101
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Lofty J, Valero D, Moreno-Rodenas A, Belay BS, Wilson C, Ouro P, Franca MJ. On the vertical structure of non-buoyant plastics in turbulent transport. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121306. [PMID: 38432001 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is overflowing in rivers. A limited understanding of the physics of plastic transport in rivers hinders monitoring, the prediction of plastic fate and restricts the implementation of effective mitigation strategies. This study investigates two unexplored aspects of plastic transport dynamics across the near-surface, suspended and bed load layers: (i) the complex settling behaviour of plastics and (ii) their influence on plastic transport in river-like flows. Through hundreds of settling tests and thousands of 3D reconstructed plastic transport experiments, our findings show that plastics exhibit unique settling patterns and orientations, due to their geometric anisotropy, revealing a multimodal distribution of settling velocities. In the transport experiments, particle-bed interactions enhanced mixing beyond what established turbulent transport theories (Rouse profile) could predict in low-turbulence conditions, which extends the bed load layer beyond the classic definition of the bed load layer thickness for natural sediments. We propose a new vertical structure of turbulent transport equation that considers the stochastic nature of heterogeneous negatively buoyant plastics and their singularities.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Lofty
- Cardiff University, School of Engineering, Hydro-Environmental Research Centre, Wales, UK.
| | - Daniel Valero
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Water and Environment, Karlsruhe, Germany; Water Resources and Ecosystems Department, IHE Delft, Delft, the Netherlands; Presently: Imperial College London, Civil and Environmental Department, London, UK.
| | | | - Biruk S Belay
- Hydraulic Engineering Chair, Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Wilson
- Cardiff University, School of Engineering, Hydro-Environmental Research Centre, Wales, UK
| | - Pablo Ouro
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mário J Franca
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Water and Environment, Karlsruhe, Germany
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102
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Ramaremisa G, Tutu H, Saad D. Detection and characterisation of microplastics in tap water from Gauteng, South Africa. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 356:141903. [PMID: 38582157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
This study reports the presence, concentration, and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in tap water in three suburbs in Gauteng Province in South Africa. Physical characterisation was conducted using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy following staining of MPs with the Rose Bengal dye. The concentrations of MPs in all samples ranged from 4.7 to 31 particles/L, with a mean of 14 ± 5.6 particles/L. Small-sized (<1 mm) and fibrous-shaped MPs were most abundant in all samples. Fibers accounted for 83.1% of MPs in samples from all the three areas, followed by fragments (12.4%), pellets/beads (3.1%), and films (1.5%), with a minor variation in the distribution of shapes and sizes in samples from each area. Raman microspectroscopy was used for chemical analysis, and five polymers were identified, namely: high-density polyethylene, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, poly(hexamethylene terephtalamide), and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid). C.I Pigment Red 1, C.I. Solvent Yellow 4, Potassium indigotetrasulphonate, and C.I Pigment Black 7 were the colourants detected. These colourants are carcinogenic and mutagenic and are potentially toxic to humans. The prevalence of MPs in tap water implies their inadequate removal during water treatment. For instance, the presence of poly(AM-co-AA) suggests that drinking water treatment plants may be a potential source of MPs in tap water. Other polymers, e.g., high-density polyethylene may be released from pipes during the transportation of drinking water. The estimated daily consumption of MPs from tap water was 1.2, 0.71, and 0.50 particles/kg.day for children, men, and women, respectively. The findings of this study provide evidence of the presence of MPs in drinking water in South Africa, thus giving some insights into the performance of treatment plants in removing these contaminants and a benchmark for the formulation of standard limits for the amount of MPs in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gibbon Ramaremisa
- School of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Hlanganani Tutu
- School of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Dalia Saad
- School of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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103
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Ye J, Ren Y, Dong Y, Fan D. Understanding the impact of nanoplastics on reproductive health: Exposure pathways, mechanisms, and implications. Toxicology 2024; 504:153792. [PMID: 38554767 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153792] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a pressing global environmental concern with particular urgency surrounding the issue of nanoplastic particles. Plastic products exhibit a remarkable persistence in natural ecosystems, resisting easy degradation. Nanoplastics, characterized by their diminutive size, possess distinct properties when compared to their larger counterparts, which could potentially render them more ecologically detrimental. Microplastics themselves serve as carriers for toxic and hazardous substances, such as plastic additives, that enter and persist in the environmental cycle. Importantly, nanoplastics exhibit enhanced bioavailability upon entering the food chain. Notably, studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of nanoplastics on the reproductive function of aquatic organisms, and evidence of micro- and nanoplastics have emerged within human reproductive organs, including the placenta. However, a knowledge gap persists regarding the impacts of nanoplastics on the reproductive systems of mammals and, indeed, humans. This paper aims to elucidate the less frequently discussed sources and distribution of nanoplastics in the environment, along with the pathways of human exposure. We also emphasize the extent to which nanoplastics accumulate within the reproductive systems of organisms. Subsequently, we present an in-depth analysis of the effects of nanoplastics and their associated contaminants on mammalian and human reproductive health. The mechanisms through which nanoplastics contribute to reproductive disorders are comprehensively explored, highlighting their potential to disrupt endocrine levels in mammals and humans. Additionally, we scrutinize and discuss studies on biotoxicity of nanoplastics, offering insights into potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geological Engineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geological Engineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Dongwei Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China; Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
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104
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González-Caballero MC, de Alba González M, Torres-Ruiz M, Iglesias-Hernández P, Zapata V, Terrón MC, Sachse M, Morales M, Martin-Folgar R, Liste I, Cañas-Portilla AI. Internalization and toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics on inmortalized human neural stem cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141815. [PMID: 38556182 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Global plastic production has increased exponentially in recent decades, and a significant part of it persists in the environment, where it degrades into microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs). These can enter in humans by ingestion, inhalation, and dermal routes, and there is scientific evidence that they are able to reach the systemic circulation and penetrate and accumulate in various tissues and organs. Neurodevelopmental toxicity of NPs is one of the most worrying effects, as they can cross the blood-brain barrier. In the following study, we analyzed, by transmission electron microscopy, the in vitro uptake of 30-nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) into human neural stem cells (NSCs), their accumulation and subcellular localization within the cell. Furthermore, we studied the effects of different concentrations of PS-NPs on cell death, proliferation, and cell differentiation using immunocytochemistry and quantitative real time PCR for specific markers. This study demonstrated that PS-NPs were able to enter the cell, probably by endocytosis, accumulate, and aggregated in human NSCs, without being detected in the nucleus, causing cell death by apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. This study provides new insights into the interaction and effects of PS-NPs in human NSC and supports the scientific evidence for the involvement of nanoplastic in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma Carmen González-Caballero
- Área de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mercedes de Alba González
- Área de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Torres-Ruiz
- Área de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Iglesias-Hernández
- Área de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Unidad Funcional de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2., 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Zapata
- Unidad Funcional de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2., 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María C Terrón
- Unidad de Microscopía Electrónica, Unidades Centrales Científico Técnicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2., 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin Sachse
- Unidad de Microscopía Electrónica, Unidades Centrales Científico Técnicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2., 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Morales
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Departamento de Física Matemática y de Fluidos, Facultad de Ciencias, UNED. Urbanización Monte Rozas, Avda, Esparta s/n. Ctra. de Las Rozas al Escorial Km 5, 28232, Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Martin-Folgar
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Departamento de Física Matemática y de Fluidos, Facultad de Ciencias, UNED. Urbanización Monte Rozas, Avda, Esparta s/n. Ctra. de Las Rozas al Escorial Km 5, 28232, Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Liste
- Unidad Funcional de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2., 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Cañas-Portilla
- Área de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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105
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Ling X, Cheng J, Yao W, Qian H, Ding D, Yu Z, Xie Y, Yang F. Identification and Visualization of Polystyrene Microplastics/Nanoplastics in Flavored Yogurt by Raman Imaging. TOXICS 2024; 12:330. [PMID: 38787108 PMCID: PMC11125995 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The contamination of food by microplastics has garnered widespread attention, particularly concerning the health risks associated with small-sized microplastics. However, detecting these smaller microplastics in food poses challenges attributed to the complexity of food matrices and instrumental and method limitations. Here, we employed Raman imaging for visualization and identification of polystyrene particles synthesized in polymerization reactions, ranging from 400 to 2600 nm. We successfully developed a quantitative model of particle size and concentration for polystyrene, exhibiting excellent fit (R2 of 0.9946). We established procedures for spiked flavored yogurt using synthesized polystyrene, providing fresh insights into microplastic extraction efficiency. Recovery rates calculated from models validated the method's feasibility. In practical applications, the assessment of the size, type, shape, and quantity of microplastics in unspiked flavored yogurt was conducted. The most common polymers found were polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene, with the smallest polystyrene sizes ranging from 1 to 10 μm. Additionally, we conducted exposure assessments of microplastics in branded flavored yogurt. This study established a foundation for developing a universal method to quantify microplastics in food, covering synthesis of standards, method development, validation, and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Weirong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - He Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Dazhi Ding
- School of Microelectronics (School of Integrated Circuits), Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China;
| | - Zhilong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yunfei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Fangwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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106
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Sofield CE, Anderton RS, Gorecki AM. Mind over Microplastics: Exploring Microplastic-Induced Gut Disruption and Gut-Brain-Axis Consequences. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4186-4202. [PMID: 38785524 PMCID: PMC11120006 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As environmental plastic waste degrades, it creates an abundance of diverse microplastic particles. Consequently, microplastics contaminate drinking water and many staple food products, meaning the oral ingestion of microplastics is an important exposure route for the human population. Microplastics have long been considered inert, however their ability to promote microbial dysbiosis as well as gut inflammation and dysfunction suggests they are more noxious than first thought. More alarmingly, there is evidence for microplastics permeating from the gut throughout the body, with adverse effects on the immune and nervous systems. Coupled with the now-accepted role of the gut-brain axis in neurodegeneration, these findings support the hypothesis that this ubiquitous environmental pollutant is contributing to the rising incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This comprehensive narrative review explores the consequences of oral microplastic exposure on the gut-brain-axis by considering current evidence for gastrointestinal uptake and disruption, immune activation, translocation throughout the body, and neurological effects. As microplastics are now a permanent feature of the global environment, understanding their effects on the gut, brain, and whole body will facilitate critical further research and inform policy changes aimed at reducing any adverse consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E. Sofield
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia; (C.E.S.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Ryan S. Anderton
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia; (C.E.S.); (R.S.A.)
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia
| | - Anastazja M. Gorecki
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia; (C.E.S.); (R.S.A.)
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107
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Ahn K, Park K, Sadeghi K, Seo J. New Surface Modification of Hydrophilic Polyvinyl Alcohol via Predrying and Electrospinning of Hydrophobic Polycaprolactone Nanofibers. Foods 2024; 13:1385. [PMID: 38731754 PMCID: PMC11083550 DOI: 10.3390/foods13091385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the excellent oxygen barrier and biodegradability of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), its poor physical properties owing to its inherent hydrophilicity limit its application. In this paper, we report a novel surface modification technique for PVA films, involving the control of the predrying conditions (i.e., amount of residual solvent) of the coated PVA film and adjusting the electrospinning process of hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers onto the PVA films. The residual solvent of the coated PVA film was varied by changing the predrying time. A shorter predrying time increased the residual solvent content significantly (p < 0.05) and the flexibility of the coated PVA film. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy depicted the improved physical binding of hydrophobic PCL nanofibers to the hydrophilic PVA surface with increased penetration depth to the PVA film with shorter drying times. The PVA/PCL composite films with different predrying times and electrospun PCL nanofibers exhibited an apparent increase in the contact angle from 8.3° to 95.1°. The tensile strength of the pure PVA film increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 7.5 MPa to 77.4 MPa and its oxygen permeability decreased from 5.5 to 1.9 cc/m2·day. Therefore, our newly developed technique is cost-effective for modifying the surface and physical properties of hydrophilic polymers, broadening their industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kihyeon Ahn
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju-si 26493, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea; (K.A.); (K.P.)
| | - Kitae Park
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju-si 26493, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea; (K.A.); (K.P.)
| | - Kambiz Sadeghi
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, 501 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
| | - Jongchul Seo
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju-si 26493, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea; (K.A.); (K.P.)
