Sperm exposure to carbon-based nanomaterials causes abnormalities in early development of purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus)

Sunscreen products impair the early developmental stages of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus

“…The typologies of anomalies identified in embryos and larvae were similar in all treatments with the different sunscreens, and consistent with those previously reported in larvae of P. lividus exposed to inorganic nanoparticles 20 , 21 , 27 , organophosphate pesticides 35 , and mixtures of contaminants and organic wastes 36 . These results suggest that sunscreens can act as classical pollutants causing alterations in the sea urchin skeleton apparatus, modifying the location of the skeletal rods or determining primary mesenchymal cell migration, and/or potentially inactivating the gene regulatory system, underlying the development of the embryonic skeleton 37 .…”

“…This enzyme is responsible for regulating neurotransmission and other relevant biological processes, including the correct cell migration during gastrulation 20 , 45 , 46 . In particular, it has been reported that organophosphates pesticides and inorganic nanoparticles act as cholinesterase inhibitors potentially leading to cytoskeletal alterations during the first life stages of sea urchins 20 , 21 , 34 , 35 . We found that all of the three sunscreens tested, determined a significant decrease in cholinesterase activity.…”

“…In the present study, we investigated the protective efficacy of three different sunscreen products, including two popular brands in Europe and USA and a new product patented as eco-friendly, on human fibroblasts exposed to UVA rays (the most abundant component of UV radiation, responsible for both skin photo-carcinogenesis and photoaging) 19 . In addition, we contextually assessed the effects on the embryonic and larval development of Paracentrotus lividus , which represents a key species of coastal ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most common model organisms for ecotoxicological studies 20 , 21 . Our findings provide new insights on the effects of sunscreens on marine life and stimulate the use of eco-compatible sun care products, safe for humans and the environment.…”

Carbon black suppresses the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells: the role of mitochondria

“…However, these studies did not investigate nanoparticle effects on osteogenic differentiation [ 42 , 43 ]. Studies on the purple sea urchin ( Paracentrotus lividus ) have demonstrated that the exposure of sea urchin sperm to CB impaired primary mesenchymal cell migration and anomalous arrangements of the skeletal rod [ 44 ]. There are no similar reports involving mammalian systems.…”

Assessing Sunscreen Lifecycle to Minimize Environmental Risk Posed by Nanoparticulate UV-Filters – A Review for Safer-by-Design Products

“…Pioneering eco-toxicological and immuno-toxicological experimental studies were carried out with free-living P. lividus by Matranga et al (2006); Pinsino et al (2008), , and Migliaccio et al (2019). Nevertheless, most of the research on the ecotoxicity of ENMs on sea urchins thus far has been focused on the embryonic development and carried out according to classical toxicological criteria: dose-and time-dependent responses, analysis of the effects on development and analysis of the tissues accumulating nano/micromaterial such as metaloxide, metal, carbon-based particles (Fairbairn et al, 2011;Buric et al, 2015;Mesaric et al, 2015;Alijagic and Pinsino, 2017). However, precise and predictive linkages between laboratory and natural exposures (unrealistic and realistic) have not yet been established, and future work on sunscreen residues should tackle these points, considering for example direct and indirect release into the sea and the possible transformations underwent before internalisation by living organisms.…”