurons, which may be related to the down-regulation of BDNF expression in PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Suman
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
| | - Archisman Mahapatra
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Priya Gupta
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Shubhendu Shekhar Ray
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Rahul Kumar Singh
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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16
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Liang J, Ji F, Wang H, Zhu T, Rubinstein J, Worthington R, Abdullah ALB, Tay YJ, Zhu C, George A, Li Y, Han M. Unraveling the threat: Microplastics and nano-plastics' impact on reproductive viability across ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169525. [PMID: 38141979 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169525] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution pervades both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, fragmenting over time into microplastics (MPs) and nano-plastics (NPs). These particles infiltrate organisms via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption, predominantly through the trophic interactions. This review elucidated the impacts of MPs/NPs on the reproductive viability of various species. MPs/NPs lead to reduced reproduction rates, abnormal larval development and increased mortality in aquatic invertebrates. Microplastics cause hormone secretion disorders and gonadal tissue damage in fish. In addition, the fertilization rate of eggs is reduced, and the larval deformity rate and mortality rate are increased. Male mammals exposed to MPs/NPs exhibit testicular anomalies, compromised sperm health, endocrine disturbances, oxidative stress, inflammation, and granulocyte apoptosis. In female mammals, including humans, exposure culminates in ovarian and uterine deformities, endocrine imbalances, oxidative stress, inflammation, granulosa cell apoptosis, and tissue fibrogenesis. Rodent offspring exposed to MPs experience increased mortality rates, while survivors display metabolic perturbations, reproductive anomalies, and weakened immunity. These challenges are intrinsically linked to the transgenerational conveyance of MPs. The ubiquity of MPs/NPs threatens biodiversity and, crucially, jeopardizes human reproductive health. The current findings underscore the exigency for comprehensive research and proactive interventions to ameliorate the implications of these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liang
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Feng Ji
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Tian Zhu
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - James Rubinstein
- College of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Richard Worthington
- School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford university, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Yi Juin Tay
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Chenxin Zhu
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
| | - Andrew George
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, OX12JD, UK
| | - Yiming Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mingming Han
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
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17
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Curl LF, Hurst SA, Pomory CM, Lamont MM, Janosik AM. Assessing microplastics contamination in unviable loggerhead sea turtle eggs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169434. [PMID: 38104820 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169434] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles, in comparison with marine mammals, sea birds, and fishes, are the most affected by microplastics in terms of number of individuals impacted and concentration within each organism. The ubiquitous nature and persistence of microplastics in the environment further compromises sea turtles as many species are currently vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. The objective of this study was to quantify microplastic contamination in unviable loggerhead sea turtle eggs (Caretta caretta). Eggs were collected from seven locations along the northwest coast of Florida. A total of 70 nests and 350 eggs were examined. Microplastics (n = 510) were found in undeveloped loggerhead sea turtle eggs across all seven sites, suggesting that maternal transference and/or exchange between the internal and external environment were possible. The frequency found was 7.29 ± 1.83 microplastic pieces per nest and 1.46 ± 0.01 per egg. Microplastics were categorized based on color, shape, size, and type of polymer. The predominant color of microplastics were blue/green (n = 236), shape was fibers (n = 369), and length was 10-300 μm (n = 191). Identified fragments, films, beads and one foam (n = 187) had the most common area of 1-10 μm2 (n = 45). Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (μ-FTIR) spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that polyethylene (11 %) and polystyrene (7 %) were the main polymer types. For the first time microplastics were found in unviable, undeveloped loggerhead sea turtle eggs collected in northwest Florida. This work provides insight into the distribution patterns of microplastic pollutants in loggerhead sea turtle eggs and may extend to other species worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Margaret M Lamont
- United States Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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18
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Rong W, Chen Y, Xiong Z, Zhao H, Li T, Liu Q, Song J, Wang X, Liu Y, Liu S. Effects of combined exposure to polystyrene microplastics and 17α-Methyltestosterone on the reproductive system of zebrafish. Theriogenology 2024; 215:158-169. [PMID: 38070215 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are important carriers of pollutants in water. 17α-Methyltestosterone (MT) is a synthetic environmental endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) with androgenic effects. To study the effects of PS-MPs and MT on zebrafish reproductive systems, zebrafish were exposed to 0 or 50 ng L-1 MT, 0.5 mg∙L-1 PS-MPs, or 50 ng∙L-1 MT + 0.5 mg∙L-1 PS-MPs for 21 d. The results showed that the different exposure reagents caused varying degrees of damage to the reproductive systems in zebrafish, with the extent of damage increasing as the exposure duration increased. Histological analysis of the gonads revealed that the ratio of mature oocytes and mature spermatozoa in the gonad decreased gradually with increased exposure time, with the ratio being Control > PS-MPs > MT > MT + PS-MPs in decreasing order. The results of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR) showed that in female fish treated for 7 d, the expression of cyp11a mRNA was significantly reduced in all three treatment groups(MT, PS-MPs, and MT + PS-MPs), while in the group treated for 14 d with MT + PS-MPs, the expression of cyp19a1a and StAR mRNA was significantly increased. In male fish exposed for 21 d, the expression of cyp11a, cyp17a1, cyp19a1a, StAR, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD3 mRNA was significantly decreased in MT + PS-MPs. ELISA results showed that after 14 d of exposure, the levels of E2, LH, and FSH in the ovaries of female fish were significantly reduced in all three treatment groups. Similarly, the levels of T, E2, LH, and FSH in the testis of male fish were significantly reduced after 14 d of exposure to PS-MPs and MT + PS-MPs. Offspring of zebrafish exposed to MT and MT + PS-MPs exhibited delayed incubation time and slow development. The cross-generational toxicity of PS-MPs themselves may be negligible, but it can exacerbate the toxicity of MT, making the cross-generational effects more pronounced in the offspring, causing offspring mortality and malformations. Offspring of zebrafish exposed to MT and MT + PS-MPs exhibited delayed incubation time and slow development. In addition, MT caused malformations such as pericardial edema, yolk cysts, and spinal deformities in zebrafish during the incubation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiya Rong
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Yue Chen
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Zijun Xiong
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Haiyan Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Tongyao Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Jing Song
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Xianzong Wang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Shaozhen Liu
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics Resource Utilization and Breeding, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
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19
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Carter G, Ward J. Independent and synergistic effects of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the reproductive social behavior of fathead minnows ( Pimephales promelas). Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10846. [PMID: 38327688 PMCID: PMC10847624 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become an environmental concern in recent years, with most research focused on the physiological effects of exposure. Comparatively little consideration has been given to the potential behavioral impacts of exposure, which may also have fitness consequences for individuals. Moreover, MPs can serve as vectors for endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other locally co-occurring contaminants known to impair behavioral responses. This project aimed to determine whether MPs alone or in association with a common environmental EDC (17-alpha ethinyl estradiol; EE2) alter reproductive behavior and decision-making in fish. Male and female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to MPs associated with either a low (10 ng/L; MPEE2 10) or high (50 ng/L, MPEE2 50) concentration of EE2, or MPs without EE2 (MPvirgin) for 30 days via a dietary feeding protocol. Behavioral trials were conducted on Day 31 to determine the effects of exposure on male-female social interactions. The expression of male sexually selected traits, including courtship, was unaffected by exposure. However, non-exposed females in all treatment groups trended toward discrimination against exposed males, which reached statistical significance for the MPEE2 50 group. Female fish exposed to MPs, alone or in association with EE2, were equally likely to approach and associate with non-exposed and exposed males. The results from this study suggest that MPs may alter social behavior in fishes and that the behavioral impacts of exposure may be more strongly pronounced in females than males. Such individual-level changes in fitness have the potential to impact population size, with downstream effects on the broader aquatic community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Carter
