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Saraceni PR, Miccoli A, Bada A, Taddei AR, Mazzonna M, Fausto AM, Scapigliati G, Picchietti S. Polystyrene nanoplastics as an ecotoxicological hazard: cellular and transcriptomic evidences on marine and freshwater in vitro teleost models. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173159. [PMID: 38761939 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173159] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The contamination of marine and freshwater environments by nanoplastics is considered a global threat for aquatic biota. Taking into account the most recent concentration range estimates reported globally and recognizing a knowledge gap in polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) ecotoxicology, the present work investigated the harmful effects of 20 nm and 80 nm PS-NPs, at increasing biological complexity, on the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss RTG-2 and gilthead seabream Sparus aurata SAF-1 cell lines. Twenty nm PS-NPs exerted a greater cytotoxicity than 80 nm ones and SAF-1 were approximately 4-fold more vulnerable to PS-NPs than RTG-2. The engagement of PS-NPs with plasma membranes was accompanied by discernible uptake patterns and morphological alterations along with a nuclear translocation already within a 30-min exposure. Cells were structurally damaged only by the 20 nm PS-NPs in a time-dependent manner as indicated by distinctive features of the execution phase of the apoptotic cell death mechanism such as cell shrinkage, plasma membrane blebbing, translocation of phosphatidylserine to the outer leaflet of the cell membrane and DNA fragmentation. At last, functional analyses unveiled marked transcriptional impairment at both sublethal and lethal doses of 20 nm PS-NPs, with the latter impacting the "Steroid biosynthesis", "TGF-beta signaling pathway", "ECM-receptor interaction", "Focal adhesion", "Regulation of actin cytoskeleton" and "Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum" pathways. Overall, a distinct ecotoxicological hazard of PS-NPs at environmentally relevant concentrations was thoroughly characterized on two piscine cell lines. The effects were demonstrated to depend on size, exposure time and model, emphasizing the need for a comparative evaluation of endpoints between freshwater and marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Saraceni
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Department of Sustainability, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - A Miccoli
- National Research Council, Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), 60125 Ancona, Italy
| | - A Bada
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - A R Taddei
- Center of Large Equipments, Section of Electron Microscopy, University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università Snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - M Mazzonna
- National Research Council, Institute for Biological Systems (ISB), 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - A M Fausto
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - G Scapigliati
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - S Picchietti
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
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Wang B, Junaid M, Imran M, Wei L, Chen G, Wang J. Environmental and Sublethal Concentrations of Polystyrene Nanoplastics Induced Antioxidant System, Transcriptomic Responses, and Disturbed Gut Microbiota in Oyster Magallana Hongkongensis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38832813 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging contaminants having persistent nature, diverse ecological impacts, and potential food safety risks. Here, we examined the ecotoxicity of 80 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) at environmentally relevant concentrations (ERCs, 10 and 100 μg/L), and sublethal concentrations (SLCs, 500 and 2500 μg/L) in Magallana hongkongensis. Results showed that SLCs significantly (p < 0.05) increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities and altered tnfα, cat, gst, sod, and se-gpx genetic expressions. Further, PS-NP exposure at both levels reduced beneficial bacteria and increased potentially pathogenic bacteria in the gut. In transcriptomic analysis, 5118 and 4180 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at ERCs, while 5665 and 4817 DEGs were found at SLCs, respectively. Upregulated DEGs enriched lysosomes, ABC transporters, and apoptosis pathways, while downregulated DEGs enriched ribosomal pathways. Overall, ERCs significantly altered gut microbiota and transcriptomic responses, while SLCs, in addition, also impacted the antioxidant and immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Crop Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Liangfu Wei
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Guanglong Chen
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
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3
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Vojnits K, de León A, Rathore H, Liao S, Zhao M, Gibon J, Pakpour S. ROS-dependent degeneration of human neurons induced by environmentally relevant levels of micro- and nanoplastics of diverse shapes and forms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134017. [PMID: 38518696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Our study explores the pressing issue of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) inhalation and their subsequent penetration into the brain, highlighting a significant environmental health concern. We demonstrate that MNPs can indeed penetrate murine brain, warranting further investigation into their neurotoxic effects in humans. We then proceed to test the impact of MNPs at environmentally relevant concentrations, with focusing on variations in size and shape. Our findings reveal that these MNPs induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and neurodegeneration in human neurons, with cortical neurons being more susceptible than nociceptors. Furthermore, we examine the role of biofilms on MNPs, demonstrating that MNPs can serve as a vehicle for pathogenic biofilms that significantly exacerbate these neurotoxic effects. This sequence of investigations reveals that minimal MNPs accumulation can cause oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in human neurons, significantly risking brain health and highlights the need to understand the neurological consequences of inhaling MNPs. Overall, our developed in vitro testing battery has significance in elucidating the effects of environmental factors and their associated pathological mechanisms in human neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Vojnits
