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Li Y, Chen L, Zhou N, Chen Y, Ling Z, Xiang P. Microplastics in the human body: A comprehensive review of exposure, distribution, migration mechanisms, and toxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174215. [PMID: 38914339 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174215] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive across ecosystems, presenting substantial risks to human health. Developing a comprehensive review of MPs is crucial due to the growing evidence of their widespread presence and potential harmful effects. Despite the growth in research, considerable uncertainties persist regarding their transport dynamics, prevalence, toxicological impacts, and the potential long-term health effects they may cause. This review thoroughly evaluates recent advancements in research on MPs and their implications for human health, including estimations of human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. It also quantifies the distribution and accumulation of MPs in various organs and tissues. The review discusses the mechanisms enabling MPs to cross biological barriers and the role of particle size in their translocation. To ensure methodological rigor, this review adheres to the PRISMA guidelines, explicitly detailing the literature search strategy, inclusion criteria, and the quality assessment of selected studies. The review concludes that MPs pose significant toxicological risks, identifies critical gaps in current knowledge, and recommends future research directions to elucidate the prolonged effects of MPs on human health. This work aims to offer a scientific framework for mitigating MP-related hazards and establishes a foundation for ongoing investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Institute of College of Art and Design, Rural Vitalization Research Center in the Wuling Mountain Area, Huaihua University, Huaihua 418000, China.
| | - Liping Chen
- Institute of College of Art and Design, Rural Vitalization Research Center in the Wuling Mountain Area, Huaihua University, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Nonglin Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Yuyuan Chen
- Institute of College of Art and Design, Rural Vitalization Research Center in the Wuling Mountain Area, Huaihua University, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Zhichen Ling
- Institute of College of Art and Design, Rural Vitalization Research Center in the Wuling Mountain Area, Huaihua University, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Institute of Environmental Remediation and Human Health, School of Ecology and Environment, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China.
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Li J, Jong MC, Hu H, Gin KYH, He Y. Size-dependent effects of microplastics on intestinal microbiome for Perna viridis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134658. [PMID: 38810582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134658] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution threatens to marine organisms, particularly bivalves that actively ingest and accumulate microplastics of certain sizes, potentially disrupting intestinal homeostasis. This study investigated the microplastic abundance in wild and farmed mussels around Singapore, and examined the size-dependent effects of nano- to micro-scale polystyrene (0.5 µm/5 µm/50 µm) on the mussel intestinal microbiome in the laboratory. The field investigation revealed higher microplastic abundance in farmed mussels compared to wild ones. Experimentally, mussels exposed to 0.6 mg/L of microplastics for 7 days, followed by a 7-day depuration period, showed substantial impacts on Spirochaetes and Proteobacteria, facilitating the proliferation of pathogenic species and differentially affecting their pathogenic contributions. Metagenomics analysis revealed that microplastic exposure reduced Spirochaeta's contribution to virulence and pathogenicity loss, did not affect Vibrio and Oceanispirochaeta's pathogenicity, and increased Treponema and Oceanispirochaeta's contributions to pathogenicity loss. Moreover, microplastics increased transmembrane transporters and impacted oxidative phosphorylation enzymes, impairing energy metabolism. These effects persisted after depuration, indicating lack of resilience in the microbiome. Nano- and micro-scale plastics perturbed the mussel microbiome composition and functions in a size-dependent manner, with nano-plastics being the most disruptive. The increasing use and sale of aquaculture equipment of plastic may exacerbate the intestinal dysbiosis in bivalves, which threatens consumers' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Energy and Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Mui-Choo Jong
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, University Town, Shenzhen 518055. China
| | - Hao Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Block E1A07-03, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, Singapore 138602, Singapore; National University of Singapore Environment Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, #15-02, Singapore 138602, Singapore.
| | - Yiliang He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Energy and Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, Singapore 138602, Singapore; National University of Singapore Environment Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, #15-02, Singapore 138602, Singapore.
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3
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Du L, Liu H, Song X, Feng X, Xu H, Tang W, Yang J. Developments in the field of intestinal toxicity and signaling pathways associated with rodent exposure to micro(nano)plastics. Toxicology 2024; 507:153883. [PMID: 38996996 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153883] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
The broad spread of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) has garnered significant attention in recent years. MNPs have been detected in numerous human organs, indicating that they may also be hazardous to humans. The toxic effects of MNPs have been demonstrated in marine species and experimental animals. The primary pathway and target organ for MNPs entering the human body is the intestinal system, and increasing research has been done on the harmful effects and subsequent mechanisms of exposure to MNPs. Studies on how MNPs affect gut health in humans are scarce, nevertheless. Since rodents are frequently employed as animal models for human ailments, research on rodents exposed to MNPs can provide a more accurate representation of human circumstances. This study examined the effects of MNPs on intestinal microecology, inflammation, barrier function, and ion transport channels in rodents. It also reviewed the signal pathways involved, such as oxidative stress, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, inflammatory corpuscles, muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and cell death. This review will offer a conceptual framework for the management and avoidance of associated illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu 610219, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Shuangliu District (West China (Airport) Hospital of Sichuan University), Chengdu 610200, China.
| | - Xuan Song
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu 610219, China
| | - Xiaoqian Feng
- Department of Comprehensive Pediatric Internal Medicine, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing 404010, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu 610219, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Center of Endoscopy, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu 610219, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Center of Endoscopy, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu 610219, China
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Solhaug A, Vlegels S, Eriksen GS. Atlantic salmon gill epithelial cell line ASG-10, an in vitro model for studying effects of microplastics in gills. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106946. [PMID: 38759525 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106946] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental pollutants frequently detected in aquatic environments. Here we used the Atlantic salmon epithelial gill cell line (ASG-10) to investigate the uptake and effects of polystyrene (PS) microplastic. The ASG-10 cell line has phagocytotic/endocytic capacities and can take up clear PS particles at 0.2 and 1.0 µm, while PS at 10 µm was not taken up. As a response to the uptake, the ASG-10 cells increased their lysosomal activity. Furthermore, no effects on the mitochondria were found, neither on the mitochondrial membrane potential nor the mitochondria morphology (branch length and diameter). Interestingly, even a very high concentration of PS (200 µg/ml) with all tested particle sizes had no effects on cell viability or cell cycle. The environmental toxin Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), a known inducer of CYP1A, is highly hydrophobic and thus sticks to the PS particles. However, co-exposure of B(a)P and PS the particles did not increase the induction of CYP1A activity compared to B(a)P alone. Our study contributes to the understanding of the cellular effects of PS particles using a highly relevant Atlantic salmon gill epithelium in vitro model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Solhaug
- Chemistry and Toxinology Research group, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, 1431 Ås, Norway.
