Oxidative stress, apoptosis and serotonergic system changes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) gills after long-term exposure to microplastics and copper

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109363
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04T07:49:44Z
• Authors: Dércia Santos; Ana Luzio; Luís Félix; Juan Bellas; Sandra M. Monteiro
• Keywords: Danio

Fish gills are in direct contact with the surrounding pollutants, and thus, potentially more vulnerable to microplastics (MPs) heavy metals. The present study aimed evaluate long-term exposure effects of MPs copper (Cu) adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). To this end, were exposed (2 mg/L), Cu (Cu25, 25 μg/L) their mixture (Cu25 + MPs) for 30 days, then oxidative stress, detoxification, antioxidant, metabolic neurotoxicity enzymes/genes, as well serotonergic system apoptosis genes, evaluated gills. In group, ROS levels increased, while CAT GPx activities inhibited, indicating induction stress This was followed by an increase LPO potential damage tryptophan hydroxylase 1a (tph1a) caspase-3 (casp3) genes significantly upregulated Cu25 a dysregulation serotonin synthesis pathways, respectively. Overall, contributes improving knowledge about response aquatic organisms ecological risk that these particles represent ecosystems.