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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Gut & Microbiome Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Nanoplastics Sign in to save

Effects of microplastics, pesticides and nano-materials on fish health, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanism

Frontiers in Physiology 2023 170 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 70 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Udayadharshini Subaramaniyam, Rethi Saliya Allimuthu, Shanu Vappu, Divya Ramalingam, Ranjini Balan, Biswaranjan Paital, Niranjan Panda, Prasana Kumar Rath, Nirmaladevi Ramalingam, Dipak Kumar Sahoo

Summary

This review examines how microplastics, pesticides, and nanoparticles harm fish by causing oxidative stress, DNA damage, immune system disruption, and changes in gut bacteria. Since contaminated fish is a major pathway for microplastics and pesticides to enter the human diet, declining fish health and quality directly affect food safety and human nutrition worldwide.

Body Systems

Microplastics and pesticides are emerging contaminants in the marine biota, which cause many harmful effects on aquatic organisms, especially on fish. Fish is a staple and affordable food source, rich in animal protein, along with various vitamins, essential amino acids, and minerals. Exposure of fish to microplastics, pesticides, and various nanoparticles generates ROS and induces oxidative stress, inflammation, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and DNA damage and alters gut microbiota, thus reducing the growth and quality of fish. Changes in fish behavioral patterns, swimming, and feeding habits were also observed under exposures to the above contaminants. These contaminants also affect the Nrf-2, JNK, ERK, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways. And Nrf2-KEAP1 signalling modulates redox status marinating enzymes in fish. Effects of pesticides, microplastics, and nanoparticles found to modulate many antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione system. So, to protect fish health from stress, the contribution of nano-technology or nano-formulations was researched. A decrease in fish nutritional quality and population significantly impacts on the human diet, influencing traditions and economics worldwide. On the other hand, traces of microplastics and pesticides in the habitat water can enter humans by consuming contaminated fish which may result in serious health hazards. This review summarizes the oxidative stress caused due to microplastics, pesticides and nano-particle contamination or exposure in fish habitat water and their impact on human health. As a rescue mechanism, the use of nano-technology in the management of fish health and disease was discussed.

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