Journal of applied toxicology : JATJan 10, 2026

How Tiny and Small Plastic Particles May Harm Freshwater Fish Through Programmed Cell Death

Longevity & Aging Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 11, 2026

Abstract

Exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics can lead to significant oxidative stress and DNA damage in fish.

Microplastics and nanoplastics are identified as pollutants that negatively impact aquatic ecosystems, particularly affecting fish.
Exposure to these particles generates reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation in fish.
Alterations in gut microbiota due to microplastics and nanoplastics exposure may hinder fish development and quality.
Accumulation of these pollutants in fish could transfer to humans through consumption, posing potential health risks.
Programmed cell death mechanisms are implicated in the toxicity induced by microplastics and nanoplastics, although research is currently limited.

Simplified

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, resulting in several detrimental consequences for aquatic animals, particularly fish. Fish is a fundamental and economical food source, abundant in animal protein as well as micronutrients. Exposure of fish to MPs and NPs generates reactive oxygen species and induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage, while also altering gut microbiota, thus diminishing fish development and quality. Additionally, the accumulation of MPs and NPs in aquatic habitats may reach the human body through the consumption of polluted fish, potentially leading to significant health consequences. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically controlled process of autonomous and controlled cell death that maintains homeostasis and facilitates development. PCD is crucial in the pathological mechanisms of toxicity generated by MPs and NPs. Although research on PCD in MPs and NPs toxicity is limited, it is crucial to discover key molecules and understand their regulatory roles for better disease prevention and management. This comprehensive review aims to delineate and elaborate on the emerging role of different PCD mechanisms, including pyroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, oxeiptosis, and PANoptosis, in the pathogenesis of toxicity generated by MPs and NPs in freshwater fish.

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How Tiny and Small Plastic Particles May Harm Freshwater Fish Through Programmed Cell Death

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