- Biology DepartmentBall State UniversityMuncieIndianaUSA
| | - Jessica Ward
- Biology DepartmentBall State UniversityMuncieIndianaUSA
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20
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Wan S, Wang X, Chen W, Xu Z, Zhao J, Huang W, Wang M, Zhang H. Polystyrene Nanoplastics Activate Autophagy and Suppress Trophoblast Cell Migration/Invasion and Migrasome Formation to Induce Miscarriage. ACS NANO 2024; 18:3733-3751. [PMID: 38252510 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs), as emerging pollutants, have attracted global attention. Nevertheless, the adverse effects of NPs on female reproductive health, especially unexplained miscarriage, are poorly understood. Defects of trophoblast cell migration and invasion are associated with miscarriage. Migrasomes were identified as cellular organelles with largely unidentified functions. Whether NPs might affect migration, invasion, and migrasome formation and induce miscarriage has been completely unexplored. In this study, we selected polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 50 nm) as a model of plastic particles and treated human trophoblast cells and pregnant mice with PS-NPs at doses near the actual environmental exposure doses of plastic particles in humans. We found that exposure to PS-NPs induced a pregnant mouse miscarriage. PS-NPs suppressed ROCK1-mediated migration/invasion and migrasome formation. SOX2 was identified as the transcription factor of ROCK1. PS-NPs activated autophagy and promoted the autophagy degradation of SOX2, thus suppressing SOX2-mediated ROCK1 transcription. Supplementing with murine SOX2 or ROCK1 could efficiently rescue migration/invasion and migrasome formation and alleviate miscarriage. Analysis of the protein levels of SOX2, ROCK1, TSPAN4, NDST1, P62, and LC-3BII/I in PS-NP-exposed trophoblast cells, villous tissues of unexplained miscarriage patients, and placental tissues of PS-NP-exposed mice gave consistent results. Collectively, this study revealed the reproductive toxicity of nanoplastics and their potential regulatory mechanism, indicating that NP exposure is a risk factor for female reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukun Wan
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Weina Chen
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongyan Xu
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Jingsong Zhao
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Wenxin Huang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Manli Wang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Huidong Zhang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
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21
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Liu P, Shao Y, Liu C, Lv X, Afedo SY, Bao W. Special Staining and Protein Expression of VEGF/EGFR and P53/NF-κB in Cryptorchid Tissue of Erhualian Pigs. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:100. [PMID: 38255715 PMCID: PMC10817362 DOI: 10.3390/life14010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Erhualian pigs exhibit one of the highest reproductive rates globally, and cryptorchidism is a crucial factor affecting reproductive abilities of boars. This investigation focused on cryptorchid tissues from Erhualian pigs, where the histological structure of cryptorchidism was observed using specialized staining. In addition, protein expression of P53/NF-κB in cryptorchid tissues was assessed using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. In comparison to normal Erhualian testes, Masson's trichrome staining indicated a reduction in collagen fibers in the connective tissue and around the basal membrane of the seminiferous tubules in cryptorchid testes. Moreover, collagen fiber distribution was observed to be disordered. Verhoeff Van Gieson (EVG) and argyrophilic staining demonstrated brownish-black granular nucleoli organized regions in mesenchymal cells and germ cells. When compared to normal testicles, the convoluted seminiferous tubules of cryptorchids exhibited a significantly reduced number and diameter (p < 0.01). Notably, VEGF/EGFR and P53/NF-κB expression in cryptorchidism significantly differed from that in normal testes. In particular, the expression of VEGF and P53 in cryptorchid tissues was significantly higher than that in normal testes tissues, whereas the expression of EGFR in cryptorchid tissues was significantly lower than that in normal testes tissues (all p < 0.01). NF-κB expressed no difference in both conditions. The expressions of VEGF and NF-κB were observed in the cytoplasm of testicular Leydig cells and spermatogenic cells, but they were weak in the nucleus. EGFR and P53 were more positively expressed in the cytoplasm of these cells, with no positive expression in the nucleus. Conclusion: There were changes in the tissue morphology and structure of the cryptorchid testis, coupled with abnormally high expression of VEGF and P53 proteins in Erhualian pigs. We speculate that this may be an important limiting factor to fecundity during cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penggang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yiming Shao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Caihong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaoyang Lv
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Seth Yaw Afedo
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast P.O. Box 5007, Ghana
| | - Wenbin Bao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding, Reproduction and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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22
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Sharma A, Kumari P, Sharma I. Experimental exploration of estrogenic effects of norethindrone and 17α-ethinylestradiol on zebrafish (Danio rerio) gonads. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 275:109782. [PMID: 37884256 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic progestins and xenoestrogens found in aquatic habitats are currently gaining attention on global scale. The current study aimed to investigate the time-and dose-dependent effects of synthetic progestin Norethindrone (NET; 100, 500 and 1000 ng/L) and estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2; 100 ng/L) individually as well as in binary mixture (1000 ng/L NET + 100 ng/L EE2) on reproductive histology and transcriptional expression profile of genes in adult zebrafish. For this, 20 female (3.15 ± 0.18 cm & 0.33 ± 0.06 g) and 20 male zebrafish in each group (2.93 ± 0.13 cm & 0.29 ± 0.04 g) were exposed to drugs dissolved in water for 30 days in 12 L rectangular tanks. We found that both NET and EE2 exposure reduced the gonadosomatic index in females, while only EE2 exposure caused significant reduction in males (p ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, NET delayed oocyte maturation in females and accelerated spermatogenesis in males, while EE2 consistently suppressed sperm maturation throughout the experiment. Further, qRT-PCR results revealed differential expression pattern of the study genes (er-α, er-β1, er-β2, pgr, vegfaa and p53) in male and female zebrafish. Co-exposure indicated potential inconsistencies in steroidal function in mixtures rather than single exposures. Our findings imply that changes in gonadal histology after NET and EE2 exposure may result from unique regulation of steroid hormone receptors. Additionally, significantly reduced p53 levels (p ≤ 0.05) following co-exposure in both sexes may suggest an elevated risk of neoplastic transformations. Further research with mammalian models will help to explore the mechanisms behind differing effects of alone and co-exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Sharma
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India. https://twitter.com/@sharma_anu0812
| | - Priti Kumari
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Indu Sharma
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India. https://twitter.com/@InduSha28285972
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23