| | - Sarah Vlegels
- Chemistry and Toxinology Research group, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, 1431 Ås, Norway
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Peng Y, He Q. Reproductive toxicity and related mechanisms of micro(nano)plastics in terrestrial mammals: Review of current evidence. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116505. [PMID: 38810287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116505] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have been detected in various ecological environments and are widely used due to their stable properties, raising widespread concern about their potential human reproductive toxicity. Currently, infertility affects approximately 10-30% of couples of reproductive age globally. MNPs, as environmental pollutants, have been shown to exhibit reproductive toxicity through intrinsic mechanisms or as carriers of other hazardous substances. Numerous studies have established that MNPs of varying sizes and types can penetrate biological barriers, and enter tissues and even organelles of organisms through four main routes: dietary ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and medical interventions. However, historical research on the toxic effects of MNPs on reproduction mainly focused on lower and aquatic species. We conducted an inclusive review of studies involving terrestrial mammals, revealing that MNPs can induce reproductive toxicity via various mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, disruption of intestinal flora, endocrine disruption, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and DNA damage. In terrestrial mammals, reproductive toxicity predominantly manifests as disruption in the blood-testis barrier (BTB), impaired spermatogenesis, sperm malformation, sperm DNA damage, reduced sperm fertilizing capacity, compromised oocyte maturation, impaired follicular growth, granulosa cell apoptosis, diminished ovarian reserve function, uterine and ovarian fibrosis, and endocrine disruption, among other effects. Furthermore, MNPs can traverse the maternal-fetal interface, potentially impacting offspring reproductive health. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanisms of MNPs with different sizes, polymer types, shapes, and carried toxins, as well as to explore effective protective interventions for mitigating reproductive damage, further in-depth animal studies, clinical trials, and large-scale epidemiological studies are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Peng
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Qi He
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China
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Zhang J, Liu L, Dai X, Li B, Zhang S, Yu Y. Thyroid and parathyroid function disorders induced by short-term exposure of microplastics and nanoplastics: Exploration of toxic mechanisms and early warning biomarkers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134960. [PMID: 38901250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Human exposure to micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) primarily occurs through respiration and diet in the environment. However, the early effects and warning signs of MNPs exposure on vertebrates are unclear. Here we used intratracheal instillation and intragastric infusion to establish mouse models for MNPs exposure to systematically investigate the toxic mechanisms of MNPs on endocrine organs. Results showed that MNPs induced endocrine disruptions in short-term exposure by both dietary and respiratory pathways. Microplastics (MPs) exposed through dietary route were more toxic to thyroid gland, whereas nanoplastics (NPs) exhibited the highest level of toxicity to parathyroid gland through respiration. The transcriptome and validation of related functional genes revealed that MNPs affected the synthesis of thyroglobulin by interfering with the expressions of PAX8 and CREB. MNPs also impacted the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, further mediating the secretion of thyroid hormones. Moreover, MNPs modulate the expression of Mafb, thereby exerting regulatory effects on parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis and growth development in parathyroid cells. Meanwhile, MNPs interfered with the expression of IP3R in the calcium signaling pathway, indirectly affecting the secretion of PTH. This study reveals the effects and mechanisms of MNPs on thyroid and parathyroid and highlights the significance of early warning of MNPs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Ling Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xiaowei Dai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The Second Norman Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Tianjin Huanghe Hospital, Tianjin 300110, China
| | - Shaoxuan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China.
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Jiang J, Shu Z, Qiu L. Adverse effects and potential mechanisms of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the blood-testis barrier. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:238. [PMID: 38849627 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02033-z] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastic particles or fragments with a diameter of less than 5 mm. These particles have been identified as causing male reproductive toxicity, although the precise mechanism behind this association is yet to be fully understood. Recent research has found that exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) can disrupt spermatogenesis by impacting the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB), a formidable barrier within mammalian blood tissues. The BTB safeguards germ cells from harmful substances and infiltration by immune cells. However, the disruption of the BTB leads to the entry of environmental pollutants and immune cells into the seminiferous tubules, resulting in adverse reproductive effects. Additionally, PS-MPs induce reproductive damage by generating oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and alterations in the composition of intestinal flora. Despite these findings, the precise mechanism by which PS-MPs disrupt the BTB remains inconclusive, necessitating further investigation into the underlying processes. This review aims to enhance our understanding of the pernicious effects of PS-MP exposure on the BTB and explore potential mechanisms to offer novel perspectives on BTB damage caused by PS-MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinchen Jiang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd, Nantong, 226019, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhao Shu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd, Nantong, 226019, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianglin Qiu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd, Nantong, 226019, People's Republic of China.
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Ebrahim MM, El-Dakdoky MH, El-Shafiey SH, Amer AS. Oral exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics altered the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis role in hormonal regulation, inducing reproductive toxicity in albino rats. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2368. [PMID: 38873958 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2368] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanoplastics can be considered a novel contaminant for the environment because of their extensive applications in modern society, which represents a possible threat to humans. Nevertheless, the negative effect of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) on male reproduction, fertility, and progeny outcomes is not well known. Thus, the aim of the present work was to calculate the median lethal dose (LD50) and investigate the consequences of exposure to PS-NPs (25 nm) on male reproductive toxicity. METHODS This investigation first determined the LD50 of PS-NPs in male Wistar rats, and then in a formal study, 24 rats were distributed into three groups (n = 8): the control group; the low-dose group (3 mg/kg bw); and the high-dose group (10 mg/kg bw) of PS-NPs administered orally for 60 days. On the 50th day of administration, the fertility test was conducted. RESULTS The LD50 was determined to be 2500 mg/kg. PS-NP administration induced significant alternations, mainly indicating mortality in the high-dose group, a significant elevation in body weight gain, declined sperm quality parameters, altered reproductive hormonal levels, thyroid endocrine disruption, an alternation of the normal histo-architecture and the histo-morphometric analysis of the testes, and impaired male fertility. CONCLUSION Altogether, the current findings provide novel perspectives on PS-NP general toxicity with specific reference to male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Ebrahim
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai H El-Dakdoky
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara Hatem El-Shafiey
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany S Amer
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Kadac-Czapska K, Ośko J, Knez E, Grembecka M. Microplastics and Oxidative Stress-Current Problems and Prospects. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:579. [PMID: 38790684 PMCID: PMC11117644 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050579] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles between 0.1 and 5000 µm in size that have attracted considerable attention from the scientific community and the general public, as they threaten the environment. Microplastics contribute to various harmful effects, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, cell membrane breakages, mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal defects, inflammation, and apoptosis. They affect cells, tissues, organs, and overall health, potentially contributing to conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease. They pose a significant danger due to their widespread occurrence in food. In recent years, information has emerged indicating that MPs can cause oxidative stress (OS), a known factor in accelerating the aging of organisms. This comprehensive evaluation exposed notable variability in the reported connection between MPs and OS. This work aims to provide a critical review of whether the harmfulness of plastic particles that constitute environmental contaminants may result from OS through a comprehensive analysis of recent research and existing scientific literature, as well as an assessment of the characteristics of MPs causing OS. Additionally, the article covers the analytical methodology used in this field. The conclusions of this review point to the necessity for further research into the effects of MPs on OS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Małgorzata Grembecka
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.K.-C.); (J.O.); (E.K.)
