We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Adverse effects of microplastics and oxidative stress-induced MAPK/Nrf2 pathway-mediated defense mechanisms in the marine copepod Paracyclopina nana
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how nano- and micro-sized polystyrene particles affect a tiny marine crustacean called a copepod at the molecular level. They found that the smallest particles caused the most severe oxidative stress and triggered cellular defense pathways, with effects worsening at higher concentrations. The study suggests that microplastics can disrupt the internal chemistry of marine organisms even at sizes too small to see with the naked eye.
Microplastic pollution causes a major concern in the marine environment due to their worldwide distribution, persistence, and adverse effects of these pollutants in the marine ecosystem. Despite its global presence, there is still a lack of information on the effect of microplastics on marine organisms at the molecular level. Herein we demonstrated ingestion and egestion of nano- (0.05 μm) and micro-sized (0.5 and 6 μm) polystyrene microbeads in the marine copepod Paracyclopina nana, and examined molecular responses to exposure to microbeads with in vivo endpoints such as growth rate and fecundity. Also, we proposed an adverse outcome pathway for microplastic exposure that covers molecular and individual levels. This study provides the first insight into the mode of action in terms of microplastic-induced oxidative stress and related signaling pathways in P. nana.
More Papers Like This
Evaluation of microplastic toxicity in accordance with different sizes and exposure times in the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed marine copepods to polystyrene microbeads of two different sizes to understand how particle size and exposure duration affect toxicity. They found that both nano-sized and micro-sized particles increased reactive oxygen species levels inside cells and altered antioxidant gene expression and enzyme activity. The study provides important molecular-level evidence that microplastic toxicity in marine organisms depends on both the size of the particles and how long organisms are exposed.
Nanoparticle-Biological Interactions in a Marine Benthic Foraminifer
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed single-celled marine organisms called foraminifera to three types of engineered nanoparticles — including polystyrene nanoplastics — and found that all three accumulated inside the cells and triggered oxidative stress (a form of cellular damage). This study shows that even microscopic seafloor organisms are vulnerable to nanoplastic pollution, expanding the known range of species harmed by plastic contamination.
Chronic effects of nano and microplastics on reproduction and development of marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the chronic effects of polystyrene nano- and microplastics on the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus over 30 days. The study found that nanoplastics were more lethal than microplastics, with different sizes affecting survival, development, and reproduction through distinct mechanisms, though oxidative stress was a common factor at high concentrations.
Polystyrene nanoplastic induces ROS production and affects the MAPK-HIF-1/NFkB-mediated antioxidant system in Daphnia pulex
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex to polystyrene nanoplastics and found dose-dependent overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) alongside activation of the MAPK-HIF-1/NFkB stress-signaling cascade, revealing that epigenetic and oxidative pathways mediate nanoplastic toxicity in zooplankton.
Physiological and molecular responses to different sizes of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics in the model unicellular eukaryote Paramecium tetraurelia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed single-celled organisms (Paramecium) to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics of different sizes and found that toxicity increased as particle size decreased. The smallest particles caused the most significant oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disruption to cellular functions including energy metabolism and waste processing. The study provides evidence that nanoplastics pose greater risks to aquatic microorganisms than larger microplastic particles.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.