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Santoro A, Marino M, Vandenberg LN, Szychlinska MA, Lamparelli EP, Scalia F, Rocca ND, D'Auria R, Giovanna Pastorino GM, Porta GD, Operto FF, Viggiano A, Cappello F, Meccariello R. PLASTAMINATION: Outcomes on the Central Nervous System and Reproduction. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1870-1898. [PMID: 38549522 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666240216085947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental exposures to non-biodegradable and biodegradable plastics are unavoidable. Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) from the manufacturing of plastics (primary sources) and the degradation of plastic waste (secondary sources) can enter the food chain directly or indirectly and, passing biological barriers, could target both the brain and the gonads. Hence, the worldwide diffusion of environmental plastic contamination (PLASTAMINATION) in daily life may represent a possible and potentially serious risk to human health. OBJECTIVE This review provides an overview of the effects of non-biodegradable and the more recently introduced biodegradable MPs and NPs on the brain and brain-dependent reproductive functions, summarizing the molecular mechanisms and outcomes on nervous and reproductive organs. Data from in vitro, ex vivo, non-mammalian and mammalian animal models and epidemiological studies have been reviewed and discussed. RESULTS MPs and NPs from non-biodegradable plastics affect organs, tissues and cells from sensitive systems such as the brain and reproductive organs. Both MPs and NPs induce oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, energy metabolism disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity, which in turn are responsible for neuroinflammation, dysregulation of synaptic functions, metabolic dysbiosis, poor gamete quality, and neuronal and reproductive toxicity. In spite of this mechanistic knowledge gained from studies of non-biodegradable plastics, relatively little is known about the adverse effects or molecular mechanisms of MPs and NPs from biodegradable plastics. CONCLUSION The neurological and reproductive health risks of MPs/NPs exposure warrant serious consideration, and further studies on biodegradable plastics are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Marianna Marino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Marta Anna Szychlinska
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria 94100 Enna (EN), Italy
| | - Erwin Pavel Lamparelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Federica Scalia
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Natalia Della Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Raffaella D'Auria
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of 84100 Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanna Della Porta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Department of Science of Health School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellness Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, 80133 Naples, Italy
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24
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Yi J, Ma Y, Ruan J, You S, Ma J, Yu H, Zhao J, Zhang K, Yang Q, Jin L, Zeng G, Sun D. The invisible Threat: Assessing the reproductive and transgenerational impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on fish. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108432. [PMID: 38219542 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108432] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), emerging as pervasive environmental pollutants, present multifaceted threats to diverse ecosystems. This review critically examines the ability of MNPs to traverse biological barriers in fish, leading to their accumulation in gonadal tissues and subsequent reproductive toxicity. A focal concern is the potential transgenerational harm, where offspring not directly exposed to MNPs exhibit toxic effects. Characterized by extensive specific surface areas and marked surface hydrophobicity, MNPs readily adsorb and concentrate other environmental contaminants, potentially intensifying reproductive and transgenerational toxicity. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide profound insights into the repercussions of MNPs on fish reproductive health and progeny, highlighting the intricate interplay between MNPs and other pollutants. We delve into the mechanisms of MNPs-induced reproductive toxicity, including gonadal histopathologic alterations, oxidative stress, and disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The review also underscores the urgency for future research to explore the size-specific toxic dynamics of MNPs and the long-term implications of chronic exposure. Understanding these aspects is crucial for assessing the ecological risks posed by MNPs and formulating strategies to safeguard aquatic life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yi
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yilei Ma
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Si You
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Qinsi Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Guoming Zeng
- Intelligent Construction Technology Application Service Center, School of Architecture and Engineering, Chongqing City Vocational College, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Da Sun
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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25
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Wu W, Qiu J, Lin Y, Li X, Li W, Ma K, Duan Y, Fu Y. Enzymatic Stress Responses of Coreius guichenoti to Microplastics with Different Particle Sizes. TOXICS 2023; 11:1022. [PMID: 38133423 PMCID: PMC10747963 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11121022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The wild population resources of Coreius guichenoti have sharply declined in recent decades, and any negative factors may have a significant impact on their survival. In this study, the enzymatic stress responses of C. guichenoti to 25 and 48 μm polyethylene fragments were explored for the first time. This was achieved by evaluating the changes in physiological and biochemical indicators of the species in response to the environmental stimuli of microplastics. In this study, we observed an early stress response in the external tissues of C. guichenoti following exposure to microplastics. The TP content in skin and muscle and the MDA content in skin, gill and muscle initially showed a significant increase. The skin, gill, and muscle exhibited greater stress responses to M5 particles, whereas M3 particles caused a greater response in the intestine and especially the liver. After the removal of microplastic exposure, the stress state of the C. guichenoti would be alleviated in a short period, but it could not fully recover to the pre-exposure level. In summary, microplastics pose a significant threat to C. guichenoti. While their negative effects can be alleviated by the removal of microplastics exposure, full recovery does not occur in a short period. Continuous monitoring of microplastics in natural waters and targeted aquatic ecological restoration are essential to ensure the normal growth and reproduction of the wild population of C. guichenoti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (W.W.); (J.Q.); (W.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Junqiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (W.W.); (J.Q.); (W.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yue Lin
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (W.W.); (J.Q.); (W.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xike Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (W.W.); (J.Q.); (W.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (W.W.); (J.Q.); (W.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Keyi Ma
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China;
| | - Yuanliang Duan
- Fisheries Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Yuanshuai Fu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (W.W.); (J.Q.); (W.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
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26
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Qian L, Zhang Y, Jiang J, Li L, Miao S, Huang X, Che Z, Chen G, Liu S. Assessment of reproductive toxicity in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) following sublethal exposure to penthiopyrad. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 268:115721. [PMID: 38000300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115721] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Penthiopyrad (PO), a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide, poses a potential risk to fish. Here, we investigated the adverse effects of PO on endocrine regulation and reproductive capacity in zebrafish during a 21-d sublethal exposure to PO concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 2.00 mg/L. Following exposure to PO (0.20 and 2.00 mg/L), female-specific effects including follicle necrosis, structural disturbance of the yolk follicle, fusion of cortical follicles appeared in ovarian tissue of adult females, which led to a significant reduction in fertility. Correspondingly, 0.20 and 2.00 mg/L PO led to a marked reduction in the GSI values of females, and 2.00 mg/L PO caused a 31% decline in the proportion of perinucleolar oocytes (PCO) in oocytes. In addition, testosterone (T) level was obviously suppressed and 17β-estradiol (E2) level was increased in females after exposure to 2.00 mg/L PO. Male zebrafish treated with 0.20 and 2.00 mg/L of PO exhibited significant interstitial enlargement, edema in the testes, and reduced diameter of seminiferous tubules, along with a thinner basement membrane. The effects of PO on males were associated with significant increase in E2 level, suggesting that PO has an estrogenic effect on male fish. Greater E2 levels in serum were further supported by increased transcription levels of genes linked to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad-liver (HPGL) axis. Notably, transcription levels of cyp19a, er2b, era, and cyp19b was remarkably increased, exhibiting a clear link with variations in E2 levels. Overall, the present study demonstrates that PO induces reproductive impairment in zebrafish by promoting steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Qian
- College of Horticulture and plant protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China.
| | - Yikai Zhang
- College of Horticulture and plant protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Jia Jiang
- College of Horticulture and plant protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Luyi Li
- College of Horticulture and plant protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Shufei Miao
- College of Horticulture and plant protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- College of Horticulture and plant protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhiping Che
- College of Horticulture and plant protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Genqiang Chen
- College of Horticulture and plant protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Shengming Liu
- College of Horticulture and plant protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China.
