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Nanoplastics impact the zebrafish (Danio rerio) transcriptome: Associated developmental and neurobehavioral consequences
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Researchers exposed developing zebrafish larvae to polystyrene nanoplastics of two sizes and found dose-dependent accumulation in tissues along with swimming hyperactivity, despite no effects on mortality or hatching. Transcriptomic analysis revealed changes in gene expression associated with neurodegeneration and motor dysfunction at both high and low concentrations. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure during early development can alter brain function and behavior in ways that may reduce organismal fitness.
Microplastics (MPs) are a ubiquitous pollutant detected not only in marine and freshwater bodies, but also in tap and bottled water worldwide. While MPs have been extensively studied, the toxicity of their smaller counterpart, nanoplastics (NPs), is not well documented. Despite likely large-scale human and animal exposure to NPs, the associated health risks remain unclear, especially during early developmental stages. To address this, we investigated the health impacts of exposures to both 50 and 200 nm polystyrene NPs in larval zebrafish. From 6 to 120 h post-fertilization (hpf), developing zebrafish were exposed to a range of fluorescent NPs (10-10,000 parts per billion). Dose-dependent increases in accumulation were identified in exposed larval fish, potentially coinciding with an altered behavioral response as evidenced through swimming hyperactivity. Notably, exposures did not impact mortality, hatching rate, or deformities; however, transcriptomic analysis suggests neurodegeneration and motor dysfunction at both high and low concentrations. Furthermore, results of this study suggest that NPs can accumulate in the tissues of larval zebrafish, alter their transcriptome, and affect behavior and physiology, potentially decreasing organismal fitness in contaminated ecosystems. The uniquely broad scale of this study during a critical window of development provides crucial multidimensional characterization of NP impacts on human and animal health.
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Transcriptional effects of polyethylene microplastics ingestion in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed developing zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics and used transcriptomic analysis to identify changes in gene expression related to immune function, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. The study suggests that even at relatively low concentrations, ingested microplastics can alter key biological pathways during early fish development.
Molecular effects of polystyrene nanoplastics toxicity in zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene nanoplastics at various concentrations and measured gene expression changes related to stress, inflammation, and DNA repair. They found dose-dependent activation of oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways at the highest concentration, along with inhibition of the neurotransmitter-related gene acetylcholinesterase and DNA repair genes. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure at the molecular level may compromise cellular defense mechanisms and neurological function in developing fish.
Adverse adult-onset and multigenerational effects in zebrafish (Danio rerio) developmentally exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics
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Researchers raised zebrafish exposed to nanoplastics during early development through to adulthood and found lasting reproductive impairment, heritable hyperactivity in offspring, and molecular changes in male reproductive and brain tissue linked to neurodegenerative disease pathways and endocrine disruption, demonstrating that brief developmental nanoplastic exposure can cause multigenerational harm.
Transcriptomic Insights into Micro- and Nanoplastic Toxicity in Zebrafish: A Narrative Review
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This review pulls together existing research on how tiny plastic particles (micro- and nanoplastics) affect zebrafish, a small fish whose genes are surprisingly similar to ours and is commonly used to study health effects. The studies show these plastic particles can damage the brain, liver, gut, and reproductive organs by triggering harmful changes in gene activity, cell stress, and inflammation. Since zebrafish are often used as an early warning system for human health risks, this research suggests plastic pollution exposure — something we all experience through food, water, and air — deserves serious attention as a potential health concern.
Nanoplastics Cause Neurobehavioral Impairments, Reproductive and Oxidative Damages, and Biomarker Responses in Zebrafish: Throwing up Alarms of Wide Spread Health Risk of Exposure
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Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to polystyrene nanoplastics and found that the particles accumulated in the brain, liver, intestine, and gonads, causing significant behavioral and physiological changes. The fish showed disrupted energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and altered locomotion, aggression, and predator avoidance behaviors. The findings raise concerns about the widespread health risks of nanoplastic exposure, as these particles are small enough to cross biological membranes.
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