Nanoplastic-Induced Immune Modulation and Histopathological Changes in Oreochromis niloticus at Different Salinity Levels
Nanoplastic-Induced Immune Modulation and Histopathological Changes in Oreochromis niloticus at Different Salinity Levels
Muhammad Iqbal1, Muhammad Nuh Fathsyah Siregar1, Ghaitsa Zahira Sofa1, Hisyam Rizky Saputra1, Manikya Pramudya1, Firli Rahmah Primula Dewi1, Agoes Soegianto1, Febriyansyah Saputra1, Aunurohim2, Alfiah Hayati1*
ABSTRACT
Nanoplastics (NPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and pose significant ecological and human health risks due to their non-biodegradable nature and bioaccumulation potential. Evaluating their toxicity is crucial to understanding these risks. This study investigates the immunotoxicological and histopathological effects of NPs on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at different salinity levels. Fish were divided into control groups (without NPs) and treatment groups exposed to NPs (2 µL/kg) at salinities of 0 ppt, 2.5 ppt, 5 ppt, 10 ppt, and 15 ppt for 25 days. Immune response biomarkers, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-γ), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed using spectrophotometry. Histopathological analysis of the liver and testes was performed using H&E staining. The results showed that NP exposure induced significant (P < 0.05) cellular degeneration and necrosis, with increasing salinity exacerbating immune activation and oxidative damage. Elevated (P < 0.05) cytokine levels (IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-γ) indicated heightened inflammatory responses, while a marked increase in MDA suggested enhanced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Histological assessments showed structural abnormalities, including hepatocyte vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, and testicular degeneration, which were more pronounced at higher salinity levels. The findings suggested that salinity modulates NP toxicity by influencing immune and oxidative stress responses, leading to aggravated tissue damage. In conclusion, this study highlighted the combined effects of salinity and NP exposure on aquatic organisms, underscoring the urgent need for further research on mitigation strategies and the broader ecological consequences of NP contamination.
Keywords | Nanoplastics, Salinity, Immune response, Oxidative stress, Histopathology
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