We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Female zebrafish are more affected than males under polystyrene microplastics exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed zebrafish to polystyrene microplastics and discovered that female fish were significantly more affected than males, showing greater gut microbiota disruption and metabolic changes in the liver. The microplastics accumulated more in the gills than the gut, and female fish experienced disrupted sex hormones and reduced egg production. The study highlights that microplastic toxicity can vary substantially between sexes, with potential consequences for fish population health.
Microplastics are ubiquitous in freshwater and can be absorbed into fish skin and gills, accumulate in the gut, and be transported to other tissues, thus posing a risk to fish health. Further studies are needed, however, to investigate effects such as endocrine disruption and multi-tissue toxicity. In this study, zebrafish were exposed to polystyrene (PS) microplastics and health-related indicators were measured, including skin mucus, gut damage, oxidative stress, stable isotope composition and reproduction as well as an assessment of changes to metabolites using a metabolomics approach. Results showed that concentrations of PS microplastics were higher in gills than those in the gut. Minimal impact to immunoglobulin M level and lysozyme activity in mucus indicated, however, that microplastic toxicity primarily stemmed from ingestion rather than disruption of skin mucus immunity. Female zebrafish were more affected by PS microplastics. Gut microbiota dysbiosis was induced, especially in females. Significant alterations in pathways associated with lipid and energy metabolism were observed in the liver of female fish. PS microplastics also induced sex steroid hormone disorder and reduced female egg production, possibly linked to the alteration of gut microbiota and hepatic metabolism. Combined, these results highlight the gender-specific toxicity of PS microplastics to zebrafish health, potentially harming their population.
More Papers Like This
Polyethylene microplastics differently induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic metabolism in male and female adult zebrafish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed male and female adult zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics and found that females experienced more pronounced gut microbiota disruption and a greater number of differential hepatic metabolites — particularly phospholipids — compared with males, and that females also recovered more slowly after transfer to clean water.
Polystyrene microplastics-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis with altered short chain fatty acid is associated with reproductive physiology and endocrine disorder in female zebrafish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics disrupted gut bacteria in female zebrafish, leading to inflammation, hormone imbalances, and impaired egg development. The study provides the first evidence that microplastic-induced gut microbiome changes can drive reproductive problems through a chain reaction involving immune, metabolic, and hormonal pathways.
Exposure to polystyrene microplastic beads causes sex-specific toxic effects in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed fruit flies (Drosophila) polystyrene microplastics and found toxic effects that differed between males and females. Exposed flies showed changes in feeding behavior, digestion, and excretion, with females experiencing greater reproductive impacts. This study is significant because it demonstrates that microplastic toxicity can be sex-specific, suggesting that health effects in humans might also differ between men and women.
Polystyrene nanoplastics alter intestinal toxicity of 2,4-DTBP in a sex-dependent manner in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed zebrafish to polystyrene nanoplastics combined with an industrial chemical called 2,4-DTBP and found that the toxic effects on the intestines differed between males and females. In males, the nanoplastics made the chemical's gut damage worse, while in females the combination actually reduced harm compared to the chemical alone. The study highlights that sex-specific biological differences can significantly change how organisms respond to combined plastic and chemical pollution.
Sex-Specific Effects of Polystyrene Microplastic and Lead(II) Co-Exposure on the Gut Microbiome and Fecal Metabolome in C57BL/6 Mice
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed male and female mice to a combination of polystyrene microplastics and lead, finding that the effects on gut bacteria and metabolism differed significantly between sexes. Female mice showed greater disruption to their gut microbiome diversity, while different metabolic pathways were affected in each sex. This study is important because it suggests that microplastic health effects may differ between men and women, and that microplastics can make heavy metal exposure worse by carrying metals into the digestive system.
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.