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Meta-analytical analysis on oxidative stress caused by micro- and nanoplastics in different life stages of Danio rerio
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This review of 50 studies found that when zebrafish (a common stand-in for studying animal health) are exposed to micro- and nanoplastics, it disrupts their body's natural defenses against cell damage, boosting harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species while weakening key antioxidant enzymes. Since these zebrafish findings often hint at how plastics might affect other animals, including humans, this adds to growing evidence that the tiny plastic particles now found in our water, food, and air could stress our cells too — though scientists say more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions about human health risks.
Microplastics, known for being persistent and widespread, are environmental small particles that have the potential to be considered as pollutants with different aspects of stress in the environment. This review is a meta-analysis based on 50 articles (2016-2023) with 403 estimations examining the relationship between exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles (MP/NP) and oxidative stress in Danio rerio (zebrafish) in both larval and adult life stages. Results indicate that exposure to MP/NP may induce changes in markers of oxidative stress. Notably, a general decline in Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) activity as well as an elevation in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) was identified. While GPx activity was diminished in adults and larvae, CAT activity was decreased only in adults and was unaltered in larvae. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity increased in adults but decreased in larvae. MDA content remained unchanged in adults but decreased significantly in larvae. ROS levels consistently demonstrated an increasing pattern in both life stages, and no significant alterations were detected in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity and GSH levels. Tissue-specific analyses in adult D. rerio demonstrated diverse results, with reduced CAT in the brain and GPx in the gills, and increased GST in gills and liver, and enhanced ROS production in brain, gills, and liver. It seemed that different types of plastic (polystyrene and polypropylene) could induce different enzymatic profiles. Although these findings may provide indications of potential trends and serve as a reference for biomarker selection and risk assessment, the identified considerable heterogeneity and publication bias imply that the associated effect sizes should be interpreted with caution, highlighting the need for further, context-dependent studies.
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Current Aspects on the Plastic Nano- and Microparticles Toxicity in Zebrafish—Focus on the Correlation between Oxidative Stress Responses and Neurodevelopment
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This review examines how nano- and micro-sized plastic particles cause toxic effects in zebrafish, focusing on the link between oxidative stress and neurodevelopmental damage. Researchers found that plastic particle exposure disrupts the balance of reactive oxygen species in cells, which can impair brain development and nervous system function. The study suggests these oxidative stress responses may serve as early warning signals of plastic particle toxicity in aquatic organisms.
Genotoxic and Oxidative Damage of Environmental Pollutant Microplastics on Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed zebrafish to polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics at different concentrations for up to 21 days to measure oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study found that both types of microplastics disrupted the antioxidant system and caused measurable DNA damage, with effects depending on dosage and exposure time. These results suggest that microplastics in waterways could pose genetic and cellular risks to aquatic life.
Microplastics cause tissue damage by inducing apoptosis, oxidative damage, and inflammatory responses in zebrafish: a meta-analysis
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This analysis combined results from multiple studies of microplastics in zebrafish. It found microplastics lowered antioxidant enzyme activity, raised reactive oxygen species and inflammation markers, and triggered cell death pathways, causing tissue damage. The authors built a mathematical model linking these effects, consistent across different experiments.
Nanoplastic Exposure Mediates Neurodevelopmental Toxicity by Activating the Oxidative Stress Response in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Exposure to 20-nanometer plastic particles caused developmental problems in zebrafish embryos, including shorter body length, heart defects, and lower survival rates. The nanoplastics specifically damaged the development of motor neurons and triggered oxidative stress, a harmful chemical imbalance in cells. These results suggest that very small plastic particles could interfere with early brain and nerve development.
Toxic effect of chronic exposure to polyethylene nano/microplastics on oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and gut microbiota of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics and nanoplastics for 21 days and found both caused oxidative damage to organs, disrupted brain function, and altered gut bacteria. Surprisingly, the toxic effects of microplastics and nanoplastics were similar in terms of brain and gut impacts, though organ-level oxidative damage varied by tissue type. These findings are concerning because they show that the plastic particles commonly found in food and water can simultaneously harm the brain, gut, and vital organs.
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