We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Oxidative stress, apoptosis and serotonergic system changes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) gills after long-term exposure to microplastics and copper
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to microplastics and copper for 30 days and examined the effects on their gill tissue. They found that the combination caused greater oxidative stress, increased cell death, and disrupted the serotonin signaling system in gills more than either pollutant alone. The study demonstrates that microplastics can amplify the toxic effects of heavy metals on fish respiratory organs.
Fish gills are in direct contact with the surrounding pollutants, and thus, potentially more vulnerable to microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals. The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term exposure effects of MPs and copper (Cu) in the gills of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). To this end, zebrafish were exposed to MPs (2 mg/L), Cu (Cu25, 25 μg/L) and their mixture (Cu25 + MPs) for 30 days, and then oxidative stress, detoxification, antioxidant, metabolic and neurotoxicity enzymes/genes, as well serotonergic system and apoptosis genes, were evaluated in gills. In the mixture group, ROS levels were increased, while CAT and GPx activities were inhibited, indicating the induction of oxidative stress in zebrafish gills. This was followed by an increase of LPO levels and potential oxidative damage in zebrafish gills. The tryptophan hydroxylase 1a (tph1a) and caspase-3 (casp3) genes were significantly upregulated in Cu25 + MPs group, indicating a potential dysregulation of serotonin synthesis and apoptosis pathways, respectively. Overall, the present study contributes to improving the knowledge about the response of aquatic organisms to MPs and the potential ecological risk that these particles represent to the ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Combined effects of microplastics and copper on oxidative responses in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastics and copper induce apoptosis, alter neurocircuits, and cause behavioral changes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Long-term effects of individual and combined exposure to microplastics and copper in zebrafish hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis – A multi-biomarker evaluation
AI summary Read the abstract
This study exposed zebrafish to microplastics, copper, and both combined for 30 days and examined effects on their reproductive system. The combination of microplastics and copper caused greater hormonal disruption and oxidative stress than either pollutant alone, affecting genes that control reproduction in both male and female fish. These findings suggest that microplastics interacting with metal pollution in waterways could compound reproductive harm in aquatic organisms and potentially in humans who consume contaminated fish.
Single and combined acute and subchronic toxic effects of microplastics and copper in zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Toxic Effect of Combined Exposure of Microplastics and Copper on Goldfish (Carassius auratus): Insight from Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis and Autophagy in Hepatopancreas and Intestine
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that combined exposure to microplastics and copper in goldfish significantly enhanced copper accumulation and tissue damage in the hepatopancreas and intestine, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy beyond the effects of either pollutant alone.
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.