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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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Florance I, Cordani M, Pashootan P, Moosavi MA, Zarrabi A, Chandrasekaran N. The impact of nanomaterials on autophagy across health and disease conditions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:184. [PMID: 38630152 PMCID: PMC11024050 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05199-y] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy, a catabolic process integral to cellular homeostasis, is constitutively active under physiological and stress conditions. The role of autophagy as a cellular defense response becomes particularly evident upon exposure to nanomaterials (NMs), especially environmental nanoparticles (NPs) and nanoplastics (nPs). This has positioned autophagy modulation at the forefront of nanotechnology-based therapeutic interventions. While NMs can exploit autophagy to enhance therapeutic outcomes, they can also trigger it as a pro-survival response against NP-induced toxicity. Conversely, a heightened autophagy response may also lead to regulated cell death (RCD), in particular autophagic cell death, upon NP exposure. Thus, the relationship between NMs and autophagy exhibits a dual nature with therapeutic and environmental interventions. Recognizing and decoding these intricate patterns are essential for pioneering next-generation autophagy-regulating NMs. This review delves into the present-day therapeutic potential of autophagy-modulating NMs, shedding light on their status in clinical trials, intervention of autophagy in the therapeutic applications of NMs, discusses the potency of autophagy for application as early indicator of NM toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Florance
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Parya Pashootan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O Box 14965/161, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Moosavi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O Box 14965/161, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
- Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600 077, India
- Graduate School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Natarajan Chandrasekaran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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Kwak JI, Kim L, An YJ. Microplastics promote the accumulation of negative fungal groups and cause multigenerational effects in springtails. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133574. [PMID: 38280316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133574] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The environmental persistence of microplastics (MPs) is ubiquitous and problematic. Despite an increase in research on the soil ecotoxicity of MPs, the response of springtails to MP pollution remains unexplored. We hypothesized that MPs promote the accumulation of negative soil fungal groups and cause multigenerational effects in springtails. We performed a multigenerational study of high-density polyethylene MPs using springtail Folsomia candida and analyzed the soil fungal community. We found that soil entomopathogenic fungi and negative soil fungal groups accumulated in springtail F. candida due to soil MP pollution; subsequently, MPs negatively affected F. candida in the F2 generation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the correlations between MP pollution, soil fungi, and fungi-feeding springtails. The study provides evidence of the accumulation of soil entomopathogenic fungi and negative soil fungal groups in F. candida caused by soil MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Il Kwak
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Lia Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Hu Y, Shen M, Wang C, Huang Q, Li R, Dorj G, Gombojav E, Du J, Ren L. A meta-analysis-based adverse outcome pathway for the male reproductive toxicity induced by microplastics and nanoplastics in mammals. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133375. [PMID: 38160553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The male reproductive toxicity of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has attracted great attention, but the latent mechanisms remain fragmented. This review performed the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) analysis and meta-analysis in 39 relevant studies, with the AOP analysis to reveal the cause-and-effect relationships of MPs/NPs-induced male reproductive toxicity and the meta-analysis to quantify the toxic effects. In the AOP framework, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the molecular initiating event (MIE), which triggered several key events (KEs) at different levels. At the cellular level, the KEs included oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, sperm DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis and autophagy of testicular cells, repressed expression of steroidogenic enzymes and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, and gut microbiota alteration. These KEs further induced the reduction of testosterone, impaired blood-testis barrier (BTB), testicular inflammation, and impaired spermatogenesis at tissue/organ levels. Ultimately, decreased sperm quality or quantity was noted and proved by meta-analysis, which demonstrated that MPs/NPs led to a decrease of 5.99 million/mL in sperm concentration, 14.62% in sperm motility, and 23.56% in sperm viability, while causing an increase of 10.65% in sperm abnormality rate. Overall, this is the first AOP for MPs/NPs-mediated male reproductive toxicity in mammals. The innovative integration of meta-analysis into the AOP analysis increases the rigorism of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinchu Hu
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Meidi Shen
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chongkun Wang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qifang Huang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ruiqiong Li
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Gantuya Dorj
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Enkhjargal Gombojav
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Jiwei Du
- Nursing Department, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Lihua Ren
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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14
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Shi W, Wu N, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Chen J, Li J. A global review on the abundance and threats of microplastics in soils to terrestrial ecosystem and human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169469. [PMID: 38154650 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169469] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Soil is the source and sink of microplastics (MPs), which is more polluted than water and air. In this paper, the pollution levels of MPs in the agriculture, roadside, urban and landfill soils were reviewed, and the influence of MPs on soil ecosystem, including soil properties, microorganisms, animals and plants, was discussed. According to the results of in vivo and in vitro experiments, the possible risks of MPs to soil ecosystem and human health were predicted. Finally, in light of the current status of MPs research, several prospects are provided for future research directions to better evaluate the ecological risk and human health risk of MPs. MPs concentrations in global agricultural soils, roadside soils, urban soils and landfill soils had a great variance in different studies and locations. The participation of MPs has an impact on all aspects of terrestrial ecosystems. For soil properties, pH value, bulk density, pore space and evapotranspiration can be changed by MPs. For microorganisms, MPs can alter the diversity and abundance of microbiome, and different MPs have different effects on bacteria and fungi differently. For plants, MPs may interfere with their biochemical and physiological conditions and produce a wide range of toxic effects, such as inhibiting plant growth, delaying or reducing seed germination, reducing biological and fruit yield, and interfering with photosynthesis. For soil animals, MPs can affect their mobility, growth rate and reproductive capacity. At present epidemiological evidences regarding MPs exposure and negative human health effects are unavailable, but in vitro and in vivo data suggest that they pose various threats to human health, including respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, endocrine system, nervous system, and circulation system. In conclusion, the existence and danger of MPs cannot be ignored and requires a global effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshan Shi
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Zengli Zhang
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Yuting Liu
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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15
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Sun R, Liu M, Xiong F, Xu K, Huang J, Liu J, Wang D, Pu Y. Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics induce gastric toxicity through ROS mediated oxidative stress and P62/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169228. [PMID: 38101634 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) exist widely in the environment and can enter the human body indirectly through the food chain or directly through inhalation or ingestion. The primary organ that MPs contaminated food or water enters the human body through the digestive tract is the stomach. However, at present, the effects of MPs on the stomach and the related mechanism remain unclear. In this study, our results indicated that 50 nm and 250 nm polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) at environmental related dose significantly decreased stomach organ coefficient, inhibited gastric juice secretion and mucus secretion, disrupted gastric barrier function and suppressed antioxidant ability in mice. In vitro experiments showed that PS-MPs inhibited cell viability, increased ROS generation, and induced apoptosis through mitochondria-dependent pathway. Simultaneously, PS-MPs also decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP level, disrupted mitochondrial kinetic homeostasis, and activated P62 / Nrf2 / Keap1 pathway. Furthermore, blocking ROS (NAC) partially alleviated ROS and apoptosis caused by PS-MPs. Based on above findings, the potential adverse outcome pathway (AOP) of PS-MPs-caused gastric toxicity was proposed which provides a new insight into the risk assessment of MP related gastric damage. Our study unveils the gastric injury induced by PS MPs is dependent on ROS - mediated P62 / Nrf2 / Keap1 signaling pathway, and provides scientific basis for further exploration the mechanism of gastric toxicity of PS MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Manman Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Daqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
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16
