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Zhou T, Wu J, Liu Y, Xu A. Seawater Accelerated the Aging of Polystyrene and Enhanced Its Toxic Effects on Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17219. [PMID: 38139049 PMCID: PMC10743734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants and pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Although previous studies have documented the mechanisms and toxic effects of aging MPs in various environments, the impact of the marine environment on MPs remains unclear. In the present study, the aging process of polystyrene (PS) in seawater was simulated and the changes in its physicochemical properties were investigated. Our results showed that the surface of the PS eroded in the seawater, which was accompanied by the release of aged MPs with a smaller size. In situ optical photothermal infrared microspectroscopy revealed that the mechanism of PS aging was related to the opening of the carbonyl group and breaking of the bond between carbon and benzene removal. To verify the toxic effects of aged PS, Caenorhabditis elegans was exposed to PS. Aged PS resulted in a greater reduction in locomotion, vitality, and reproduction than virgin PS. Mechanistically, aged PS led to oxidative stress, high glutathione s-transferase activity, and high total glutathione in worms. Together, our findings provided novel information regarding the accelerated aging of PS in seawater and the increased toxicity of aged PS, which could improve our understanding of MPs' ecotoxicity in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- School of Graduate Students, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jiajie Wu
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- School of Graduate Students, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- School of Graduate Students, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - An Xu
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- School of Graduate Students, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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52
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Zhang T, Yang S, Ge Y, Wan X, Zhu Y, Yang F, Li J, Gong S, Cheng Y, Hu C, Chen Z, Yin L, Pu Y, Liang G. Multi-dimensional evaluation of cardiotoxicity in mice following respiratory exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics. Part Fibre Toxicol 2023; 20:46. [PMID: 38031128 PMCID: PMC10685678 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00557-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanoplastics (NPs) could be released into environment through the degradation of plastic products, and their content in the air cannot be ignored. To date, no studies have focused on the cardiac injury effects and underlying mechanisms induced by respiratory exposure to NPs. RESULTS Here, we systematically investigated the cardiotoxicity of 40 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in mice exposed via inhalation. Four exposure concentrations (0 µg/day, 16 µg/day, 40 µg/day and 100 µg/day) and three exposure durations (1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks) were set for more comprehensive information and RNA-seq was performed to reveal the potential mechanisms of cardiotoxicity after acute, subacute and subchronic exposure. PS-NPs induced cardiac injury in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Acute, subacute and subchronic exposure increased the levels of injury biomarkers and inflammation and disturbed the equilibrium between oxidase and antioxidase activity. Subacute and subchronic exposure dampened the cardiac systolic function and contributed to structural and ultrastructural damage in heart. Mechanistically, violent inflammatory and immune responses were evoked after acute exposure. Moreover, disturbed energy metabolism, especially the TCA cycle, in the myocardium caused by mitochondria damage may be the latent mechanism of PS-NPs-induced cardiac injury after subacute and subchronic exposure. CONCLUSION The present study evaluated the cardiotoxicity induced by respiratory exposure to PS-NPs from multiple dimensions, including the accumulation of PS-NPs, cardiac functional assessment, histology observation, biomarkers detection and transcriptomic study. PS-NPs resulted in cardiac injury structurally and functionally in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, and mitochondria damage of myocardium induced by PS-NPs may be the potential mechanism for its cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiling Ge
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Wan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Jie Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Saisai Gong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanping Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengyu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zaozao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhang Y, Chen C, Chen K. Combined exposure to microplastics and amitriptyline induced abnormal behavioral responses and oxidative stress in the eyes of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 273:109717. [PMID: 37586580 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated that microplastics (MPs) can combine with various coexisting chemical pollutants, increasing their bioavailability and changing the combined toxicity to organisms. However, information on the combined effects of MPs and amitriptyline (AMI, a widely used tricyclic antidepressant) on aquatic species is still limited. In this study, we exposed zebrafish to MPs (2-μm polystyrene beads, 0.44 mg/L), AMI (2.5 μg/L), and their mixture for 7 days and investigated