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Kumar N, Lamba M, Pachar AK, Yadav S, Acharya A. Microplastics - A Growing Concern as Carcinogens in Cancer Etiology: Emphasis on Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01436-0. [PMID: 39031249 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
In today's world, the widespread presence of microplastics is undeniable, with concentrations found in various environments, including up to 1000 particles per liter in seawater and up to 10 particles per cubic meter in the atmosphere. Originating from diverse sources, both intentional and unintentional, these minuscule fragments, measuring less than 5 mm, pose significant threats to environmental and human health. Recent research has uncovered a concerning link between microplastics and cancer, prompting urgent investigation. Studies demonstrate microplastics can infiltrate cells, disrupt biological processes, and potentially foster carcinogenic environments. From inducing DNA damage and oxidative stress to triggering inflammatory responses and dysregulating cellular pathways, microplastics exhibit a multifaceted capability in contributing to cancer development. Furthermore, microplastics act as carriers for a range of contaminants, compounding their impact on human health. Their accumulation within tissues and organs raises concerns for short and long-term health consequences, including chronic diseases, reproductive issues, and developmental abnormalities. This review explores the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between microplastics and cellular systems, providing insights into routes of exposure and health effects, with a focus on lung, skin, and digestive system cancers. As we confront this pressing environmental and public health challenge, a deeper understanding of the microplastic-cancer relationship is crucial to safeguarding the well-being of present and future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Kumar
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic & Applied Science, Raffles University, Neemrana, 301705, Alwar, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Mridul Lamba
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic & Applied Science, Raffles University, Neemrana, 301705, Alwar, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Pachar
- Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, 125055, Haryana, India
| | - Sonal Yadav
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic & Applied Science, Raffles University, Neemrana, 301705, Alwar, Rajasthan, India
| | - Arbind Acharya
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Casella C, Ballaz SJ. Genotoxic and neurotoxic potential of intracellular nanoplastics: A review. J Appl Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38494651 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4598] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste comprises polymers of different chemicals that disintegrate into nanoplastic particles (NPLs) of 1-100-nm size, thereby littering the environment and posing a threat to wildlife and human health. Research on NPL contamination has up to now focused on the ecotoxicology effects of the pollution rather than the health risks. This review aimed to speculate about the possible properties of carcinogenic and neurotoxic NPL as pollutants. Given their low-dimensional size and high surface size ratio, NPLs can easily penetrate biological membranes to cause functional and structural damage in cells. Once inside the cell, NPLs can interrupt the autophagy flux of cellular debris, alter proteostasis, provoke mitochondrial dysfunctions, and induce endoplasmic reticulum stress. Harmful metabolic and biological processes induced by NPLs include oxidative stress (OS), ROS generation, and pro-inflammatory reactions. Depending on the cell cycle status, NPLs may direct DNA damage, tumorigenesis, and lately carcinogenesis in tissues with high self-renewal capabilities like epithelia. In cells able to live the longest like neurons, NPLs could trigger neurodegeneration by promoting toxic proteinaceous aggregates, OS, and chronic inflammation. NPL genotoxicity and neurotoxicity are discussed based on the gathered evidence, when available, within the context of the intracellular uptake of these newcomer nanoparticles. In summary, this review explains how the risk evaluation of NPL pollution for human health may benefit from accurately monitoring NPL toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics at the intracellular resolution level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Casella
- Department Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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Pontecorvi P, Ceccarelli S, Cece F, Camero S, Lotti LV, Niccolai E, Nannini G, Gerini G, Anastasiadou E, Scialis ES, Romano E, Venneri MA, Amedei A, Angeloni A, Megiorni F, Marchese C. Assessing the Impact of Polyethylene Nano/Microplastic Exposure on Human Vaginal Keratinocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11379. [PMID: 37511139 PMCID: PMC10380279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The global rise of single-use throw-away plastic products has elicited a massive increase in the nano/microplastics (N/MPLs) exposure burden in humans. Recently, it has been demonstrated that disposable period products may release N/MPLs with usage, which represents a potential threat to women's health which has not been scientifically addressed yet. By using polyethyl ene (PE) particles (200 nm to 9 μm), we showed that acute exposure to a high concentration of N/MPLs induced cell toxicity in vaginal keratinocytes after effective cellular uptake, as viability and apoptosis data suggest, along with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. The internalised N/MPLs altered the expression of junctional and adherence proteins and the organisation of the actin cortex, influencing the level of genes involved in oxidative stress signalling pathways and that of miRNAs related to epithelial barrier function. When the exposure to PE N/MPLs was discontinued or became chronic, cells were able to recover from the negative effects on viability and differentiation/proliferation gene expression in a few days. However, in all cases, PE N/MPL exposure prompted a sustained alteration of DNA methyltransferase and DNA demethylase expression, which might impact epigenetic regulation processes, leading to accelerated cell ageing and inflammation, or the occurrence of malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pontecorvi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Cece
