We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Size-specific effects of microplastics and lead on zebrafish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how microplastics of different sizes interact with lead in zebrafish and found that the combination damaged gut barrier function and triggered liver inflammation more than either pollutant alone. The smallest microplastics paired with lead caused the most significant disruption to gut bacteria diversity. These findings highlight that microplastics can worsen the toxic effects of heavy metals in living organisms.
Microplastics (MPs) can adsorb heavy metals and induce combined toxicity to aquatic organisms. However, the combined effects on the gut-liver and gut-brain axes are yet to be fully comprehended. This study investigated the combined effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) with two concentrations (20 and 200 μg/L) and three sizes (0.1, 10, and 250 μm) and Pb (50 μg/L) on zebrafish through gut-liver and gut-brain axes. The results showed that the combined exposure of 0.1 μm PS-MPs and Pb resulted in the most significant changes to the community diversity of gut microbiota. The combined exposures of PS-MPs (0.1 μm and 250 μm PS-MPs) and Pb significantly down-regulated expression of zo-1 and occludin but increased the lipopolysaccharide content in zebrafish liver compared to the PS-MPs or Pb alone exposure groups, indicating impaired gut barrier function. Subsequent studies showed that combined exposure of PS-MPs (0.1 μm and 250 μm) and Pb induced liver inflammation through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, all exposure groups had an impact on the expression of genes related to bile acid metabolism (cyp7a1, fgf19, abcb11b, and slc10a2) and neurotransmitters (tph1a, tph2, pink, and trh). The findings of this study provide new evidence on the combined effects of MPs and heavy metals, which are significant for their hazard identification and risk assessment.
More Papers Like This
Effects of microplastics and lead exposure on gut oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed common carp to lead and microplastics both separately and together and found a surprising result: the combination was less harmful to the gut than lead alone. The microplastics appeared to reduce lead accumulation in the intestine and altered gut bacteria in ways that dampened the inflammatory response. The study highlights the importance of studying pollutants in combination, as their interactions can produce unexpected outcomes.
Combined effects of polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene microplastics with cadmium on the intestine of zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed zebrafish to PVC or polypropylene microplastics combined with cadmium, a toxic heavy metal often used in plastic manufacturing. The microplastics increased cadmium buildup in the fish intestines and worsened gut damage, including inflammation and disruption of the intestinal barrier. This is relevant to human health because people can be exposed to similar combinations of microplastics and heavy metals through contaminated seafood.
Combined toxic effects of polyethylene microplastics and lambda-cyhalothrin on gut of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polyethylene microplastics can adsorb the pesticide lambda-cyhalothrin from water and then release it in the guts of zebrafish, worsening its toxic effects. Fish exposed to both microplastics and the pesticide showed greater oxidative stress, immune disruption, and gut microbiome changes than those exposed to the pesticide alone. This demonstrates how microplastics can act as carriers that amplify the toxicity of other environmental pollutants in aquatic organisms consumed by humans.
Additive effects of microplastics on accumulation and toxicity of cadmium in male zebrafish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics and cadmium, both individually and in combination, for 21 days. They found that microplastics and cadmium together produced additive toxic effects, increasing cadmium accumulation in fish tissues, altering behavior, and causing more severe organ damage. The study suggests that microplastics in contaminated waterways may worsen the harmful effects of heavy metals on aquatic life.
Integrated analysis of zebrafish gut microbiota and liver transcriptome responses to polystyrene microplastics and cadmium
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed zebrafish to polystyrene microplastics and cadmium, both individually and combined, and found that combined exposure caused more severe disruption to gut bacteria and liver gene expression than either pollutant alone. The study revealed that microplastics decreased beneficial gut bacteria while increasing pathogenic species, and the combined treatment suppressed liver xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidant pathways.
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.