We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Plastic Fly: What Drosophila melanogaster Can Tell Us about the Biological Effects and the Carcinogenic Potential of Nanopolystyrene
Summary
Researchers used fruit flies as a model organism to investigate whether polystyrene nanoplastics can cause genetic damage and promote tumor growth. They found that nanoplastic exposure led to DNA damage and increased tumor formation in the flies, with effects worsening at higher concentrations. The study suggests that nanoplastics commonly found in food packaging may carry cancer-promoting potential that warrants further investigation.
Today, plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to the environment and public health. In the tissues of exposed species, micro- and nano-fragments accumulate, leading to genotoxicity, altered metabolism, and decreased lifespan. A model to investigate the genotoxic and tumor-promoting potential of nanoplastics (NPs) is Drosophila melanogaster. Here we tested polystyrene, which is commonly used in food packaging, is not well recycled, and makes up at least 30% of landfills. In order to investigate the biological effects and carcinogenic potential of 100 µm polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs), we raised Oregon [R] wild-type flies on contaminated food. After prolonged exposure, fluorescent PSNPs accumulated in the gut and fat bodies. Furthermore, PSNP-fed flies showed considerable alterations in weight, developmental time, and lifespan, as well as a compromised ability to recover from starvation. Additionally, we noticed a decrease in motor activity in DNAlig4 mutants fed with PSNPs, which are known to be susceptible to dietary stressors. A qPCR molecular investigation of the larval intestines revealed a markedly elevated expression of the genes drice and p53, suggesting a response to cell damage. Lastly, we used warts-defective mutants to assess the carcinogenic potential of PSNPs and discovered that exposed flies had more aberrant masses than untreated ones. In summary, our findings support the notion that ingested nanopolystyrene triggers metabolic and genetic modifications in the exposed organisms, eventually delaying development and accelerating death and disease.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Polystyrene microplastics alter physiological parameters in the Drosophila model
Researchers investigated the effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and found dose- and size-dependent toxicity at both larval and adult stages. Exposure caused significant behavioral impairments, elevated markers of cellular stress, and activated key stress response genes, indicating that polystyrene microplastics induce oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Adverse biological effects of ingested polystyrene microplastics using Drosophila melanogaster as a model in vivo organism
Researchers used fruit flies as an in vivo model to study the biological effects of ingesting polystyrene microplastics at three different sizes. Exposure caused significant morphological defects, impaired climbing behavior, and genotoxic effects as shown by a somatic mutation test. The findings suggest that polystyrene microplastics may induce genetic damage primarily through somatic recombination, raising concerns about their potential biological impact on living organisms.
The effects of microplastics and nanoplastics upon history, policies, and Drosophila melanogaster
This study examined the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, finding that dietary exposure to these pervasive environmental contaminants causes measurable biological harm and making the case for stronger regulatory policies.
Metabolic effects of dietary exposure to polystyrene microplastic and nanoplastic in fruit flies
Researchers used fruit flies as a model organism to study the metabolic effects of ingesting polystyrene microplastic and nanoplastic particles at environmentally relevant doses. They found that both particle sizes disrupted metabolic processes, with nanoplastics causing more pronounced changes in energy storage and lipid metabolism. The study suggests that dietary exposure to plastic particles, even at levels found in the environment, can meaningfully alter metabolic physiology.
Exposure of polystyrene microplastics induces oxidative stress and physiological defects in Drosophila melanogaster
Researchers used fruit flies as a model organism to study the effects of polystyrene microplastics and found that dietary exposure caused significant oxidative stress at both tested concentrations. The microplastics impaired climbing ability in adult flies and disrupted normal development patterns during the pupal stage. The study suggests that microplastic ingestion can trigger oxidative damage and physiological defects even in relatively simple organisms.