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Current Aspects on the Plastic Nano- and Microparticles Toxicity in Zebrafish—Focus on the Correlation between Oxidative Stress Responses and Neurodevelopment
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This review examines how nano- and micro-sized plastic particles cause toxic effects in zebrafish, focusing on the link between oxidative stress and neurodevelopmental damage. Researchers found that plastic particle exposure disrupts the balance of reactive oxygen species in cells, which can impair brain development and nervous system function. The study suggests these oxidative stress responses may serve as early warning signals of plastic particle toxicity in aquatic organisms.
Recent reports focusing on the extent of plastic pollution have shown that many types of fibers and polymers can now be found in most marine species. The severe contamination of plastic nano-/microparticles (NPs/MPs) mainly results in immediate negative outcomes, such as organic impairments and tissue damage, as well as long-termed negative effects, such as developmental retardation and defects, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), metabolic imbalance, mutagenesis, and teratogenesis. Oxidative responses are currently considered the first line molecular signal to potential toxic stimuli exposure, as the oxidative balance in electron exchange and reactive oxygen species signaling provides efficient harmful stimuli processing. Abnormal signaling or dysregulated ROS metabolism-OS-could be an important source of cellular toxicity, the source of a vicious cycle of environmental and oxidative signaling-derived toxicity. As chemical environmental pollutants, plastic NPs/MPs can also be a cause of such toxicity. Thus, we aimed to correlate the possible toxic effects of plastic NPs/MPs in zebrafish models, by focusing on OS and developmental processes. We found that plastic NPs/MPs toxic effects could be observed during the entire developmental span of zebrafish in close correlation with OS-related changes. Excessive ROS production and decreased antioxidant enzymatic defense due to plastic NPs/MPs exposure and accumulation were frequently associated with acetylcholinesterase activity inhibition, suggesting important neurodevelopmental negative outcomes (cognitive abnormalities, neurodevelopmental retardation, behavioral impairments) and extraneuronal effects, such as impaired digestive physiology.
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Nanoplastic Exposure Mediates Neurodevelopmental Toxicity by Activating the Oxidative Stress Response in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Exposure to 20-nanometer plastic particles caused developmental problems in zebrafish embryos, including shorter body length, heart defects, and lower survival rates. The nanoplastics specifically damaged the development of motor neurons and triggered oxidative stress, a harmful chemical imbalance in cells. These results suggest that very small plastic particles could interfere with early brain and nerve development.
A current perspective on the relevance of nano and microplastics in the neurodevelopmental disorders: further relevance for metabolic, gastrointestinal, oxidative stress-related and zebrafish studies
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This review examines evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may affect brain development and neurological function, drawing on studies in zebrafish and other animal models. The authors discuss potential mechanisms including oxidative stress and endocrine disruption, and call for more research on the neurodevelopmental risks of plastic particle exposure.
Polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics induce neurotoxicity in zebrafish via oxidative stress and neurotransmitter disruption
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics and found that both particle sizes caused neurodevelopmental toxicity, with nanoplastics being more potent. The plastic particles induced oxidative stress in the brain and disrupted neurotransmitter levels critical for normal neural development. The study suggests that microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in aquatic environments may pose significant risks to the neurological development of fish.
Meta-analytical analysis on oxidative stress caused by micro- and nanoplastics in different life stages of Danio rerio
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This review of 50 studies found that when zebrafish (a common stand-in for studying animal health) are exposed to micro- and nanoplastics, it disrupts their body's natural defenses against cell damage, boosting harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species while weakening key antioxidant enzymes. Since these zebrafish findings often hint at how plastics might affect other animals, including humans, this adds to growing evidence that the tiny plastic particles now found in our water, food, and air could stress our cells too — though scientists say more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions about human health risks.
From particle size to brain function: a zebrafish-based review of micro/nanoplastic-induced neurobehavioral toxicity and mechanistic pathways
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This review uses zebrafish as a model to examine how micro- and nanoplastics cause neurobehavioral toxicity, linking particle size to brain function disruption. Researchers summarize evidence that these plastic particles impair fish behavior and cause molecular-level damage in the nervous system. The findings highlight the growing concern that micro- and nanoplastics are emerging neurotoxicants in aquatic environments.
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