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Andrés de León
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Harneet Rathore
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Sophia Liao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Zhao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Julien Gibon
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Office of Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sepideh Pakpour
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
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Kauts S, Mishra Y, Singh MP. Impact of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics on Drosophila melanogaster Biological Profiles and Heat Shock Protein Levels. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:293. [PMID: 38785774 PMCID: PMC11118830 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics are abundant in the environment. Further research is necessary to examine the consequences of microplastic contamination on living species, given its widespread presence. In our research, we determined the toxic effects of PET microplastics on Drosophila melanogaster at the cellular and genetic levels. Our study revealed severe cytotoxicity in the midgut of larvae and the induction of oxidative stress after 24 and 48 h of treatment, as indicated by the total protein, Cu-Zn SOD, CAT, and MDA contents. For the first time, cell damage in the reproductive parts of the ovaries of female flies, as well as in the accessory glands and testes of male flies, has been observed. Furthermore, a decline in reproductive health was noted, resulting in decreased fertility among the flies. By analyzing stress-related genes such as hsp83, hsp70, hsp60, and hsp26, we detected elevated expression of hsp83 and hsp70. Our study identified hsp83 as a specific biomarker for detecting early redox changes in cells caused by PET microplastics in all the treated groups, helping to elucidate the primary defense mechanism against PET microplastic toxicity. This study offers foundational insights into the emerging environmental threats posed by microplastics, revealing discernible alterations at the genetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kauts
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 14411, India; (S.K.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 14411, India; (S.K.); (Y.M.)
| | - Mahendra P. Singh
- Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
- Centre of Genomics and Bioinformatics (CGB), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
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Kisielinski K, Hockertz S, Hirsch O, Korupp S, Klosterhalfen B, Schnepf A, Dyker G. Wearing face masks as a potential source for inhalation and oral uptake of inanimate toxins - A scoping review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 275:115858. [PMID: 38537476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From 2020 to 2023 many people around the world were forced to wear masks for large proportions of the day based on mandates and laws. We aimed to study the potential of face masks for the content and release of inanimate toxins. METHODS A scoping review of 1003 studies was performed (database search in PubMed/MEDLINE, qualitative and quantitative evaluation). RESULTS 24 studies were included (experimental time 17 min to 15 days) evaluating content and/or release in 631 masks (273 surgical, 228 textile and 130 N95 masks). Most studies (63%) showed alarming results with high micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) release and exceedances could also be evidenced for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), xylene, acrolein, per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates (including di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate, DEHP) and for Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, Sb and TiO2. DISCUSSION Of course, masks filter larger dirt and plastic particles and fibers from the air we breathe and have specific indications, but according to our data they also carry risks. Depending on the application, a risk-benefit analysis is necessary. CONCLUSION Undoubtedly, mask mandates during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been generating an additional source of potentially harmful exposition to toxins with health threatening and carcinogenic properties at population level with almost zero distance to the airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kisielinski
- Social Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Clinical Medicine (Surgery), Private Practice, 40212 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Stefan Hockertz
- Toxicology, Pharmacology, Immunology, tpi consult AG, Haldenstr. 1, CH 6340 Baar, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Hirsch
- Department of Psychology, FOM University of Applied Sciences, 57078 Siegen, Germany
| | - Stephan Korupp
- Surgeon, Emergency Medicine, Private Practice, 52070 Aachen, Germany
| | - Bernd Klosterhalfen
- Institute of Pathology, Dueren Hospital, Roonstrasse 30, 52351 Dueren, Germany
| | - Andreas Schnepf
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerald Dyker
