Toxicological study of polystyrene microplastics on the intestine of <i>Sebastiscus marmoratus</i>

Luo Tongqin; Ruan Zechao; Zhang Yan; Wang Yuebin; Wang Qianfeng; Chai Xuejun

doi:10.12284/hyxb2025106

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Luo Tongqin，Ruan Zechao，Zhang Yan, et al. Toxicological study of polystyrene microplastics on the intestine of Sebastiscus marmoratus[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(9)：1–14 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025106

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Luo Tongqin，Ruan Zechao，Zhang Yan, et al. Toxicological study of polystyrene microplastics on the intestine of Sebastiscus marmoratus[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(9)：1–14 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025106

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Toxicological study of polystyrene microplastics on the intestine of Sebastiscus marmoratus

doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025106

1.
School of Fishery, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
2.
Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Aquaculture, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan 316021, China

Received Date: 2025-02-17
Rev Recd Date: 2025-04-30

Available Online: 2025-06-23

Abstract

Abstract

To evaluate the toxicological effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the intestinal health of Sebastiscus marmoratus, individuals were exposed to PS-MP solutions at concentrations of 0, 1, and 10 mg/L for 21 days. A combination of analytical approaches, including enrichment analysis, histological examination, transcriptomic profiling, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, was employed to assess alterations in intestinal morphology, gene expression, and microbial community composition. The results demonstrated a time-dependent accumulation of PS-MPs in the intestines, with concentrations reaching 16.20 μg/g by day 7. Histopathological analysis revealed dose-dependent intestinal damage: at 1 mg/L, necrosis, detachment, and vacuolar degeneration of mucosal cells were observed; at 10 mg/L, severe villus atrophy, necrosis, vacuolization, and significant reductions in intestinal wall thickness, muscle layer thickness, and villus length and width were evident. Transcriptomic analysis identified 313 and 169 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after 7 and 21 days of exposure, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment revealed that DEGs at day 7 were primarily involved in the p53 signaling pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism, and Toll-like receptor signaling. By day 21, enrichment was observed in pathways related to steroid biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, and NOD-like receptor signaling. Although no significant changes in microbial composition were detected at the phylum level, notable increases in the relative abundances of Fusobacteriaceae, Cetobacterium, Vibrionaceae, and Prevotella were observed, potentially indicating enhanced intestinal barrier repair and anti-inflammatory responses. In conclusion, PS-MP exposure resulted in structural damage to intestinal tissues, disruption of the mucosal barrier, and inflammatory responses in S. marmoratus, ultimately compromising organismal health.
- Sebastiscus marmoratus,
- polystyrene microplastics,
- enrichment,
- histology observation,
- transcriptome analysis,
- intestinal microbiota

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References(55)

References

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