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A baseline study on the impact of nanoplastics on the portals of entry of xenobiotics in fish
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This study assessed the impact of polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics on mucosal barriers of gilthead seabream, finding that nanoplastics disrupted gill and intestinal epithelia integrity, altered mucus composition, and impaired the fish's first lines of defense against environmental contaminants.
Mediterranean waters are particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution, with plastic particles concentrations comparable to those found in oceanic gyres. This work aimed to assess the impact of polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics (PMMA-NPs) on the most important mucosal barriers of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), a highly consumed fish species in the Mediterranean area. Fish were waterborne exposed to NPs (0.001-10 mg/L) for 24 and 96 h, and biochemical parameters associated with oxidative status (total oxidative status and total antioxidant capacity) and immune function (adenosine deaminase, ADA, acetylcholinesterase activity, AChE, and esterase activity, EA) were assessed in gills, intestine, and skin. In intestine, PMMA-NPs led to oxidative status alterations and decreased ADA and EA. In gills, PMMA-NPs induced EA decrease and AChE activity increase. Total protein values were significantly increased in skin. Overall, more alterations were observed in intestine, suggesting it may be one of the most affected tissues by exposure to NPs.
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Understanding the links between micro/nanoplastics-induced gut microbes dysbiosis and potential diseases in fish: A review
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This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in fish intestines and disrupt their gut bacteria, potentially leading to inflammation, immune problems, and metabolic diseases. The disrupted gut microbiome can weaken the intestinal barrier, allowing harmful substances to enter the fish's body. Since fish are a major protein source for billions of people, understanding how microplastics damage fish gut health is important for assessing risks to human food safety.
Experimental evidence that polystyrene nanoplastics cross the intestinal barrier of European seabass
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Researchers provided direct experimental evidence that polystyrene nanoplastics can cross the intestinal barrier of European seabass using ex vivo intestinal preparations. The study showed that nanoplastics translocated across the intestinal epithelium from both median and distal gut segments. The findings demonstrate a mechanism by which nanoplastics could gain access to the bloodstream and internal organs in fish.
Waterborne exposure of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) to polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics causes effects at cellular and molecular levels
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Gilthead seabream exposed to polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics in water showed dose- and time-dependent changes in liver gene expression and plasma biomarkers, with upregulation of oxidative stress response genes at even the lowest tested concentration (0.001 mg/L).
Effects of polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics on Dicentrarchus labrax
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Researchers exposed European sea bass to polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics for 96 hours and found upregulation of lipid metabolism genes, reduced esterase activity in plasma, and lower alkaline phosphatase in skin mucus — collectively suggesting nanoplastics can interfere with both fat metabolism and immune function in marine fish.
The silent threat: Nanopolystyrene and chrysene pollutants disrupt the intestinal mucosal barrier, new insights from juvenile Siniperca chuatsi
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Researchers exposed juvenile mandarin fish to environmentally relevant concentrations of nanopolystyrene and chrysene and found that both pollutants, individually and combined, damaged all four layers of the intestinal mucosal barrier — disrupting tight junctions, thinning the mucus layer, depleting immune cells, and elevating pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.