We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Effect of Exposure to Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Cytokine Levels and Reproductive System of Male Tilapia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed male tilapia fish different doses of polystyrene nanoplastics for 25 days and examined the effects on their reproductive systems. While inflammatory markers in the blood were not significantly affected, the nanoplastics caused a notable reduction in the number of sperm-producing cells in testicular tissue. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure may pose risks to reproductive health in fish even without triggering obvious immune responses.
Several studies demonstrated adverse effects associated with exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (NPs), such as toxicity, inflammation, or other health-related concerns. This study aims to analyse the impact of NPs exposure on pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and testicular histology in tilapia gonads. Twenty-four male tilapias were used in this study and divided into four groups, including a control (commercial pellets only) and three treatment groups (commercial feed mixed 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 µL/kg of NPs, respectively) for 25 days. Blood sample was used to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-ɣ) levels analysis. Histology of testicular tissue was prepared with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The results showed that NPs exposure has no significant influence of TNF-α and IFN-ɣ levels. The levels of TNF-α on the control (1.6 ± 0.3 ng/mL) and the treatment groups from low to high concentration (1.7± 0.4; 1.7 ± 0.4; and 1.6 ± 0.3 ng/mL) and the levels of IFN-γ control (16.7 ± 2.8 ng/mL) and the treatment groups (19.1 ± 5.3; 18.7 ± 4.2; and 19.8 ± 3.5 ng/mL). Polystyrene nanoplastics exposure can reduce the number of spermatogenic cells. Spermatogonia cells was decreased from 27.5 ± 0.9 to 13.1 ± 1.1 cells/cyst. Spermatocyte cell was decreased from 57.6 ± 0.6 to 18.5 ± 0.3 cells/cyst. Spermatid cells was decreased from 86.8 ± 2.7 to 38.5 ± 2.7. In conclusion, exposure to multiple doses of NPs for 25 days did not increase pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in the blood serum of tilapia, but it caused histological changes in the gonads of fish.
More Papers Like This
From gonads to generations: Mechanistic insights into reproductive disruption by polystyrene nanoplastics and co-contaminants in fish
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes current research on how polystyrene nanoplastics impair reproductive health in fish, including disruption of gonad structure, hormone levels, and gene regulation along the reproductive axis. Researchers found that nanoplastics can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in reproductive tissues and may even affect offspring development. The findings raise concerns about the long-term effects of nanoplastic pollution on fish populations and aquatic ecosystem health.
Impact of sub-chronic polystyrene nanoplastics exposure on hematology, histology, and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed Nile tilapia to polystyrene nanoplastics for an extended period and found the particles caused blood cell changes, tissue damage in the liver and gills, and activated stress responses in cellular structures called the endoplasmic reticulum. Even the lowest concentration tested, which matches levels found in the environment, triggered harmful effects. Since tilapia is one of the most consumed farmed fish worldwide, these results highlight potential food safety concerns from nanoplastic contamination in aquaculture.
Impacts of Environmental Concentrations of Nanoplastics on Zebrafish Neurobehavior and Reproductive Toxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed zebrafish to environmentally realistic levels of polystyrene nanoplastics and found they caused both brain and reproductive damage. The nanoplastics disrupted neurotransmitter signaling and impaired the hormonal pathway connecting the brain to reproductive organs, with different effects in males and females. These findings suggest that even low-level nanoplastic exposure could affect both brain function and fertility in aquatic life that humans may consume.
Toxic Effects of Immunofluorescent Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Rat Testicular Tissue
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed rat testicular tissue to fluorescent polystyrene nanoplastics at two different doses for one month and found that the particles accumulated in the reproductive organs. Higher doses led to increased oxidative stress, tissue damage, and changes in biochemical markers associated with reproductive function. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure may pose risks to male reproductive health, though more research is needed to understand the implications for humans.
Impacts of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Fisheries Biology and Prospective Remediation Approaches in Aquatic Ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how polystyrene nanoplastics affect fish biology, including physiology, behavior, and reproductive health. The study highlights that nanoplastics cause oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and bioaccumulation in fish species, and that these effects can be amplified when nanoplastics interact with other environmental stressors such as pesticides and heavy metals.
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.