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Zhao B, Rehati P, Yang Z, Cai Z, Guo C, Li Y. The potential toxicity of microplastics on human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168946. [PMID: 38043812 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168946] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are plastic particles, films, and fibers with a diameter of < 5 mm. Given their long-standing existence in the environment and terrible increase in annual emissions, concerns were raised about the potential health risk of microplastics on human beings. In particular, the increased consumption of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased human contact with microplastics. To date, the emergence of microplastics in the human body, such as feces, blood, placenta, lower airway, and lungs, has been reported. Related toxicological investigations of microplastics were gradually increased. To comprehensively illuminate the interplay of microplastic exposure and human health, we systematically reviewed the updated toxicological data of microplastics and summarized their mode of action, adverse effects, and toxic mechanisms. The emerging critical issues in the current toxicological investigations were proposed and discussed. Our work would facilitate a better understanding of MPs-induced health hazards for toxicological evaluation and provide helpful information for regulatory decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bosen Zhao
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Palizhati Rehati
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zhu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Caixia Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Yanbo Li
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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17
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Kong J, Lee J, Jeong S. Distribution of microplastics in rainfall and their control by a permeable pavement in low-impact development facility. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119710. [PMID: 38061101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119710] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) released from plastic products in daily life are present in the air and could be transported to freshwater environments along with rain. Recently, low-impact development (LID) facilities, such as permeable pavements, have been used to treat non-point source pollutants, including rainfall runoff. While runoff is treated by LID facilities, the periodic monitoring of MPs in rainfall and the efficiency of removal of MPs through LID facilities have rarely been investigated. Therefore, this case study focused on monitoring MPs in rainwater runoff and permeate from a permeable pavement in Busan, South Korea, thus evaluating the removal efficiency of MPs by a LID system. The initial rainfall runoff and permeate through the LID system were sampled, and the amounts, types, sizes, and shapes of MPs in the samples were analyzed using micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the distribution of MPs in the initial rainfall was affected by population in tested area. Polyethylene was the most common type of MPs in all the samples. Polyamide was only found in the LID samples because of the pollution caused by water flows and pavement materials. Fragment type MPs was most commonly observed and consisted of relatively small-sized (under 100 μm) particles. LID facilities were able to capture approximately 98% of MPs in the rainfall through a filtration process in the permeable pavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Kong
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Lee
- Institute for Environment and Energy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sanghyun Jeong
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Zhang P, Zhang Y, Li P, Tu D, Zheng X. Effects of the adsorption behavior of polyamide microplastics on male reproductive health by reduction of testosterone bioavailability. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115747. [PMID: 38070415 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115747] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are global environmental pollutants with potential toxicity concerns, and their effects on the reproductive system have attracted increasing attention. This study investigated the interaction between MPs and mammalian biomolecules, focusing on the relationship between the testosterone adsorption behavior of MPs and male reproductive health. The adsorption capacity of different types of MPs for testosterone was evaluated in vitro experiments. Polyamide (PA)-MPs exhibited stronger adsorption, while polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-MPs displayed the weakest adsorption. Sorption equilibrium between PA-MPs and testosterone was achieved within 6 h, fitting the Pseudo-2nd-order model and Langmuir isotherm. The effects of MPs on male reproduction in mice was determined in vivo experiments. Male mice were treated with 0.1 and 0.5 mg/d PA-MPs/PMMA-MPs by gavage once per day for 28 days. The results showed that only 0.5 mg/d PA-MP exposure induced decreased serum testosterone levels, increased testicular testosterone levels compared to the control, and more severe damage to seminiferous tubule structure, sperm motility and sperm morphology compared to the PMMA-MPs group. Meanwhile, PA-MPs could reduce intracellular nuclear translocation of androgen receptor (AR) mediated by testosterone, while PMMA-MPs had no impact. The study revealed that PA-MP adsorption reduced testosterone bioavailability and caused sperm quality to decline, offering new insights into the combined toxicity mechanism of MPs in male mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiqi Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Pishun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Di Tu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China.
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19
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He Y, Yin R. The reproductive and transgenerational toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: A threat to mammalian fertility in both sexes. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:66-85. [PMID: 37382358 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are extensively distributed in the environment. However, a comprehensive review and in-depth discussion on the effects of MPs and NPs to reproductive capacity and transgenerational toxicity on mammals, especially on humans, is lacked. It is suggested that microplastics and nanoplastics could accumulate in mammalian reproductive organs and exert toxic effects on the reproductive system for both sexes. For males, the damage of microplastics consists of abnormal testicular and sperm structure, decreased sperm vitality, and endocrine disruption, which were caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis of testicular cells, autophagy, abnormal cytoskeleton, and abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. For females, the damage of microplastics includes abnormal ovary and uterus structure and endocrine disruption, which were caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, granulosa cell apoptosis, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis abnormalities, and tissue fibrosis. For transgenerational toxicity, premature mortality existed in the rodent offspring after maternal exposure to microplastics. Among the surviving offspring, metabolic disorders, reproductive dysfunction, immune, neurodevelopmental, and cognitive disorders were detected, and these events directly correlated with transgenerational translocation of MPs and NPs. Studies on human-derived cells or organoids demonstrated that transgenerational toxicity studies for both sexes are yet in the phase of exploring suitable experimental models, and more detailed research on the threat of MPs and NPs to human fertility is still urgently needed. Further studies will help assess the MPs and NPs threat to public fertility and reproductive health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchong He
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Provincial, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ruocheng Yin
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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20
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Diao L, Ding M, Sun H, Xu Y, Yin R, Chen H. Micro-algal astaxanthin ameliorates polystyrene microplastics-triggered necroptosis and inflammation by mediating mitochondrial Ca 2+ homeostasis in carp's head kidney lymphocytes (Cyprinus carpio L.). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 143:109205. [PMID: 37918582 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109205] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene microplastics (PM) is a pressing global environmental concern, posing substantial risks to aquatic ecosystems. Microalgal astaxanthin (MA), a heme pigment, safeguards cells against oxidative damage induced by free radicals, which contributes to various health conditions, including aging, inflammation and chronic diseases. Herein, we investigated the potential of MA in ameliorating the immunotoxicity of PM on carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) based on head kidney lymphocytes treated with PM (250 μM) and/or MA (100 μM). Firstly, CCK8 results showed that PM resulted in excessive death of head kidney lymphocytes. Secondly, head kidney lymphocytes treated with PM had a higher proportion of necroptosis, and the levels of necroptosis-related genes in head kidney lymphocytes were increased. Thirdly, the relative red fluorescence intensity of JC-1 and MitoSox showed decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mtROS in head kidney lymphocytes treated with PM. MitoTracker® Green FM fluorescence analysis revealed enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ levels in PM-treated lymphocytes, corroborating the association between PM exposure and elevated intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. PM exposure resulted in upregulation of calcium homeostasis-related gene (Orail, CAMKIIδ and SLC8A1) in lymphocytes. Subsequent investigations revealed that PM exposure reduced miR-25-5p expression while increasing levels of MCU, MICU1, and MCUR1. Notably, these effects were counteracted by treatment with MA. Furthermore, PM led to the elevated secretion of inflammatory factors (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2 and TNF-α), thereby inducing immune dysfunction in head kidney lymphocytes. Encouragingly, MA treatment effectively mitigated the immunotoxic effects induced by PM, demonstrating its potential in ameliorating necroptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction and immune impairment via regulating the miR-25-5p/MCU axis in lymphocytes. This study sheds light on safeguarding farmed fish against agrobiological threats posed by PM, highlighting the valuable applications of MA in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Diao
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, 77 Hanlin road, Jilin, 132101, China
| | - Meiqi Ding
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, 77 Hanlin road, Jilin, 132101, China
| | - Hongzhen Sun
- Research Institute of Petrochina Jilin Petrochemical Company, 27 Zunyi East Road, Jilin, 132021, China
| | - Yawei Xu
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, 77 Hanlin road, Jilin, 132101, China
| | - Rui Yin
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, 77 Hanlin road, Jilin, 132101, China
| | - Huijie Chen
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, 77 Hanlin road, Jilin, 132101, China.
