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Microplastics alter development, behavior, and innate immunity responses following bacterial infection during zebrafish embryo-larval development
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Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics altered zebrafish larval development, behavior, and innate immune responses in a timing-dependent manner, with early embryonic exposure through the egg chorion amplifying susceptibility to subsequent bacterial infection.
Although the hazards of microplastics (MPs) have been explored, no complete data exists on the effect of MPs on the egg chorion. This study aims to evaluate the modification of immune responses, metabolism, and behavior of zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio) depending on the moment of exposure. Larvae were exposed to 5 μm polystyrene microbeads at a concentration of 0, 100, or 1000 μg/l, according to a specified times of exposure (0-4, 4-8, 0-8 days postfertilization (dpf)), followed by a bacterial challenge at 8 dpf. After every 4 and 8 dpf, swimming activity, gene expression related to oxidative stress and immune system responses were assessed. During embryonic development, larvae exposed to a concentration of 1000 μg/l MPs already showed a significantly reduced tail coiling frequency, yolk sac resorption and heartbeat. At 8 dpf, swimming activity was altered, even without ingestion and a few days after the end of MP exposure. Our results indicated a difference in immune system (nfkb, il1β) and apoptosis (casp3a, bcl2) related gene expression depending on the timing of MP exposure, which highlighted a contrasting sensitivity according to the exposure time in MP studies. This study brings new insight into how MPs might affect zebrafish larvae health and development even without ingestion.
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Microplastics negatively impact embryogenesis and modulate the immune response of the marine medaka Oryzias melastigma
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Researchers exposed marine medaka embryos (Oryzias melastigma) to polystyrene microplastics at varying concentrations and found dose-dependent developmental toxicity, including reduced hatching rates and altered immune gene expression, providing mechanistic insight into early-life MP effects.
Realistic microplastics harness bacterial presence and promote impairments in early zebrafish embryos: Behavioral, developmental, and transcriptomic approaches.
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to realistic microplastic fragments and fibers from bottles and textiles, both alone and combined with a bacterial pathogen. They found that microplastics adhered to egg surfaces and accelerated hatching, while fragments were more harmful to development than fibers. The study provides new insights into how microplastics interact with environmental pathogens to affect early life stages of aquatic organisms.
Effects of polystyrene microplastics on the composition of the microbiome and metabolism in larval zebrafish
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Researchers exposed larval zebrafish to two sizes of polystyrene microplastics and found significant changes in gut microbiome composition and metabolic activity. The microplastics altered the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria and disrupted metabolic pathways important for development. The study suggests that early-life exposure to microplastics could have meaningful biological consequences by reshaping the gut environment of developing organisms.
Micro- and Nanoplastics Exposure and Effects on Embryonic Development and Larval Behavior of Zebrafish
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to nanoplastics for three to five days and measured developmental and behavioral endpoints, finding that plastic accumulation in early development slowed yolk consumption and body growth on day two and increased locomotion while reducing body length by day six — supporting persistent developmental disruption from nanoplastic exposure.
Exposure to microplastics decreases swimming competence in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos and larvae to polystyrene microplastics and found that the particles adhered to egg surfaces before being ingested into the stomach and intestines after hatching. At higher concentrations, exposed larvae showed significantly reduced swimming distance and speed, along with upregulated genes related to inflammation and oxidative stress. The study suggests that microplastic exposure can impair swimming ability in larval fish, which could have broader ecological consequences for population fitness.
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