1
|
Nebuloni F, Do QB, Cook PR, Walsh EJ, Wade-Martins R. A fluid-walled microfluidic platform for human neuron microcircuits and directed axotomy. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3252-3264. [PMID: 38841815 PMCID: PMC11198392 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00107a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
In our brains, different neurons make appropriate connections; however, there remain few in vitro models of such circuits. We use an open microfluidic approach to build and study neuronal circuits in vitro in ways that fit easily into existing bio-medical workflows. Dumbbell-shaped circuits are built in minutes in standard Petri dishes; the aqueous phase is confined by fluid walls - interfaces between cell-growth medium and an immiscible fluorocarbon, FC40. Conditions are established that ensure post-mitotic neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) plated in one chamber of a dumbbell remain where deposited. After seeding cortical neurons on one side, axons grow through the connecting conduit to ramify amongst striatal neurons on the other - an arrangement mimicking unidirectional cortico-striatal connectivity. We also develop a moderate-throughput non-contact axotomy assay. Cortical axons in conduits are severed by a media jet; then, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and striatal neurons in distal chambers promote axon regeneration. As additional conduits and chambers are easily added, this opens up the possibility of mimicking complex neuronal networks, and screening drugs for their effects on connectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Nebuloni
- Osney Thermofluids Institute, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0ES, UK.
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Quyen B Do
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Park Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Park Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Peter R Cook
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Edmond J Walsh
- Osney Thermofluids Institute, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0ES, UK.
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Park Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Park Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vojnits K, de León A, Rathore H, Liao S, Zhao M, Gibon J, Pakpour S. ROS-dependent degeneration of human neurons induced by environmentally relevant levels of micro- and nanoplastics of diverse shapes and forms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134017. [PMID: 38518696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134017] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Our study explores the pressing issue of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) inhalation and their subsequent penetration into the brain, highlighting a significant environmental health concern. We demonstrate that MNPs can indeed penetrate murine brain, warranting further investigation into their neurotoxic effects in humans. We then proceed to test the impact of MNPs at environmentally relevant concentrations, with focusing on variations in size and shape. Our findings reveal that these MNPs induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and neurodegeneration in human neurons, with cortical neurons being more susceptible than nociceptors. Furthermore, we examine the role of biofilms on MNPs, demonstrating that MNPs can serve as a vehicle for pathogenic biofilms that significantly exacerbate these neurotoxic effects. This sequence of investigations reveals that minimal MNPs accumulation can cause oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in human neurons, significantly risking brain health and highlights the need to understand the neurological consequences of inhaling MNPs. Overall, our developed in vitro testing battery has significance in elucidating the effects of environmental factors and their associated pathological mechanisms in human neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Vojnits
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Andrés de León
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Harneet Rathore
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Sophia Liao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Zhao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Julien Gibon
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Office of Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sepideh Pakpour
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu S, He Y, Yin J, Zhu Q, Liao C, Jiang G. Neurotoxicities induced by micro/nanoplastics: A review focusing on the risks of neurological diseases. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134054. [PMID: 38503214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134054] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Pollution of micro/nano-plastics (MPs/NPs) is ubiquitously prevalent in the environment, leading to an unavoidable exposure of the human body. Despite the protection of the blood-brain barrier, MPs/NPs can be transferred and accumulated in the brain, which subsequently exert negative effects on the brain. Nevertheless, the potential neurodevelopmental and/or neurodegenerative risks of MPs/NPs remain largely unexplored. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of recent studies related to the neurotoxicity of MPs/NPs. It covers the environmental hazards and human exposure pathways, translocation and distribution into the brain, the neurotoxic effects, and the possible mechanisms of environmental MPs/NPs. MPs/NPs are widely found in different environment matrices, including air, water, soil, and human food. Ambient MPs/NPs can enter the human body by ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact, then be transferred into the brain via the blood circulation and nerve pathways. When MPs/NPs are present in the brain, they can initiate a series of molecular or cellular reactions that may harm the blood-brain barrier, cause oxidative stress, trigger inflammatory responses, affect acetylcholinesterase activity, lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, and impair autophagy. This can result in abnormal protein folding, loss of neurons, disruptions in neurotransmitters, and unusual behaviours, ultimately contributing to the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative changes and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Key challenges and further research directions are also proposed in this review as more studies are needed to focus on the potential neurotoxicity of MPs/NPs under realistic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yinling He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jia Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Du XY, Yang JY. Biomimetic microfluidic chips for toxicity assessment of environmental pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170745. [PMID: 38340832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170745] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Various types of pollutants widely present in environmental media, including synthetic and natural chemicals, physical pollutants such as radioactive substances, ultraviolet rays, and noise, as well as biological organisms, pose a huge threat to public health. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately and effectively explore the human physiological responses and toxicity mechanisms of pollutants to prevent diseases caused by pollutants. The emerging toxicological testing method biomimetic microfluidic chips (BMCs) exhibit great potential in environmental pollutant toxicity assessment due to their superior biomimetic properties. The BMCs are divided into cell-on-chips and organ-on-chips based on the distinctions in bionic simulation levels. Herein, we first summarize the characteristics, emergence and development history, composition and structure, and application fields of BMCs. Then, with a focus on the toxicity mechanisms of pollutants, we review the applications and advances of the BMCs in the toxicity assessment of physical, chemical, and biological pollutants, respectively, highlighting its potential and development prospects in environmental toxicology testing. Finally, the opportunities and challenges for further use of BMCs are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yue Du
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jin-Yan Yang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China..
