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Nanoplastics exacerbate lead exposure-induced developmental neurotoxicity by disrupting gut integrity in Drosophila
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Researchers used Drosophila fruit flies to show that co-exposure to nanoplastics and lead is more neurodevelopmentally damaging than lead alone, with nanoplastics promoting lead accumulation in neural tissue, disrupting gut integrity, and worsening oxidative stress, learning deficits, and motor impairment — with female flies showing greater sensitivity.
Lead (Pb), a neurotoxic heavy metal, can accumulate in the central nervous system (CNS) by crossing the blood-brain barrier and cause damage, while micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) are known to absorb Pb and enhance its toxicity. However, the synergistic effects of co-exposure on neurodevelopment remain unclear. This study established a Drosophila model to systematically evaluate the neurodevelopmental toxicity of combined nanoplastics (NPs) and Pb exposure. Behavioral tests revealed that co-exposure significantly exacerbated learning and memory deficits compared to Pb exposure alone, accompanied by reduced pupation and eclosion rates, as well as delayed development. Female flies showed decreased survival rates and more severe impairments in climbing and motor activity. Mechanistic investigations indicated that co-exposure promoted Pb accumulation in neural tissues, aggravated oxidative stress (elevated SOD activity, decreased CAT activity, and increased MDA levels), disrupted neuromuscular junction (NMJ) development and Mushroom body (MB) axon guidance, and induced intestinal damage (increased epithelial cell mortality and microvilli structural abnormalities). This study demonstrates that NPs synergistically enhance Pb-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity through multiple pathways, providing critical toxicological evidence for the health risks of environmental composite pollutants.
More Papers Like This
Nanoplastic exposure affects the intestinal microbiota of adult Drosophila flies
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Using fruit flies as a model organism, researchers found that nanoplastic exposure significantly altered gut bacteria composition, shifting the balance toward potentially harmful species. The changes in gut microbiota were linked to signs of intestinal stress and inflammation. Since fruit fly gut bacteria share similarities with human gut microbiota, these findings suggest that nanoplastic ingestion could disrupt the gut microbiome in ways that may affect digestion and immune function in humans.
Exposure to microplastics cause gut damage, locomotor dysfunction, epigenetic silencing, and aggravate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in Drosophila
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Researchers used fruit flies as a model to study the effects of microplastics alone and combined with cadmium, a toxic metal commonly used in plastic production. They found that microplastics caused size-dependent gut damage and enhanced cadmium's harmful effects on movement and gene regulation through epigenetic silencing. The study demonstrates that microplastics can amplify the toxicity of co-occurring environmental contaminants and suggests Drosophila as a useful tool for rapid microplastic toxicity screening.
Polyisobutylene Micro/Nanoplastics Induce Multi-System Toxicity, Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction, and Neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster
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Fruit flies fed tiny plastic particles from polyisobutylene, a plastic found in chewing gum and sealants, showed shorter lifespans, brain damage, gut leakiness, and fertility problems, especially in females. While this study was done in flies, not humans, it raises concerns about how common plastic exposures might affect our own gut, brain, and reproductive health.
Disrupted senses and social cues: Impacts of nanoplastics and methylmercury on zebrafish neurodevelopment
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Researchers exposed developing zebrafish to nanoplastics alone and in combination with methylmercury to study effects on brain development and behavior. Nanoplastics accumulated in sensory organs called neuromasts during early development and disrupted the startle response and social behavior in juvenile fish. The study suggests that nanoplastics can impair neurodevelopment and may worsen the toxic effects of co-occurring environmental contaminants like mercury.
Hazard assessment of ingested polystyrene nanoplastics in Drosophila larvae
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Researchers assessed the hazard of ingested polystyrene nanoplastics in Drosophila larvae, examining effects on gut morphology, oxidative stress, and development to characterize toxicological risks of nanoplastic exposure in a model invertebrate organism.
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