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27
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Montano L, Giorgini E, Notarstefano V, Notari T, Ricciardi M, Piscopo M, Motta O. Raman Microspectroscopy evidence of microplastics in human semen. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165922. [PMID: 37532047 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in human fluids and organs is a great concern, since, as highlighted by recent studies on animal models, they could cause alterations of several physiological functions, including reproduction. In this study, semen samples collected from men living in a polluted area of the Campania Region (Southern Italy), were analyzed to assess the presence of MPs. N. 16 pigmented microplastic fragments (ranging from 2 to 6 μm in size) with spheric or irregular shapes were found in six out of ten samples. All the detected MPs were characterized in terms of morphology (size, colour, and shape) and chemical composition by Raman Microspectroscopy. Chemical composition showed the presence of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM) and acrylic, suggesting ingestion and/or inhalation as a route of exposure to environmental MPs. In this work, we propose for the first time a mechanism by which MPs pass into the semen most likely through the epididymis and seminal vesicles, which are the most susceptible to inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-Food Fertility Project), "S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital", 84020 Oliveto Citra, SA, Italy; PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Giorgini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, DiSVA, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, DiSVA, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, AN, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check-Up PolyDiagnostics and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Ricciardi
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Oriana Motta
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
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Gao L, Xiong X, Chen C, Luo P, Li J, Gao X, Huang L, Li L. The male reproductive toxicity after nanoplastics and microplastics exposure: Sperm quality and changes of different cells in testis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 267:115618. [PMID: 37939553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) and Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a severe threat to the planet and is a growing concern. However, their effects on male reproductive toxicity remain poorly understood. In this study, a series of morphological analyses were completed to explore the influence of NPs and MPs exposure on the testis in mice. After 12-weeks exposure, although both NPs and MPs exposure can lead to reproductive toxicity, compared with NPs exposure, exposure to MPs leads to a more significant increase in reproductive toxicity dependent on some particle size. Moreover, increased reproductive toxicities, including increased spermatogenesis disorders, and sperm physiological abnormality, oxidative stress, testis inflammation was more associated with MPs group than NPs group. Ultra-pathological structure observed by transmission electron microscopy indicated that both NPs and MPs have different effects on spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. Exposure to MPs resulted in decreased Sertoli cell numbers and reduced Leydig cell area, and showed no effects on differentiation of Leydig cells by the expression level of the Insulin-Like factor 3 (INSL3) in Leydig cells. Transcriptomic sequencing analysis provided valuable insights into the differential effects of NPs and MPs on cellular processes. Specifically, our findings demonstrated that NPs were predominantly involved in the regulation of steroid biosynthesis, whereas MPs primarily influenced amino acid metabolism. This study demonstrates the effect of adult-stage reproductive toxicity in mice after exposure to NPs and MPs, which will deep the understanding of the NPs and MPs induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likun Gao
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Xi Xiong
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Pengcheng Luo
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Central Laboratory, Scientific Research Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Lizhi Huang
- School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Lili Li
- Central Laboratory, Scientific Research Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
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Zhou W, Tong D, Tian D, Yu Y, Huang L, Zhang W, Yu Y, Lu L, Zhang X, Pan W, Shen J, Shi W, Liu G. Exposure to Polystyrene Nanoplastics Led to Learning and Memory Deficits in Zebrafish by Inducing Oxidative Damage and Aggravating Brain Aging. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301799. [PMID: 37611966 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) may pass through the blood-brain barrier, giving rise to serious concerns about their potential toxicity to the brain. In this study, the effects of NPs exposure on learning and memory, the primary cognitive functions of the brain, are assessed in zebrafish with classic T-maze exploration tasks. Additionally, to reveal potential affecting mechanisms, the impacts of NPs exposure on brain aging, oxidative damage, energy provision, and the cell cycle are evaluated. The results demonstrate that NP-exposed zebrafish takes significantly longer for their first entry and spends markedly less time in the reward zone in the T-maze task, indicating the occurrence of learning and memory deficits. Moreover, higher levels of aging markers (β-galactosidase and lipofuscin) are detected in the brains of NP-exposed fish. Along with the accumulation of reactive free radicals, NP-exposed zebrafish suffer significant levels of brain oxidative damage. Furthermore, lower levels of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and higher levels of p53 are observed in the brains of NP-exposed zebrafish, suggesting that NPs exposure also results in a shortage of energy supply and an arrestment of the cell cycle. These findings suggest that NPs exposure may pose a severe threat to brain health, which deserves closer attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishang Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Difei Tong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Dandan Tian
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yingying Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Lin Huang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Weixia Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yihan Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Lingzheng Lu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Xunyi Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Wangqi Pan
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Jiawei Shen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Wei Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Guangxu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
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Gupta P, Mahapatra A, Suman A, Ray SS, Malafaia G, Singh RK. Polystyrene microplastics disrupt female reproductive health and fertility via sirt1 modulation in zebrafish (Danio rerio). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132359. [PMID: 37639793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution poses an emerging threat to aquatic biota, which could hinder their physiological processes. Recently various evidence has demonstrated the toxic impacts of MPs on cellular and organismal levels, but still, the underlying molecular mechanism behind their toxicity remains ambiguous. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis regulates the synthesis and release of sex steroid hormones, and SIRT1 plays a vital role in this process. The current study aimed to elucidate the harmful effects of MPs on female reproduction via SIRT1 modulation. Healthy female zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations (50 and 500 µg/L) of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs). The results revealed a significant change in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) after exposure to PS-MPs. In addition, the decreased fecundity rate displayed an evident dosage effect, indicating that exposure to PS-MPs causes deleterious effects on fertilization. Furthermore, significantly enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic signals through the TUNEL assay were evaluated in different treated groups. Moreover, morphological alterations in the gonads of zebrafish exposed to MPs were also observed through H&E staining. The subsequent change in plasma steroid hormone levels (E2/T ratio) showed an imbalance in hormonal homeostasis. Meanwhile, to follow PS-MPs' effects on the HPG axis via SIRT1 modulation and gene expression related to steroidogenesis, SIRT1/p53 pathway was evaluated through qPCR. The altered transcription levels of genes indicated the plausible interference of PS-MPs on the HPG axis function. Our in-silico molecular docking study proves that PS-MPs efficiently bind and inhibit endocrine receptors and SIRT1. Thus, these findings add to our understanding of the probable molecular mechanisms of reproductive impairment caused by PS-MPs in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Gupta
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
| | - Archisman Mahapatra
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
| | - Anjali Suman
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shubhendu Shekhar Ray
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO 75790-000, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil; Post-Graduation Programa in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO 74605-050, Brazil.
| | - Rahul Kumar Singh
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
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Kim JA, Kim MJ, Park YS, Kang CK, Kim JH, Choi CY. Effects of microfiber and bead microplastic exposure in the goldfish Carassius auratus: Bioaccumulation, antioxidant responses, and cell damage. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 263:106684. [PMID: 37677861 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106684] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
We confirmed antioxidant-related gene expression, bioaccumulation, and cell damage following exposure to various microplastics in vivo and in vitro in the goldfish Carassius auratus. Exposure of C. auratus to a 500 µm fiber-type microplastic environment (MF; 10 and 100 fibers/L) and two sizes (0.2 and 1.0 µm) of beads (MB; 10 and 100 beads/L) for 120 h increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) mRNA expression in the liver until 24 h followed by a decrease. Whereas, catalase (CAT) mRNA expression increased from 12 h to the end of the in vivo experiment. In vitro experiments were conducted with diluted microfibers (1 and 5 fibers/L) and microbeads (1 and 5 beads/L) using cultured liver cells. The results of SOD and CAT mRNA expression analysis conducted in vitro showed a tendency similar to those of experiments conducted in vivo. The H2O2 level increased in the high-concentration experimental groups compared with that in the low-concentration groups of 0.2-µm beads. In addition, the H2O2 level increased in both MF and MB groups from 12 h of exposure. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in plasma were used as indicators of liver damage in fish. The ALT and AST levels increased up to 120 h after exposure. Caspase-3 (casp-3) mRNA expression was higher in the MB group than in the MF group. We visually confirmed liver casp-3 mRNA signals using in situ hybridization. The degree of DNA damage in the MF and MB high-concentration groups increased with the exposure time. The tail length and percent of DNA in the tail of the MB group were significantly higher than those of the MF group, confirming that DNA damage was greater in the MB group. Both fiber- and bead-type microplastics induced oxidative stress in C. auratus, but the bead-type induced greater stress than the fiber-type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin A Kim
- Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Korea
| | - Min Ju Kim
- Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Korea
| | - Young-Su Park
- Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Pusan, Busan 46252, Korea
| | - Chang-Keun Kang
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Korea
| | - Jun-Hwan Kim
- Department of Marine Life Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea.
| | - Cheol Young Choi
- Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Korea; Division of Marine BioScience, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Korea.
