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Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics on Bird Embryo Development by Hatching without Eggshell
Published on: August 14, 2021
Polystyrene microplastics mediate inflammatory responses in the chicken thymus by Nrf2/NF-κB pathway and trigger
Junbo Li1, Kai Yin1, Lulu Hou1
1College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are a hot environmental contaminant now. However, researchers paid little attention to their effects on immune organs such as the thymus. Here, we exposed chickens to a concentration gradient of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and then followed the decrease in the thymus index. HE staining showed cellular infiltration in the thymus. The assay kit corroborated that PS-MPs impelled oxidative stress in the thymus: increased MDA levels, downregulated antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, and GSH, and significantly undermined total antioxidant capacity. Western blotting and qRT-PCR results showed that Nrf2/NF-κB, Bcl-2/Bax, and AKT signaling pathways were activated in the thymus after exposure to PS-MPs. It stimulated the increased expression of downstream such as IL-1β, caspase-3, and Beclin1, triggering thymus inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. This study provides new insights into the field of microplastic immunotoxicity and highlights potential environmental hazards in poultry farming.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) harm chicken thymus health, causing inflammation and cell death. This research highlights the immunotoxic effects of microplastics in poultry farming.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Limited research exists on the impact of MPs on immune organs, specifically the thymus.
- Poultry farming may be exposed to MPs, posing potential risks to animal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the chicken thymus.
- To assess the impact of PS-MPs on thymus index, cellular infiltration, oxidative stress, and key signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Chickens were exposed to a concentration gradient of PS-MPs.
- Thymus index was measured, and histological examination (HE staining) was performed.
- Oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH) were quantified using assay kits.
- Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to analyze signaling pathways (Nrf2/NF-κB, Bcl-2/Bax, AKT) and downstream targets (IL-1β, caspase-3, Beclin1).
Main Results:
- PS-MPs exposure led to a decreased thymus index and cellular infiltration.
- Significant oxidative stress was observed, with increased MDA and decreased antioxidant levels.
- Activation of Nrf2/NF-κB, Bcl-2/Bax, and AKT pathways was detected.
- Upregulation of IL-1β, caspase-3, and Beclin1 indicated inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
Conclusions:
- PS-MPs induce thymus inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy in chickens.
- The study reveals the immunotoxic potential of MPs in poultry.
- Findings underscore environmental hazards associated with MPs in agricultural settings.
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