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Nanoplastics and chain-length-dependent PFCs disrupt reproductive endocrinology by targeting the PKC - GnRH signaling axis
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Researchers investigated the combined toxicity of polystyrene nano- and microplastics with two perfluorinated compounds (PFOS and PFBS) on the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus. Chain-length-dependent interactions were observed, with PFBS combined with nanoplastics disrupting reproductive endocrinology more than PFOS combinations, demonstrating that both plastic particle size and PFAS chain length shape combined toxic outcomes.
Nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) are widespread in aquatic ecosystems and frequently co-occurred with perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), yet their combined toxic effects remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the combined toxicity of both nano- and micro-sized polystyrene (PS) and two PFCs [perfluorooctanesulphonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)] to Brachionus calyciflorus. PFOS exerted markedly higher toxicity effects than PFBS. Both nano-sized (50 nm) and micro-sized (1 μm) PS were examined, and the results showed that particle size strongly modulated toxic outcomes, with nanoplastics producing more pronounced effects than microplastics. Co-exposure to nanoplastics significantly enhanced PFOS reproductive toxicity by promoting oxidative stress and altering reproductive modes, whereas PS combined with PFBS showed no significant synergistic toxicity. Transcriptomic and molecular docking analyses further revealed that both PFOS and PFBS targeted protein kinase C (PKC), implicating disrupted calcium signaling and mitochondrial function as key drivers of reproductive impairment. These findings reveal a novel mode of reproductive toxicity induced by PFCs in invertebrates and highlight the importance of monitoring emerging fluorinated contaminants in combination with nanoplastics.
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Micro/nanoplastics enhance multigenerational reproductive toxicity of legacy and alternative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis
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Researchers assessed the combined toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics with legacy and alternative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis across multiple generations. They found that the presence of nanoplastics enhanced the lethal and reproductive toxicity of both PFOA and its replacement chemical GenX. The study suggests that co-exposure to microplastics and PFAS may pose greater risks to marine organisms than either contaminant alone.
An effect assessment of microplastics and nanoplastics interacting with androstenedione on mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)
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Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics (80 nm) and microplastics (8 micrometers) interact differently with the endocrine disruptor androstenedione in mosquitofish, with particle size influencing the combined toxicity on reproductive and physiological parameters.
Combined effects of triclosan and nanoplastics on reproduction performance, population dynamics, and transcriptome regulation of rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis)
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Researchers investigated the individual and combined effects of the antimicrobial chemical triclosan and nanoplastics of varying sizes on rotifer reproduction, population dynamics, and gene expression. They found that high-dose triclosan or very small nanoplastics significantly impaired reproductive output and altered biochemical responses. The study suggests that nanoplastics can enhance the toxicity of co-occurring chemical pollutants in marine organisms.
Micro- and Nano-plastics may affect the central regulation of reproduction: insights from in vitro and in vivo studies on GnRH neurons.
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This review examined evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can interfere with the central regulation of reproduction by disrupting hormonal signaling in the brain and endocrine glands. Animal studies show that plastic particle exposure can alter reproductive hormone levels and fertility outcomes.
Application of Reproductive Toxicity Caused by Endocrine Disruptors in Rotifers: A Review
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This review synthesizes research on how endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including microplastics, affect reproduction in rotifers, which are critical organisms in aquatic food webs. The study found that microplastics can cause transgenerational reproductive delays in rotifers, and that oxidative stress is a common toxicity mechanism, with combined pollutant exposures producing context-dependent synergistic or antagonistic effects on these organisms.
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