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21
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Liu S, Bai F, Men Z, Gu X, Wang F, Li Y, Liu Q. Spatial distribution, source apportionment and potential ecological risk assessment of suspended atmosphere microplastics in different underlying surfaces in Harbin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166040. [PMID: 37543333 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Although suspended atmospheric microplastics (SAMPs) have been found to be ubiquitous and have potential impacts on human health, whereas studies related to source apportionment and potential ecological risk assessment in the atmospheric environment are still limited. This study investigated spatial distribution, source apportionment and potential ecological risk of SAMPs in six underlying surfaces of Harbin, China. The results show that all six underlying surfaces existed SAMPs, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with approximate 26.13 %, 24.10 %, 23.87 %, 13.51 %, and 12.39 %, respectively. SAMPs abundances from filtered air were relatively high and averaged 1.76 n/m3. The SAMPs mainly contained fibrous (59.01 %), fragmented (30.18 %), and granular (10.81 %) with transparent (62.39 %), black 13.74 %), red (7.43 %), white (6.53 %), blue, and yellow (3.60 %), and particle size ranged from 1.3 to 518 μm. In addition, source apportionment of SAMPs shows that SAMPs were originated from five emission sources including living source (19.53 %), construction source (12.08 %), transportation source (47.25 %), industrial source (5.11 %), and agricultural source (16.13 %) in Harbin. A significant correction was observed between SAMPs abundances and human activity (R = 0.68, P = 0.66), atmospheric humidity (R = -0.40, P = 0.02), and wind direction (R = 0.22, P = 0.04) in different underlying surface. Furthermore, potential ecological hazardous single index (EI) of PVC and PS were higher than PP, PET, and PS in the construction land, cultivated land, forest land, grassland, water area, and unused land. An estimation of the potential ecological risk index (RI) from SAMPs using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model indicated that Harbin presented a minor ecological risk with average 16.59 of RI index of microplastics in environments. In conclusion, data in this study indicate that SAMPs are existed in atmospheric environments, which have possible risks for human health via inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liu
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Fuliang Bai
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Men
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Xueqian Gu
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Feiyu Wang
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Qi Liu
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
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22
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He T, Qu Y, Yang X, Liu L, Xiong F, Wang D, Liu M, Sun R. Research progress on the cellular toxicity caused by microplastics and nanoplastics. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:1576-1593. [PMID: 36806101 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles of a diameter of less than 5 mm and a major carrier of pollution. In accordance with its diameter range, MPs can be divided into microplastics (100-5 mm) and nanoplastics (<100 nm). In recent years, in addition to the impact of MPs on the environment, the ways in which MPs affect the body has also attracted continuous attention. However, relevant studies on the cytotoxicity of MPs are not comprehensive. Based on the current research, this paper summarizes four main cytotoxic mechanisms of MPs, inducing oxidative stress, damaging cell membrane organelles, inducing immune response, and genotoxicity. Generally, MPs cause cytotoxicity such as oxidative stress, damage to cell membranes and organelles, activation of immune responses, and genotoxicity through mechanical damage or induction of cells to produce reactive oxygen species. Understanding these toxic mechanisms is helpful for the evaluation and prevention of human toxicity of MPs. This paper also analyzes the limitations of current research and prospects for future research into cellular MPs, with the aim of providing a scientific basis and reference for further research into the toxic mechanism of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongwei He
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinhan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingxiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Daqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Manman Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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23
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Das A. The emerging role of microplastics in systemic toxicity: Involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165076. [PMID: 37391150 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental threats the world is facing currently. The degradation of macroplastics into smaller forms viz. microplastics (MPs) or Nanoplastics (NPs) is a potential threat to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems and also to human health by directly affecting the organs and activating a plethora of intracellular signaling, that may lead to cell death. There is accumulating evidence that supports the serious toxicity caused by MP/NPs at all levels of biological complexities (biomolecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems) and the involvement of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this process. Studies indicate that MPs or NPs can accumulate in mitochondria and further disrupt the mitochondrial electron transport chain, cause mitochondrial membrane damage, and perturb the mitochondrial membrane potential or depolarization of the mitochondria. These events eventually lead to the generation of different types of reactive free radicals, which can induce DNA damage, protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and compromization of the antioxidant defense pool. Furthermore, MP-induced ROS was found to trigger a plethora of signaling cascades, such as the p53 signaling pathway, Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway including the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), p38 kinase, and extracellular signal related kinases (ERK1/2) signaling cascades, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-pathway, Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3Ks)/Akt signaling pathway, and Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathways, to name a few. As a consequence of oxidative stress caused by the MPs/NPs, different types of organ damage are observed in living species, including humans, such as pulmonary toxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, etc. Although presently, a good amount of research is going on to access the detrimental effects of MPs/NPs on human health, there is a lack of proper model systems, multi-omics approaches, interdisciplinary research, and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amlan Das
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biosciences, The Assam Royal Global University, NH-37, opp. Tirupati Balaji Temple, Betkuchi, Guwahati, Assam 781035, India.
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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.
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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.
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Zhang Y, Hou B, Liu T, Wu Y, Wang Z. Probiotics improve polystyrene microplastics-induced male reproductive toxicity in mice by alleviating inflammatory response. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115248. [PMID: 37441951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
As a new type of environmental pollutant, microplastics have been garnered increasing attention, especially in regard to their effects on the reproductive system. However, researchers have yet to report whether prevention and treatment measures exist for reproductive injury caused by microplastics. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the mechanism of spermatogenic injury induced by polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and the intervention effect of probiotics based on the gut microbiota-testis axis. Mice were orally exposed for 35 days to 5 µm of PS-MPs with a gavage dose was 0.1 mg/day, and the intervention group was given probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Enterococcus) orally. Fecal samples were then subjected to 16 S rRNA sequencing analysis, and sperm motion was analyzed by a Hamilton-Thorne Sperm analyzer. The results showed that PS-MPs exposed mice had significant spermatogenic dysfunction and testicular inflammation. In addition, the intestinal microbial structure of exposed mice changed significantly; the abundance of Lactobacillus decreased, and the abundance of Prevotella increased. Furthermore, with fecal microbiota transplantation, the recipient mice showed a significant decrease in sperm quality. However, probiotics supplementation helped inhibit the activation of IL-17A signaling driven by gut microbes, thereby alleviating the inflammatory response and improving sperm quality decline caused by PS-MPs. These results may provide a scientific basis for further understanding of the mechanism of male reproductive damage caused by environmental pollutants such as microplastics and for novel reproductive damage intervention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yecui Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Baolian Hou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Lu L, Huang W, Han Y, Tong D, Sun S, Yu Y, Liu G, Shi W. Toxicity of microplastics and triclosan, alone and in combination, to the fertilisation success of a broadcast spawning bivalve Tegillarca granosa. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 101:104208. [PMID: 37390575 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Since most marine invertebrates adopted external fertilisation, their fertilisation process is particularly vulnerable to aquatic pollutants. Both antimicrobial ingredients and microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments; however, their synergistic effects on the fertilisation of marine invertebrates remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, the fertilisation toxicity of MPs and triclosan (TCS), alone and in combination, was investigated in the broadcast spawning bivalve Tegillarca granosa. Results showed that MPs and TCS significantly suppressed the fertilisation success of T. granosa. As the fertilisation success of broadcast spawning invertebrates depends on successful gamete collisions, gamete fusion, and egg activation, sperm swimming velocity, viability, gamete collision probability, ATP status, and ion-transport enzyme activities were also analysed to further ascertain the underlying toxicity mechanisms. In summary, our findings indicate that the presence of MPs may enhance the fertilisation toxicity of TCS by hampering sperm-egg collision probability, reducing gamete fusion efficiency, and restricting Ca2+ oscillation formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzheng Lu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Yu Han
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Difei Tong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Shuge Sun
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Yihan Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Guangxu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China.
