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Effects on immunity of exposure to microplastics in adult zebrafish
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Adult zebrafish exposed to microplastics showed changes in liver gene expression, gut and gill tissue damage, and altered swimming behavior, indicating that microplastic exposure triggers multiple biological stress responses. The study highlights the relevance of zebrafish as a model for assessing microplastic toxicity.
It is now widely accepted that microplastics (MPs) represent a serious concern for aquatic environments, therefore assesment of biological pathways affected is crucially relevant. This study focused on variations of liver transcriptome, istology of gastrointestinal tract and gills, and locomotor activity of exposed fish along various days after treatment. Adult zebrafish (3 groups, N=12 each) were fed for 20 days with dry food alone (controls) or supplemented with a mix of pristine high-densitypolyethylene and polystyrene microplastics (0.1 or 1 mg/L), ranging in size from <25 to 90 μm. The exposure to MPs resulted in differential transcription of 324 genes in total, already affected at the lower dose, mainly involved in cholesterol biosynthesis (fatty acid degradation) and immunity pathways.Up-regulation of transcripts subserving response to extra-cellular antigens, and down-regulation of others involved in innate antimicrobial response, antiviral defense and maintenance of epithelial integrity highligted defective control of pathogen entry at epithelial barriers, confirmed by occurrence of histopathological signs in both intestine and gills. Furthermore, variations in energy utilization likely accounted also for alteration of circadian rhythm of locomotor activity.
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Microplastics induce transcriptional changes, immune response and behavioral alterations in adult zebrafish
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Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics for twenty days and analyzed the effects at the genetic, tissue, and behavioral levels. They found significant changes in immune system genes, disrupted intestinal and gill tissue integrity, and increased presence of inflammatory cells. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may compromise fish defenses against pathogens by weakening the protective barriers of their mucosal tissues.
Comprehensive review of ecological risks and toxicity mechanisms of microplastics in freshwater: Focus on zebrafish as a model organism
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This comprehensive review examines how microplastics affect zebrafish, a widely used laboratory model, covering impacts on the gut, liver, reproductive system, nervous system, and immune function. Researchers found that microplastics can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of gut bacteria across multiple organ systems. The review highlights that zebrafish studies provide valuable insights into the biological mechanisms by which microplastics may affect freshwater organisms and, potentially, human health.
Acute toxic effects of polyethylene microplastic on adult zebrafish
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Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics of various sizes to identify physical effects, behavioral changes, and gene expression impacts. They found that microplastic ingestion varied by particle size and that exposure altered expression of detoxification and reproduction-related genes. The study suggests that microplastic pollution at environmentally relevant concentrations could affect both the health and reproductive capacity of fish.
Effects of microplastics on head-kidney gene expression and biochemical biomarkers in adult zebrafish
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Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to microplastics for 20 days and measured gene expression and biochemical markers in the head-kidney — the fish's primary immune organ. Microplastic exposure altered immune-related gene expression and biochemical indicators, suggesting that even short-term plastic ingestion can disrupt immune function in fish.
Toxicological Assessment of Microplastics in Zebrafish: Biochemical Responses and Histopathological Changes
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Zebrafish were exposed to polyethylene microplastics (50 and 100 µm) at concentrations from 0.1 to 500 µg/L for up to 24 days, with bioaccumulation found to be dose-dependent and concentrated in the liver and gut. While survival was high (>95%), histopathological damage in liver and intestinal tissue increased significantly with dose.
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