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Camero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Vittoria Lotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Nannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Gerini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleni Anastasiadou
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Sofia Scialis
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Enrico Romano
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Megiorni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Zhao Y, Jia H, Deng H, Xing W, Feng D, Li J, Ge C, Yu H, Zhang Y, Chen H. Response of earthworms to microplastics in soil under biogas slurry irrigation: Toxicity comparison of conventional and biodegradable microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160092. [PMID: 36370787 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As a reliable environment-friendly alternative, biodegradable plastic mulching films have been introduced into agricultural practice to reduce the adverse threats posed by conventional plastic products. Information regarding whether potential untoward effects of biodegradable plastics exist in soil and how strong are such effects on terrestrial organisms, however, still remains unknown. This study examined differences in the responses of earthworm, represented by Eisenia fetida, to exposure to biodegradable (PLA: polylactic acid) and conventional microplastics (PVC: polyvinylchloride, LDPE: low-density polyethylene) in soil with biogas slurry irrigation. Mortality, growth, histopathology and biochemical enzymes of the earthworms exposed to different concentrations of microplastics (5, 20 and 50 g/kg wet weight of soil, respectively) were investigated after 28 days of incubation in the experiment. The obtained results showed that the ecotoxicity of microplastics (MPs) to earthworms was time-dependent. Regardless of MPs type, continuous exposure to MPs at the concentration of 50 g/kg induced mucous vacuolization, longitude muscle disorder, and granular lipofuscin-like deposits generation in the epithelium. Moreover, tissue fibrosis and cavity formation were also observed in intestinal tissue. The presence of MPs stimulated the oxidative stress system of the earthworms, as indicated by the enhancement of malonaldehyde (MDA) content in vivo. The antioxidative defense system in earthworms was supposed to collapse at the MPs concentration of 50 g/kg after 28 days of exposure. Interestingly, PLA exhibited similar ecotoxicity effects with LDPE, which might violate the original intention of biodegradable plastics with less harmful or nontoxic influence on the terrestrial biotas. Thus, knowledge regarding the molecular and genetic mechanisms of the earthworms in soil containing biodegradable plastics should be further explored to better understand the risk posed by biodegradable plastics in the agroecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhao
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Huiting Jia
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Hui Deng
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Wenzhe Xing
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Dan Feng
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China; Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jiatong Li
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Chengjun Ge
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Huamei Yu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Haiying Chen
- Hainan Qingshi Environmental Engineering & Technology Co., Ltd, Haikou 570100, China.
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Allegra A, Petrarca C, Di Gioacchino M, Mirabile G, Gangemi S. Electrochemical Biosensors in the Diagnosis of Acute and Chronic Leukemias. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010146. [PMID: 36612142 PMCID: PMC9817807 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Until now, morphological assessment with an optical or electronic microscope, fluorescence in situ hybridization, DNA sequencing, flow cytometry, polymerase chain reactions, and immunohistochemistry have been employed for leukemia identification. Nevertheless, despite their numerous different vantages, it is difficult to recognize leukemic cells correctly. Recently, the electrochemical evaluation with a nano-sensing interface seems an attractive alternative. Electrochemical biosensors measure the modification in the electrical characteristics of the nano-sensing interface, which is modified by the contact between a biological recognition element and the analyte objective. The implementation of nanosensors is founded not on single nanomaterials but rather on compilating these components efficiently. Biosensors able to identify the molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid are defined as DNA biosensors. Our review aimed to evaluate the literature on the possible use of electrochemical biosensors for identifying hematological neoplasms such as acute promyelocytic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia. In particular, we focus our attention on using DNA electrochemical biosensors to evaluate leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Petrarca
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, G. D’Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Mario Di Gioacchino
- Institute for Clinical Immunotherapy and Advanced Biological Treatments, 65100 Pescara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mirabile
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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