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108
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Płuciennik K, Sicińska P, Misztal W, Bukowska B. Important Factors Affecting Induction of Cell Death, Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage by Nano- and Microplastic Particles In Vitro. Cells 2024; 13:768. [PMID: 38727304 PMCID: PMC11083305 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We have described the influence of selected factors that increase the toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) with regard to cell viability, various types of cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, and genotoxicity. These factors include plastic particle size (NPs/MPs), zeta potential, exposure time, concentration, functionalization, and the influence of environmental factors and cell type. Studies have unequivocally shown that smaller plastic particles are more cytotoxic, penetrate cells more easily, increase ROS formation, and induce oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA. The toxic effects also increase with concentration and incubation time. NPs with positive zeta potential are also more toxic than those with a negative zeta potential because the cells are negatively charged, inducing stronger interactions. The deleterious effects of NPs and MPs are increased by functionalization with anionic or carboxyl groups, due to greater interaction with cell membrane components. Cationic NPs/MPs are particularly toxic due to their greater cellular uptake and/or their effects on cells and lysosomal membranes. The effects of polystyrene (PS) vary from one cell type to another, and normal cells are more sensitive to NPs than cancerous ones. The toxicity of NPs/MPs can be enhanced by environmental factors, including UV radiation, as they cause the particles to shrink and change their shape, which is a particularly important consideration when working with environmentally-changed NPs/MPs. In summary, the cytotoxicity, oxidative properties, and genotoxicity of plastic particles depends on their concentration, duration of action, and cell type. Also, NPs/MPs with a smaller diameter and positive zeta potential, and those exposed to UV and functionalized with amino groups, demonstrate higher toxicity than larger, non-functionalized and environmentally-unchanged particles with a negative zeta potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bożena Bukowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (K.P.); (P.S.); (W.M.)
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109
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Martin L, Simpson K, Brzezinski M, Watt J, Xu W. Cellular response of keratinocytes to the entry and accumulation of nanoplastic particles. Part Fibre Toxicol 2024; 21:22. [PMID: 38685063 PMCID: PMC11057139 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00583-9] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic accumulation in the environment is rapidly increasing, and nanoplastics (NP), byproducts of environmental weathering of bulk plastic waste, pose a significant public health risk. Particles may enter the human body through many possible routes such as ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. However, studies on NP penetration and accumulation in human skin are limited. Loss or reduction of the keratinized skin barrier may enhance the skin penetration of NPs. The present study investigated the entry of NPs into a human skin system modeling skin with compromised barrier functions and cellular responses to the intracellular accumulations of NPs. Two in vitro models were employed to simulate human skin lacking keratinized barriers. The first model was an ex vivo human skin culture with the keratinized dermal layer (stratum corneum) removed. The second model was a 3D keratinocyte/dermal fibroblast cell co-culture model with stratified keratinocytes on the top and a monolayer of skin fibroblast cells co-cultured at the bottom. The penetration and accumulation of the NPs in different cell types were observed using fluorescent microscopy, confocal microscopy, and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The cellular responses of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast cells to stress induced by NPs stress were measured. The genetic regulatory pathway of keratinocytes to the intracellular NPs was identified using transcript analyses and KEGG pathway analysis. The cellular uptake of NPs by skin cells was confirmed by imaging analyses. Transepidermal transport and penetration of NPs through the skin epidermis were observed. According to the gene expression and pathway analyses, an IL-17 signaling pathway was identified as the trigger for cellular responses to internal NP accumulation in the keratinocytes. The transepidermal NPs were also found in co-cultured dermal fibroblast cells and resulted in a large-scale transition from fibroblast cells to myofibroblast cells with enhanced production of α-smooth muscle actin and pro-Collagen Ia. The upregulation of inflammatory factors and cell activation may result in skin inflammation and ultimately trigger immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisha Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr, 78412, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Kayla Simpson
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr, 78412, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Molly Brzezinski
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr, 78412, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - John Watt
- Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr, 78412, Corpus Christi, TX, USA.
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110
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Garcia MA, Liu R, Nihart A, El Hayek E, Castillo E, Barrozo ER, Suter MA, Bleske B, Scott J, Forsythe K, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Aagaard KM, Campen MJ. Quantitation and identification of microplastics accumulation in human placental specimens using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:81-88. [PMID: 38366932 PMCID: PMC11057519 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae021] [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] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The exponential increase in global plastic usage has led to the emergence of nano- and microplastic (NMP) pollution as a pressing environmental issue due to its implications for human and other mammalian health. We have developed methodologies to extract solid materials from human tissue samples by saponification and ultracentrifugation, allowing for highly specific and quantitative analysis of plastics by pyrolysis-gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). As a benchmark, placenta tissue samples were analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and automated particle count, which demonstrated the presence of >1-micron particles and fibers, but not nano-sized plastic particles. Analyses of the samples (n = 10) using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated presence of rayon, polystyrene, polyethylene, and unclassified plastic particles. By contrast, among 62 placenta samples, Py-GC-MS revealed that microplastics were present in all participants' placentae, with concentrations ranging widely from 6.5 to 685 µg NMPs per gram of placental tissue, averaging 126.8 ± 147.5 µg/g (mean±SD). Polyethylene was the most prevalent polymer, accounting for 54% of total NMPs and consistently found in nearly all samples (mean 68.8 ± 93.2 µg/g placenta). Polyvinyl chloride and nylon each represented approximately 10% of the NMPs by weight, with the remaining 26% of the composition represented by 9 other polymers. Together, these data demonstrate advancements in the unbiased quantitative resolution of Py-GC-MS applied to the identification and quantification of NMP species at the maternal-fetal interface. This method, paired with clinical metadata, will be pivotal to evaluating potential impacts of NMPs on adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus A Garcia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Alex Nihart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Eliseo Castillo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Enrico R Barrozo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Melissa A Suter
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Barry Bleske
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Justin Scott
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Kyle Forsythe
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Matthew J Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
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111
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Boccia P, Mondellini S, Mauro S, Zanellato M, Parolini M, Sturchio E. Potential Effects of Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Microplastics: An Overview of Air Contamination. TOXICS 2024; 12:320. [PMID: 38787098 PMCID: PMC11125735 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are now ubiquitous environmental contaminants that lead to unavoidable human exposure; they have received increasing attention in recent years and have become an emerging area of research. The greatest concern is the negative impacts of MPs on marine, fresh-water, and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as human health, to the extent that the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for increased research and standardized methods to assess exposure to MPs. Many countries and international organizations are implementing or proposing legislation in this regard. This review aims to summarize the current state of legislation, indoor and outdoor contamination, and potential human health risk due to exposure to airborne MPs, considering that occupational exposure to MPs is also becoming a growing area of concern. Even though research regarding MPs has continuously increased in the last twenty years, the effects of MPs on human health have been scarcely investigated, and toxicity studies are still limited and not directly comparable, due to the lack of standardized studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Boccia
- INAIL—Istituto Nazionale per L’Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, Dit, 38/40 Via Roberto Ferruzzi, 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.S.)
| | - Simona Mondellini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Simona Mauro
- Chemistry Department, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Miriam Zanellato
- INAIL—Istituto Nazionale per L’Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, Dit, 38/40 Via Roberto Ferruzzi, 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.S.)
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Elena Sturchio
- INAIL—Istituto Nazionale per L’Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, Dit, 38/40 Via Roberto Ferruzzi, 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.S.)
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112
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Ikuno Y, Tsujino H, Haga Y, Manabe S, Idehara W, Hokaku M, Asahara H, Higashisaka K, Tsutsumi Y. Polyethylene, whose surface has been modified by UV irradiation, induces cytotoxicity: A comparison with microplastics found in beaches. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116346. [PMID: 38669869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, plastic particles 5 mm or less in size, are abundant in the environment; hence, the exposure of humans to microplastics is a great concern. Usually, the surface of microplastics found in the environment has undergone degradation by external factors such as ultraviolet rays and water waves. One of the characteristics of changes caused by surface degradation of microplastics is the introduction of oxygen-containing functional groups. Surface degradation alters the physicochemical properties of plastics, suggesting that the biological effects of environmentally degraded plastics may differ from those of pure plastics. However, the biological effects of plastics introduced with oxygen-containing functional groups through degradation are poorly elucidated owing to the lack of a plastic sample that imitates the degradation state of plastics found in the environment. In this study, we investigated the degradation state of microplastics collected from a beach. Next, we degraded a commercially available polyethylene (PE) particles via vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation and showed that chemical surface state of PE imitates that of microplastics in the environment. We evaluated the cytotoxic effects of degraded PE samples on immune and epithelial cell lines. We found that VUV irradiation was effective in degrading PE within a short period, and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity was induced by degraded PE in all cell lines. Our results indicate that the cytotoxic effect of PE on different cell types depends on the degree of microplastic degradation, which contributes to our understanding of the effects of PE microplastics on humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudai Ikuno
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Tsujino
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Museum Links, Osaka University, 1-13 Machikaneyamacho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan.
| | - Yuya Haga
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sota Manabe
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Wakaba Idehara
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mii Hokaku
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Haruyasu Asahara
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuma Higashisaka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuo Tsutsumi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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113
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Patidar K, Ambade B, Alshehri M. Microplastics and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water and sediment of the Bay of Bengal coastal area, India: sources, pathway and ecological risk. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:176. [PMID: 38649546 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01926-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
In the aquatic environment around the world, microplastic contamination has been a common and ongoing issue. Particularly, the ability of microplastics to absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and then transmit these POPs to aquatic creatures has attracted a lot of interest. A stereomicroscope was used to detect the size, shape, and color of the microplastics (MPs), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the polymer composition of the MPs. To address MP transit, destiny, and mitigation, a study of MP pollution coastal areas is required. In the current study, MP pollution in the collected sample from upper layer of water and sediment of the Digha and Puri beaches along the coast of BOB was evaluated. The average concentration with SD of MPs observed in water was 5.3 ± 1.8 items/L whereas, in sediments, it was 173.4 ± 40.1 items/kg at Digha beach. The mean MPs abundance in the Puri beach was 6.4 ± 1.7 items/L in the water and 190.4 ± 28.0 items/kg in the sediments. The investigated total 16-PAHs concentrations were 164.7 ng/g, 121.9 ng/g, 73.6 ng/g, and 101.3 ng/g on the MPs surface of foam, fragment, fibers, and film respectively in the studied MPs sample. Smaller than 1000 µm size of MPs are distributed in the largest concentration. Fibers, films, fragments, and foam were the most common shapes of MPs. The molecular structure of MPs in water and sediment samples was analysed i.e., polyesters (PEs), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonates (PC), and polyurethane (PU). The obtained result offers an accurate assessment of the PLI, and the investigated polymer facilitates determining the polymer hazard levels, which emphasizes the risk associated with it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Patidar
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831014, India
| | - Balram Ambade
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831014, India.
| | - Mohammed Alshehri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
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114
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Gao X, Xu K, Du W, Wang S, Jiang M, Wang Y, Han Q, Chen M. Comparing the effects and mechanisms of exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics with different functional groups on the male reproductive system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171299. [PMID: 38423318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
After aging in the environment, some nanoplastics will carry different charges and functional groups, thereby altering their toxicological effects. To evaluate the potential impact of aging of nanoplastics on the mammalian reproductive system, we exposed C57BL/6 male mice to a dose of 5 mg/kg/d polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) with different functional groups (unmodified, carboxyl functionalized and amino functionalized) for 45 days for this study. The results suggest that PS-NPs with different functional groups triggered oxidative stress, a decreased in the testis index, disruption of the outer wall of the seminiferous tubules, reduction in the number of spermatogonia cells and sperm counts, and an increased in sperm malformations. We performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis on the differentially expressed proteins, and found they were mainly enriched in protein transport, RNA splicing and mTOR signaling. We confirmed that the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway is over activated, which may lead to reduction of spermatogonia stem cells by over differentiation. Strikingly, PS-NPs with functional group modifications are more toxic than those of unmodified polystyrene, and that PS-NPs with positively charged amino modifications are the most toxic. This study provides a new understanding for correctly evaluating the toxicological effects of plastic aging, and of the mechanism responsible for the reproductive toxicity caused by nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Gao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Wanting Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Shuxin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Mengling Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Yunyi Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Han
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Mingqing Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China.