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32
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Mısırlı NS, Pimtong W, Sillapaprayoon S, Chantho V, Saenmuangchin R, Aueviriyavit S, Dudak FC. Impact of a real food matrix and in vitro digestion on properties and acute toxicity of polystyrene microparticles. NANOIMPACT 2023; 32:100482. [PMID: 37717635 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100482] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Although it is proved that humans ingest microplastics via food, and microplastics were found in human tissues, blood and feces, there needs to be more data on the properties and health-related effects of plastic particles that interact with food and undergo digestion. This study aimed to examine the impact of a real food matrix, milk, on the behavior and gastrointestinal fate of polystyrene microparticles (PSMP). In the presence of the food matrix, the net negative ζ-potential values of PSMP (diameter size of 1.823 μm) decreased significantly due to the formation of the corona, mostly consisting of α and β-casein fragments. Protein corona profiles and morphologies of particles incubated with whole and skim milk were found to be similar, and the protein profiles were completely altered after in vitro digestion simulation. In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies showed that neither bare PSMP nor food-interacted PSMP pose acute toxicity on the Caco-2 cell line and zebrafish embryos under the chosen experimental conditions. In summary, these results may contribute to a better understanding of changes that microplastics undergo in foods. Further studies on repeated exposure or chronic toxicity are needed to fully reveal the effect of food matrix on microplastic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazım Sergen Mısırlı
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Wittaya Pimtong
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Siwapech Sillapaprayoon
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Varissara Chantho
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Rattaporn Saenmuangchin
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Sasitorn Aueviriyavit
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Fahriye Ceyda Dudak
- Department of Food Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, 06800 Ankara, Turkey.
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Tanveer M, Mansha N, Nimra A, Khawar MB, Afzal A, Afzal H, Farooq M, Ehsan S, Rana R, Shahzaman S. Microplastics: unraveling the signaling pathways involved in reproductive health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:95077-95085. [PMID: 37584803 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29273-3] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are biologically active environmental pollutants having significant impact on the ecosystem and human health. MPs have been reported to increase oxidative stress, resulting in tissue damage, developmental abnormalities, metabolic disorders, epigenetic changes, abnormal reproduction, and reduced gamete quality. At present, most of the existing literature has focused on the effects of MPs on the reproduction of various aquatic organisms; however, the effects of MPs on mammalian reproduction specifically humans are least studied except a few ones fragmentally discussing the effects of MPs on gametogenesis in human. This review discusses effects of MPs on male and female reproduction with a focus on different metabolic pathways involved in compromised gamete quality, gamete toxicity, apoptosis, and DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tanveer
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nimra Mansha
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Afzal Nimra
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Environmental Health and Wildlife, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and, Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ali Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hanan Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farooq
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Ehsan
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rabbia Rana
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sara Shahzaman
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Geng Y, Liu Z, Hu R, Huang Y, Li F, Ma W, Wu X, Dong H, Song K, Xu X, Zhang Z, Song Y. Toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: invisible killers of female fertility and offspring health. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1254886. [PMID: 37700763 PMCID: PMC10493312 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1254886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emergent pollutants, which have sparked widespread concern. They can infiltrate the body via ingestion, inhalation, and cutaneous contact. As such, there is a general worry that MPs/NPs may have an impact on human health in addition to the environmental issues they engender. The threat of MPs/NPs to the liver, gastrointestinal system, and inflammatory levels have been thoroughly documented in the previous research. With the detection of MPs/NPs in fetal compartment and the prevalence of infertility, an increasing number of studies have put an emphasis on their reproductive toxicity in female. Moreover, MPs/NPs have the potential to interact with other contaminants, thus enhancing or diminishing the combined toxicity. This review summarizes the deleterious effects of MPs/NPs and co-exposure with other pollutants on female throughout the reproduction period of various species, spanning from reproductive failure to cross-generational developmental disorders in progenies. Although these impacts may not be directly extrapolated to humans, they do provide a framework for evaluating the potential mechanisms underlying the reproductive toxicity of MPs/NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Geng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Runan Hu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanjing Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenwen Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoxu Dong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kunkun Song
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohu Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufan Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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35
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Li J, Wang Q, Cui M, Yu S, Chen X, Wang J. Release characteristics and toxicity assessment of micro/nanoplastics from food-grade nonwoven bags. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163642. [PMID: 37100154 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastic (M/NP) contamination in food has become a global concern. Food-grade polypropylene (PP) nonwoven bags, which are widely used to filter food residues, are considered environmentally friendly and nontoxic. However, the emergence of M/NPs has forced us to re-examine the use of nonwoven bags in cooking as plastic contact with hot water leads to M/NP release. To evaluate the release characteristics of M/NPs, three food-grade PP nonwoven bags of different sizes were boiled in 500 mL water for 1 h. Micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectrometer confirmed that the leachates were released from the nonwoven bags. After boiling once, a food-grade nonwoven bag can release 0.12-0.33 million MPs (>1 μm) and 17.6-30.6 billion NPs (<1 μm), equivalent to a mass of 2.25 - 6.47 mg. Number of M/NPs released is independent of nonwoven bag size; however, it decreases with increasing cooking times. M/NPs are primarily produced from easily breakable PP fibers, and they are not released into the water at once. Adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were cultured in filtered distilled water without released M/NPs and in water containing 14.4 ± 0.8 mg L-1 released M/NPs for 2 and 14 days, respectively. To evaluate the toxicity of the released M/NPs on the gills and liver of zebrafish, several oxidative stress biomarkers (i.e., reactive oxygen species, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malonaldehyde) were measured. The ingestion of the released M/NPs by zebrafish induces oxidative stress in the gills and liver, depending on the exposure time. Food-grade plastics, such as nonwoven bags, should be used with caution in daily cooking because they release large amounts of M/NPs when heated, which can threaten human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China.
