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Neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity alleviation by polystyrene microplastics in cadmium sulfide-exposed zebrafish larvae
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Researchers discovered that polystyrene microplastics unexpectedly reduced the neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity of cadmium sulfide pigment in zebrafish larvae. Despite promoting the release of toxic cadmium ions, the microplastics alleviated oxidative stress and restored heart rate and neurobehavioral functions. The findings highlight the complex interactions between microplastics and other environmental contaminants, underscoring the importance of studying co-exposure scenarios for accurate risk assessment.
Our recent study confirmed the polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) promote the release of Cd2 + from cadmium sulfide (CdS) pigment under sunlight irradiation, potentially increasing environmental risk. However, despite the anticipated increase in toxicity due to Cd2+ release, PS MPs were found to mitigate the toxicity of CdS pigment, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, sunlight irradiation induced significant neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in zebrafish larvae exposed to CdS pigment, as evidenced by reduced spontaneous movement, decreased total locomotor distance, and elevated heart rate. Although PS MPs further promoted Cd2+ release from CdS pigment, co-exposure nevertheless alleviated neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, restoring heart rate and neurobehavioral parameters in zebrafish larvae. This protective effect was associated with PS MPs alleviating oxidative stress, as reflected by reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased antioxidant enzyme activities in zebrafish larvae. Consistent with these physiological changes, co-exposure restored the expression of genes involved in cardiac (tfr1a, f3b and smyd1b) and neural (dnaja1, sec24d and glula) system development. These findings highlighted the importance of understanding the interactions between PS MPs and CdS pigment, emphasizing the necessity of considering environmental realism in environmental risks assessment of co-contaminants.
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Comparison of the combined toxicity of polystyrene microplastics and different concentrations of cadmium in zebrafish
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Researchers studied the combined toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics and cadmium at different concentrations in zebrafish over a 10-day exposure period. The study found that microplastics could either amplify or reduce cadmium toxicity depending on the metal concentration, affecting survival, growth, and antioxidant responses in complex ways.
Polystyrene microplastics mitigate lead-induced neurotoxicity by reducing heavy metal uptake in zebrafish larvae
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In a surprising finding, this zebrafish study showed that polystyrene microplastics actually reduced the neurotoxic effects of lead by absorbing the heavy metal and lowering how much the fish took in. The microplastics essentially acted as a sponge for lead in the water, decreasing the amount available to harm developing fish brains. However, this does not mean microplastics are beneficial, as the particles may transport absorbed heavy metals to other parts of the environment or release them under different conditions.
Polystyrene microplastics inhibit the neurodevelopmental toxicity of mercury in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae with size-dependent effects
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Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics paradoxically reduced mercury neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae, with nanoscale particles providing greater protection than microscale ones by decreasing mercury bioavailability and oxidative damage.
Single and combined effects of microplastics and cadmium on the cadmium accumulation, antioxidant defence and innate immunity of the discus fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
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Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics interact with cadmium toxicity in discus fish and found that the presence of microplastics actually reduced cadmium accumulation in the fish's body. However, the microplastics independently caused oxidative stress and altered immune responses. The study reveals that the combined effects of microplastics and heavy metals on aquatic organisms are complex and do not simply add together.
Combined toxicity of microplastics and cadmium on the zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene microplastics combined with cadmium to assess their combined toxic effects on aquatic organisms. The study found that co-exposure produced greater negative impacts on survival and heart rate than either pollutant alone, with toxicity increasing in a concentration-dependent manner.
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