Due to massive production, improper use and disposal of plastics, microplastics have become pervasive environmental pollutants in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that microplastics can have adverse impacts on biota. However, the possible effects and consequences of microplastics exposure have not been completely elucidated yet. To further investigate the biological mechanisms underlying microplastics toxicity to fish we applied an integrated approach, analyzing the effects of microplastics at transcriptomic, enzymatic, histological and behavioral levels using zebrafish as model species. Adult zebrafish have been exposed to two concentrations of a mix of high-density polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics for twenty days. Transcriptomic results indicate alterations in the expression of immune system genes and the down-regulation of genes correlated with epithelium integrity and lipid metabolism. Mild inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity was observed, while no significant effects were exerted on lactate dehydrogenase activity. Microplastics were able to induce tissue alterations in both gills and gastrointestinal tract. The modulation of the immune response observed at transcriptomic level is supported by the detection of higher occurrence of neutrophils observed in gills and intestinal epithelium. Even the daily rhythm of activity of zebrafish appears to be affected, although the regular pattern of activity is recovered over time. Considering the transcriptomic and histological findings reported, we hypothesize that the effects on mucosal epithelium integrity and immune response could potentially reduce the organism's defense against pathogens, and lead to a different utilization of energy stores.

Limonta, G. (2020). Effects of HD-PE and PS microplastics on gene expression, histology, biochemical biomakers, and behavior in adult zebrafish.

Effects of HD-PE and PS microplastics on gene expression, histology, biochemical biomakers, and behavior in adult zebrafish

Limonta, Giacomo
2020-01-01

Abstract

Due to massive production, improper use and disposal of plastics, microplastics have become pervasive environmental pollutants in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that microplastics can have adverse impacts on biota. However, the possible effects and consequences of microplastics exposure have not been completely elucidated yet. To further investigate the biological mechanisms underlying microplastics toxicity to fish we applied an integrated approach, analyzing the effects of microplastics at transcriptomic, enzymatic, histological and behavioral levels using zebrafish as model species. Adult zebrafish have been exposed to two concentrations of a mix of high-density polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics for twenty days. Transcriptomic results indicate alterations in the expression of immune system genes and the down-regulation of genes correlated with epithelium integrity and lipid metabolism. Mild inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity was observed, while no significant effects were exerted on lactate dehydrogenase activity. Microplastics were able to induce tissue alterations in both gills and gastrointestinal tract. The modulation of the immune response observed at transcriptomic level is supported by the detection of higher occurrence of neutrophils observed in gills and intestinal epithelium. Even the daily rhythm of activity of zebrafish appears to be affected, although the regular pattern of activity is recovered over time. Considering the transcriptomic and histological findings reported, we hypothesize that the effects on mucosal epithelium integrity and immune response could potentially reduce the organism's defense against pathogens, and lead to a different utilization of energy stores.
2020
Limonta, G. (2020). Effects of HD-PE and PS microplastics on gene expression, histology, biochemical biomakers, and behavior in adult zebrafish.
Limonta, Giacomo
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11365/1123414
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