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, PR China
| | - Min Cui
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China
| | - Songguo Yu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China
| | - Xuehai Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, PR China
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Cattaneo N, Zarantoniello M, Conti F, Frontini A, Chemello G, Dimichino B, Marongiu F, Cardinaletti G, Gioacchini G, Olivotto I. Dietary Microplastic Administration during Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Development: A Comprehensive and Comparative Study between Larval and Juvenile Stages. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2256. [PMID: 37508033 PMCID: PMC10376277 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the main sources of MPs contamination in fish farms is aquafeed. The present study investigated, for the first time through a comparative approach, the effects of different-sized fluorescent MPs included in a diet intended for zebrafish (Danio rerio). A comparison based on fish developmental stage (larval vs. juvenile), exposure time, and dietary MPs' size and concentration was performed. Four experimental diets were formulated, starting from the control, by adding fluorescent polymer A (size range 1-5 µm) and B (size range 40-47 µm) at two different concentrations (50 and 500 mg/kg). Zebrafish were sampled at 20 (larval phase) and 60 dpf (juvenile stage). Whole larvae, intestine, liver and muscles of juveniles were collected for the analyses. Polymer A was absorbed at the intestinal level in both larvae and juveniles, while it was evidenced at the hepatic and muscular levels only in juveniles. Hepatic accumulation caused an increase in oxidative stress markers in juveniles, but at the same time significantly reduced the number of MPs able to reach the muscle, representing an efficient barrier against the spread of MPs. Polymer B simply transited through the gut, causing an abrasive effect and an increase in goblet cell abundance in both stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Cattaneo
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Zarantoniello
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Federico Conti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Frontini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Chemello
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Beniamino Dimichino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabio Marongiu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Gloriana Cardinaletti
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giorgia Gioacchini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Ike Olivotto
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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Jaafarzadeh Haghighi Fard N, Mohammadi MJ, Jahedi F. Effects of nano and microplastics on the reproduction system: In vitro and in vivo studies review. Food Chem Toxicol 2023:113938. [PMID: 37429406 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), as their name suggest, are tiny plastic particles. The negative impact of MPs as an emerging pollutant on humans is not hidden from anyone. Recent research on how this pollutant affects the reproductive system and how it enters the blood, placenta, and semen has attracted the attention of scientists. This review study deals with the reproductive toxicity of MPs particles in terrestrial animals, aquatic animals, soil fauna, human cells, and human placenta. In vitro and in vivo animal studies showed that MPs can lead to reduced fertility in men, reduced ovarian capacity, apoptosis of granulosa cells, or even reduced sperm motility. They cause oxidative stress and cell apoptosis and inflammatory effects. The results of these animal studies show that MPs may have similar effects on the human reproductive system. However, not much research has been done on human reproductive toxicity by MPs. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the toxicity of the reproductive system by MPs. The purpose of this comprehensive study is to express the importance of the impact of MPs on the reproductive system. These results provide new insight into the potential dangers of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neamatollah Jaafarzadeh Haghighi Fard
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Jahedi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Subaramaniyam U, Allimuthu RS, Vappu S, Ramalingam D, Balan R, Paital B, Panda N, Rath PK, Ramalingam N, Sahoo DK. Effects of microplastics, pesticides and nano-materials on fish health, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanism. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1217666. [PMID: 37435307 PMCID: PMC10331820 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1217666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics and pesticides are emerging contaminants in the marine biota, which cause many harmful effects on aquatic organisms, especially on fish. Fish is a staple and affordable food source, rich in animal protein, along with various vitamins, essential amino acids, and minerals. Exposure of fish to microplastics, pesticides, and various nanoparticles generates ROS and induces oxidative stress, inflammation, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and DNA damage and alters gut microbiota, thus reducing the growth and quality of fish. Changes in fish behavioral patterns, swimming, and feeding habits were also observed under exposures to the above contaminants. These contaminants also affect the Nrf-2, JNK, ERK, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways. And Nrf2-KEAP1 signalling modulates redox status marinating enzymes in fish. Effects of pesticides, microplastics, and nanoparticles found to modulate many antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione system. So, to protect fish health from stress, the contribution of nano-technology or nano-formulations was researched. A decrease in fish nutritional quality and population significantly impacts on the human diet, influencing traditions and economics worldwide. On the other hand, traces of microplastics and pesticides in the habitat water can enter humans by consuming contaminated fish which may result in serious health hazards. This review summarizes the oxidative stress caused due to microplastics, pesticides and nano-particle contamination or exposure in fish habitat water and their impact on human health. As a rescue mechanism, the use of nano-technology in the management of fish health and disease was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udayadharshini Subaramaniyam
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, India
| | - Rethi Saliya Allimuthu
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, India
| | - Shanu Vappu
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, India
| | - Divya Ramalingam
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, India
| | - Ranjini Balan
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, India
| | - Biswaranjan Paital
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Niranjan Panda
- Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Prasana Kumar Rath
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Nirmaladevi Ramalingam
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, India
| | - Dipak Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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Das BC, Ramanan P A, Gorakh SS, Pillai D, Vattiringal Jayadradhan RK. Sub-chronic exposure of Oreochromis niloticus to environmentally relevant concentrations of smaller microplastics: Accumulation and toxico-physiological responses. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131916. [PMID: 37402322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the accumulation and toxic effects of environmentally relevant concentrations (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/L) of polystyrene MPs (1 µm) in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) for 14 days. The results showed that 1 µm PS-MPs accumulated in the intestine, gills, liver, spleen, muscle, gonad and brain. RBC, Hb and HCT showed a significant decline, while WBC and PLT showed a significant increase after the exposure. Glucose, total protein, A/G ratio, SGOT, SGPT and ALP showed significant increments in 0.1 and 1 mg/L of PS-MPs treated groups. The increase in cortisol level and upregulation of HSP70 gene expression in response to MPs exposure indicate MPs-mediated stress in tilapia. MPs-induced oxidative stress is evident from reduced SOD activity, increased MDA levels and upregulated P53 gene expression. The immune response was enhanced by inducing respiratory burst activity, MPO activity and serum TNF-α and IgM levels. MPs exposure also led to down-regulation of CYP1A gene and decreased AChE activity, GNRH and vitellogenin levels, indicating the toxicity of MPs on the cellular detoxification mechanism, nervous and reproductive systems. The present study highlights the tissue accumulation of PS-MP and its effects on hematological, biochemical, immunological and physiological responses in tilapia with low environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bini C Das
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Aparna Ramanan P
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Satkar Sagar Gorakh
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Devika Pillai
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala, India
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Zhang Y, Wang X, Zhao Y, Zhao J, Yu T, Yao Y, Zhao R, Yu R, Liu J, Su J. Reproductive toxicity of microplastics in female mice and their offspring from induction of oxidative stress. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121482. [PMID: 36967007 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging pollutant that is becoming recognized as an increasingly serious environmental problem. The biological toxicity and resulting health risks of MPs have attracted much attention in the research community. While the effects of MPs on various mammalian organ systems have been described, their interactions with oocytes and the underlying mechanism of their activity within the reproductive system have remained ambiguous. Here, we discovered that oral administration of MPs to mice (40 mg/kg per day for 30 days) significantly reduced the oocyte maturation and fertilization rate, embryo development, and fertility. Ingestion of MPs significantly increased the ROS level in oocytes and embryos, leading to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. Moreover, mouse exposure to MPs caused DNA damage in oocytes, including spindle/chromosome morphology defects, and downregulation of actin and Juno expression in mouse oocytes. In addition, mice were also exposed to MPs (40 mg/kg per day) during gestation and lactation to determine trans-generational reproductive toxicity. The results showed that maternal exposure to MPs during pregnancy resulted in a decline in birth and postnatal body weight in offspring mice. Furthermore, MPs exposure of mothers markedly reduced oocyte maturation, fertilization rate, and embryonic development in their female offspring. This investigation provides new insights on the mechanism of MPs' reproductive toxicity and raises concerns for potential risks of MP pollution on the reproductive health of humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Xiyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, College of Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Jianglin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Tong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Yupei Yao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Ruolin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Ruiluan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Jianmin Su
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China.
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Yang S, Li M, Kong RYC, Li L, Li R, Chen J, Lai KP. Reproductive toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:108002. [PMID: 37276763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Large-scale plastic pollution occurs in terrestrial and marine environments and degrades into microparticles (MP) and nanoparticles (NP) of plastic. Micro/nanoplastics (MP/NPs) are found throughout the environment and different kinds of marine organisms and can enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion, particularly through the food chain. MPs/NPs can enter different organisms, and affect different body systems, including the reproductive, digestive, and nervous systems via the induction of different stresses such as oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This paper summarizes the effects of MPs/NPs of different sizes on the reproduction of different organisms including terrestrial and marine invertebrates and vertebrates, the amplification of toxic effects between them through the food chain, the serious threat to biodiversity, and, more importantly, the imminent challenge to human reproductive health. There is a need to strengthen international communication and cooperation on the remediation of plastic pollution and the protection of biodiversity to build a sustainable association between humans and other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaolong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China
| | - Richard Yuen Chong Kong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lei Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Rong Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China.
| | - Jian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China.
| | - Keng Po Lai
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China.
