Nanoplastic Exposure at Environmental Concentrations Disrupts Hepatic Lipid Metabolism through Oxidative Stress Induction and Endoplasmic Reticulum Homeostasis Perturbation

In Nile tilapia, 0.1 μm polystyrene nanoparticles accumulate in the gills at levels 3.4-fold higher than 0.5 μm polystyrene nanoparticles, with approximately 0.8 μg per gram detected in the gills.

“For instance, in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), 0.1 µm polystyrene nanoparticles accumulate in the gills at levels 3.4-fold higher than those of 0.5 µm polystyrene nanoparticles, with approximately 0.8 µg per gram detected in the gills (Wang et al., 2023).”

Smaller nanoparticles exhibit enhanced bioavailability and organ penetration compared to larger nanoparticles.

“Studies have indicated that nanoparticle size plays a critical role in their absorption and distribution within tissues, with smaller particles exhibiting enhanced bioavailability and organ penetration (Wang et al., 2023).”

The exposure concentrations of 0.1 to 10 μg/mL reflect levels found in natural water and marine environments.

“The exposure concentrations, ranging from 0.1 to 10 µg/mL, were selected to ensure adequate exposure and reflect levels found in natural water and marine environments (Wang et al., 2023).”

Concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics in natural water and marine environments typically range from 6.35×10−3 to 6.94×103 μg/L.

“The concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics in natural water and marine environments are typically reported to range from 6.35×10−3 to 6.94×103 μg/L.”

Laboratory studies often employ higher concentrations (1-100 mg/L) to assess toxicological effects.

“However, laboratory studies often employ higher concentrations (1–100 mg/L) to assess the toxicological effects (Wang et al., 2023).”