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115
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Sharma P, Sharma P. Micro(nano)plastics: invisible compounds with a visible impact. F1000Res 2024; 13:69. [PMID: 38659492 PMCID: PMC11040229 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.142212.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The plastic related research has been an epicentre in recent times. The presence and spread of micro (nano) plastics (MNPs) are well-known in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. However, the focus on the fate and remediation of MNP in soil and groundwater is limited. The fate and bioaccumulation of ingested MNPs remain unknown within the digestive tract of animals. There is also a significant knowledge gap in understanding the ubiquitous organic environmental pollutants with MNPs in biological systems. Reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and developing environmentally friendly alternatives are some of the key steps needed to address MNP pollution. For better handling and to protect the environment from these invisible substances, policymakers and researchers urgently need to monitor and map MNP contamination in soil and groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhakar Sharma
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, School of Engineering, Nagaland University, Dimapur, Nagaland, 797112, India
| | - Prateek Sharma
- Environmental Science, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835222, India
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116
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Xie J, Gowen A, Xu W, Xu J. Analysing micro- and nanoplastics with cutting-edge infrared spectroscopy techniques: a critical review. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:2177-2197. [PMID: 38533677 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01808c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The escalating prominence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) as emerging anthropogenic pollutants has sparked widespread scientific and public interest. These minuscule particles pervade the global environment, permeating drinking water and food sources, prompting concerns regarding their environmental impacts and potential risks to human health. In recent years, the field of MNP research has witnessed the development and application of cutting-edge infrared (IR) spectroscopic instruments. This review focuses on the recent application of advanced IR spectroscopic techniques and relevant instrumentation to analyse MNPs. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, encompassing articles published within the past three years. The findings revealed that Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy stands as the most used technique, with focal plane array FTIR (FPA-FTIR) representing the cutting edge in FTIR spectroscopy. The second most popular technique is quantum cascade laser infrared (QCL-IR) spectroscopy, which has facilitated rapid analysis of plastic particles. Following closely is optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy, which can furnish submicron spatial resolution. Subsequently, there is atomic force microscopy-based infrared (AFM-IR) spectroscopy, which has made it feasible to analyse MNPs at the nanoscale level. The most advanced IR instruments identified in articles covered in this review were compared. Comparison metrics encompass substrates/filters, data quality, spatial resolution, data acquisition speed, data processing and cost. The limitations of these IR instruments were identified, and recommendations to address these limitations were proposed. The findings of this review offer valuable guidance to MNP researchers in selecting suitable instrumentation for their research experiments, thereby facilitating advancements in research aimed at enhancing our understanding of the environmental and human health risks associated with MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Xie
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Aoife Gowen
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Coastal Studies, College of Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, USA
| | - Junli Xu
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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117
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Zhong Y, Yang Y, Zhang L, Ma D, Wen K, Cai J, Cai Z, Wang C, Chai X, Zhong J, Liang B, Huang Y, Xian H, Li Z, Yang X, Chen D, Zhang G, Huang Z. Revealing new insights: Two-center evidence of microplastics in human vitreous humor and their implications for ocular health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171109. [PMID: 38387563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), an emerging environmental contaminant, have raised growing health apprehension due to their detection in various human biospecimens. Despite extensive research into their prevalence in the environment and the human body, the ramifications of their existence within the enclosed confines of the human eye remain largely unexplored. Herein, we assembled a cohort of 49 patients with four ocular diseases (macular hole, macular epiretinal membrane, retinopathy and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment) from two medical centers. After processing the samples with an optimized method, we utilized Laser Direct Infrared (LD-IR) spectroscopy and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to analyze 49 vitreous samples, evaluating the characteristics of MPs within the internal environment of the human eye. Our results showed that LD-IR scanned a total of 8543 particles in the composite sample from 49 individual vitreous humor samples, identifying 1745 as plastic particles, predominantly below 50 μm. Concurrently, Py-GC/MS analysis of the 49 individual samples corroborated these findings, with nylon 66 exhibiting the highest content, followed by polyvinyl chloride, and detection of polystyrene. Notably, correlations were observed between MP levels and key ocular health parameters, particularly intraocular pressure and the presence of aqueous humor opacities. Intriguingly, individuals afflicted with retinopathy demonstrated heightened ocular health risks associated with MPs. In summary, this research provides significant insights into infiltration of MP pollutants within the human eye, shedding light on their potential implications for ocular health and advocating for further exploration of this emerging health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Zhong
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuhang Yang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Linan Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Dahui Ma
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Kailiang Wen
- Meizhou city Meijiang district Shenmei Eye Hospital, Meizhou 514031, China
| | - Jiachun Cai
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Zhanmou Cai
- Meizhou city Meijiang district Shenmei Eye Hospital, Meizhou 514031, China
| | - Cui Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chai
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Jingwen Zhong
- Meizhou city Meijiang district Shenmei Eye Hospital, Meizhou 514031, China
| | - Boxuan Liang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuji Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hongyi Xian
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhiming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xingfen Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Da Chen
- College of Environment and Climate, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guoming Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518040, China.
| | - Zhenlie Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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118
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Rahman MM, Kim ES, Sung HC. Microplastics as an emerging threat to amphibians: Current status and future perspectives. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28220. [PMID: 38560268 PMCID: PMC10979166 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Given their pervasiveness in the environment, particularly in aquatic ecosystems, plastics are posing a growing concern worldwide. Many vertebrates and invertebrates in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems exhibit microplastic (MP) uptake and accumulation. Some studies have indicated the fatal impacts of MPs on animals and their possible transfer through food chains. Thus, it is crucial to study MP pollution and its impacts on environment-sensitive and globally threatened animal groups, such as amphibians, which also play an important role in the energy transfer between ecosystems. Unfortunately, research in this field is lacking and sources of organized information are also scarce. Hence, we systematically reviewed published literature on MPs in amphibians to fill the existing knowledge gap. Our review revealed that most of the previous studies have focused on MP bioaccumulation in amphibians, whereas, only a few research highlighted its impacts. We found that more than 80% of the studied species exhibited MP accumulation. MPs were reported to persist in different organs for a long time and get transferred to other trophic levels. They can also exhibit cytotoxic and mutagenic effects and may have fatal impacts. Moreover, they can increase the disease susceptibility of amphibians. Our study concludes the MPs as a potential threat to amphibians and urges increasing the scope and frequency of research on MP pollution and its impacts on this vulnerable animal group. We also provide a generalized method for studying MPs in amphibians with future perspectives and research directions. Our study is significant for extending the knowledge of MPs and their impacts on amphibians and guiding prospective research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung-Sam Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Ecomimetics, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Center for Next Generation Sensor Research and Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Sustainable Ecological Environment, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Cheol Sung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Ecomimetics, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Sustainable Ecological Environment, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
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119
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Kisielinski K, Hockertz S, Hirsch O, Korupp S, Klosterhalfen B, Schnepf A, Dyker G. Wearing face masks as a potential source for inhalation and oral uptake of inanimate toxins - A scoping review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 275:115858. [PMID: 38537476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From 2020 to 2023 many people around the world were forced to wear masks for large proportions of the day based on mandates and laws. We aimed to study the potential of face masks for the content and release of inanimate toxins. METHODS A scoping review of 1003 studies was performed (database search in PubMed/MEDLINE, qualitative and quantitative evaluation). RESULTS 24 studies were included (experimental time 17 min to 15 days) evaluating content and/or release in 631 masks (273 surgical, 228 textile and 130 N95 masks). Most studies (63%) showed alarming results with high micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) release and exceedances could also be evidenced for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), xylene, acrolein, per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates (including di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate, DEHP) and for Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, Sb and TiO2. DISCUSSION Of course, masks filter larger dirt and plastic particles and fibers from the air we breathe and have specific indications, but according to our data they also carry risks. Depending on the application, a risk-benefit analysis is necessary. CONCLUSION Undoubtedly, mask mandates during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been generating an additional source of potentially harmful exposition to toxins with health threatening and carcinogenic properties at population level with almost zero distance to the airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kisielinski
- Social Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Clinical Medicine (Surgery), Private Practice, 40212 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Stefan Hockertz
- Toxicology, Pharmacology, Immunology, tpi consult AG, Haldenstr. 1, CH 6340 Baar, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Hirsch
- Department of Psychology, FOM University of Applied Sciences, 57078 Siegen, Germany
| | - Stephan Korupp
- Surgeon, Emergency Medicine, Private Practice, 52070 Aachen, Germany
| | - Bernd Klosterhalfen
- Institute of Pathology, Dueren Hospital, Roonstrasse 30, 52351 Dueren, Germany
| | - Andreas Schnepf
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerald Dyker
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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120
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Niessink T, Janssen M, Giesen T, Efdé MN, Comarniceanu AC, Otto C, Jansen TL. Diagnostic Accuracy of Raman Spectroscopy Integrated With Polarized Light Microscopy for Calcium Pyrophosphate-Associated Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38622108 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We studied the performance of integrated Raman polarized light microscopy (iRPolM) for the identification of calcium pyrophosphate (CPP)-associated arthritis (CPPD). METHODS This is a diagnostic accuracy study including 400 consecutive synovial fluid samples from a single hospital in the Netherlands. Accuracy measures were calculated against polarized light microscopy (PLM) and the 2023 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/EULAR criteria set for CPPD. RESULTS The interrater reliability between iRPolM and the 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria set for CPPD was strong (κ = 0.88). The diagnostic performance of iRPolM compared to the 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria set was sensitivity 86.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 73.3-94.2), specificity 99.1% (95% CI 97.5-99.8), positive likelihood ratio 100.33 (95% CI 32.3-311.3), negative likelihood ratio 0.14 (95% CI 0.07-0.28), positive predictive value 93.5% (95% CI 82.2-97.8), negative predictive value 98.0% (95% CI 82.2-97.8), and accuracy 97.5% (95% CI 95.5-98.8). We allowed rheumatologists to rate the certainty of their microscopic identification of CPP and found a large correspondence between iRPolM and a certain identification (κ = 0.87), whereas only 10% of the uncertain CPP identifications could be confirmed with iRPolM. We identified several novel particle types in synovial fluid analysis, including calcium carbonate crystals, deposited carotenoids, microplastics, and three types of Maltese cross birefringent objects. CONCLUSION iRPolM can easily identify CPP crystals with a strong diagnostic performance. PLM alone is not specific enough to reliably resolve complicated cases, and the implementation of Raman spectroscopy in rheumatology practice can be of benefit to patients with suspected CPPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Niessink
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Janssen
- Department of Rheumatology, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - Tanja Giesen
- Department of Rheumatology, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - Monique N Efdé
- Department of Rheumatology, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, the Netherlands
| | | | - Cees Otto
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Tim L Jansen
- Department of Rheumatology, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, the Netherlands
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Jing X, Shao Y, Wang H, Han G, Zhang J, Wang N, Xu J, Liu L, Chen G. Aging of polypropylene plastic and impacts on microbial community structure in constructed wetlands. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123433. [PMID: 38278405 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a substantial surge in the usage of disposable plastic masks, generating a significant volume of waste and contributing to environmental pollution. Wetland ecosystems function as crucial repositories for terrestrial pollutants and are highly effective in retaining disposable masks composed mainly of PP material. These masks can endure extended periods in wetlands, experiencing natural degradation that may have potential implications on wetland ecosystems. Our findings demonstrate the natural aging process of disposable masks, resulting in the generation of microplastics (MPs) ranging in diameter from 10 to 30 μm over a 180-day timeframe. Examination of 16S rDNA data unveiled temporal fluctuations in microbial diversity in the wetland ecosystem. Initially, microbial diversity displayed a modest incline, which was succeeded by a subsequent decrease. With the progressive accumulation of plastic within the wetland, an ongoing decline in microbial diversity linked to nitrogen transformation was observed. This study provides valuable insights into the retention of disposable masks by wetlands amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their consequential effects on wetland ecosystems, specifically pertaining to nitrogen cycling. It underscores the urgency of augmenting the safeguarding measures for wetland ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Jing
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shao
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China.
