We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evaluation of Detoxification‐Related Gene Expression, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers, and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Common Carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) Co‐Exposed to Polyethylene Microplastics and Deltamethrin
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether polyethylene microplastics worsen the toxic effects of the insecticide deltamethrin in juvenile common carp over a 30-day exposure. The study found that co-exposure to microplastics and deltamethrin affected detoxification-related gene expression, oxidative stress biomarkers, and blood biochemistry, suggesting that microplastics can modify the bioavailability and toxicity of co-occurring pesticides in fish.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems and are able to modify the bioavailability and toxicity of co-occurring chemicals. In the present study, it was investigated whether high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-MPs exacerbate the toxicological effects of the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish (n = 270; 25 ± 5 g) were randomly allocated to a 2 × 3 factorial design (three replicates per group; 15 fish per tank) and exposed for 30 days to sub-lethal deltamethrin (12.5 μg/L; 10% of 96-h LC₅₀) and/or HDPE-MPs (0, 350, or 700 μg/L; 200-250 μm). Hepatic detoxification- and antioxidant-related gene expression was quantified, together with redox status, oxidative damage, and plasma biochemical biomarkers of organ function and injury. Deltamethrin and MPs alone altered transcriptional and biochemical endpoints, while co-exposure (particularly with 700 μg/L MPs) produced the most pronounced responses, including stronger induction of detoxification/metal-binding genes, reduced overall antioxidant capacity, and marked increases in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. Plasma activities of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, GGT, and CK increased, and butyrylcholinesterase was inhibited, indicating cellular membrane damage and multi-organ dysfunction. Changes in circulating metabolites and creatinine further supported hepatic and renal impairment, and significant interaction effects for multiple endpoints suggested potentiation of deltamethrin toxicity by MPs. Overall, HDPE MPs act as relevant co-stressors that intensify deltamethrin-driven toxicity in fish, underscoring the need for mixture-aware monitoring and risk assessment in contaminated freshwater environments.
More Papers Like This
Toxic effects of polyethylene microplastics on transcriptional changes, biochemical response, and oxidative stress in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed common carp to varying concentrations of polyethylene microplastics and assessed biochemical, oxidative, and gene expression changes. The study found that microplastic exposure caused significant oxidative stress, altered liver enzyme activity, and modified the expression of stress-related genes in a dose-dependent manner.
The impact of combined exposure to triphenyltin and microplastics on the oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and digestive function of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
AI summary Read the abstract
Exposing common carp to triphenyltin and microplastics individually and in combination found that combined exposure caused greater oxidative stress, disrupted energy metabolism more severely, and more strongly impaired digestive enzyme activity than either pollutant alone.
Toxic effects of microplastic (polyethylene) exposure: Bioaccumulation, hematological parameters and antioxidant responses in crucian carp, Carassius carassius
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed crucian carp to polyethylene microplastics at various concentrations and found that the particles accumulated in tissues including gills, gut, and liver. The microplastics altered blood cell counts and disrupted the fish's antioxidant defense system in a dose-dependent manner. The study suggests that even common polyethylene microplastics can cause measurable biological harm in freshwater fish.
Copper and Microplastic Exposure Affects the Gill Gene Expression of Common Carp During Saltwater Challenge
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how combined copper and microplastic exposure affects gill gene expression in common carp, finding synergistic stress responses including upregulation of genes involved in oxidative stress defense and immune function.
Toxicity of mixture of polyethylene microplastics and Up Grade® pesticide on Oreochromis niloticus juvenile: I. Hemato-biochemical and histopathological alterations
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed juvenile Nile tilapia to a pesticide and polyethylene microplastics, both individually and in combination, and measured blood chemistry changes and organ damage over 15 days. The combination treatment caused more severe effects than either pollutant alone, including reduced red blood cell counts, elevated liver enzymes, and significant tissue damage to the gills and intestines. The study demonstrates that microplastics can worsen the toxic effects of agricultural pesticides on commercially important fish species.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.