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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Shen W, Zhao M, Xu W, Shi X, Ren F, Tu P, Gao N, Shan J, Gao B. Sex-Specific Effects of Polystyrene Microplastic and Lead(II) Co-Exposure on the Gut Microbiome and Fecal Metabolome in C57BL/6 Mice. Metabolites 2024; 14:189. [PMID: 38668317 PMCID: PMC11051764 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14040189] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The wide spread of microplastics has fueled growing public health concern globally. Due to their porous structure and large surface area, microplastics can serve as carriers for other environmental pollutants, including heavy metals. Although the toxic effects of microplastics or heavy metals have been reported previously, investigations into the sex-differential health effects of combined exposure to microplastics and heavy metals are lacking. In the present study, the effects of polystyrene microplastics and lead(II) co-exposure on the gut microbiome, intestinal permeability, and fecal metabolome were examined in both male and female mice. Combined exposure of polystyrene microplastics and lead(II) increased intestinal permeability in both male and female mice. Sex-specific responses to the co-exposure were found in gut bacteria, fungi, microbial metabolic pathways, microbial genes encoding antibiotic resistance and virulence factors, as well as fecal metabolic profiles. In particular, Shannon and Simpson indices of gut bacteria were reduced by the co-exposure only in female mice. A total of 34 and 13 fecal metabolites were altered in the co-exposure group in female and male mice, respectively, among which only three metabolites were shared by both sexes. These sex-specific responses to the co-exposure need to be taken into consideration when investigating the combined toxic effects of microplastics and heavy metals on the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishou Shen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China; (W.S.); (M.Z.); (X.S.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Collaborative In-Novation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
- Institute of Soil Health and Climate-Smart Agriculture, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China; (W.S.); (M.Z.); (X.S.)
| | - Weichen Xu
- Medical Metabolomics Center, Institute of Pediatrics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (W.X.); (J.S.)
| | - Xiaochun Shi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China; (W.S.); (M.Z.); (X.S.)
| | - Fangfang Ren
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China; (F.R.); (N.G.)
| | - Pengcheng Tu
- Department of Environmental Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China;
| | - Nan Gao
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China; (F.R.); (N.G.)
| | - Jinjun Shan
- Medical Metabolomics Center, Institute of Pediatrics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (W.X.); (J.S.)
| | - Bei Gao
- School of Marine Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
- Key Laboratory of Hydrometeorological Disaster Mechanism and Warning of Ministry of Water Resources, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
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Casella C, Ballaz SJ. Genotoxic and neurotoxic potential of intracellular nanoplastics: A review. J Appl Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38494651 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste comprises polymers of different chemicals that disintegrate into nanoplastic particles (NPLs) of 1-100-nm size, thereby littering the environment and posing a threat to wildlife and human health. Research on NPL contamination has up to now focused on the ecotoxicology effects of the pollution rather than the health risks. This review aimed to speculate about the possible properties of carcinogenic and neurotoxic NPL as pollutants. Given their low-dimensional size and high surface size ratio, NPLs can easily penetrate biological membranes to cause functional and structural damage in cells. Once inside the cell, NPLs can interrupt the autophagy flux of cellular debris, alter proteostasis, provoke mitochondrial dysfunctions, and induce endoplasmic reticulum stress. Harmful metabolic and biological processes induced by NPLs include oxidative stress (OS), ROS generation, and pro-inflammatory reactions. Depending on the cell cycle status, NPLs may direct DNA damage, tumorigenesis, and lately carcinogenesis in tissues with high self-renewal capabilities like epithelia. In cells able to live the longest like neurons, NPLs could trigger neurodegeneration by promoting toxic proteinaceous aggregates, OS, and chronic inflammation. NPL genotoxicity and neurotoxicity are discussed based on the gathered evidence, when available, within the context of the intracellular uptake of these newcomer nanoparticles. In summary, this review explains how the risk evaluation of NPL pollution for human health may benefit from accurately monitoring NPL toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics at the intracellular resolution level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Casella
- Department Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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8
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Chiang CC, Yeh H, Shiu RF, Chin WC, Yen TH. Impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on liver health: Current understanding and future research directions. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1011-1017. [PMID: 38577182 PMCID: PMC10989496 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i9.1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
With continuous population and economic growth in the 21st century, plastic pollution is a major global issue. However, the health concern of microplastics/ nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) decomposed from plastic wastes has drawn public attention only in the recent decade. This article summarizes recent works dedicated to understanding the impact of MPs/NPs on the liver-the largest digestive organ, which is one of the primary routes that MPs/NPs enter human bodies. The interrelated mechanisms including oxidative stress, hepatocyte energy re-distribution, cell death and autophagy, as well as immune responses and inflammation, were also featured. In addition, the disturbance of microbiome and gut-liver axis, and the association with clinical diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis were briefly discussed. Finally, we discussed potential directions in regard to this trending topic, highlighted current challenges in research, and proposed possible solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Cheng Chiang
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Hsuan Yeh
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Ruei-Feng Shiu
- Center of Excellence for The Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
- Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chun Chin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, United States
| | - Tzung-Hai Yen