| | - Wei Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Exploitation and Preservation of Coastal Bio-resource, Zhejiang Mariculture Research Institute, Wenzhou, PR China.
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Gong P, Yue S, Shi F, Yang W, Yao W, Chen F, Guo Y. Protective Effect of Astragaloside IV against Cadmium-Induced Damage on Mouse Renal Podocytes (MPC5). Molecules 2023; 28:4897. [PMID: 37446560 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134897] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the protective effect of Astragaloside IV (Ast) on mouse podocytes and its possible mechanism of action by constructing a cadmium-induced mouse renal podocytes model. We investigated the effects of cadmium (Cd) toxicity on cell number, morphology, the mitochondrial status of subcellular organelles, protein and gene levels, and the protective effects of Ast by constructing a model of Cd-induced damage to mouse renal podocytes (MPC5) and giving Ast protection at the same time. The results showed that exposure of MPC5 cells to CdCl2 culture medium containing 6.25 μM concentration acted with low cell mortality, but the mortality of MPC5 cells increased with the prolongation of cadmium exposure time. Given Ast, the death rate in the low dose group (12.5 μM) was significantly reduced, while the death rate in the medium dose group (25 μM) was extremely significantly reduced. In comparison to the control group, the Cd-exposed group exhibited a significant increase of 166.7% in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and a significant decrease of 17.1% in SOD activity. The mitochondrial membrane potential was also reduced to varying degrees. However, in the Ast-protected group compared to the Cd-exposed group, the MDA content significantly decreased by 20.8%, the SOD activity decreased by 7.14%, and the mitochondrial membrane potential showed a significant increase. Fluorescence staining of mitochondrial membrane potential indicated that Cd exposure caused mitochondrial apoptosis. In the 12-h cadmium-exposed group, the protein expression of Nephrin in mice significantly decreased by 33.4%. However, the expression of the Desmin protein significantly increased by 67.8%, and the expression of the autophagy protein LC3-II significantly increased by 55.5%. Meanwhile, the expression of PINK1, a mitochondrial autophagy pathway protein, was significantly increased in the 12 h and 24 h cadmium exposure groups. The mRNA level of PINK1 was significantly increased, and that of Parkin was decreased in the 48 h cadmium exposure group. Compared to the Cd-exposed group, the Ast group showed more significant improvements in the expression of podocyte structure, functional proteins, and mitochondrial autophagy pathway proteins. The immunological assay of mitochondrial autophagic pathway proteins further indicated that Cd-induced damage to MPC5 cells might be associated with the dysregulation of mitochondrial autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Gong
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Shan Yue
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Fuxiong Shi
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Wenbo Yao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Fuxin Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Yuxi Guo
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
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Ding R, Ma Y, Li T, Sun M, Sun Z, Duan J. The detrimental effects of micro-and nano-plastics on digestive system: An overview of oxidative stress-related adverse outcome pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163144. [PMID: 37003332 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
With the massive manufacture and use of plastics, plastic pollution-related environmental impacts have raised great concern in recent years. As byproducts of plastic fragmentation and degradation, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have been identified as novel pollutants that posed a threat to the ecosystem and humans. Since MPs/NPs could be transported via the food chain and retained in the water, the digestive system should be one of the major targets of MPs/NPs-related toxicity. Although considerable evidence has supported the digestive toxicity of MPs/NPs, the proposed mechanisms remained ambiguous due to the variety of study types, models, and endpoints. This review provided a mechanism-based perspective on MPs/NPs-induced digestive effects by adopting the adverse outcome pathway framework as a promising tool. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species was identified as the molecular initiating event in MPs/NPs-mediated injury to the digestive system. A series of detrimental effects including oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, dysbiosis, and metabolic disorders were summarized as key events. Finally, the occurrence of these effects eventually led to an adverse outcome, suggesting a possible increase in the incidence of digestive morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyang Ding
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Yiming Ma
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Mengqi Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China.
| | - Junchao Duan
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China.
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Malinowska K, Sicińska P, Michałowicz J, Bukowska B. The effects of non-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles of different diameters on the induction of apoptosis and mTOR level in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 335:139137. [PMID: 37285979 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Particles of various types of plastics, including polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs), have been determined in human blood, placenta, and lungs. These findings suggest a potential detrimental effect of PS-NPs on bloodstream cells. The purpose of this study was to assess the mechanism underlying PS-NPs-induced apoptosis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Non-functionalized PS-NPs of three diameters: 29 nm, 44 nm, and 72 nm were studied used in this research. PBMCs were isolated from human leukocyte-platelet buffy coat and treated with PS-NPs at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 200 μg/mL for 24 h. Apoptotic mechanism of action was evaluated by determining the level of cytosolic calcium ions, as well as mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and ATP levels. Furthermore, detection of caspase-8, -9, and -3 activation, as well as mTOR level was conducted. The presence of apoptotic PBMCs was confirmed by the method of double staining of the cells with propidium iodide and FITC-conjugated Annexin V. We found that all tested NPs increased calcium ion and depleted mitochondrial transmembrane potential levels. The tested NPs also activated caspase-9 and caspase-3, and the smallest NPs of 29 nm of diameter also activated caspase-8. The results clearly showed that apoptotic changes and an increase of mTOR level depended on the size of the tested NPs, while the smallest particles caused the greatest alterations. PS-NPs of 26 nm of diameter activated the extrinsic pathway (increased caspase-8 activity), as well as intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway (increased caspase-9 activity, raised calcium ion level, and decreased transmembrane mitochondrial potential) of apoptosis. All PS-NPs increased mTOR level at the concentrations smaller than those that induced apoptosis and its level returned to control value when the process of apoptosis escalated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Malinowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Sicińska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jaromir Michałowicz
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Bożena Bukowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland.
