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Li H, Liu H, Bi L, Liu Y, Jin L, Peng R. Immunotoxicity of microplastics in fish. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 150:109619. [PMID: 38735599 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109619] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste degrades slowly in aquatic environments, transforming into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), which are subsequently ingested by fish and other aquatic organisms, causing both physical blockages and chemical toxicity. The fish immune system serves as a crucial defense against viruses and pollutants present in water. It is imperative to comprehend the detrimental effects of MPs on the fish immune system and conduct further research on immunological assessments. In this paper, the immune response and immunotoxicity of MPs and its combination with environmental pollutants on fish were reviewed. MPs not only inflict physical harm on the natural defense barriers like fish gills and vital immune organs such as the liver and intestinal tract but also penetrate cells, disrupting intracellular signaling pathways, altering the levels of immune cytokines and gene expression, perturbing immune homeostasis, and ultimately compromising specific immunity. Initially, fish exposed to MPs recruit a significant number of macrophages and T cells while activating lysosomes. Over time, this exposure leads to apoptosis of immune cells, a decline in lysosomal degradation capacity, lysosomal activity, and complement levels. MPs possess a small specific surface area and can efficiently bind with heavy metals, organic pollutants, and viruses, enhancing immune responses. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive studies on the shape, size, additives released from MPs, along with their immunotoxic effects and mechanisms in conjunction with other pollutants and viruses. These studies aim to solidify existing knowledge and delineate future research directions concerning the immunotoxicity of MPs on fish, which has implications for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqi Li
- Affiliation: Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Huanpeng Liu
- Affiliation: Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Liuliu Bi
- Affiliation: Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yinai Liu
- Affiliation: Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Affiliation: Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Renyi Peng
- Affiliation: Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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Bacchetta R, Pica A, Santo N, Tremolada P, Sugni M. Comparative effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on the brittle star Ophiactis virens and the amphibian Xenopus laevis. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106975. [PMID: 38824744 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106975] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of PVC microplastics (PVC-MPs) using two different animal models: the brittle star Ophiactis virens, and the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. This is the first study using an environmental relevant sample of PVC-MPs obtained through mechanical fragmentation of a common PVC plumbing pipe. Exposure experiments on brittle star were performed on the adult stage for a duration of 14 days, while those on African clawed frog were performed on the embryogenic developmental stage according to the standardized FETAX protocol (Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus). For both models, different endpoints were analysed: mortality, developmental parameters, behavioural assays and histological analyses on target organs by optical and electronic microscopy. Results showed that the concentration of 0.1 μg mL-1 PVC do not cause any adverse effects in both models (common NOEC concentration), while exposure to 1 μg mL-1 PVC adversely affected at least one species (common LOEC concentration). In particular arm regeneration efficiency was the most affected parameters in O. virens leading to a significantly lower differentiation pattern at 1 μg mL-1 PVC. On the contrary, in X. laevis larvae histopathological analyses and behavioural tests were the most susceptible endpoints, exhibiting several abnormal figures and different swimming speed at 10 μg mL-1 PVC. Histopathological analyses revealed a higher abundance of degenerating cells, pyknotic nuclei and cellular debris in the gut of exposed larvae in respect to control. The comparative analyses performed in this work allowed to characterize the specificity of action of the PVC-MPs on the two species, underlining the importance of exploring a large spectrum of endpoints to offer adequate protection in the emerging fields of microplastic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Bacchetta
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Arianna Pica
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Nadia Santo
- Unitech NOLIMITS, Imaging Facility, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi, 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Tremolada
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
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Del Piano F, Almroth BC, Lama A, Piccolo G, Addeo NF, Paciello O, Martino G, Esposito S, Mercogliano R, Pirozzi C, Meli R, Ferrante MC. Subchronic oral exposure to polystyrene microplastics affects hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative balance in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116455. [PMID: 38772140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose a clear threat to aquatic organisms affecting their health. Their impact on liver homeostasis, as well as on the potential onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is still poorly investigated and remains almost unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of subchronic exposure to polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs; 1-20 μm; 0, 25, or 250 mg/kg b.w./day) on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative balance in the liver of gilthead seabreams (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758) exposed for 21 days via contaminated food. PS-MPs induced an up-regulation of mRNA levels of crucial genes associated with lipid synthesis and storage (i.e., PPARy, Srebp1, Fasn) without modifications of genes involved in lipid catabolism (i.e., PPARα, HL, Pla2) or transport and metabolism (Fabp1) in the liver. The increase of CSF1R and pro-inflammatory cytokines gene expression (i.e., TNF-α and IL-1β) was also observed in exposed fish in a dose-dependent manner. These findings were confirmed by hepatic histological evaluations reporting evidence of lipid accumulation, inflammation, and necrosis. Moreover, PS-MPs caused the impairment of the hepatic antioxidant defense system through the alteration of its enzymatic (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic (glutathione) components, resulting in the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as biomarkers of oxidative damage. The alteration of detoxifying enzymes was inferred by the decreased Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and the increased activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) at the highest PS-MP dose. The study suggests that PS-MPs affect the liver health of gilthead seabream. The liver dysfunction and damage caused by exposure to PS-MPs result from a detrimental interplay of inflammation, oxidative damage, and antioxidant and detoxifying enzymatic systems modifications, altering the gut-liver axis homeostasis. This scenario is suggestive of the involvement of MP-induced effects in the onset and progression of hepatic lipid dysfunction in gilthead seabream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Del Piano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80137, Italy; Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Adriano Lama
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy; Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Povo, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Giovanni Piccolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - Nicola Francesco Addeo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - Sergio Esposito
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - Raffaelina Mercogliano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - Claudio Pirozzi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Ferrante
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80137, Italy.