- Department of Nephrology, Clinical Poison Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Zheng S, Tang BZ, Wang WX. Microplastics and nanoplastics induced differential respiratory damages in tilapia fish Oreochromis niloticus. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133181. [PMID: 38070268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133181] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
With the increasing micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) pollution in aquatic environments, fish respiration is encountering a huge threat. Herein, polystyrene (PS) MNPs with three sizes (80 nm, 2 µm, and 20 µm) were exposed to tilapia Oreochromis niloticus at an environmentally relevant concentration of 100 μg/L for 28 days and their impacts on respiratory function were investigated. Based on the results of oxygen consumption and histological analysis, all the three treatments could induce respiratory damages and such impacts were more severe for the 2 µm and 20 µm treatments than for the 80 nm treatment. These results were explained by the more significant upregulation of egln3 and nadk, and the downregulation of isocitrate. Transcriptomics and metabolomics further revealed that TCA cycle played a key role in respiratory dysfunction induced by micro-sized PS particles, and cytokine and chemokine related functions were simultaneously enriched. Although nano-sized PS particles had the potential to penetrate the respiratory epithelium and reached the internal structure of the O. niloticus gills, they were easily expelled through the blood circulation. Our results highlighted the serious threat of MNPs to fish respiration and provided insights into the differential toxicological mechanisms between micro-sized and nano-sized particles, thus assisting in ecological risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Zheng
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK-Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China.
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Curpan AS, Savuca A, Hritcu LD, Solcan C, Nicoara MN, Luca AC, Ciobica AS. A new approach to explore the correlation between declarative memory and anxiety in animal models of schizophrenia and microplastic pollution. Behav Brain Res 2024; 458:114742. [PMID: 37939886 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of new detrimental effects associated with microplastic pollution is ever-growing and reaching alarming rates worldwide, as it is linked to numerous disorders such as lung diseases, gastrointestinal problems, and cancer. However, a less explored issue is their impact on mental health, more precisely schizophrenia, even though several studies have shown the presence of microplastics in air, water, soil, and even food, thus making them a significant part of our daily dietary intake. It is also well known that declarative memory and anxiety levels are impaired in schizophrenia. However, apart from the novel object recognition test, the possibilities for testing memory in zebrafish are quite limited. For these reasons, we designed a novel memory test based on rewards, a learning period, and zebrafish's natural preference for certain colors. Among the results, our fish preferred the color yellow over red, and we illustrated that ketamine and its combination with methionine provide a robust model that seems to better represent the aspects of schizophrenia in animal models. Moreover, surprisingly, we observed that microplastics (more precisely, polypropylene fibers) ingested by animals through the diet seem to act as a buffer against ketamine toxicity and as an enhancer for methionine exposure. Moreover, according to our results, groups with higher anxiety levels seem to perform better on the memory test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandrina-Stefania Curpan
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Carol I Bd., 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandra Savuca
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Carol I Bd., 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Carol I Bd., 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Luminita Diana Hritcu
- Internal Medicine Clinic, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, 3 Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Carmen Solcan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, 3 Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mircea Nicusor Nicoara
- Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Carol I Bd., 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Carol I Bd., 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alina-Costina Luca
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Gr. T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alin-Stelian Ciobica
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Carol I Bd., 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; Academy of Romanian Scientists, Splaiul Independentei no. 54, sector 5, 050094 Bucharest, Romania; Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Carol I Bd., No 8, 010071 Iasi, Romania
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11
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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12
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Li P, Liu J. Micro(nano)plastics in the Human Body: Sources, Occurrences, Fates, and Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38315819 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The increasing global attention on micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) is a result of their ubiquity in the water, air, soil, and biosphere, exposing humans to MNPs on a daily basis and threatening human health. However, crucial data on MNPs in the human body, including the sources, occurrences, behaviors, and health risks, are limited, which greatly impedes any systematic assessment of their impact on the human body. To further understand the effects of MNPs on the human body, we must identify existing knowledge gaps that need to be immediately addressed and provide potential solutions to these issues. Herein, we examined the current literature on the sources, occurrences, and behaviors of MNPs in the human body as well as their potential health risks. Furthermore, we identified key knowledge gaps that must be resolved to comprehensively assess the effects of MNPs on human health. Additionally, we addressed that the complexity of MNPs and the lack of efficient analytical methods are the main barriers impeding current investigations on MNPs in the human body, necessitating the development of a standard and unified analytical method. Finally, we highlighted the need for interdisciplinary studies from environmental, biological, medical, chemical, computer, and material scientists to fill these knowledge gaps and drive further research. Considering the inevitability and daily occurrence of human exposure to MNPs, more studies are urgently required to enhance our understanding of their potential negative effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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13
