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Effects of microbeads and cadmium on oxidative stress and apoptosis in rockfish Sebastes schlegeli: comparison of single and combined environmental conditions
Summary
Single and combined exposure of rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) to polystyrene microbeads and cadmium resulted in elevated accumulation in gills and intestines, increased liver oxidative stress, and significant apoptosis in combined-exposure fish compared to single-pollutant groups. The synergistic toxic effect demonstrates that microplastics acting as vectors for heavy metals amplify harm beyond either pollutant alone, with downstream implications for seafood safety and human dietary exposure.
With their hydrophobic properties, microplastics can disperse in water, carrying pollutants such as heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), a non-essential metal that can cause oxidative stress and cell death in fish. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of single and combined exposure to polystyrene microbeads (MBs) and Cd on their accumulation, oxidative stress status, and apoptosis in Sebastes schlegeli. The results revealed that the accumulation of MBs and Cd in the gills and intestines increased, and the mRNA expression of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, catalase, and cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A polypeptide 1 in the liver was confirmed. Furthermore, caspase-3 mRNA expression and TUNEL analyses demonstrated that liver H2O2 and plasma malondialdehyde levels and apoptosis significantly increased following combined MB and Cd exposure. The study suggests that the combination of hydrophobic MBs and Cd can increase their accumulation in S. schlegeli, leading to oxidative stress and apoptosis. This combination of external toxic substances, such as Cd, with microplastics can negatively impact aquaculture and potentially affect humans.