| | - Hongbo Wang
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Guolan Han
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Jingtao Xu
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Lei Liu
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Gao Chen
- Institute of Crop Germplasm Resources, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, Jinan, 250100, China
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Fan J, Liu L, Lu Y, Chen Q, Fan S, Yang Y, Long Y, Liu X. Acute exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles promotes liver injury by inducing mitochondrial ROS-dependent necroptosis and augmenting macrophage-hepatocyte crosstalk. Part Fibre Toxicol 2024; 21:20. [PMID: 38610056 PMCID: PMC11010371 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00578-6] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global use of plastic materials has undergone rapid expansion, resulting in the substantial generation of degraded and synthetic microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), which have the potential to impose significant environmental burdens and cause harmful effects on living organisms. Despite this, the detrimental impacts of MNPs exposure towards host cells and tissues have not been thoroughly characterized. RESULTS In the present study, we have elucidated a previously unidentified hepatotoxic effect of 20 nm synthetic polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs), rather than larger PS beads, by selectively inducing necroptosis in macrophages. Mechanistically, 20 nm PSNPs were rapidly internalized by macrophages and accumulated in the mitochondria, where they disrupted mitochondrial integrity, leading to heightened production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). This elevated mtROS generation essentially triggered necroptosis in macrophages, resulting in enhanced crosstalk with hepatocytes, ultimately leading to hepatocyte damage. Additionally, it was demonstrated that PSNPs induced necroptosis and promoted acute liver injury in mice. This harmful effect was significantly mitigated by the administration of a necroptosis inhibitor or systemic depletion of macrophages prior to PSNPs injection. CONCLUSION Collectively, our study suggests a profound toxicity of environmental PSNP exposure by triggering macrophage necroptosis, which in turn induces hepatotoxicity via intercellular crosstalk between macrophages and hepatocytes in the hepatic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Fan
- Department of Laboratory and Blood Transfusion of Jiangbei Campus, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The 958th hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army), 400000, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Laboratory and Blood Transfusion of Jiangbei Campus, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The 958th hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army), 400000, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongling Lu
- Medical Research Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Medical Research Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Shijun Fan
- Medical Research Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongjun Yang
- Medical Research Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yupeng Long
- Department of Laboratory and Blood Transfusion of Jiangbei Campus, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The 958th hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army), 400000, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xin Liu
- Medical Research Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
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Wang T, Yi Z, Liu X, Cai Y, Huang X, Fang J, Shen R, Lu W, Xiao Y, Zhuang W, Guo S. Multimodal detection and analysis of microplastics in human thrombi from multiple anatomically distinct sites. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105118. [PMID: 38614011 PMCID: PMC11021838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern worldwide. While extensive research has focused on their presence in marine organisms and ecosystems, their potential impact on human health, particularly on the circulatory system, remains understudied. This project aimed to identify and quantify the mass concentrations, polymer types, and physical properties of MPs in human thrombi surgically retrieved from both arterial and venous systems at three anatomically distinct sites, namely, cerebral arteries in the brain, coronary arteries in the heart, and deep veins in the lower extremities. Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate the potential association between the levels of MPs and disease severity. METHODS Thrombus samples were collected from 30 patients who underwent thrombectomy procedures due to ischaemic stroke (IS), myocardial infarction (MI), or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was employed to identify and quantify the mass concentrations of the MPs. Laser direct infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyse the physical properties of the MPs. Demographic and clinical information were also examined. A rigorous quality control system was used to eliminate potential environmental contamination. FINDINGS MPs were detected by Py-GC/MS in 80% (24/30) of the thrombi obtained from patients with IS, MI, or DVT, with median concentrations of 61.75 μg/g, 141.80 μg/g, and 69.62 μg/g, respectively. Among the 10 target types of MP polymers, polyamide 66 (PA66), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE) were identified. Further analyses suggested that higher concentrations of MPs may be associated with greater disease severity (adjusted β = 7.72, 95% CI: 2.01-13.43, p < 0.05). The level of D-dimer in the MP-detected group was significantly higher than that in the MP-undetected group (8.3 ± 1.5 μg/L vs 6.6 ± 0.5 μg/L, p < 0.001). Additionally, LDIR analysis showed that PE was dominant among the 15 types of identified MPs, accounting for 53.6% of all MPs, with a mean diameter of 35.6 μm. The shapes of the polymers detected using LDIR and SEM were found to be heterogeneous. INTERPRETATION This study presents both qualitative and quantitative evidence of the presence of MPs, and their mass concentrations, polymer types, and physical properties in thrombotic diseases through the use of multimodal detection methods. Higher concentrations of MPs may be associated with increased disease severity. Future research with a larger sample size is urgently needed to identify the sources of exposure and validate the observed trends in the study. FUNDING This study was funded by the SUMC Scientific Research Initiation Grant (SRIG, No. 009-510858038), Postdoctoral Research Initiation Grant (No. 202205230031-3), and the 2020 Li Ka Shing Foundation Cross-Disciplinary Research Grant (No. 2020LKSFG02C).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhiheng Yi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yuxin Cai
- Intervention Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xianxi Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jingnian Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ronghuai Shen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Weikun Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yingxiu Xiao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Weiduan Zhuang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | - Shaowei Guo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
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Xue J, Xu Z, Hu X, Lu Y, Zhao Y, Zhang H. Microplastics in maternal amniotic fluid and their associations with gestational age. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:171044. [PMID: 38382607 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a growing global concern due to its potential threat to human health, particularly concerning fetal health. Nevertheless, few studies have examined the sources of fetal MPs exposure and its impact on fetal development. In this study, MPs levels in maternal amniotic fluid (AF) and their associations with measures of fetal growth were investigated. Specifically, 40 human AF samples were collected to determine the presence and characteristics of MPs using laser direct infrared (LD-IR) spectroscopy. MPs were found in 32 out of 40 AF samples, with an average abundance of 2.01 ± 4.19 particles/g. Polyethylene (PE, 38.80 %) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE, 26.98 %) were the most prevalent polymers. The majority of MPs (87.56 %) were 20-100 μm in size, and fragments (71.23 %) evidently prevailed in morphology. Additionally, a questionnaire was designed to explore the associations between MPs levels in the AF and maternal dietary habits, aiming at unveiling the potential sources of MPs in AF. The MPs levels in the AF were positively associated with the frequency of seafood consumption (r = 0.781, P < 0.001) and bottled water intake (r = 0.386, P = 0.014). Moreover, the associations between MPs levels in maternal AF and measures of fetal growth were evaluated. The abundance of total MPs in maternal AF were significantly negatively associated with gestational age (β = -0.44, 95 % CI, -0.83, -0.05). This study confirms the presence of MPs in human AF and provides compelling evidence linking them to gestational age, while highlighting the potential risks associated with dietary habits. These findings underscore the need for further investigation into the mechanisms of MPs transmission from mother to fetus and the potential health implications during fetal development, offering valuable insights for future policies aimed at safeguarding maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyang Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhendong Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and critical care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaobing Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology and critical care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology and critical care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China.