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Paul MB, Böhmert L, Thünemann AF, Loeschner K, Givelet L, Fahrenson C, Braeuning A, Sieg H. Influence of artificial digestion on characteristics and intestinal cellular effects of micro-, submicro- and nanoplastics. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 184:114423. [PMID: 38158035 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114423] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The production of plastics is rising since they have been invented. Micro, submicro- and nanoplastics are produced intentionally or generated by environmental processes, and constitute ubiquitous contaminants which are ingested orally by consumers. Reported health concerns include intestinal translocation, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. Every digestive milieu in the gastrointestinal tract does have an influence on the properties of particles and can cause changes in their effect on biological systems. In this study, we subjected plastic particles of different materials (polylactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, melamine formaldehyde) and sizes (micro- to nano-range) to a complex artificial digestion model consisting of three intestinal fluid simulants (saliva, gastric and intestinal juice). We monitored the impact of the digestion process on the particles by performing Dynamic Light Scattering, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation. An in vitro model of the intestinal epithelial barrier was used to monitor cellular effects and translocation behavior of (un)digested particles. In conclusion, artificial digestion decreased cellular interaction and slightly increased transport of all particles across the intestinal barrier. The interaction with organic matter resulted in clear differences in the agglomeration behavior. Moreover, we provide evidence for polymer-, size- and surface-dependent cellular effects of the test particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxi B Paul
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Food Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Linda Böhmert
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Food Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas F Thünemann
- Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Division Synthesis and Scattering of Nanostructured Materials, Unter Den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Katrin Loeschner
- Technical University of Denmark, Research Group for Analytical Food Chemistry, Kemitorvet 201, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Lucas Givelet
- Technical University of Denmark, Research Group for Analytical Food Chemistry, Kemitorvet 201, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Christoph Fahrenson
- Technical University of Berlin, Center for Electron Microscopy (ZELMI), Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Albert Braeuning
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Food Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Holger Sieg
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Food Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
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14
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Liu S, Li Y, Wang F, Gu X, Li Y, Liu Q, Li L, Bai F. Temporal and spatial variation of microplastics in the urban rivers of Harbin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168373. [PMID: 37951265 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
This study was to investigate temporal and spatial variation of microplastics in surface water and sediment in the urban rivers of Harbin during dry and wet season. Water samples (n = 25) in Xinyi River (n = 13) and Ashe River (n = 12) were collected from the selected sampling points. Microplastics in urban rivers in Harbin included polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The results show that urban rivers in Harbin had relatively mild microplastic abundance with most fragments in shape and colorless in color. PP and PE were the major polymers in surface water samples, while PVC and PET were the major polymers in sediment, which were dominated by large-size and granulate shape microplastics. Source apportionment demonstrate that the main sources of microplastics in Xinyi River and Ashe River during dry season were domestic wastewater and effluent from rainfall, while the main sources of microplastics in Xinyi River and Ashe River during wet season were wastewater, atmospheric sedimentation, and agricultural source. The morphology of microplastics in surface water and sediment in urban rivers of Harbin was negatively correlated with water velocity and positively correlated with the concentration of suspended matter, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. Riparian vegetation on the sides of Xinyi and Ashe River decreased migration process of microplastics by vegetal purification and then resulted in low abundance of microplastics. In conclusion, this study highlighted the occurrence characteristics, source apportionment and environmental influencing factors of microplastics in urban rivers of Harbin, which may develop new insights into the reduction of abundance of microplastics in the urban rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liu
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Yundong Li
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Feiyu Wang
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Xueqian Gu
- 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
| | - Lipin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150096, China.
