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Polyethylene microplastics perforate the chorion defense, triggering developmental cardiotoxicity at zebrafish
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This zebrafish study showed that polyethylene microplastics sized 1-4 micrometers can penetrate the protective membrane surrounding fish embryos, contrary to the previous belief that this barrier blocks particles above 0.7 micrometers. The microplastics caused reduced heart rates and turned down genes important for heart development, even at low concentrations. These findings suggest that microplastics can bypass natural biological barriers and cause subtle but meaningful heart development problems.
Polyethylene microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose potential risks to aquatic organisms. This study investigates the effects of polyethylene microplastics on zebrafish (Danio rerio, Hamilton 1822) embryo development, with a focus on whether the chorion, a protective barrier surrounding the embryo, is effective in blocking polyethylene penetration. Contrary to previous findings that suggested the chorion could prevent larger microplastics (>0.7 µm) from entering, our study demonstrates that polyethylene particles sized 1-4 µm can still negatively impact embryo development without dechorionation. Embryos were exposed to polyethylene at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg l, followed by RNA sequencing to assess gene expression changes. Despite no significant differences in survival, hatching, or body length between control and treated groups, a significant reduction in heart rate was observed at higher concentrations, indicating potential sub-lethal cardiotoxicity. Further, RT-qPCR validation confirmed significant downregulation of key heart development-related genes, particularly fbln1 and fn1b, in polyethylene-exposed embryos. These findings highlight the ability of polyethylene microplastics to penetrate natural barriers such as the chorion and induce physiological and developmental changes. Our results emphasize the need for further research into the long-term effects of microplastic exposure on aquatic ecosystems.
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Barrier function of zebrafish embryonic chorions against microplastics and nanoplastics and its impact on embryo development
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Researchers found that zebrafish embryonic membranes effectively block micro- and nanoplastic particles from entering the embryo, but the particles accumulate on the membrane surface and cause indirect harm. The coating of plastic particles on the membrane restricted oxygen flow, accelerated heart rates, and delayed hatching of the embryos. The study shows that even when physically blocked, plastic particles can still disrupt early development in aquatic organisms by altering the embryo's microenvironment.
Down to size: Exploring the influence of plastic particle Dimensions on physiological and nervous responses in early-stage zebrafish
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Researchers compared the effects of microplastics versus nanoplastics on developing zebrafish and found that only the nanoplastics (250 nanometers) were small enough to pass through the protective egg membrane and directly reach the embryo. The nanoplastics caused heart rate changes and neurotoxic effects at the larval stage, while the larger microplastics mainly affected the embryos indirectly from outside. This demonstrates that smaller plastic particles are more dangerous during early development because they can bypass protective barriers.
Cardiovascular toxicity assessment of polyethylene nanoplastics on developing zebrafish embryos
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Researchers assessed the cardiovascular effects of polyethylene nanoplastics on developing zebrafish embryos and found that exposure above 50 micrograms per milliliter caused pericardial edema, reduced cardiac output, and impaired blood vessel formation. The nanoplastics also triggered oxidative stress and inflammation, which contributed to blood clot formation in the embryos. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure could pose risks to cardiovascular development in living organisms.
Toxic effects of environmental-relevant exposure to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro and nanoparticles in zebrafish early development
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to PET plastic micro and nanoparticles at levels found in the environment and observed toxic effects including reduced tail movement, faster heart rates, and changes in eye development. The smaller nanoplastic particles were especially concerning because they are more easily absorbed by developing organisms. These findings suggest that PET plastic pollution in water could harm fish development, raising questions about effects on other species exposed through contaminated water.
Toxic effects of polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics on the zebrafish cardiovascular system and their differential mechanisms
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Researchers compared the cardiovascular toxicity of polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics in zebrafish larvae, examining effects on heart development, oxidative stress, and cell death. Both types of microplastics caused cardiovascular damage, but they operated through different molecular mechanisms, with polystyrene primarily triggering oxidative stress while polyethylene more strongly induced cell death pathways. The findings indicate that the chemical composition of microplastics matters significantly when assessing their health effects.
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