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Afreen V, Hashmi K, Nasir R, Saleem A, Khan MI, Akhtar MF. Adverse health effects and mechanisms of microplastics on female reproductive system: a descriptive review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1. [PMID: 37247153 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), with a diameter of less than 5 mm, include polymers such as polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The MPs occur in different morphologies including fragments, beads, fibers, and films that are swallowed by fresh water and land-based animals and enter their food chain, where they produce hazardous effects such as uterine toxicity, infertility, and neurotoxicity. The aim of this review is to explore the effects of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) on the female reproductive system and understand the mechanisms by which they produce reproductive toxicity. Several studies suggested that the exposure to PS-MPs increased the probability of larger ovaries with fewer follicles, decreased the number of embryos produced, and decreased the number of pregnancies in female mice. It also changed sex hormone levels and caused oxidative stress, which could have an impact on fertility and reproduction. Exposure to PS-MPs caused the death of granulosa cells through apoptosis and pyroptosis via activation of the NLRP3/caspase pathway and disruption of the Wnt-signaling pathway. Activation of TL4/NOX2 caused the uterine fibrosis resulting in endometrium thinning. The PS-MPs had a negative impact on ovarian capacity, oocyte maturation, and oocyte quality. Furthermore, the PS-MPs disrupted the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in marine animals, resulting in a decrease in hatching rate and offspring body size, causing trans-generational effects. It also reduced fecundity and produced germ-line apoptosis. The main focus of this review was to explore the different mechanisms and pathways through which PS-MPs adversely impact the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Afreen
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kanza Hashmi
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rimsha Nasir
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Furqan Akhtar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Liu X, Liang C, Fan J, Zhou M, Chang Z, Li L. Polyvinyl chloride microplastics induce changes in gene expression and organ histology along the HPG axis in Cyprinus carpio var. larvae. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 258:106483. [PMID: 37023657 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106483] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The negative consequences of microplastics pollution on the health of aquatic species have garnered extensive attention. However, the mechanisms through which microplastics may cause harm in the reproductive processes of fish remain unknown. For this study, Cyprinus carpio var. was subjected to four treatments with various concentrations of PVC microplastics for 60 days, through food rationed diets (no plastic control, 10%, 20% and 30%). The gonadosomatic indices, gonad and brain histologies, sex hormone levels, and transcriptional and translational genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes of both sexes were observed. According to the results, the gonadosomatic indices were significantly decreased, gonadal development was delayed, and the level of estradiol (E2) in the females was significantly elevated. In addition, the expression levels of genes associated with the HPG axis in the brains and gonads (gnrh, gtha1, fshβ, cyp19b, erα, vtg1, dmrt1, sox9b, and cyp19a) and the transcription levels of apoptosis-related genes in the brains and gonads (caspase3, bax, and bcl-2) exhibited significant changes. Further investigation revealed that the translation levels of genes linked to sex differentiation and sex steroid hormone (cyp19b and dmrt1) were significantly altered. These findings indicated that PVC likely microplastics may have a negative impact on the reproductive system of Cyprinus carpio var. by inhibiting gonadal development, affecting the gonad and brain structures, and altering the levels of steroid hormones and the expression of HPG axis-related genes. This work provides new insights into the toxicity of microplastics in aquatic organisms by revealing that PVC microplastics are a potential threat against the reproduction of fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinya Liu
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Chaonan Liang
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Jiaiq Fan
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Miao Zhou
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Zhongjie Chang
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Li Li
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China.
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Zou H, Qu H, Bian Y, Sun J, Wang T, Ma Y, Yuan Y, Gu J, Bian J, Liu Z. Polystyrene Microplastics Induce Oxidative Stress in Mouse Hepatocytes in Relation to Their Size. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087382. [PMID: 37108543 PMCID: PMC10138773 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics have become a new type of environmental pollutant that can accumulate in various tissues and organs of the body and cause chronic damage. In this study, two different size polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs, 5 μm and 0.5 μm) exposure models were established in mice to investigate the effects of PS-MPs with different particle sizes on oxidative stress in the liver. The results showed that PS-MPs exposure caused a decrease in body weight and liver-to-body weight. The hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy results showed that exposure to PS-MPs led to the disorganized cellular structure of liver tissue, nuclear crinkling, and mitochondrial vacuolation. The extent of damage in the 5 μm PS-MP exposure group was more extensive when compared with the other group. The evaluation of oxidative-stress-related indicators showed that PS-MPs exposure exacerbated oxidative stress in hepatocytes, especially in the 5 μm PS-MPs group. The expression of oxidative-stress-related proteins sirtuin 3(SIRT3) and superoxide dismutase (SOD2) was significantly reduced, and the reduction was more pronounced in the 5 μm PS-MPs group. In conclusion, PS-MPs exposure led to oxidative stress in mouse hepatocytes and caused more severe damage in the 5 μm PS-MPs group when compared with the 0.5 μm PS-MPs group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Huayi Qu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yusheng Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yonggang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianhong Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianchun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Zhou W, Shi W, Du X, Han Y, Tang Y, Ri S, Ju K, Kim T, Huang L, Zhang W, Yu Y, Tian D, Yu Y, Chen L, Wu Z, Liu G. Assessment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms and Gut-Liver Axis Status in Zebrafish after Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics and Oxytetracycline, Alone and in Combination. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:47006. [PMID: 37027337 PMCID: PMC10081693 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental pollution may give rise to the incidence and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause for chronic severe liver lesions. Although knowledge of NAFLD pathogenesis is particularly important for the development of effective prevention, the relationship between NAFLD occurrence and exposure to emerging pollutants, such as microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic residues, awaits assessment. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of MPs and antibiotic residues related to NAFLD occurrence using the zebrafish model species. METHODS Taking common polystyrene MPs and oxytetracycline (OTC) as representatives, typical NAFLD symptoms, including lipid accumulation, liver inflammation, and hepatic oxidative stress, were screened after 28-d exposure to environmentally realistic concentrations of MPs (0.69mg/L) and antibiotic residue (3.00μg/L). The impacts of MPs and OTC on gut health, the gut-liver axis, and hepatic lipid metabolism were also investigated to reveal potential affecting mechanisms underpinning the NAFLD symptoms observed. RESULTS Compared with the control fish, zebrafish exposed to MPs and OTC exhibited significantly higher levels of lipid accumulation, triglycerides, and cholesterol contents, as well as inflammation, in conjunction with oxidative stress in their livers. In addition, a markedly smaller proportion of Proteobacteria and higher ratios of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes were detected by microbiome analysis of gut contents in treated samples. After the exposures, the zebrafish also experienced intestinal oxidative injury and yielded significantly fewer numbers of goblet cells. Markedly higher levels of the intestinal bacteria-sourced endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were also detected in serum. Animals treated with MPs and OTC exhibited higher expression levels of LPS binding receptor (LBP) and downstream inflammation-related genes while also exhibiting lower activity and gene expression of lipase. Furthermore, MP-OTC coexposure generally exerted more severe effects compared with single MP or OTC exposure. DISCUSSION Our results suggested that exposure to MPs and OTC may disrupt the gut-liver axis and be associated with NAFLD occurrence. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11600.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishang Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wei Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xueying Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu Han
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu Tang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Sanghyok Ri
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
- College of Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
| | - Kwangjin Ju
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
- College of Aquaculture, Wonsan Fisheries University, Wonsan, DPR Korea
| | - Tongchol Kim
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
- College of Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
| | - Lin Huang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Weixia Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yihan Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Tian
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yingying Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Liangbiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhichao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Guangxu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
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46
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Kim MJ, Kim JA, Song JA, Kho KH, Choi CY. Synthetic microfiber exposure negatively affects reproductive parameters in male medaka (Oryzias latipes). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 334:114216. [PMID: 36681254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics not only accumulate in the bodies of fishes and cause damage to the organs, but also cause many other problems, such as reduced reproductive capacity, by acting directly or indirectly on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis (HPG axis). In this study, we investigated the changes in HPG axis-related genes in male medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to fiber-type microplastics. We confirmed the progression of vitellogenesis, a sign of endocrine disruption, in male fish. In the microfiber-exposed group, microfiber accumulation was confirmed in the gills and intestines. One week after exposure to two different concentrations of microfibers (500 and 1,000 fibers/L), the fish showed increased expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LH-R) mRNA. From day 10 of exposure to the microfibers, there was an increase in the expression of the gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) mRNA and a decrease in the expression of GnRH and LH-R mRNA. There was an increase in the cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19a) mRNA expression and plasma estradiol (E2) concentration in the 1,000 fibers/L exposure group. High vitellogenin (VTG) mRNA expression was confirmed seven days after exposure in the 1,000 fibers/L group, which was consistent with the VTG mRNA expression signals detected in the liver using in situ hybridization. These results suggest that microfiber ingestion may cause short-term endocrinal disruption of the HPG axis in male medaka, which in turn may interfere with their normal maturation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ju Kim
- Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin A Kim
- Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Ah Song
- Marine Bio-Resources Research Unit, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Hee Kho
- Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol Young Choi
- Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Division of Marine BioScience, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea.