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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125
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Ahmad MF, Fauzi MA, Ahmad MH, Wider W, Lee CK. Are we eating plastic? Science mapping of microplastic pollution in the aquatic food chain. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024. [PMID: 38593234 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluates the knowledge structure of microplastic pollution and its effects on the aquatic food chain. The presence of microplastics has seriously harmed the ecosystem. Through bibliometric analysis, 216 journal publications were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) from 2008 to 2023 (April), with no restriction in the time frame. Applying bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis, the emerging, current, and future themes of microplastic pollution are presented. Three research streams are derived from bibliographic coupling, centralized on the source of microplastic pollution and its impact. At the same time, research streams from co-word analysis are associated with overcoming the issue of microplastics in the ecosystem. This study's implications suggest three main principles to mitigate microplastic issues: (1) educating the public on the impact of microplastic pollution, (2) implementing holistic regulations and policies, and (3) developing treatment strategies through conventional, innovative, and hybrid approaches. Microplastic pollution is a global concern, requiring a holistic and comprehensive approach to overcome it. This review is the first to present a scientific mapping of the microplastics literature, which is a fundamental basis for future research on microplastic pollution and its impact on the ecosystem. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-12. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Faizal Ahmad
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Walton Wider
- Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Chia Kuang Lee
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
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Sun H, Yang B, Zhu X, Li Q, Song E, Song Y. Oral exposure of polystyrene microplastics and doxycycline affects mice neurological function via gut microbiota disruption: The orchestrating role of fecal microbiota transplantation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133714. [PMID: 38340564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The debris of plastics with a size < 5 mm, called microplastics, possess long-lived legacies of plastic pollution and a growing threat to human beings. The adverse effects and corresponding molecular mechanisms of microplastics are still largely unknown and must be prioritized. Antibiotics commonly co-existed with microplastics; the current study investigated the syngenetic toxic effect of doxycycline (Dox) and polystyrene microplastics (PS). Specifically, we found that Dox combined with PS exposure perturbed gut microbiota homeostasis in mice, which mediated brain lesions and inflammation with a concomitant decline in learning and memory behaviors through the gut-brain axis. Of note, PS exposure resulted in intestinal damage and structural change, but Dox did not accelerate the disruption of intestinal barrier integrity in PS-treated mice. Interestingly, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can reverse neurological impairment caused by combined PS and Dox exposure via compensating gut microbes; therefore, the learning and memory abilities of mice were also recovered. This work not only provides insights into the syngenetic effect of microplastics and antibiotics and highlights their distal neurotoxicity through the gut-brain axis but also offers a promising strategy against their combined toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Bingwei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xiaokang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qiong Li
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Erqun Song
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yang Song
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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Fujitani Y, Ikegami A, Morikawa K, Kumoi J, Yano T, Watanabe A, Shiono A, Watanabe C, Teramae N, Ichihara G, Ichihara S. Quantitative assessment of nano-plastic aerosol particles emitted during machining of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133679. [PMID: 38325093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Focusing on the relatively unexplored presence of micro- and nano-plastic aerosol particles, this study quantitatively assessed the emission of nano-plastic particles during the machining of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the working environment. Measurements of aerosol particles smaller than 1 µm in size were performed by aerosol mass spectrometry. The findings revealed that concentrations of carbonous aerosol particles (organic aerosol and refractory black carbon (rBC)) were higher during working hours than during non-working hours. Positive matrix factorization identified CFRP particles as a significant source, contributing an average of approximately 30% of concentration of carbonous aerosol particles during working hours. This source apportionment was corroborated by the presence of bisphenol A and F fragments, principal components of the epoxy resins used in CFRP, and was corroborated by similarities to the carbon cluster ion distribution observed in rBC during CFRP pipe-cutting operations. Further, the particle size distribution suggested the existence of plastic aerosol particles smaller than 100 nm. This study established the method to quantitatively distinguish nano-plastic aerosol particles from other aerosol particles in high temporal resolution and these techniques are useful for accurately assessing exposure to nano-plastic aerosol particles in working environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Fujitani
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Ikegami
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kouta Morikawa
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-0022, Japan
| | - Jun Kumoi
- Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya-cho, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Takeo Yano
- Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya-cho, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Atsushi Watanabe
- Frontier Laboratories Ltd., Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8862, Japan; Department of Frontier Science for Advanced Environment, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Ai Shiono
- Frontier Laboratories Ltd., Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8862, Japan
| | | | - Norio Teramae
- Frontier Laboratories Ltd., Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8862, Japan; Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Gaku Ichihara
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-0022, Japan
| | - Sahoko Ichihara
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
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Xu J, Wang Z. Intelligent classification and pollution characteristics analysis of microplastics in urban surface waters using YNet. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133694. [PMID: 38330648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs, ≤ 5 mm in size) are hazardous contaminants that pose threats to ecosystems and human health. YNet was developed to analyze MPs abundance and shape to gain insights into MPs pollution characteristics in urban surface waters. The study found that YNet achieved an accurate identification and intelligent classification performance, with a dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 90.78%, precision of 94.17%, and recall of 89.14%. Analysis of initial MPs levels in wetlands and reservoirs revealed 127.3 items/L and 56.0 items/L. Additionally, the MPs in effluents were 27.0 items/L and 26.3 items/L, indicating the ability of wetlands and reservoirs to retain MPs. The concentration of MPs in the lower reaches of the river was higher (45.6 items/L) compared to the upper reaches (22.0 items/L). The majority of MPs detected in this study were fragments, accounting for 51.63%, 54.94%, and 74.74% in the river, wetland, and reservoir. Conversely, granules accounted for the smallest proportion of MPs in the river, wetland, and reservoir, representing only 11.43%, 10.38%, and 6.5%. The study proves that the trained YNet accurately identify and intelligently classify MPs. This tool is essential in comprehending the distribution of MPs in urban surface waters and researching their sources and fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongji Xu
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China.
| | - Zhaoli Wang
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; Pazhou Lab, Guangzhou 510335, China.
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Chen W, Zheng X, Yan F, Xu L, Ye X. Modulation of Gut Microbial Metabolism by Cyanidin-3- O-Glucoside in Mitigating Polystyrene-Induced Colonic Inflammation: Insights from 16S rRNA Sequencing and Metabolomics. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7140-7154. [PMID: 38518253 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics derived from plastic waste have emerged as a pervasive environmental pollutant with potential transfer and accumulation through the food chain, thus posing risks to both ecosystems and human health. The gut microbiota, tightly intertwined with metabolic processes, exert substantial influences on host physiology by utilizing dietary compounds and generating bacterial metabolites such as tryptophan and bile acid. Our previous studies have demonstrated that exposure to microplastic polystyrene (PS) disrupts the gut microbiota and induces colonic inflammation. Meanwhile, intervention with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), a natural anthocyanin derived from red bayberry, could mitigate colonic inflammation by reshaping the gut bacterial composition. Despite these findings, the specific influence of gut bacteria and their metabolites on alleviating colonic inflammation through C3G intervention remains incompletely elucidated. Therefore, employing a C57BL/6 mouse model, this study aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying how C3G modulates gut bacteria and their metabolites to alleviate colonic inflammation. Notably, our findings demonstrated the efficacy of C3G in reversing the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and the upregulation of mRNA expression (Il-6, Il-1β, and Tnf-α) induced by PS exposure. Meanwhile, C3G effectively inhibited the reduction in levels (IL-22, IL-10, and IL-4) and the downregulation of mRNA expression (Il-22, Il-10, and Il-4) of anti-inflammatory cytokines induced by PS exposure. Moreover, PS-induced phosphorylation of the transcription factor NF-κB in the nucleus, as well as the increased level of protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in the colon, were inhibited by C3G. Metabolisms of gut bacterial tryptophan and bile acids have been extensively implicated in the regulation of inflammatory processes. The 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing disclosed that PS treatment significantly increased the abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria (Desulfovibrio, norank_f_Oscillospiraceae, Helicobacter, and Lachnoclostridium) while decreasing the abundance of anti-inflammatory bacteria (Dubosiella, Akkermansia, and Alistipes). Intriguingly, C3G intervention reversed these pro-inflammatory changes in bacterial abundances and augmented the enrichment of bacterial genes involved in tryptophan and bile acid metabolism pathways. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed the notable upregulation of metabolites associated with tryptophan metabolism (shikimate, l-tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, and N-acetylserotonin) and bile acid metabolism (3b-hydroxy-5-cholenoic acid, chenodeoxycholate, taurine, and lithocholic acid) following C3G administration. Collectively, these findings shed new light on the protective effects of dietary C3G against PS exposure and underscore the involvement of specific gut bacterial metabolites in the amelioration of colonic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Chen
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311215, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fujie Yan
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lizhou Xu
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311215, China
| | - Xiang Ye
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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130
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Wright S, Cassee FR, Erdely A, Campen MJ. Micro- and nanoplastics concepts for particle and fibre toxicologists. Part Fibre Toxicol 2024; 21:18. [PMID: 38566142 PMCID: PMC10985949 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00581-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNP) are omnipresent as either pollution or intentionally used in consumer products, released from packaging or even food. There is an exponential increase in the production of plastics. With the realization of bioaccumulation in humans, toxicity research is quickly expanding. There is a rapid increase in the number of papers published on the potential implications of exposure to MNP which necessitates a call for quality criteria to be applied when doing the research. At present, most papers on MNP describe the effects of commercially available polymer (mostly polystyrene) beads that are typically not the MNP of greatest concern. This is not a fault of the research community, necessarily, as the MNPs to which humans are exposed are usually not available in the quantities needed for toxicological research and innovations are needed to supply environmentally-relevant MNP models. In addition, like we have learned from decades of research with particulate matter and engineered nanomaterials, sample physicochemical characteristics and preparation can have major impacts on the biological responses and interpretation of the research findings. Lastly, MNP dosimetry may pose challenges as (1) we are seeing early evidence that plastics are already in the human body at quite high levels that may be difficult to achieve in acute in vitro studies and (2) plastics are already in the diets fed to preclinical models. This commentary highlights the pitfalls and recommendations for particle and fibre toxicologists that should be considered when performing and disseminating the research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Wright
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Flemming R Cassee
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aaron Erdely
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, USA
| | - Matthew J Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 87122, Albuquerque, NM, MSC09 5360, USA.
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131
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Wang Y, van Putten RJ, Tietema A, Parsons JR, Gruter GJM. Polyester biodegradability: importance and potential for optimisation. GREEN CHEMISTRY : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL AND GREEN CHEMISTRY RESOURCE : GC 2024; 26:3698-3716. [PMID: 38571729 PMCID: PMC10986773 DOI: 10.1039/d3gc04489k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
To reduce global CO2 emissions in line with EU targets, it is essential that we replace fossil-derived plastics with renewable alternatives. This provides an opportunity to develop novel plastics with improved design features, such as better reusability, recyclability, and environmental biodegradability. Although recycling and reuse of plastics is favoured, this relies heavily on the infrastructure of waste management, which is not consistently advanced on a worldwide scale. Furthermore, today's bulk polyolefin plastics are inherently unsuitable for closed-loop recycling, but the introduction of plastics with enhanced biodegradability could help to combat issues with plastic accumulation, especially for packaging applications. It is also important to recognise that plastics enter the environment through littering, even where the best waste-collection infrastructure is in place. This causes endless environmental accumulation when the plastics are non-(bio)degradable. Biodegradability depends heavily on circumstances; some biodegradable polymers degrade rapidly under tropical conditions in soil, but they may not also degrade at the bottom of the sea. Biodegradable polyesters are theoretically recyclable, and even if mechanical recycling is difficult, they can be broken down to their monomers by hydrolysis for subsequent purification and re-polymerisation. Additionally, both the physical properties and the biodegradability of polyesters are tuneable by varying their building blocks. The relationship between the (chemical) structures/compositions (aromatic, branched, linear, polar/apolar monomers; monomer chain length) and biodegradation/hydrolysis of polyesters is discussed here in the context of the design of biodegradable polyesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | | | - Albert Tietema
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - John R Parsons
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan M Gruter
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Avantium Support BV Zekeringstraat 29 1014 BV Amsterdam The Netherlands
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132
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Han Z, Jiang J, Xia J, Yan C, Cui C. Occurrence and fate of microplastics from a water source to two different drinking water treatment plants in a megacity in eastern China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123546. [PMID: 38369092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) contamination in drinking water has raised concerns regarding water safety and public health. In this study, a micro-Raman spectrometer was used to trace the occurrence of MP transport from a water source to a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP)1 with an advanced treatment process and DWTP2 with a conventional treatment process and the contributions of different processes to the risk reduction of MPs were explored. Six types of MPs were detected: polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride. 2-5 μm (35.8-41.2%) and polyethylene terephthalate (27.1-29.9%) were the most frequently detected MP sizes and types of water source samples, respectively. The abundance of MPs in treated water decreased by 72.7-83.0% compared to raw water. Ozonation and granular activated carbon (52.7%), and sand filtration (47.5%) were the most effective processes for removing MPs from DWTP1 and DWTP2, respectively. Both DWTPs showed significant removal effects on polyethylene terephthalate, with 80.0-88.1% removal rates. The concentrations of polystyrene increase by 30.0-53.4% after chlorination. The dominant components in the treated water of DWTP1 and DWTP2 were polypropylene (24.7%) and polyethylene 27.7%, respectively, and MPs of 2-5 μm had the highest proportion (55.3-64.3%). Pollution load index and potential ecological risk index of raw water treated by DWTPs were reduced by 48.0-58.7% and 94.5-94.7%, respectively. The estimated daily intake of MPs in treated water for infants was 45.5-75.0 items/kg/d, respectively, approximately twice that of adults. This study contributes to the knowledge gap regarding MP pollution in drinking water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Han
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jiali Jiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jing Xia
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Chicheng Yan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Changzheng Cui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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133
