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Study on the reproductive toxicity of co-exposure to lead and microplastics at environmental concentrations in zebrafish
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Scientists exposed zebrafish to lead and microplastics together, at levels similar to what's found in polluted environments, and found the combination harmed fertility and reproductive health more than either pollutant alone—damaging hormone balance, causing cell stress, and even affecting the health of offspring. Interestingly, the damage played out differently in males (affecting fat metabolism and cell death pathways) versus females (affecting amino acid processing), suggesting these two very common pollutants may pose sex-specific risks to reproductive health that single-pollutant studies could miss.
This study aimed to assess the reproductive toxicity of co-exposure to environmental concentrations of lead (Pb) and polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) in zebrafish, providing a theoretical basis for evaluating the ecotoxicity and reproductive health risk of combined Pb and PE-MPs exposure at environmental concentrations. Wild-type AB strain zebrafish were divided into four groups: blank control (Ctrl), Pb exposure (Pb), PE-MPs exposure (PE-MPs), and Pb+PE-MPs co-exposure (Pb+PE-MPs). Each group contained 30 adult fish (1:1 sex ratio) and was exposed for 30 days. Results indicated that co-exposure to Pb and PE-MPs at environmental concentrations induce hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress dysregulation, altered inflammation levels, and reproductive suppression in the gonadal tissues of zebrafish. This subsequently impaired the survival and development of F1 offspring, with pronounced sex-specific heterogeneity. Reproductive damage in both male and female zebrafish was associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress and DNA damage. Notably, male individuals exhibited lipid metabolism disorders and abnormal activation of mitochondrial autophagy and ferroptosis pathways, whereas females primarily showed disturbances in metabolic pathways involving amino acid synthesis and degradation. Collectively, co-exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb and PE-MPs induced sex-dependent reproductive toxicity. These findings offer novel insights into the reproductive toxicity and ecotoxicological risk of combined Pb and PE-MPs exposure.
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Long-term effects of individual and combined exposure to microplastics and copper in zebrafish hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis – A multi-biomarker evaluation
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This study exposed zebrafish to microplastics, copper, and both combined for 30 days and examined effects on their reproductive system. The combination of microplastics and copper caused greater hormonal disruption and oxidative stress than either pollutant alone, affecting genes that control reproduction in both male and female fish. These findings suggest that microplastics interacting with metal pollution in waterways could compound reproductive harm in aquatic organisms and potentially in humans who consume contaminated fish.
Effects of combined exposure to polystyrene microplastics and 17α-Methyltestosterone on the reproductive system of zebrafish
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Researchers exposed zebrafish to polystyrene microplastics combined with a synthetic hormone (17-alpha-methyltestosterone) and found that the combination caused more severe reproductive damage than either substance alone. The co-exposure reduced mature egg and sperm production, disrupted hormone-related gene expression, and lowered reproductive hormone levels. This suggests that microplastics can make the effects of hormone-disrupting chemicals in the environment worse, which is concerning for both wildlife and human reproductive health.
Synergistic endocrine disruption and cellular toxicity of polyethylene microplastics and bisphenol A in MLTC-1 cells and zebrafish
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When zebrafish and testicular cells were exposed to polyethylene microplastics and the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) together, the combination caused significantly worse reproductive harm than either pollutant alone, including reduced cell survival and disrupted hormone-producing gene activity. This matters because people are commonly exposed to both microplastics and BPA through food packaging, and their combined effect on reproductive health may be greater than expected.
Individual and combined effects of microplastics and diphenyl phthalate as plastic additives on male goldfish: A biochemical and physiological investigation
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Male goldfish exposed to both microplastics and the plasticizer chemical DPP (diphenyl phthalate) together showed significant liver damage, disrupted fat and sugar metabolism, and hormonal imbalances including decreased testosterone and increased estrogen. The combined exposure was more harmful than either pollutant alone, demonstrating how microplastics and their chemical additives can work together to disrupt the endocrine system.
Size-specific effects of microplastics and lead on zebrafish
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Researchers studied how microplastics of different sizes interact with lead in zebrafish and found that the combination damaged gut barrier function and triggered liver inflammation more than either pollutant alone. The smallest microplastics paired with lead caused the most significant disruption to gut bacteria diversity. These findings highlight that microplastics can worsen the toxic effects of heavy metals in living organisms.
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