Bernardo Lannes presented a seminar in the field of Environmental Toxicology, focusing on the effects of early exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on glucose metabolism in zebrafish. The fish were exposed to PS-MPs from the embryonic stage until 27 days of life, then kept in clean water until adulthood. Exposed animals showed increased body weight and length, accumulation of MPs in tissues, and a tendency toward higher fasting glucose levels. When combined with a high-calorie diet, these effects appeared stronger. The results suggest that early-life exposure to microplastics may lead to long-term metabolic changes. Molecular marker analyses are still ongoing to better understand the underlying mechanisms.
