Pathological and biochemical effects of polyethylene microplastic exposure in hydrothermal vent crab, Xenograpsus testudinatus

Microplastic pollution significantly threatens marine ecosystems, including those with unique adaptations. This study evaluates the implications of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on the hydrothermal vent crab, Xenograpsus testudinatus. Crabs were exposed to varying fluorescent green polyethylene microspheres (FGPE) concentrations for 7 days. Histological analysis revealed severe damage to the hepatopancreas and gills at higher FGPE concentrations. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GR, GST, GPx, LPO) and gene expression (sod, cat) were assessed to evaluate oxidative stress responses. Results indicated significant upregulation of SOD and CAT activities at lower FGPE concentrations, suggesting an initial antioxidant response. However, GR and GST activities were inhibited at higher concentrations, and oxidative stress markers increased. These findings proved that PE-MPs induce molecular oxidative damage and lead to possible oxidative responses. Despite their resilience to extreme environments, HV crabs are vulnerable to pollutant-induced stressors, which pose ecological risks to species interactions and population dynamics within vent ecosystems.