Work

Toxic effects of polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics on the zebrafish cardiovascular system and their differential mechanisms

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the toxic effects of polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) microplastics on the cardiovascular systems of zebrafish, as well as the differences in their mechanisms. Using a larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) model, we systematically evaluate the effects of the two microplastics on growth and development, oxidative stress, myocardial cell number and structure, histopathological changes, cell apoptosis, and gene expression via physiological parameter measurements, histopathological analysis, and molecular biological techniques. The experimental results showed that PS exerted a more significant inhibitory effect on body weight, whereas PE had a more marked inhibitory effect on body length. Both substances caused a dose-dependent decrease in heart rate, induced oxidative stress, aggravated myocardial damage and fibrosis and activated inflammatory responses. Additionally, PS and PE microplastics exhibit differences in their toxic mechanisms. PS enhances toxicity primarily through the adsorption capacity of its rigid benzene ring structures. While PE, due to its strong hydrophobicity, tends to accumulate more readily in myocardial tissue and exacerbate cell apoptosis via physical damage pathways. This study is the first to compare the differential mechanisms of cardiovascular toxicity between PS and PE microplastics in zebrafish, providing scientific evidence for environmental risk assessment and human health protection related to microplastics. • First PS vs PE microplastics' cardiovascular toxicity in zebrafish. • PS boosts toxicity via absorbing pollutants; PE accumulates in myocardium. PS more cardiotoxic • PS and PE damage zebrafish cardiomyocyte membranes, raising creatine kinase isoenzyme activity. • The cardiac toxicity of PS and PE was verified by constructing zebrafish disease models. • Multi-omics reveal PS/PE cardiovascular toxicity and mechanisms.

Source: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C Toxicology & Pharmacology

DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2025.110353

Authors: Qingzheng Liu, Feifei Yan, Haoran Liu, Jing Zhang, Jidong Zhang

Institutions: Qingdao University, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Ocean University of China

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Life below water

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,220