the alternation in their behaviors and ocular oxidative stress. As a result, combined exposure to MPs and AMI could significantly elevate locomotor activity, increase the frequency and duration of shoaling behavior in zebrafish, and alter their post-stimulation behaviors. Although combined exposure to MPs and AMI exhibited stronger behavioral toxicity than individual exposure, no significant interactive effects on the behavioral traits were detected, suggesting that the combined behavioral toxicity appeared to be an additive effect. However, their combined exposure to MPs or AMI significantly decreased the ocular levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH in zebrafish, with significant interaction effects on the CAT activity and GSH content. Significant correlations between some post-stimulation behavioral traits and ocular levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH in zebrafish were detected, suggesting that ocular oxidative stress induced by combined exposure to MPs and AMI may play an important role in their behavioral toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Kun Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
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Silva MG, Oliveira MM, Peixoto F. Assessing micro and nanoplastics toxicity using rodent models: Investigating potential mitochondrial implications. Toxicology 2023; 499:153656. [PMID: 37879514 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria's role as a central hub in cellular metabolism and signaling cascades is well established in the scientific community, being a classic marker of organisms' response to toxicant exposure. Nonetheless, little is known concerning the effects of emerging contaminants, such as microplastics, on mitochondrial metabolism. Micro- and nanoplastics present one of the major problems faced by modern societies. What was once an environmental problem is now recognized as an one-health issue, but little is known concerning microplastic impact on human health. Indeed, only recently, human exposure to microplastics was acknowledged by the World Health Organization, resulting in a growing interest in this research topic. Nonetheless, the mechanisms behind micro- and nanoplastics toxicity are yet to be understood. Animal models, nowadays, are the most appropriate approach to uncovering this knowledge gap. In the present review article, we explore investigations from the last two years using rodent models and reach to find the molecular mechanism behind micro- and nanoplastics toxicity and if mitochondria can act as a target. Although no research article has addressed the effects of mitochondria yet, reports have highlighted molecular and biochemical alterations that could be linked to mitochondrial function. Furthermore, certain studies described the effects of disruptions in mitochondrial metabolism, such as oxidative stress. Micro- and nanoplastics may, directly and indirectly, affect this vital organelle. Investigations concerning this topic should be encouraged once they can bring us closer to understanding the mechanisms underlying these particles' harmful effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica G Silva
- Chemistry Research Centre (CQ-VR), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Maria Manuel Oliveira
- Chemistry Research Centre (CQ-VR), Chemistry Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Francisco Peixoto
- Chemistry Research Centre (CQ-VR), Biology and Environment Department University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Yu Y, Craig N, Su L. A Hidden Pathway for Human Exposure to Micro- and Nanoplastics-The Mechanical Fragmentation of Plastic Products during Daily Use. TOXICS 2023; 11:774. [PMID: 37755784 PMCID: PMC10538053 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
In numerous environmental compartments around the world, the existence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment has been verified. A growing number of studies have looked at the interaction between MNPs and human activities due to the risks they may pose to humans. Exposure pathways are key factors in measuring MNPs risks. However, current research largely ignores the contribution of mechanical fragmentation pathways to MNPs exposure during the daily use of plastic products. Our critical review demonstrated the research gap between MNP fragmentation and risk assessments via a network analysis. The release of fragmented MNPs and their properties were also described at various scales, with emphasis on environmental stressors and mechanical fragmentation. In the scenarios of daily use, plastic products such as food packaging and clothing provide acute pathways of MNPs exposure. The release tendency of those products (up to 102 mg MNPs) are several orders of magnitude higher than MNPs abundances in natural compartments. Despite the limited evidence available, waste recycling, landfill and municipal activities represented long-term pathways for MNPs fragmentation and point sources of MNPs pollution in environmental media. Assessing the health effects of the fragmentation process, unfortunately, is further hampered by the current absence of human exposure impact assessments for secondary MNPs. We proposed that future studies should integrate aging evaluation into risk assessment frameworks and establish early warning signs of MNPs released from plastic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Nicholas Craig
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lei Su
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of River and Lake Biochain Construction and Resource Utilization, Shanghai 201702, China
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