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Xu D, Ma Y, Peng C, Gan Y, Wang Y, Chen Z, Han X, Chen Y. Differently surface-labeled polystyrene nanoplastics at an environmentally relevant concentration induced Crohn's ileitis-like features via triggering intestinal epithelial cell necroptosis. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 176:107968. [PMID: 37201399 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs), regarded as the emerging contaminants, can enter and be mostly accumulated in the digest tract, which pose the potential threat to intestinal health. In this study, mice were orally exposed to polystyrene (PS), PS-COOH and PS-NH2 NPs with the size of ∼100 nm at a human equivalent dose for 28 consecutive days. All three kinds of PS-NPs triggered Crohn's ileitis-like features, such as ileum structure impairment, increased proinflammatory cytokines and intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) necroptosis, and PS-COOH/PS-NH2 NPs exhibited higher adverse effects on ileum tissues. Furthermore, we found PS-NPs induced necroptosis rather than apoptosis via activating RIPK3/MLKL pathway in IECs. Mechanistically, we found that PS-NPs accumulated in the mitochondria and subsequently caused mitochondrial stress, which initiated PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. However, mitophagic flux was blocked due to lysosomal deacidification caused by PS-NPs, and thus led to IEC necroptosis. We further found that mitophagic flux recovery by rapamycin can alleviate NP-induced IEC necroptosis. Our findings revealed the underlying mechanisms concerning NP-triggered Crohn's ileitis-like features and might provide new insights for the further safety assessment of NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dihui Xu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuhan Ma
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chunyan Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Zhongshan Road No. 321, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Yibin Gan
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuheng Wang
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Zining Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Yabing Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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Annangi B, Villacorta A, Vela L, Tavakolpournegari A, Marcos R, Hernández A. Effects of true-to-life PET nanoplastics using primary human nasal epithelial cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 100:104140. [PMID: 37137422 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Since inhalation is a relevant exposure route, studies using appropriate micro/nanoplastic (MNPLs) models, representative targeted cells, and relevant biomarkers of effect are required. We have used lab-made polyethylene terephthalate (PET)NPLs obtained from PET plastic water bottles. Human primary nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) were used as a model of the first barrier of the respiratory system. Cell internalization and intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) induction, as well as the effects on mitochondria functionality and in the modulation of the autophagy pathway, were evaluated. The data indicated significant cellular uptake and increased levels of iROS. Furthermore, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed in the exposed cells. Regarding the effects on the autophagy pathway, PETNPLs exposure significantly increases LC3-II protein expression levels. PETNPLs exposure also induced significant increases in the expression of p62. This is the first study showing that true-to-life PETNPLs can alter the autophagy pathway in HNEpCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balasubramanyam Annangi
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Aliro Villacorta
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Facultad de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Lourdes Vela
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Faculty of Health Sciences Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alireza Tavakolpournegari
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Alba Hernández
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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Periyasamy AP. Microfiber Emissions from Functionalized Textiles: Potential Threat for Human Health and Environmental Risks. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050406. [PMID: 37235219 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The growing worldwide population is directly responsible for the increased production and consumption of textile products. One of the key reasons for the generation of microfibers is the use of textiles and garment materials, which is expected to increase. The textile industry is responsible for the invisible pollution that is created by textile microfibers, which have been detected in marine sediments and organisms. The present review paper demonstrates that the microfibers discharged from functionalized textiles exhibit non-biodegradable characteristics and that a considerable proportion of them possess toxic properties. This is primarily attributed to the impact of textiles' material functionalization on their biodegradability. The potential for these microfibers, which are released from textiles that contain a variety of dyes, toxic chemicals, and nanomaterials, to pose a variety of health risks to both humans and other living organisms is discussed in this paper. In addition, this paper covers a wide variety of preventative and minimizing measures for reduction, which are discussed in terms of several phases ranging from sustainable production through the consumer, end of life, domestic washing, and wastewater treatment phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravin Prince Periyasamy
- Textile and Nonwoven Materials, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
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Elsheikh AA, Alnasser SM, Shalaby AM, Alabiad MA, Abd-Almotaleb NA, Alorini M, Jaber FA, Khayal EES. Polystyrene microplastic particles induced hepatotoxic injury via pyroptosis, oxidative stress, and fibrotic changes in adult male albino rats; the therapeutic role of silymarin. Toxicol Mech Methods 2023:1-17. [DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2023.2191270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Alaraby M, Villacorta A, Abass D, Hernández A, Marcos R. The hazardous impact of true-to-life PET nanoplastics in Drosophila. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 863:160954. [PMID: 36528949 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a continuously growing problem that can threaten wildlife and human beings. Environmental plastic waste is degraded into small particles termed micro/ nanoplastics (MNPLs) that, due to their small size, can be easily internalized into the exposed organisms, increasing the risks associated with their exposure. To appropriately determine the associated health risk, it is essential to obtain/test representative MNPLs' environmental samples. To such end, we have obtained NPLs resulting from sanding commercial water polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. These true-to-life PETNPLs were extensively characterized, and their potential hazard impacts were explored using Drosophila melanogaster. To highlight the internalization through the digestive tract and the whole body, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal microscopy were used. In spite of the observed efficient uptake of PETNPLs into symbiotic bacteria, enterocytes, and hemocytes, the exposure failed to reduce flies' survival rates. Nevertheless, PETNPLs exposure disturbed the expression of stress, antioxidant, and DNA repair genes, as well as in those genes involved in the response to physical intestinal damage. Importantly, both oxidative stress and DNA damage induction were markedly increased as a consequence of the exposure to PETNPLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alaraby
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt
| | - Aliro Villacorta
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; Facultad de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Doaa Abass
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt
| | - Alba Hernández
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
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Annangi B, Villacorta A, López-Mesas M, Fuentes-Cebrian V, Marcos R, Hernández A. Hazard Assessment of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Primary Human Nasal Epithelial Cells, Focusing on the Autophagic Effects. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020220. [PMID: 36830590 PMCID: PMC9953511 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The human health risks posed by micro/nanoplastics (MNPLs), as emerging pollutants of environmental/health concern, need to be urgently addressed as part of a needed hazard assessment. The routes of MNPL exposure in humans could mainly come from oral, inhalation, or dermal means. Among them, inhalation exposure to MNPLs is the least studied area, even though their widespread presence in the air is dramatically increasing. In this context, this study focused on the potential hazard of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPLs with sizes 50 and 500 nm) in human primary nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs), with the first line of cells acting as a physical and immune barrier in the respiratory system. Primarily, cellular internalization was evaluated by utilizing laboratory-labeled fluorescence PSNPLs with iDye, a commercial, pink-colored dye, using confocal microscopy, and found PSNPLs to be significantly internalized by HNEpCs. After, various cellular effects, such as the induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS), the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the modulation of the autophagy pathway in the form of the accumulation of autophagosomes (LC3-II) and p62 markers (a ubiquitin involved in the clearance of cell debris), were evaluated after cell exposure. The data demonstrated significant increases in iROS, a decrease in MMP, as well as a greater accumulation of LC3-II and p62 in the presence of PSNPLs. Notably, the autophagic effects did indicate the implications of PSNPLs in defective or insufficient autophagy. This is the first study showing the autophagy pathway as a possible target for PSNPL-induced adverse effects in HNEpCs. When taken together, this study proved the cellular effects of PSNPLs in HNEpCs and adds value to the existing studies as a part of the respiratory risk assessment of MNPLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balasubramanyam Annangi
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Aliro Villacorta
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Facultad de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1111100, Chile
| | - Montserrat López-Mesas
- GTS-UAB Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Victor Fuentes-Cebrian
- GTS-UAB Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Alba Hernández
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (A.H.)