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Wardani I, Hazimah Mohamed Nor N, Wright SL, Kooter IM, Koelmans AA. Nano- and microplastic PBK modeling in the context of human exposure and risk assessment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108504. [PMID: 38537584 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Insufficient data on nano- and microplastics (NMP) hinder robust evaluation of their potential health risks. Methodological disparities and the absence of established toxicity thresholds impede the comparability and practical application of research findings. The diverse attributes of NMP, such as variations in sizes, shapes, and compositions, complicate human health risk assessment. Although probability density functions (PDFs) show promise in capturing this diversity, their integration into risk assessment frameworks is limited. Physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models offer a potential solution to bridge the gap between external exposure and internal dosimetry for risk evaluation. However, the heterogeneity of NMP poses challenges for accurate biodistribution modeling. A literature review, encompassing both experimental and modeling studies, was conducted to examine biodistribution studies of monodisperse micro- and nanoparticles. The literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases yielded 39 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Evaluation criteria were adapted from previous Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA-QC) studies, best practice guidelines from WHO (2010), OECD guidance (2021), and additional criteria specific to NMP risk assessment. Subsequently, a conceptual framework for a comprehensive NMP-PBK model was developed, addressing the multidimensionality of NMP particles. Parameters for an NMP-PBK model are presented. QA-QC evaluations revealed that most experimental studies scored relatively well (>0) in particle characterizations and environmental settings but fell short in criteria application for biodistribution modeling. The evaluation of modeling studies revealed that information regarding the model type and allometric scaling requires improvement. Three potential applications of PDFs in PBK modeling of NMP are identified: capturing the multidimensionality of the NMP continuum, quantifying the probabilistic definition of external exposure, and calculating the bio-accessibility fraction of NMP in the human body. A framework for an NMP-PBK model is proposed, integrating PDFs to enhance the assessment of NMP's impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira Wardani
- Department of aquatic ecology and water quality management, Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Stephanie L Wright
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Ingeborg M Kooter
- TNO, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Department of aquatic ecology and water quality management, Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands
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134
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Wang B, Iglesias-Ledon L, Bishop M, Chadha A, Rudolph SE, Longo BN, Cairns DM, Chen Y, Kaplan DL. Impact of Micro- and Nano-Plastics on Human Intestinal Organoid-Derived Epithelium. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1027. [PMID: 38588063 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1027] [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] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The development of patient-derived intestinal organoids represents an invaluable model for simulating the native human intestinal epithelium. These stem cell-rich cultures outperform commonly used cell lines like Caco-2 and HT29-MTX in reflecting the cellular diversity of the native intestinal epithelium after differentiation. In our recent study examining the effects of polystyrene (PS), microplastics (MPs), and nanoplastics (NPs), widespread pollutants in our environment and food chain, on the human intestinal epithelium, these organoids have been instrumental in elucidating the absorption mechanisms and potential biological impacts of plastic particles. Building on previously established protocols in human intestinal organoid culture, we herein detail a streamlined protocol for the cultivation, differentiation, and generation of organoid-derived monolayers. This protocol is tailored to generate monolayers incorporating microfold cells (M cells), key for intestinal particle uptake but often absent in current in vitro models. We provide validated protocols for the characterization of MPs/NPs via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for detailed imaging and their introduction to intestinal epithelial monolayer cells via confocal immunostaining. Additionally, protocols to test the impacts of MP/NP exposure on the functions of the intestinal barrier using transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements and assessing inflammatory responses using cytokine profiling are detailed. Overall, our protocols enable the generation of human intestinal organoid monolayers, complete with the option of including or excluding M cells, offering crucial techniques for observing particle uptake and identifying inflammatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells to advance our knowledge of the potential effects of plastic pollution on human gut health. These approaches are also amendable to the study of other gut-related chemical and biological exposures and physiological responses due to the robust nature of the systems. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Human intestinal organoid culture and generation of monolayers with and without M cells Support Protocol 1: Culture of L-WRN and production of WRN-conditioned medium Support Protocol 2: Neuronal cell culture and integration into intestinal epithelium Support Protocol 3: Immune cell culture and integration into intestinal epithelium Basic Protocol 2: Scanning electron microscopy: sample preparation and imaging Basic Protocol 3: Immunostaining and confocal imaging of MP/NP uptake in organoid-derived monolayers Basic Protocol 4: Assessment of intestinal barrier function via TEER measurements Basic Protocol 5: Cytokine profiling using ELISA post-MP/NP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | | | - Matthew Bishop
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Anushka Chadha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Sara E Rudolph
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Brooke N Longo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Dana M Cairns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
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135
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Kuang Q, Gao L, Feng L, Xiong X, Yang J, Zhang W, Huang L, Li L, Luo P. Toxicological effects of microplastics in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:2350-2362. [PMID: 38156432 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment poses a significant threat to biological survival and human health. However, our understanding of the toxic effects of MPs on the kidneys remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of the toxic effects of MPs on the kidneys using an ischemia-reperfusion (IR) mouse model. Four-week-old ICR mice were exposed to 0.5 μm MPs for 12 weeks prior to IR injury. The results showed that MPs exposure could aggravate the IR-induced damage to renal tubules and glomeruli. Although there were no significant changes in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels 7 days after IR, MPs treatment resulted in a slight increase in both parameters. In addition, the expression levels of inflammatory factors (MCP-1 and IL-6) at the mRNA level, as well as macrophage markers (CD68 and F4/80), were significantly higher in the MPs + IR group than in the Sham group after IR. Furthermore, MPs exposure exacerbated IR-induced renal fibrosis. Importantly, the expression of pyroptosis-related genes, including NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD, cleaved caspase-1, and IL-18, was significantly upregulated by MPs, indicating that MPs exacerbate pyroptosis in the context of renal IR. In conclusion, our findings suggest that MPs exposure can aggravate renal IR-induced pyroptosis by activating NLRP3-GSDMD signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihui Kuang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital and Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Likun Gao
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lixiang Feng
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Xiong
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Urology, Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Lizhi Huang
- School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lili Li
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengcheng Luo
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital and Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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136
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Akpojevwe Abafe O, Harrad S, Abou-Elwafa Abdallah M. Assessment of human dermal absorption of flame retardant additives in polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics using 3D human skin equivalent models. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108635. [PMID: 38631261 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
To overcome ethical and technical challenges impeding the study of human dermal uptake of chemical additives present in microplastics (MPs), we employed 3D human skin equivalent (3D-HSE) models to provide first insights into the dermal bioavailability of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs) present in MPs; and evaluated different factors influencing human percutaneous absorption of PBDEs under real-life exposure scenario. PBDEs were bioavailable to varying degrees (up to 8 % of the exposure dose) and percutaneous permeation was evident, albeit at low levels (≤0.1 % of the exposure dose). While the polymer type influenced the release of PBDEs from the studied MPs to the skin, the polymer type was less important in driving the percutaneous absorption of PBDEs. The absorbed fraction of PBDEs was strongly correlated (r2 = 0.88) with their water solubility, while the dermal permeation coefficient Papp of PBDEs showed strong association with their molecular weight and logKOW. More sweaty skin resulted in higher bioavailability of PBDEs from dermal contact with MPs than dry skin. Overall, percutaneous absorption of PBDEs upon skin contact with MPs was evident, highlighting, for the first time, the potential significance of the dermal pathway as an important route of human exposure to toxic additive chemicals in MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovokeroye Akpojevwe Abafe
- Division of Environmental Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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137
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Boran T, Zengin OS, Seker Z, Akyildiz AG, Kara M, Oztas E, Özhan G. An evaluation of a hepatotoxicity risk induced by the microplastic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) using HepG2/THP-1 co-culture model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:28890-28904. [PMID: 38564126 PMCID: PMC11058773 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33086-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Inappropriate disposal of plastic wastes and their durability in nature cause uncontrolled accumulation of plastic in land/marine ecosystems, also causing destructive effects by bioaccumulating along the food chain. Microplastics may cause chronic inflammation in relation to their permanent structures, especially through oxidative stress and cytotoxic cellular damage, which could increase the risk of cancer development. The accumulation of microplastics in the liver is a major concern, and therefore, the identification of the mechanisms of their hepatotoxic effects is of great importance. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a widely used thermoplastic. It has been determined that PMMA disrupts lipid metabolism in the liver in various aquatic organisms and causes reproductive and developmental toxicity. PMMA-induced hepatotoxic effects in humans have not yet been clarified. In our study, the toxic effects of PMMA (in the range of 3-10 μm) on the human liver were investigated using the HepG2/THP-1 macrophage co-culture model, which is a sensitive immune-mediated liver injury model. Cellular uptake of micro-sized PMMA in the cells was done by transmission electron microscopy. Determination of its effects on cell viability and inflammatory response, oxidative stress, along with gene and protein expression levels that play a role in the mechanism pathways underlying the effects were investigated. The results concluded that inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruptions in lipid metabolism should be the focus of attention as important underlying causes of PMMA-induced hepatotoxicity. Our study, which points out the potential adverse effects of microplastics on human health, supports the literature information on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Boran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Sultan Zengin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zehra Seker
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysenur Gunaydin Akyildiz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehtap Kara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Oztas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gül Özhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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138
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Garcia MM, Romero AS, Merkley SD, Meyer-Hagen JL, Forbes C, Hayek EE, Sciezka DP, Templeton R, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Jin Y, Gu H, Benavidez A, Hunter RP, Lucas S, Herbert G, Kim KJ, Cui JY, Gullapalli RR, In JG, Campen MJ, Castillo EF. In Vivo Tissue Distribution of Polystyrene or Mixed Polymer Microspheres and Metabolomic Analysis after Oral Exposure in Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:47005. [PMID: 38598326 PMCID: PMC11005960 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global plastic use has consistently increased over the past century with several different types of plastics now being produced. Much of these plastics end up in oceans or landfills leading to a substantial accumulation of plastics in the environment. Plastic debris slowly degrades into microplastics (MPs) that can ultimately be inhaled or ingested by both animals and humans. A growing body of evidence indicates that MPs can cross the gut barrier and enter into the lymphatic and systemic circulation leading to accumulation in tissues such as the lungs, liver, kidney, and brain. The impacts of mixed MPs exposure on tissue function through metabolism remains largely unexplored. OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the impacts of polymer microspheres on tissue metabolism in mice by assessing the microspheres ability to translocate across the gut barrier and enter into systemic circulation. Specifically, we wanted to examine microsphere accumulation in different organ systems, identify concentration-dependent metabolic changes, and evaluate the effects of mixed microsphere exposures on health outcomes. METHODS To investigate the impact of ingested microspheres on target metabolic pathways, mice were exposed to either polystyrene (5 μ m ) microspheres or a mixture of polymer microspheres consisting of polystyrene (5 μ m ), polyethylene (1 - 4 μ m ), and the biodegradability and biocompatible plastic, poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (5 μ m ). Exposures were performed twice a week for 4 weeks at a concentration of either 0, 2, or 4 mg / week via oral gastric gavage. Tissues were collected to examine microsphere ingress and changes in metabolites. RESULTS In mice that ingested microspheres, we detected polystyrene microspheres in distant tissues including the brain, liver, and kidney. Additionally, we report on the metabolic differences that occurred in the colon, liver, and brain, which showed differential responses that were dependent on concentration and type of microsphere exposure. DISCUSSION This study uses a mouse model to provide critical insight into the potential health implications of the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. These findings demonstrate that orally consumed polystyrene or mixed polymer microspheres can accumulate in tissues such as the brain, liver, and kidney. Furthermore, this study highlights concentration-dependent and polymer type-specific metabolic changes in the colon, liver, and brain after plastic microsphere exposure. These results underline the mobility within and between biological tissues of MPs after exposure and emphasize the importance of understanding their metabolic impact. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13435.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus M. Garcia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Aaron S. Romero
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Seth D. Merkley
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jewel L. Meyer-Hagen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Charles Forbes
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - David P. Sciezka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Rachel Templeton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yan Jin
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Haiwei Gu
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Angelica Benavidez
- Center for Micro-Engineered Materials, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Russell P. Hunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Selita Lucas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Guy Herbert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kyle Joohyung Kim
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Julia Yue Cui
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rama R. Gullapalli
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Julie G. In
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Matthew J. Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Eliseo F. Castillo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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139
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Chen CY, Lin Z. Exploring the potential and challenges of developing physiologically-based toxicokinetic models to support human health risk assessment of microplastic and nanoplastic particles. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108617. [PMID: 38599027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pollution has emerged as a significant and widespread environmental issue. Humans are inevitably exposed to MPs and NPs via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contacts from various sources. However, mechanistic knowledge of their distribution, interaction, and potency in the body is still lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we have undertaken the task of elucidating the toxicokinetic (TK) behaviors of MPs and NPs, aiming to provide mechanistic information for constructing a conceptual physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model to support in silico modeling approaches. Our effort involved a thorough examination of the existing literature and data collation on the presence of MPs in the human body and in vitro/ex vivo/in vivo biodistribution across various cells and tissues. By comprehending the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion mechanisms of MPs and NPs in relation to their physicochemical attributes, we established a foundational understanding of the link between external exposure and internal tissue dosimetry. We observed that particle size and surface chemistry have been thoroughly explored in previous experimental studies. However, certain attributes, such as polymer type, shape, and biofilm/biocorona, warrant attention and further examination. We discussed the fundamental disparities in TK properties of MPs/NPs from those of engineered nanoparticles. We proposed a preliminary PBTK framework with several possible modeling approaches and discussed existing challenges for further investigation. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive compilation of existing TK data of MPs/NPs, a critical overview of TK processes and mechanisms, and proposes potential PBTK modeling approaches, particularly regarding their applicability to the human system, and outlines future perspectives for developing PBTK models and their integration into human health risk assessment of MPs and NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yun Chen
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, FL 32608, United States
| | - Zhoumeng Lin
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, FL 32608, United States.