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang Z, DeLoid GM, Zarbl H, Baw J, Demokritou P. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and their potential toxicological outcomes: State of science, knowledge gaps and research needs. NANOIMPACT 2023; 32:100481. [PMID: 37717636 PMCID: PMC10841092 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100481] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste has been produced at a rapidly growing rate over the past several decades. The environmental impacts of plastic waste on marine and terrestrial ecosystems have been recognized for years. Recently, researchers found that micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), micron (100 nm - 5 mm) and nanometer (1 - 100 nm) scale particles and fibers produced by degradation and fragmentation of plastic waste in the environment, have become an important emerging environmental and food chain contaminant with uncertain consequences for human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent findings from studies of potential toxicity and adverse health impacts of MNPs in terrestrial mammals, including studies in both in vitro cellular and in vivo mammalian models. Also reviewed here are recently released biomonitoring studies that have characterized the bioaccumulation, biodistribution, and excretion of MNPs in humans. The majority MNPs in the environment to which humans are most likely to be exposed, are of irregular shapes, varied sizes, and mixed compositions, and are defined as secondary MNPs. However, the MNPs used in most toxicity studies to date were commercially available primary MNPs of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other polymers. The emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence reviewed here suggests that MNP toxicity and bioactivity are largely determined by MNP particle physico-chemical characteristics, including size, shape, polymer type, and surface properties. For human exposure, MNPs have been identified in human blood, urine, feces, and placenta, which pose potential health risks. The evidence to date suggests that the mechanisms underlying MNP toxicity at the cellular level are primarily driven by oxidative stress. Nonetheless, large knowledge gaps in our understanding of MNP toxicity and the potential health impacts of MNP exposures still exist and much further study is needed to bridge those gaps. This includes human population exposure studies to determine the environmentally relevant MNP polymers and exposure concentrations and durations for toxicity studies, as well as toxicity studies employing environmentally relevant MNPs, with surface chemistries and other physico-chemical properties consistent with MNP particles in the environment. It is especially important to obtain comprehensive toxicological data for these MNPs to understand the range and extent of potential adverse impacts of microplastic pollutants on humans and other organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenning Yang
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Glen M DeLoid
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Joshua Baw
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Forest V, Pourchez J. Can the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health really be assessed using in vitro models? A review of methodological issues. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108115. [PMID: 37542783 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Because of the many advantages they offer (strength, low cost, durability, lightweight, resistance, etc.), plastics are integral part of our daily life with a production constantly rising. However, their waste management is still inadequate, resulting in their release and accumulation in the environment, representing a main source of pollution. Their degradation results in debris of variable size including microplastics (0.1 μm-5 mm) and even nanoplastics (<0.1 μm), whose potential impact on ecosystems and human health have raised concerns. The potential adverse effects they may cause have been evaluated using both in vitro and in vivo models. However, due to some specific characteristics of micro- and nanoplastics, there are challenging questions about whether conventional in vitro tests are appropriate for evaluating their toxicity. For example, low-density plastics float on the surface of the culture medium and cannot come into contact with cells adhering to the bottom of the culture plates, which prevents proper evaluation of potential adverse effects and leads to misinterpretation of toxicological assays. In this review, we discuss the main issues related to the evaluation of micro- and nanoplastics toxicity using conventional in vitro assays. A literature survey has allowed to propose some solutions to circumvent these issues including the use of mathematical models to accurately determine the dose of particles delivered to cells, advanced 3D models (organoids), inverted cell culture models, cell cultures at the air-liquid interface or under dynamic conditions. Finally, we propose some perspectives and recommendations for further research on the in vitro evaluation of micro- and nanoplastics toxicity, underlining the importance of using standardized protocols for comparison purposes and samples and experimental conditions more representative of real-life exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Forest
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, F-42023 Saint-Etienne, France.
