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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.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution and metal contamination are two prominent environmental stressors with multifaceted implications for aquatic life and ecosystem health. However, the underlying toxicological mechanisms of MPs and metals co-exposure on fish reproduction processes are largely unknown. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to MPs (2 mg/L), copper (25 μg/L, Cu25), and their mixture (Cu25 + MPs), for 30 days. The oxidative stress response, along with the expression profile of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis-related genes in the brain and gonad of zebrafish, were evaluated. The findings demonstrated that exposure to MPs and Cu affects the antioxidant system of zebrafish brain and gonads, inhibiting GPx in individuals exposed to MPs, Cu25, and their mixture. The gene expression analysis revealed dysregulation of the HPG axis-related genes. Specifically, the androgen receptor (ar), estrogen receptor 1 (esr1), follicle-stimulating hormone (fsh), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone 2 (gnrh2) were upregulated in the brain, whereas the genes esr2a, ar, cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 (cyp11a) and cyp19a were upregulated in the gonads. Both the biochemical and gene expression results showed that the brain and gonads were differently affected by MPs and Cu with the effects varying with fish gender. Furthermore, the mixture exposure affected the brain the most, and the individual pollutants affected the gonads the most. Overall, this study highlights that MPs, alone or combined with Cu, adversely affect the HPG axis of zebrafish, posing a potential threat to the reproduction of fish populations.
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Combined effects of microplastics and copper on oxidative responses in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio) to microplastics (10 µg/L) and copper (45 µg/L) individually and in combination, finding that fish exposed to both stressors simultaneously exhibited higher oxidative stress across multiple body organs than those exposed to either contaminant alone.
The impact of microplastics and copper on sex ratio and oxidative stress: analysis in zebrafish intestine, gonad and brain
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to copper, polyethylene, and polystyrene microplastics individually and in combination, finding that copper caused high mortality, PE alone induced a feminization trend, and co-exposure amplified adverse effects on sex differentiation and antioxidant enzyme activity.
Single and combined acute and subchronic toxic effects of microplastics and copper in zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos and larvae to microplastics, copper, and their combinations to assess individual and combined toxic effects. They found that microplastics alone caused limited harm, but when combined with copper, the mixture produced altered biochemical responses and changes in gene expression. The study suggests that microplastics can modify the toxicity of heavy metals in aquatic organisms during early development.
Combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and cadmium on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and GH/IGF axis in zebrafish early life stages
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene microplastics and cadmium, both alone and together, and found that the combination caused significantly worse effects than either pollutant individually. Co-exposure amplified oxidative stress, increased cell death in the spine and esophagus, and disrupted growth hormone pathways more severely than single exposures. The findings suggest that microplastics and heavy metals in waterways may interact to create heightened risks for developing fish.
Biological Effects of Microplastics and Its Binary Mixture with Copper in Zebrafish Brain and Gonads
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Scientists exposed zebrafish to tiny plastic particles (microplastics) alone and combined with copper, a common water pollutant, to see how they affect the brain and reproductive organs. The study found that microplastics can cause harmful effects on their own, and when mixed with copper, the combination can be even more damaging than either substance by itself. Since zebrafish are often used to predict health risks in other animals, this research is a warning sign that everyday plastic pollution mixed with other contaminants could pose greater risks to human health than previously thought.
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