We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The genotoxic effects of microplastics in aquatic organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the genotoxic effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms, synthesizing evidence across endpoints including micronuclei frequency, DNA strand breaks, and percentage of DNA in the tail (%Tail DNA), finding that genotoxicity mechanisms are closely linked to reactive oxygen species production, inflammatory responses, and interference with DNA repair pathways.
Microplastics (MPs) are anthropogenic contaminants, distributed in the entire ecosystem. However, the impact of MPs on the biota, humans, and the environment is still uncertain. Recent studies have overemphasized the occurrence, characterization, and cytotoxicity effects of MPs but deciphering the genotoxic potential of these substances is not yet clear. Thus, we provided a review to address the genotoxic effects of MPs in aquatic organisms. Several genotoxic endpoints were implicated, including the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB), nuclear buds (NBUD), DNA strand breaks, and the percentage of DNA in the tail (%Tail DNA). In addition, the mechanism of MPs-induced genotoxicity seems to be closely related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammatory responses, and DNA repair interference. Further, future research was suggested to present environmentally relevant conditions. Moreover, the long-term effects of MPs should be addressed, and assessing the genotoxic effect in terrestrial ecosystems need to be taken into account. Also see: https://micro2022.sciencesconf.org/424025/document
More Papers Like This
Evidence-based meta-analysis of the genotoxicity induced by microplastics in aquatic organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations (≤1 mg/L) significantly increased DNA damage in aquatic organisms by 20-81% across multiple genotoxic endpoints, with effects correlated to particle size, living habitat, and species but independent of exposure concentration or duration.
Genotoxicity and Genomic Instability Induced by Micro- and Nanoplastics: A Comprehensive Multi-Taxa Mechanistic Review.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review of existing research found that tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) can damage DNA in many different living things, from fish to human cells. The plastic particles cause this damage by creating harmful molecules called free radicals, disrupting the body's ability to repair DNA, and triggering inflammation. These findings suggest that the growing amount of plastic pollution in our environment could pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife.
Genotoxic effect of microplastics and COVID-19: The hidden threat
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the genotoxic potential of microplastics in aquatic organisms and human cells, noting that research in this area is still limited despite growing concern. Researchers identified several types of DNA damage associated with microplastic exposure, including micronuclei formation, DNA strand breaks, and chromosomal abnormalities. The study also discusses how COVID-19-related plastic waste may compound these genotoxic risks in the environment.
Revealing the hidden threats: Genotoxic effects of microplastics on freshwater fish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed a common freshwater fish to microplastics and found evidence of DNA damage in blood cells, along with changes in liver function and oxidative stress markers. The study took a comprehensive approach, measuring effects from the molecular level up to whole-organism responses. These genotoxic effects (damage to genetic material) in fish raise questions about whether chronic microplastic exposure could pose similar risks to other organisms, including humans.
Toxicity and biomarkers of micro-plastic in aquatic environment: a review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes literature on the toxicity and biomarker responses of aquatic organisms to microplastics, covering uptake routes, bioavailability factors, and both lethal and sub-lethal effects. It highlights oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and genotoxicity as consistent toxic mechanisms across diverse aquatic species.
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.