Impact of airborne total suspended particles (TSP) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5)‐induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

Abstract

Airborne total suspended particles (TSP) and particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) threaten global health and their potential impact on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are extensively studied. Recent studies attest premature deaths, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies in the fetus of pregnant women exposed to air pollution. In this regard, only few studies have explored the effects of TSP and PM 2.5 on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular development. As both TSP and PM 2.5 differ in size and composition, this study is attempted to assess the variability in toxicity effects between TSP and PM 2.5 on the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems and the underlying mechanisms in a zebrafish model. To explore the potential toxic effects of TSP and PM 2.5 , zebrafish embryos/larvae were exposed to 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/ml of TSP and PM 2.5 from 24 to 120 hpf (hours post-fertilization). Both TSP and PM 2.5 exposure increased the rate of mortality, malformations, and oxidative stress, whereas locomotor behavior, heart rate, blood flow velocity, development of cardiovasculature and neurovasculature, and dopaminergic neurons were reduced. The expression of genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), Wnt signaling, and central nervous system (CNS) development were altered in a dose-and time-dependent manner. This study provides evidence for acute exposure to TSP and PM 2.5 -induced cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental toxicity, attributed to enhanced oxidative stress and aberrant gene expression. Comparatively, the effects of PM 2.5 were more pronounced than TSP.

An Overview of Adverse Outcome Pathway Links between PM2.5 Exposure and Cardiac Developmental Toxicity

“…A few studies verified PM 2.5 -induced inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (Table S8). It was reported that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inhibited in zebrafish embryos exposed to PM 2.5 or EOM. − ,− Current literature has suggested that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is critical to the differentiation process of cardiomyocytes during cardiac development.…”

“…Numerous studies documented ROS overproduction induced by PM 2.5 exposure (Table S1). After exposure to extractable organic matter (EOM) from PM 2.5 , ROS levels were found to be observably higher in the hearts of zebrafish embryos than those in the controls. ,− Meanwhile, excessive ROS production was verified in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and SD rat whole embryos exposed to PM 2.5 . , Current reports hinted that excessive ROS production could be involved in cardiac malformation by triggering subsequent oxidative stress, ER stress, DNA damage, inflammation, etc.…”

Microfluidic Devices: A Tool for Nanoparticle Synthesis and Performance Evaluation

“…These small organisms have mainly been used to acquire knowledge about embryonic development. For example, the zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) has been applied to study the genetic effects of human diseases and drug screening. − The fruit fly ( Drosophila melanogaster ) was extensively used to study genetic mutations, heredity, as well as biological processes, including embryonic development, learning, behavior, and aging. − Finally, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been used as a model for research in molecular biology, medicine, pharmacology, and toxicology. − …”

Neurodevelopmental toxicity induced by PM2.5 Exposure and its possible role in Neurodegenerative and mental disorders

“…Animal models have demonstrated that exposure to specific doses of PM2.5 during pregnancy and lactation causes oxidative stress in the mother, negatively affecting offspring's the emotional and learning memory abilities. 29 The oxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and the antioxidant catalase (CAT) activity are important indicators for evaluating oxidative stress processes. PM2.5 exposure has significantly reduced CAT activity and increased MDA levels in the pregnant rat serum dose-dependently.…”