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140
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Wang X, Deng K, Zhang P, Chen Q, Magnuson JT, Qiu W, Zhou Y. Microplastic-mediated new mechanism of liver damage: From the perspective of the gut-liver axis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170962. [PMID: 38360312 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are environmental contaminants that are present in all environments and can enter the human body, accumulate in various organs, and cause harm through the ingestion of food, inhalation, and dermal contact. The connection between bowel and liver disease and the interplay between gut, liver, and flora has been conceptualized as the "gut-liver axis". Microplastics can alter the structure of microbial communities in the gut and the liver can also be a target for microplastic invasion. Numerous studies have found that when MPs impair human health, they not only promote dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and disruption of the gut barrier but also cause liver damage. For this reason, the gut-liver axis provides a new perspective in understanding this toxic response. The cross-talk between MPs and the gut-liver axis has attracted the attention of the scientific community, but knowledge about whether MPs cause gut-liver interactions through the gut-liver axis is still very limited, and the effect of MPs on liver injury is not well understood. MPs can directly induce microbiota disorders and gut barrier dysfunction. As a result, harmful bacteria and metabolites in the gut enter the blood through the weak intestinal barrier (portal vein channel along the gut-liver axis) and reach the liver, causing liver damage (inflammatory damage, metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, etc.). This review provides an integrated perspective of the gut-liver axis to help conceptualize the mechanisms by which MP exposure induces gut microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic injury and highlights the connection between MPs and the gut-liver axis. Therefore, from the perspective of the gut-liver axis, targeting intestinal flora is an important way to eliminate microplastic liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Wang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Kaili Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Hospital, Ningbo 315336, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jason T Magnuson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Wenhui Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yuping Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine Research on Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ningbo 315020, China; Institute of Digestive Disease of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China.
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141
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Emteborg H, Seghers J, García-Ruiz S, Elordui-Zapatarietxe S, Breidbach A, Labibes K, Charoud-Got J, Koeber R. Paving the way for new and challenging matrix reference materials-particle suspensions at the core of material processing providing RMs for method development and method validation. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:2079-2088. [PMID: 37987767 PMCID: PMC10950969 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Sufficient homogeneity of the certified parameter(s) over the whole fill series of a matrix reference material (RM) is a fundamental quality criterion. In practice, the heterogeneity of the target parameter is evaluated, whereby a relative value can be calculated of how much the target parameter is varying over the RM-batch. A high degree of homogeneity (low heterogeneity) is an inherent quality mark of a good RM. Here, we report how challenging matrix RMs were produced by using particle suspensions at the core of the material processing step. The examples of matrix RMs produced span from whole water reference materials for persistent organic pollutants, PM2.5-like atmospheric dust certified for specific ions to microplastic RMs. Most of these RMs were subsequently used in different phases of analytical method development or for method validation. Common to all these matrices is that they cannot be easily mixed, handled, or dosed to prepare larger sample batches. In all cases, a continuously stirred suspension of particles was used during material processing. In general, relative between-bottle heterogeneities from 1.6 to 6% were achieved for the target parameters in these matrix presentations. Concerning developments of new CRMs in emerging fields, the co-dependence between the availability of validated analytical methods with good repeatability and testing materials with a known and high homogeneity of the target parameter(s) becomes particularly challenging. This situation is an RM/Method causality dilemma. To overcome that hurdle, strategies are proposed for stepwise processes where RM producers and a network of analytical method developers could work hand in hand. In addition, development of a portfolio of inexpensive and well-homogenised common samples coupled with a reporting interface is suggested. This would benefit method developers and RM producers alike. As more and more data is compiled for a specific matrix, it paves the way for new and challenging RMs that can later be used by a wider community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Håkan Emteborg
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Geel, Belgium.
| | - John Seghers
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Geel, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert Koeber
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Geel, Belgium
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142
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Sharma K, Sharma A, Bhatnagar P. Combined effect of polystyrene nanoplastic and di-n-butyl phthalate on testicular health of male Swiss albino mice: analysis of sperm-related parameters and potential toxic effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:23680-23696. [PMID: 38427170 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32697-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Plastics, especially polystyrene nanoplastic particles (PSNPs), are known for their durability and absorption properties, allowing them to interact with environmental pollutants such as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). Previous research has highlighted the potential of these particles as carriers for various pollutants, emphasizing the need to understand their environmental impact comprehensively. This study focuses on the subchronic exposure of male Swiss albino mice to PSNP and DBP, aiming to investigate their reproductive toxicity between these pollutants in mammalian models. The primary objective of this study is to examine the reproductive toxicity resulting from simultaneous exposure to PSNP and DBP in male Swiss albino mice. The study aims to analyze sperm parameters, measure antioxidant enzyme activity, and conduct histopathological and morphometric examinations of the testis. By investigating the individual and combined effects of PSNP and DBP, the study seeks to gain insights into their impact on the reproductive profile of male mice, emphasizing potential synergistic interactions between these environmental pollutants. Male Swiss albino mice were subjected to subchronic exposure (60 days) of PSNP (0.2 mg/m, 50 nm size) and DBP (900 mg/kg bw), both individually and in combination. Various parameters, including sperm parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, histopathological changes, and morphometric characteristics of the testis, were evaluated. The Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters were employed for a comprehensive assessment of spermatogenesis and testicular structure. The study revealed non-lethal effects within the tested doses of PSNP and DBP alone and in combination, showing reductions in body weight gain and testis weight compared to the control. Individual exposures and the combination group exhibited adverse effects on sperm parameters, with the combination exposure demonstrating more severe outcomes. Structural abnormalities, including vascular congestion, Leydig cell hyperplasia, and the extensive congestion in tunica albuginea along with both ST and Leydig cell damage, were observed in the testis, underscoring the reproductive toxicity potential of PSNP and DBP. The Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters confirmed these findings, providing interconnected results aligning with observed structural abnormalities. The study concludes that simultaneous exposure to PSNP and DBP induces reproductive toxicity in male Swiss albino mice. The combination of these environmental pollutants leads to more severe disruptions in sperm parameters, testicular structure, and antioxidant defense mechanisms compared to individual exposures. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the interactive mechanisms between different environmental pollutants and their collective impact on male reproductive health. The use of the Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters provides a comprehensive evaluation of spermatogenesis and testicular structure, contributing valuable insights to the field of environmental toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Sharma
- Department of Zoology, IIS (Deemed to Be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Anju Sharma
- Department of Zoology, IIS (Deemed to Be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Pradeep Bhatnagar
- Department of Zoology, IIS (Deemed to Be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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143
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Jain Y, Govindasamy H, Kaur G, Ajith N, Ramasamy K, R S R, Ramachandran P. Microplastic pollution in high-altitude Nainital lake, Uttarakhand, India. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123598. [PMID: 38369088 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination has been reported in all environmental compartments, but very limited information is available at higher-altitude lakes. Nainital Lake, located at a high altitude in the Indian Himalayas, has various ecosystem services and is the major source of water for Nainital town, but the MP abundance is still unknown. This study presents the first evidence of the abundance and distribution of MP in Nainital Lake. Surface water and sediment samples were analysed from 16 different sites in and around the catchment area of Nainital Lake. The MP were observed in all the samples, and their abundance in surface water was 8.6-56.0 particles L-1 in the lake and 2.4-88.0 particles L-1 in hotspot sites. In the surface sediment, MP abundance ranged from 0.4-10.6 particles g-1, while in the hotspot sediment, the mean abundance was 0.6 ± 0.5 particles g-1. Fibers were the dominant MP, while 0.02-1 mm were the predominant size of MP particles. The results of chemical characterization showed the presence of six polymers, among which high-density polyethylene was the most abundant. The Polymer Hazard Index assessment classified the identified polymers as low-to high-risk categories, with a higher abundance of low- (polypropylene) and medium- (polyethylene)-risk polymers. Tourist activities and run-off catchments can be considered the major sources of MP, which can affect the ecosystem. Minimal concentrations of MP were observed in the tube well and drinking water, which depicts the direct risks to humans and, thus, the need for remedial measures to prevent MP contamination in drinking water. This study improves the knowledge of MP contamination in the higher-altitude freshwater lake, which can be the major pathway for the transport of MP to the rivers, and also emphasizes the need for waste management in Nainital town.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashi Jain
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Pondicherry University. India.
| | - Hariharan Govindasamy
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai. India
| | - Gurjeet Kaur
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Pondicherry University. India
| | - Nithin Ajith
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai. India
| | - Karthik Ramasamy
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai. India
| | - Robin R S
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai. India
| | - Purvaja Ramachandran
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai. India
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144
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Gettings SM, Timbury W, Dmochowska A, Sharma R, McGonigle R, MacKenzie LE, Miquelard-Garnier G, Bourbia N. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro- and nanoplastic particles affect the mitochondrial efficiency of human brain vascular pericytes without inducing oxidative stress. NANOIMPACT 2024; 34:100508. [PMID: 38663501 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of micro- and nanoplastic particles composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a significant contributor to plastic pollution, on human brain vascular pericytes. Specifically, we delved into their impact on mitochondrial functionality, oxidative stress, and the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress, ferroptosis and mitochondrial functions. Our findings demonstrate that the exposure of a monoculture of human brain vascular pericytes to PET particles in vitro at a concentration of 50 μg/ml for a duration of 3, 6 and 10 days did not elicit oxidative stress. Notably, we observed a reduction in various aspects of mitochondrial respiration, including maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, and ATP production in pericytes subjected to PET particles for 3 days, with a mitochondrial function recovery at 6 and 10 days. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant alterations in mitochondrial DNA copy number, or in the expression of genes linked to oxidative stress and ferroptosis, but an increase of the expression of the gene mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) was noted at 3 days exposure. These outcomes suggest that, at a concentration of 50 μg/ml, PET particles do not induce oxidative stress in human brain vascular pericytes. Instead, at 3 days exposure, PET exposure impairs mitochondrial functions, but this is recovered at 6-day exposure. This seems to indicate a potential mitochondrial hormesis response (mitohormesis) is incited, involving the gene TFAM. Further investigations are warranted to explore the stages of mitohormesis and the potential consequences of plastics on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and intercellular interactions. This research contributes to our comprehension of the potential repercussions of nanoplastic pollution on human health and underscores the imperative need for ongoing examinations into the exposure to plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Gettings
- UK Health Security Agency, Radiation Effects Department, Radiation Protection Science Division, Harwell Science Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - William Timbury
- UK Health Security Agency, Radiation Effects Department, Radiation Protection Science Division, Harwell Science Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Anna Dmochowska
- Laboratoire PIMM, CNRS, Arts et Métiers Institute of Technology, Cnam, HESAM Universite, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Riddhi Sharma
- UK Health Security Agency, Radiation Effects Department, Radiation Protection Science Division, Harwell Science Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Rebecca McGonigle
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK
| | - Lewis E MacKenzie
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK
| | - Guillaume Miquelard-Garnier
- Laboratoire PIMM, CNRS, Arts et Métiers Institute of Technology, Cnam, HESAM Universite, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nora Bourbia
- UK Health Security Agency, Radiation Effects Department, Radiation Protection Science Division, Harwell Science Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK.