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Koner S, Florance I, Mukherjee A, Chandrasekaran N. Cellular response of THP-1 macrophages to polystyrene microplastics exposure. Toxicology 2023; 483:153385. [PMID: 36464069 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Microplastic in the environment have the capability to reach the human immune system via the ingestion, inhalation and direct contact. Polystyrene (PS) is one of the most widely used plastics, which is made up by polymerization of styrene monomers. Mounting evidences on the presence of microplastics in blood clearly indicate their access to macrophages that are major component of the immune system. However, data on the response of macrophages to microplastics exposure are limited. Our study reports the response of human macrophages transformed by PMA (phorbol 12-myristrate 13-acetate) to exposure to PSNPs of size range (≤ 450 nm). The polystyrene particles utilized in this study, were formulated from beads to powder by grinding and filtering the particles to acquire a range of size ≤ 450 nm particles with deionized water. This size variation used in this experiment imitates the size of plastic that humans can ingest plastic particles through food that gets fragmented from plastic cups and plates. Here we report that exposure to PSNPs (50-500 µg/mL) significantly decreased the viability of human macrophages. In addition, PSNPs (500 µg/mL) induced oxidative stress and decrease cell proliferation. Exposure to PSNPs decrease the membrane potential of mitochondria and caused damage to the DNA of macrophages. Overall, our study reports the differential toxic effects of PSNPs on human macrophages, delineating the potential risks of PSNPs exposure to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shramana Koner
- Center for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ida Florance
- Center for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Amitava Mukherjee
- Center for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Natarajan Chandrasekaran
- Center for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Abstract
Plastic waste pollution is one of the biggest problems in the world today. The amount of plastic in the environment continues to increase, and human exposure to microplastic (MP) has become a reality. This subject has attracted the attention of the whole world. The MP problem has also been noticed by the scientific community. The term microplastic is mostly used to define synthetic material with a high polymer content that can have a size range from 0.1 to 5000 µm. This paper aims to characterize the routes of exposure to MP, define its pollution sources, and identify food types contaminated with plastics. This review addresses the current state of knowledge on this type of particles, with particular emphasis on their influence on human health. Adverse effects of MP depend on routes and sources of exposure. The most common route of exposure is believed to be the gastrointestinal tract. Sources of MP include fish, shellfish, water as well as tea, beer, wine, energy drinks, soft drinks, milk, salt, sugar, honey, poultry meat, fruits, and vegetables. Studies have shown that particles of PET, PE, PP, PS, PVC, PA, and PC are the most frequently found in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Kadac-Czapska
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Eliza Knez
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Grembecka
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Li D, Sun W, Jiang X, Yu Z, Xia Y, Cheng S, Mao L, Luo S, Tang S, Xu S, Zou Z, Chen C, Qiu J, Zhou L. Polystyrene nanoparticles enhance the adverse effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on male reproductive system in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 245:114104. [PMID: 36174316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coexposure of nanoplastics (NPs) with other pollutants adsorbed from the surroundings has received extensive attention. Currently, the combined effects of NPs and plasticizers remain unclear. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer that has raised much concern owing to its ubiquitous pollution and endocrine-disrupting potential. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects on the male reproductive system upon coexposure to NPs and DEHP. The C57BL/6J mice were orally administrated with polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs), DEHP or both for 35 days to evaluate their effects on sperm quality, histology of testes and epididymides, testicular transcriptomic characteristics as well as expression of some important genes in the epididymides. The low-dose PSNPs used here did not induce significant changes in sperm quality, while DEHP alone or cotreatment with DEHP and PSNPs caused notable impairment, mainly manifesting as decreased sperm quality and aberrant structure of the testis and epididymis. Moreover, enhanced toxic effects were found in the cotreatment group when compared with the individual DEHP treatment group, as manifested by more obvious alterations in the sperm parameters as well as histological changes in the testis and epididymis. Testicular transcriptomic analysis revealed differential regulation of genes involved in immune response, cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptor signaling pathways, protein ubiquitination, oxidative stress, necrotic cell death, ATP synthesis and the cellular respiratory chain. RT-qPCR verified that the expression patterns of Cenpb, Crisp1 and Mars were changed in testes, and genes relevant to epididymal function including Aqp9 and Octn2 were downregulated in epididymides, particularly in the cotreatment group. Collectively, our results emphasize that DEHP at an environmentally relevant dose can induce male reproductive toxicity, and PSNPs may aggravate the toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Jiang
- Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Center of Experimental Teaching for Public Health, Experimental Teaching and Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziying Yu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinyin Xia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuqun Cheng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Lejiao Mao
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyue Luo
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixin Tang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangcheng Xu
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Chongqing 400060, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key lab of Prevention and Treatment for Occupational Diseases and Poisoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zou
- Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Molecular Biology Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengzhi Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jingfu Qiu
- Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lixiao Zhou
- Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
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Ragusa A, Matta M, Cristiano L, Matassa R, Battaglione E, Svelato A, De Luca C, D’Avino S, Gulotta A, Rongioletti MCA, Catalano P, Santacroce C, Notarstefano V, Carnevali O, Giorgini E, Vizza E, Familiari G, Nottola SA. Deeply in Plasticenta: Presence of Microplastics in the Intracellular Compartment of Human Placentas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811593. [PMID: 36141864 PMCID: PMC9517680 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. They have been found almost everywhere they have been searched for and recent discoveries have also demonstrated their presence in human placenta, blood, meconium, and breastmilk, but their location and toxicity to humans have not been reported to date. The aim of this study was twofold: 1. To locate MPs within the intra/extracellular compartment in human placenta. 2. To understand whether their presence and location are associated with possible structural changes of cell organelles. Using variable pressure scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, MPs have been localized in ten human placentas. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the presence and localization in the cellular compartment of fragments compatible with MPs in the human placenta and we hypothesized a possible correlation between their presence and important ultrastructural alterations of some intracytoplasmic organelles (mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum). These alterations have never been reported in normal healthy term pregnancies until today. They could be the result of a prolonged attempt to remove and destroy the plastic particles inside the placental tissue. The presence of virtually indestructible particles in term human placenta could contribute to the activation of pathological traits, such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, characteristic of metabolic disorders underlying obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome and partially accounting for the recent epidemic of non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Ragusa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università Campus Bio Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Matta
- Department of Clinico-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Pavia, Via Alessandro Brambilla, 74, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Loredana Cristiano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Loc. Coppito, 67010 Coppito, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberto Matassa
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Via A. Borelli, 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ezio Battaglione
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Via A. Borelli, 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Svelato
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina De Luca
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara D’Avino
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gulotta
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ciro Antonio Rongioletti
- Department of Pathological Anatomy of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Catalano
- Department of Pathological Anatomy of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Criselda Santacroce
- Department of Pathological Anatomy of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Polo Montedago Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Polo Montedago Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giorgini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Polo Montedago Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizza
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi, 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Via A. Borelli, 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Via A. Borelli, 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
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