We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A systematic review on toxicity assessment of persistent emerging pollutants (EPs) and associated microplastics (MPs) in the environment using the Hydra animal model
AI summary Read the abstract
Hydra is an effective model organism for assessing toxicity of emerging pollutants including microplastics, with studies showing these pollutants modulate antioxidant enzyme levels and generate reactive oxygen species, disrupting cellular defense mechanisms at the molecular level.
Emerging pollutants (EPs) are causative for teratogenic and reproductive effects. EPs are detected in all the environmental matrices at higher levels. A suitable model for aquatic toxicity assessment is Hydra, because of morphological, behavioral, reproductive (sexual and asexual), and biochemical changes. Many researchers have used Hydra for toxicity assessment of organic chemicals (BPA), heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials and microplastics. Various Hydra species were used for environmental toxicity studies; however H. magnipapillata was predominantly used due to the availability of its genome and proteome sequences. Teratogenic and reproductive changes in Hydra are species specific. Teratogenic effects were studied using sterozoom dissecting microscope, acridine orange (AO) and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DPAI) staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by EPs had been understood by the Dichlorodihydrofluorescein Diacetate (DCFDA) staining and comet assay. Multiple advanced techniques would aid to understand the effects at molecular level, such as real-time PCR, rapid amplification of cDNA end- PCR. EPs modulated the major antioxidant enzyme levels, therefore, defense mechanism was affected by the higher generation of reactive oxygen species. Genome sequencing helps to know the mode of action of pollutants, role of enzymes in detoxification, defense genes and stress responsive genes. Molecular techniques were used to obtain the information for evolutionary changes of genes and modulation of gene expression by EPs.
More Papers Like This
Polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics effects on the freshwater cnidarian Hydra viridissima
AI summary Read the abstract
Polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics caused morphological damage and slowed regeneration in the freshwater organism Hydra viridissima, though feeding rates were not significantly affected at most concentrations. The results establish Hydra as a useful model for testing nanoplastic toxicity in freshwater ecosystems.
Invertebrate responses to microplastic ingestion: Reviewing the role of the antioxidant system
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic ingestion poses an oxidative challenge to invertebrates requiring upregulation of antioxidant defenses, but studies are limited to only seven taxa, dominated by polystyrene spheres <10 µm, and the lack of systematic experiments prevents identifying which specific microplastic characteristics drive the oxidative stress response.
Sublethal Toxicity and Gene Expression Changes in Hydra vulgaris Exposed to Polyethylene and Polypropylene Nanoparticles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the sublethal toxicity of polyethylene and polypropylene nanoparticles on the freshwater organism Hydra vulgaris at various concentrations. The study found that both types of plastic nanoparticles caused morphological changes and altered gene expression related to oxidative stress and DNA repair, indicating that even non-lethal concentrations of plastic nanoparticles can disrupt biological processes in aquatic organisms.
Sublethal Toxicity and Gene Expression Changes in Hydra vulgaris Exposed to Polyethylene and Polypropylene Nanoparticles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the freshwater cnidarian Hydra vulgaris to polystyrene nanoplastics over an extended period, measuring sublethal toxicity endpoints and gene expression changes to understand the chronic effects of nanoplastic exposure on a simple but ecologically relevant aquatic animal.
The effects of microplastic on freshwater Hydra attenuata feeding, morphology & reproduction
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a bioassay to investigate the effects of microplastics on the freshwater organism Hydra attenuata, examining impacts on feeding, morphology, and reproduction. They found that exposure to microplastics could alter feeding behavior and morphological characteristics of this important freshwater species. The study contributes a new testing approach for assessing microplastic impacts in freshwater environments, where research has been limited compared to marine systems.
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.