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145
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Yang W, Wu L, Li G, Shi L, Zhang J, Liu L, Chen Y, Yu H, Wang K, Xin L, Tang D, Shen Q, Xu C, Geng H, Wu H, Duan Z, Cao Y, He X. Atlas and source of the microplastics of male reproductive system in human and mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:25046-25058. [PMID: 38466387 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32832-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Regarding the impact of microplastics (MPs) on the male reproductive system, previous studies have identified a variety of MPs in both human semen and testicular samples. These studies have put forward the hypothesis that small particles can enter the semen through the epididymis and seminal vesicles. Here, we performed qualitative and quantitative analyses of MPs in human testis, semen, and epididymis samples, as well as in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate samples from mice via pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The goal of this approach was to comprehensively characterize the distribution of MPs within the male reproductive system. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate potential sources of MPs identified in semen, as well as to identify possible sources of overall MP exposure. Our results highlighted a general atlas of MPs in the male reproductive system and suggested that MPs in semen may originate from the epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate. An exposure questionnaire, coupled with the characteristics of the MPs detected in the male reproductive system, revealed that high urbanization, home-cooked meals, and using scrub cleansers were important sources of MP exposure in men. These findings may provide novel insights into alleviating the exposure of men to MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Longmei Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Lan Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Liting Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Yuge Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Lei Xin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Zongliu Duan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, 230032, China.
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146
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Munir M, Subechi M, Nurmanjaya A, Prasetya KE, Rindiyantono F, Chairuman, Pratama C, Yanto, Pujiyanto A, Setiawan H, Sarwono DA, Sarmini E, Fara ME, Suseno H. Development of a polystyrene-based microplastic model for bioaccumulation and biodistribution study using radiotracing and nuclear analysis method. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116283. [PMID: 38522338 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The investigation of micro or nano plastics behavior in the environment is essential to minimize the hazards of such pollutants on humans. While the conventional method requires sophisticated procedures and a lot of animal subjects, the nuclear technique confers a sensitive, accurate, and real-time method using radiolabeled micro or nano plastics as a tracer. In this study, polystyrene sulfonate-based microplastic (PSM) was developed with a size of around 3.6 μm, followed by radiolabeling with iodine-131 (131I) or zinc-65 (65Zn) for microplastic radiotracer model. After a stability study in seawater, phosphate buffer saline (PBS), and human serum albumin (HSA) for fifteen days, PSM-131I remained stable (>90 %), except in HSA (50-60 % after day-9), while PSM-65Zn was unstable (<50 %).
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Affiliation(s)
- Miftakul Munir
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia.
| | - Moch Subechi
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
| | - Ahid Nurmanjaya
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
| | - Kukuh Eka Prasetya
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
| | - Fernanto Rindiyantono
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
| | - Chairuman
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
| | - Chaidir Pratama
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, 55281 Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yanto
- Directorate of Laboratory Management, Research Facilities, and Science and Technology Park, Deputy for Research and Innovation Infrastructure, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
| | - Anung Pujiyanto
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
| | - Herlan Setiawan
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
| | - Daya Agung Sarwono
- Directorate of Nuclear Facility Management, Deputy for Research and Innovation Infrastructure, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
| | - Endang Sarmini
- Directorate of Nuclear Facility Management, Deputy for Research and Innovation Infrastructure, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
| | - Meita Eka Fara
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia; Aquatic Resources Management Master Program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Diponegoro, Jl. Prof. Jacub Rais, Tembalang, Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50275, Indonesia
| | - Heny Suseno
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten 15314, Indonesia
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147
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Hunt K, Davies A, Fraser A, Burden C, Howell A, Buckley K, Harding S, Bakhbakhi D. Exposure to microplastics and human reproductive outcomes: A systematic review. BJOG 2024; 131:675-683. [PMID: 38287142 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17756] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics, produced through degradation of environmental plastic pollution, have been detected in human tissues including placenta and fetal meconium. Cell culture and animal studies have demonstrated potential reproductive toxicity of these particles; however, their association with adverse fertility or pregnancy outcomes in humans is not known. OBJECTIVES To synthesise evidence for the presence of microplastics in human reproductive tissue and their associations with environmental exposures and reproductive outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP were searched from inception to 03/02/2023. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies of human participants, assessing presence of microplastics in reproductive tissues, environmental exposures to microplastics, and fertility- or pregnancy-related outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two independent reviewers selected studies and extracted data on study characteristics, microplastics detected, environmental exposures and reproductive outcomes. Narrative synthesis was performed due to methodological heterogeneity. MAIN RESULTS Of 1094 citations, seven studies were included, covering 96 participants. Microplastics composed of 16 different polymer types were detected in both placental and meconium samples. Two studies reported associations between lifestyle factors (daily water intake, use of scrub cleanser or toothpaste, bottled water and takeaway food) and placental microplastics. One study reported associations between meconium microplastics and reduced microbiota diversity. One reported placental microplastic levels correlated with reduced birthweights and 1-minute Apgar scores. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for high-quality observational studies to assess the effects of microplastics on human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Hunt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Anna Davies
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Abigail Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Christy Burden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Amy Howell
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kirsten Buckley
- Library and Knowledge Service, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Sam Harding
- Research and Development, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Danya Bakhbakhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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148
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Zheng Y, Xiaoxian L, Hu J, Sun Y, Zhu H, Xu G. Chlorella alleviates the intestinal damage of tilapia caused by microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141644. [PMID: 38442774 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene microplastics (MPs) of the different sizes may result in different response in fish. Studies showed microorganisms adhered to the surface of MPs have toxicological effect. Juveniles tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, n = 600, 26.5 ± 0.6 g) were dispersed into six groups: the control group (A), 75 nm MP exposed group (B), 7.5 μm group (C) and 750 (D) μm group, 75 nm + 7.5 μm+750 μm group (E) and 75 nm + Chlorella vulgaris group (F), and exposed for 10 and 14 days. The intestinal histopathological change, enzymic activities, and the integrated "omics" workflows containing transcriptomics, proteomics, microbiota and metabolomes, have been performed in tilapia. Results showed that MPs were distributed on the surface of goblet cells, Chlorella group had severe villi fusion without something like intestinal damage, as in other MPs groups. The intestinal Total Cholesterol (TC, together with group E) and Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα, except for group B) contents in group F were significantly increased, cytochrome p450 1a1 (EROD, group B and E) significantly increased, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and caspase 3 (except group B) also significantly increased at 14 d. At 14 days, group E saw considerably higher regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, insulin signaling pathway, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetes complications. Whereas, chlorella enhanced the focal adhesion, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and MAPK signaling pathways. PPAR signaling pathway has been extremely significantly enriched via the proteomics method. Candidatus latescibacteria, C. uhrbacteria, C. abyssubacteria, C. cryosericota significantly decreased caused by MPs of different particle sizes. Carboxylic acids and derivatives, indoles and derivatives, organooxygen compounds, fatty acyls and organooxygen compounds significantly increased with long-term duration, especially PPAR signaling pathway. MPs had a size-dependent long-term effect on histopathological change, gene and protein expression, and gut microbial metabolites, while chlorella alleviates the intestinal histopathological damage via the integrated "omics" workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, China; Wuxi Fishery College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, China.
| | - Lu Xiaoxian
- Wuxi Fishery College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, China
| | - Jiawen Hu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, China
| | - Haojun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, China
| | - Gangchun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, China; Wuxi Fishery College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, China.
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149
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Çağlayan U, Gündoğdu S, Ramos TM, Syberg K. Intravenous hypertonic fluids as a source of human microplastic exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 107:104411. [PMID: 38452961 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the presence of microplastics (MPs) in hypertonic fluid solutions, a widely used medical treatment packaged predominantly in plastic. For this purpose, in this study, 13 hypertonic fluid samples from different brands and two different types of packaging (polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride) were analyzed using visual particle counting, µ-Raman microscopy and ATR-FTIR. The results reveal the pervasive presence of MPs in all samples, with an estimated average concentration of 62.82 ± 72.38 MPs/1000 mL. There was no statistically significant difference in MP concentration between PP and PVC packaging. The particles predominantly consisted of fragments (74.1%) and fibers (25.9%), ranging in size from 0.04 to 2.37 mm. µ-Raman analysis identified 12 synthetic polymers as well as cellulose, with polyethylene and cellulose being the most prevalent. In conclusion, this study underscores the alarming presence of MPs in hypertonic fluid solutions, raising concerns about potential health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uğur Çağlayan
- Central Research Laboratory, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkiye
| | - Sedat Gündoğdu
- Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkiye.
| | - Tiffany M Ramos
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Denmark
| | - Kristian Syberg
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Denmark
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150
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Xu L, Wang Y, Wei F, Dai Z, Zhang M. Transport behavior of microplastics in soil‒water environments and its dependence on soil components. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123542. [PMID: 38355087 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global concern, and the transport behavior of MPs in soil-water systems is vital in determining their distribution and potential risks to the subsurface environment. To reveal the role of various soil components on MP migration, the downward transport behavior of polystyrene (PS) MPs were explored in this study via column experiments with mono or multi-soil components as porous media. Compared with the selected soil mineral volcanic rock (VR) and fine river sand (RS), condensed soil organic matter (SOM) resulted in higher transport efficiencies for PS microparticles, with greater than 90% total mass recovery under the experimental conditions. The more surface charges of SOM than minerals contribute to the high migration efficiency of PS MPs, and electrostatic repulsion is assumed a significant driving mechanism in the migration of negatively charged PS particles in soils. The ionic strength of porewater influenced the PS migration behaviors by altering the electrostatic interactions between the MPs and soil grains. The uniform mixing of SOM with mineral grains significantly enhanced the transport efficiency of PS MPs in the columns. The results provide supports for the prediction and prevention of the risks of MPs to the subsurface environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liheng Xu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Yuhao Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Fang Wei
- Department of Environmental Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Zhixi Dai
- Department of Environmental Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
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