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Zhao Y, Chen H, Liang H, Zhao T, Ren B, Li Y, Liang H, Liu Y, Cao H, Cui N, Wei W. Combined toxic effects of polyethylene microplastics and lambda-cyhalothrin on gut of zebrafish (Danio rerio). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 276:116296. [PMID: 38593498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116296] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), which are prevalent and increasingly accumulating in aquatic environments. Other pollutants coexist with MPs in the water, such as pesticides, and may be carried or transferred to aquatic organisms, posing unpredictable ecological risks. This study sought to assess the adsorption of lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) by virgin and aged polyethylene MPs (VPE and APE, respectively), and to examine their influence on LCT's toxicity in zebrafish, specifically regarding acute toxicity, oxidative stress, gut microbiota and immunity. The adsorption results showed that VPE and APE could adsorb LCT, with adsorption capacities of 34.4 mg∙g-1 and 39.0 mg∙g-1, respectively. Compared with LCT exposure alone, VPE and APE increased the acute toxicity of LCT to zebrafish. Additionally, exposure to LCT and PE-MPs alone can induce oxidative stress in the zebrafish gut, while combined exposure can exacerbate the oxidative stress response and intensify intestinal lipid peroxidation. Moreover, exposure to LCT or PE-MPs alone promotes inflammation, and combined exposure leads to downregulation of the myd88-nf-κb related gene expression, thus impacting intestinal immunity. Furthermore, exposure to APE increased LCT toxicity to zebrafish more than VPE. Meanwhile, exposure to PE-MPs and LCT alone or in combination has the potential to affect gut microbiota function and alter the abundance and diversity of the zebrafish gut flora. Collectively, the presence of PE-MPs may affect the toxicity of pesticides in zebrafish. The findings emphasize the importance of studying the interaction between MPs and pesticides in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexing Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Haiyue Chen
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Hongwu Liang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China.
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Bo Ren
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Hanlin Liang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Huihui Cao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Naqi Cui
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
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Wang L, Pei W, Li J, Feng Y, Gao X, Jiang P, Wu Q, Li L. Microplastics induced apoptosis in macrophages by promoting ROS generation and altering metabolic profiles. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115970. [PMID: 38218108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115970] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of Microplastics (MPs) in various environments documented in recent years has recently raised significant concerns about their toxic effects. While macrophages serve as the first line of defense against toxic substances and pathogens, the impact and mechanisms of microplastics on these immune cells remain unclear. This study aims to explore whether MPs induce macrophage apoptosis through the promotion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and alterations in metabolic profiles. The viability of RAW264.7 cells decreased as the concentration of 0.5 µm or 5 µm MPs ranged from 0.2 to 1.5 mg/mL, with a more pronounced effect observed in the 0.5 µm MPs group. Zebrafish exposed to 0.5 µm or 5 µm MPs at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL exhibited decreased macrophage abundance and increased apoptosis, accompanied by alterations in the expression of inflammatory and apoptosis-related genes. While 0.5 µm MPs were observed to enter macrophages, 5 µm MPs only adhered to the cell membrane surface. Both particle sizes induced ROS generation and disrupted cellular metabolism in RAW264.7 cells. Notably, macrophages exhibited a more pronounced response to 0.5 µm MPs, characterized by heightened ROS generation, increased secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, and a significant decrease in sphingolipid metabolism. These findings suggest that the adverse effects on macrophages are greater with 0.5 µm MPs compared to 5 µm MPs, possibly attributed to particle size effects. This study contributes additional evidence on the impact of MPs on human immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wenlong Pei
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jiacong Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yiming Feng
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xingsu Gao
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Qian Wu
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Lei Li
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China.
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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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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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Wu Y, Tan X, Shi X, Han P, Liu H. Combined Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics at the Predicted Environmental Concentration on Functional State of Intestinal Barrier in Caenorhabditis elegans. TOXICS 2023; 11:653. [PMID: 37624159 PMCID: PMC10459583 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The possible toxicity caused by nanoplastics or microplastics on organisms has been extensively studied. However, the unavoidably combined effects of nanoplastics and microplastics on organisms, particularly intestinal toxicity, are rarely clear. Here, we employed Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the combined effects of PS-50 (50 nm nanopolystyrene) and PS-500 (500 nm micropolystyrene) at environmentally relevant concentrations on the functional state of the intestinal barrier. Environmentally, after long-term treatment (4.5 days), coexposure to PS-50 (10 and 15 μg/L) and PS-500 (1 μg/L) resulted in more severe formation of toxicity in decreasing locomotion behavior, in inhibiting brood size, in inducing intestinal ROS production, and in inducting intestinal autofluorescence production, compared with single-exposure to PS-50 (10 and 15 μg/L) or PS-500 (1 μg/L). Additionally, coexposure to PS-50 (15 μg/L) and PS-500 (1 μg/L) remarkably caused an enhancement in intestinal permeability, but no detectable abnormality of intestinal morphology was observed in wild-type nematodes. Lastly, the downregulation of acs-22 or erm-1 expression and the upregulation expressions of genes required for controlling oxidative stress (sod-2, sod-3, isp-1, clk-1, gas-1, and ctl-3) served as a molecular basis to strongly explain the formation of intestinal toxicity caused by coexposure to PS-50 (15 μg/L) and PS-500 (1 μg/L). Our results suggested that combined exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics at the predicted environmental concentration causes intestinal toxicity by affecting the functional state of the intestinal barrier in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Huanliang Liu
- Environment and Health Research Division, Public Health Research Center, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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