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Microplastic exposure disturbs sleep structure, reduces lifespan, and decreases ovary size in Drosophila melanogaster
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Researchers fed microplastics to fruit flies and found that continuous exposure shortened their lifespan, disrupted sleep patterns, damaged the gut, and reduced ovary size in females. Even though the microplastics stayed in the digestive system and did not physically reach the brain or ovaries, gene activity in those organs was still altered, suggesting the damage spreads through the body indirectly. This study provides evidence that microplastic exposure can have whole-body effects, not just damage to the organs directly in contact with the particles.
The organ-specific toxicity resulting from microplastic (MP) exposure has been extensively explored, particularly concerning the gut, liver, testis, and lung. However, under natural conditions, these effects are not restricted to specific organs or tissues. Investigating whether MP exposure presents a systemic threat to an entire organism, impacting factors such as lifespan, sleep, and fecundity, is essential. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary exposure to two different doses of MPs (1-5 μm) using the terrestrial model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Results indicated that the particles caused gut damage and remained within the digestive system. Continuous MP exposure significantly shortened the lifespan of adult flies. Even short-term exposure disrupted sleep patterns, increasing the length of daytime sleep episodes. Additionally, one week of MP exposure reduced ovary size, with a trend towards decreased egg-laying in mated females. Although MPs did not penetrate the brain or ovaries, transcriptome analysis revealed altered gene expression in these tissues. In the ovary, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated genotoxic effects impacting inflammation, circadian regulation, and metabolic processes, with significant impacts on extracellular structure-related pathways. In the brain, GO analysis identified changes in pathways associated with proteolysis and carbohydrate metabolism. Overall, this study provides compelling evidence of the systemic negative effects of MP exposure, highlighting the urgent need to address and mitigate environmental MP pollution.
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Micro- and Nanoplastics in Drosophila melanogaster: Reproductive Effects and Potential Mechanisms
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This review summarized 11 studies on fruit flies exposed to micro- and nanoplastics. It found possible links to reduced fertility and egg production, changes in reproductive organs, oxidative stress, and altered gene activity, though results varied and more research is needed to understand the causes.
Intake of polyamide microplastics affects the behavior and metabolism of Drosophila
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Researchers found that exposure to polyamide microplastics altered feeding behaviour, reduced triglyceride and protein levels, and disrupted metabolism in Drosophila, with effects differing between sexes and increasing in severity at higher microplastic concentrations.
Size-dependent and sex-specific negative effects of micro- and nano-sized polystyrene particles in the terrestrial invertebrate model Drosophila melanogaster
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Fruit flies exposed to low doses of polystyrene micro and nanoparticles for 28 days showed tissue damage in their gut, ovaries, and testes, with smaller particles causing more harm. The plastics triggered oxidative stress and cell death in gut tissue, though reproduction was not significantly affected at these doses. This study, using a well-established model organism, suggests that even low-level, long-term exposure to tiny plastic particles can damage internal organs, with potential implications for other species including humans.
Polyethylene microplastics induce behavioural and developmental deficits in the Drosophila model
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Researchers generated polyethylene microplastics sized 2-10 micrometers and tested their effects on fruit flies (Drosophila). They found that exposure caused severe declines in fly longevity, reduced locomotor function in both larvae and adults, decreased eclosion rates, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity along with stress-response gene activation. The findings provide evidence that polyethylene microplastics can impair growth, development, and survival in a well-established animal model.
Polyethylene microplastics affect behavioural, oxidative stress, and molecular responses in the Drosophila model
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Fruit flies exposed to polyethylene microplastics showed reduced climbing and crawling ability, increased oxidative stress, and activation of genes involved in cell death and stress responses. The microplastics overwhelmed the flies' antioxidant defenses and triggered the same cellular damage pathways associated with disease in mammals. Since fruit flies share many biological pathways with humans, these findings suggest that microplastic exposure could cause similar oxidative damage and stress responses in human cells.
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