| | - Jérémie Pourchez
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, F-42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sun Z, Wen Y, Zhang F, Fu Z, Yuan Y, Kuang H, Kuang X, Huang J, Zheng L, Zhang D. Exposure to nanoplastics induces mitochondrial impairment and cytomembrane destruction in Leydig cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 255:114796. [PMID: 36948006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic particle pollution poses an emerging threat to ecological and human health. Laboratory animal studies have illustrated that nano-sized plastics can accumulate in the testis and cause testosterone deficiency and spermatogenic impairment. In this study, TM3 mouse Leydig cells were in vitro exposed to polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs, size 20 nm) at dosages of 50, 100 and 150 μg/mL to investigate their cytotoxicity. Our results demonstrated that PS-NPs can be internalized into TM3 Leydig cells and led to a concentration-dependent decline in cell viability. Furthermore, PS-NPs stimulation amplified ROS generation and initiated cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis. Moreover, PS-NPs treatment affected the mitochondrial DNA copy number and collapsed the mitochondrial membrane potential, accompanied by a disrupted energy metabolism. The cells exposed to PS-NPs also displayed a down-regulated expression of steroidogenesis-related genes StAR, P450scc and 17β-HSD, along with a decrease in testosterone secretion. In addition, treatment with PS-NPs destructed plasma membrane integrity, as presented by increase in lactate dehydrogenase release and depolarization of cell membrane potential. In summary, these data indicated that exposure to PS-NPs in vitro produced cytotoxic effect on Leydig cells by inducing oxidative injury, mitochondrial impairment, apoptosis, and cytomembrane destruction. Our results provide new insights into male reproductive toxicity caused by NPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangbei Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Yiqian Wen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Zhendong Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Haibin Kuang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Kuang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Jian Huang
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Liping Zheng
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang 330006, PR China.
| | - Dalei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang 330006, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Prado Y, Aravena C, Aravena D, Eltit F, Gatica S, Riedel CA, Simon F. Small Plastics, Big Inflammatory Problems. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1408:101-127. [PMID: 37093424 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26163-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is the first defense against potentially dangerous chemicals, infections, and damaged cells. Interactions between immune cells and inflammatory mediators increase the coordinated activation of cross-talking signaling pathways, resulting in an acute response necessary to restore homeostasis but potentially detrimental if uncontrolled and prolonged. Plastic production exceeds million tons per year, becoming a global concern due to the stability of its constituent polymers, low density, which allows them to spread easily, and small size, which prevents proper removal by wastewater treatment plants, promoting environmental accumulation and increasing health threats. The interaction between plastic particles and the immune system is still being investigated, owing to growing evidence of increased risk not only for dietary intake due to its presence in food packaging, drinking water, and even fruits and vegetables, but also to emerging evidence of new intake pathways such as respiratory and cutaneous. We discuss in depth the impact of small plastic particles on the immune response across the body, with a focus on the nervous system and peripheral organs and tissues such as the gastrointestinal, respiratory, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems, as well as the involvement in increased susceptibility to worsening concomitant diseases and future perspectives in the exploration of potential therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Prado
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristobal Aravena
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Aravena
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Eltit
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sebastian Gatica
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A Riedel
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Simon
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
PS-NPs Induced Neurotoxic Effects in SHSY-5Y Cells via Autophagy Activation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070952. [PMID: 35884757 PMCID: PMC9321807 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) are organic pollutants that are widely detected in the environment and organisms, posing potential threats to both ecosystems and human health. PS-NPs have been proven to penetrate the blood–brain barrier and increase the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. However, information relating to the pathogenic molecular mechanism is still unclear. This study investigated the neurotoxicity and regulatory mechanisms of PS-NPs in human neuroblastoma SHSY-5Y cells. The results show that PS-NPs caused obvious mitochondrial damages, as evidenced by inhibited cell proliferation, increased lactate dehydrogenase release, stimulated oxidative stress responses, elevated Ca2+ level and apoptosis, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate levels. The increased release of cytochrome c and the overexpression of apoptosis-related proteins apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (caspase-3), and caspase-9 indicate the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. In addition, the upregulation of autophagy markers light chain 3-II (LC3-II), Beclin-1, and autophagy-related protein (Atg) 5/12/16L suggests that PS-NPs could promote autophagy in SHSY-5Y cells. The RNA interference of Beclin-1 confirms the regulatory role of autophagy in PS-NP-induced neurotoxicity. The administration of antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly attenuated the cytotoxicity and autophagy activation induced by PS-NP exposure. Generally, PS-NPs could induce neurotoxicity in SHSY-5Y cells via autophagy activation and mitochondria dysfunction, which was modulated by mitochondrial oxidative stress. Mitochondrial damages caused by oxidative stress could potentially be involved in the pathological mechanisms for PS-NP-induced neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|