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Microplastics and copper induce apoptosis, alter neurocircuits, and cause behavioral changes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain
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Researchers investigated the chronic effects of microplastics and copper, alone and combined, on zebrafish brains over 30 days. The study found that both contaminants induced apoptosis, altered neurotransmitter pathways, and caused behavioral changes including increased anxiety, with combined exposure producing more severe effects than either pollutant alone.
The knowledge regarding the neurological and behavioral toxic effects associated with microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals exposure is still scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential chronic (30 days) toxic effects of MPs (2 mg/L) and copper (Cu, 25 µg/L), alone or combined, in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain antioxidant system, cell proliferation/death, cholinergic-, serotonergic- and dopaminergic pathways and, consequently, in locomotor, anxiety, and social behaviors. Our findings showed that MPs and Cu exposure modulated the antioxidant system of zebrafish brain, with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) having higher activity in the Cu25 +MPs group, but glutathione peroxidase (GPx) being inhibited in MPs, Cu25 and Cu25 +MPs. Moreover, an increase in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was observed in all exposed groups. When considering neurogenesis genes, a downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (pcna) was noticed in zebrafish exposed to the mixture treatment, while for dopaminergic system-related genes (th and slc6a3) an upregulation was observed in MPs, Cu25 and Cu25 +MPs groups. An increase in apoptosis-related genes expression (casp8, casp9 and casp3) was observed in the MPs exposed group. Changes in zebrafish behavior, particularly in mean speed, total distance moved, inactivity in the aquaria, and social/shoaling behavior was also observed in the MPs and Cu exposed groups. Overall, our results highlight the multiplicity of toxic effects of MPs, alone or combined with Cu, in zebrafish brain, namely apoptosis and alterations in adult neurogenesis, neurocircuits and, consequently, behavior.
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Toxicological effects induced on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) after an acute exposure to microplastics alone or co-exposed with copper
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to microplastics alone and combined with copper to assess their joint toxicity during early development. They found that copper, both alone and combined with microplastics, reduced survival, increased oxidative stress, inhibited a key nervous system enzyme, and disrupted avoidance and social behaviors. The study suggests that microplastics may modulate copper toxicity in some biological endpoints, highlighting the importance of studying combined pollutant exposures during vulnerable developmental stages.
Microplastics alone or co-exposed with copper induce neurotoxicity and behavioral alterations on zebrafish larvae after a subchronic exposure
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Researchers exposed zebrafish larvae to microplastics alone and in combination with copper, a common water pollutant, and found that both caused neurotoxic effects and behavioral changes. Larvae showed reduced swimming speed, impaired avoidance responses, and inhibited activity of acetylcholinesterase, a key enzyme for nervous system function. When microplastics and copper were combined, the harmful effects were amplified, suggesting that microplastics can worsen the toxicity of other environmental contaminants.
Single and combined acute and subchronic toxic effects of microplastics and copper in zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos and larvae to microplastics, copper, and their combinations to assess individual and combined toxic effects. They found that microplastics alone caused limited harm, but when combined with copper, the mixture produced altered biochemical responses and changes in gene expression. The study suggests that microplastics can modify the toxicity of heavy metals in aquatic organisms during early development.
Biological Effects of Microplastics and Its Binary Mixture with Copper in Zebrafish Brain and Gonads
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Scientists exposed zebrafish to tiny plastic particles (microplastics) alone and combined with copper, a common water pollutant, to see how they affect the brain and reproductive organs. The study found that microplastics can cause harmful effects on their own, and when mixed with copper, the combination can be even more damaging than either substance by itself. Since zebrafish are often used to predict health risks in other animals, this research is a warning sign that everyday plastic pollution mixed with other contaminants could pose greater risks to human health than previously thought.
Combined effects of microplastics and copper on oxidative responses in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio) to microplastics (10 µg/L) and copper (45 µg/L) individually and in combination, finding that fish exposed to both stressors simultaneously exhibited higher oxidative stress across multiple body organs than those exposed to either contaminant alone.
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