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47
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Lin X, Wang Y, Yang X, Watson P, Yang F, Liu H. Endocrine disrupting effect and reproductive toxicity of the separate exposure and co-exposure of nano-polystyrene and diethylstilbestrol to zebrafish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 865:161100. [PMID: 36566849 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of nanoplastics and other pollutants in the environment has gotten a lot of attention, but information on the biological toxicity of their co-exposure was limited. This study aims to reveal the endocrine disrupting effect and reproductive toxicity of nano-polystyrene (NPS) and diethylstilbestrol (DES) to zebrafish under separate and combined exposure. Results indicated that NPS and DES exposure in isolation reduced the hepatosomatic index and gonadosomatic index, and altered the cell maturity in gonads in both cases. Even worse, the co-exposure of NPS and DES exacerbated the damage to the liver and gonads of fish. The two pollutants individually inhibited the secretion of sex hormones and vitellogenin. The inhibition effect of DES was especially dose-dependent, while NPS had weaker effect than DES. Their combined action on the secretion of sex hormones and vitellogenin exhibited additive effect. However, NPS did not affect the content of thyroid hormones in fish, and also had no significant effect on the reduction of thyroid hormone caused by DES exposure. Furthermore, their co-exposure decreased the cumulative eggs from 1031 to 306, and the spawning number from 12 to 8. The fertilization rate and hatchability rete of eggs were reduced by 30.9% and 40.4%, respectively. The abnormality rate of embryos was 65.0%, significantly higher than in separate DES and NPS groups (55.7% and 30.8% respectively). The abnormal development of offspring was mainly pericardial cyst, spinal curvature, and growth retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuanning Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xianhai Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peter Watson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06268, CT, United States
| | - Feifei Yang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06268, CT, United States
| | - Huihui Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, Jiangsu Province, China.
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48
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Kumar V, Sharma N, Duhan L, Pasrija R, Thomas J, Umesh M, Lakkaboyana SK, Andler R, Vangnai AS, Vithanage M, Awasthi MK, Chia WY, LokeShow P, Barceló D. Microbial engineering strategies for synthetic microplastics clean up: A review on recent approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 98:104045. [PMID: 36572198 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.104045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are the small fragments of the plastic molecules which find their applications in various routine products such as beauty products. Later, it was realized that it has several toxic effects on marine and terrestrial organisms. This review is an approach in understanding the microplastics, their origin, dispersal in the aquatic system, their biodegradation and factors affecting biodegradation. In addition, the paper discusses the major engineering approaches applied in microbial biotechnology. Specifically, it reviews microbial genetic engineering, such as PET-ase engineering, MHET-ase engineering, and immobilization approaches. Moreover, the major challenges associated with the plastic removal are presented by evaluating the recent reports available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602105, India; Ecotoxicity and Bioconversion Laboratory, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Thandalam 602105, India.
| | - Neha Sharma
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Lucky Duhan
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Ritu Pasrija
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Jithin Thomas
- Department of Biotechnology, Mar Athanasius College, Kerala, India
| | - Mridul Umesh
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru 560029, Karnataka, India
| | - Sivarama Krishna Lakkaboyana
- Department of Chemistry, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, Chennai 600062, India
| | - Rodrigo Andler
- Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Centro de Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales (Cenbio), Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile
| | - Alisa S Vangnai
- Center of Excellence in Biocatalyst and Sustainable Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wen Yi Chia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Pau LokeShow
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Sustainable Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai 602105, India
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Parc Científic i Tecnològic de la Universitat de Girona, c/Emili Grahit, 101, Edifici H2O, 17003 Girona, Spain; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, India
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49
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Kim JA, Kim MJ, Song JA, Choi CY. Effects of microfiber exposure on medaka (Oryzias latipes): Oxidative stress, cell damage, and mortality. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 265:109535. [PMID: 36563949 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Fiber-type microplastics are major anthropogenic contaminants of marine environments. They are released mainly during cloth washing and are discharged from wastewater treatment plants into aquatic environments. This study aimed to evaluate whether microfiber exposure causes oxidative stress and cell damage in medaka (Oryzias latipes Temminck and Schlegel 1846). Fish were exposed to one of two different concentrations (500 and 1000 fibers/L) of a polyester-based microfiber (MF) for 21 days, and the degree of cell damage and changes in expression of antioxidant enzymes were investigated. Fish survival decreased with increasing concentrations of MF. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased in MF-exposed groups compared to those in the control. SOD activity increased compared to the control group, and MF exposure induced a significant increase in both SOD activity and mRNA expression over time. CAT mRNA expression increased from day 10 onwards following exposure. Plasma malondialdehyde content increased significantly on day 7 of exposure in the 1000 fiber/L group and on day 10 in the 500 fiber/L group. Caspase-3 mRNA expression significantly increased until day 10 of exposure. A terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay confirmed increased apoptosis, and a comet assay demonstrated that higher DNA damage occurred in response to increased MF concentration and exposure time. In conclusion, we confirmed that MF exposure affects antioxidant reactions in fish, thus inducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA damage. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of MF pollution in aquatic systems is urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin A Kim
- Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Kim
- Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Ah Song
- Marine Bio-Resources Research Unit, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol Young Choi
- Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Division of Marine BioScience, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea.
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50
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Fernández-Míguez M, Puvanendran V, Burgerhout E, Presa P, Tveiten H, Vorkamp K, Hansen ØJ, Johansson GS, Bogevik AS. Effects of weathered polyethylene microplastic ingestion on sexual maturation, fecundity and egg quality in maturing broodstock Atlantic cod Gadus morhua. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121053. [PMID: 36632969 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become a global issue as they are omnipresent in the ocean. Fish ingesting MPs through feed could be affected in their physiological function, e.g., disrupted enzyme production and function, reduction of feeding and reproductive failure. This study assessed the effects of feed containing naturally weathered MPs from the Oslofjord (Norway) on the reproductive physiology of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Farmed cod broodstock were fed either control (C-diet) or feeds containing 1% microplastic (MP-diet) starting nine months prior to spawning, from June until May. No major differences were found between diet groups in overall biometrics or gonad histology. Sex steroid levels (testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone and 17β-estradiol) resulted in expected profiles increasing over time without any significant differences between treatments. Gene expression levels of the steroidogenic enzyme 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20β-hsd) and vitellogenin1 (vtg1) showed significant differences between dietary treatments with lower expression in the control group. This can be a direct effect of MPs, but endocrine disrupting effects of potentially leachable plastic additives cannot be completely ruled out. Thus, these enzymes could be indicators of exposure to contaminants that disrupt sexual maturation by affecting the production of primarily maturation-inducing steroid. Although the concentration of MPs employed in this study may not be high enough to elicit any observable short-term biological effects, the observed gene expression suggests that long-term consequences should be considered caused by an expected increase of MPs in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fernández-Míguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, CSIC, Vigo, Spain; Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, CIM-Universidad de Vigo, Spain
| | | | | | - P Presa
- Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, CIM-Universidad de Vigo, Spain
| | - H Tveiten
- Nofima AS, Norway; UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - K Vorkamp
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Roskilde, Denmark
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