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Microplastic exposure disturbs sleep structure, reduces lifespan, and decreases ovary size in Drosophila melanogaster
Summary
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.