| | - Fuliang Bai
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
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15
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Naidu G, Nagar N, Poluri KM. Mechanistic Insights into Cellular and Molecular Basis of Protein-Nanoplastic Interactions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305094. [PMID: 37786309 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305094] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is ubiquitously present across the world, and its nano/sub-micron analogues (plastic nanoparticles, PNPs), raise severe environmental concerns affecting organisms' health. Considering the direct and indirect toxic implications of PNPs, their biological impacts are actively being studied; lately, with special emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanistic intricacies. Combinatorial OMICS studies identified proteins as major regulators of PNP mediated cellular toxicity via activation of oxidative enzymes and generation of ROS. Alteration of protein function by PNPs results in DNA damage, organellar dysfunction, and autophagy, thus resulting in inflammation/cell death. The molecular mechanistic basis of these cellular toxic endeavors is fine-tuned at the level of structural alterations in proteins of physiological relevance. Detailed biophysical studies on such protein-PNP interactions evidenced prominent modifications in their structural architecture and conformational energy landscape. Another essential aspect of the protein-PNP interactions includes bioenzymatic plastic degradation perspective, as the interactive units of plastics are essentially nano-sized. Combining all these attributes of protein-PNP interactions, the current review comprehensively documented the contemporary understanding of the concerned interactions in the light of cellular, molecular, kinetic/thermodynamic details. Additionally, the applicatory, economical facet of these interactions, PNP biogeochemical cycle and enzymatic advances pertaining to plastic degradation has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutami Naidu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Nupur Nagar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Krishna Mohan Poluri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
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16
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Saha SC, Saha G. Effect of microplastics deposition on human lung airways: A review with computational benefits and challenges. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24355. [PMID: 38293398 PMCID: PMC10826726 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics have become omnipresent in the environment, including the air we inhale, the water we consume, and the food we eat. Despite limited research, the accumulation of microplastics within the human respiratory system has garnered considerable interest because of its potential implications for health. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the impacts stemming from the accumulation of microplastics on human lung airways and explores the computational benefits and challenges associated with studying this phenomenon. The existence of microplastics in the respiratory system can lead to a range of adverse effects. Research has indicated that microplastics can induce inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired lung function. Furthermore, the small size of microplastics allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs, reaching the alveoli, where gas exchange takes place. This raises concerns about long-term health consequences, such as the development of respiratory diseases and the potential for translocation to other organs. Computational approaches have been instrumental in understanding the impact of microplastic deposition on human lung airways. Computational models and simulations enable the investigation of particle dynamics, deposition patterns, and interaction mechanisms at various levels of complexity. However, studying microplastics in the lung airways using computational methods presents several challenges. The complex anatomy and physiological processes of the respiratory system require accurate representation in computational models. Obtaining relevant data for model validation and parameterization remains a significant hurdle. Additionally, the diverse nature of microplastics, including variations in size, shape, and chemical composition, poses challenges in capturing their full range of behaviours and potential toxicological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvash C. Saha
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Goutam Saha
- Department of Mathematics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
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17
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Li T, Xu B, Chen H, Shi Y, Li J, Yu M, Xia S, Wu S. Gut toxicity of polystyrene microplastics and polychlorinated biphenyls to Eisenia fetida: Single and co-exposure effects with a focus on links between gut bacteria and bacterial translocation stemming from gut barrier damage. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168254. [PMID: 37923278 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168254] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics' (MPs) ability to sorb and transport polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil ecosystems warrants significant attention. Although organisms mainly encounter pollutants through the gut, the combined pollution impact of MPs and PCBs on soil fauna gut toxicity remains incompletely understood. Consequently, this study examined the gut toxicity of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) and PCB126 on Eisenia fetida, emphasizing the links between gut bacteria and bacterial translocation instigated by gut barrier impairment. Our findings underscored that E. fetida could ingest PS-MPs, which mitigated the PCB126 accumulation in E. fetida by 9.43 %. Exposure to PCB126 inhibited the expression of gut tight junction (TJ) protein genes. Although the presence of PS-MPs attenuated this suppression, it didn't alleviate gut barrier damage and bacterial translocation in the co-exposure group. This group demonstrated a significantly increased level of gut bacterial load (BLT, ANOVA, p = 0.005 vs control group) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP, ANOVA, all p < 0.001 vs control, PCB, and PS groups), both of which displayed significant positive correlations with antibacterial defense. Furthermore, exposure to PS-MPs and PCB126, particularly within the co-exposure group, results in a marked decline in the dispersal ability of gut bacteria. This leads to dysbiosis (Adonis, R2 = 0.294, p = 0.001), with remarkable signature taxa such as Janthinobacterium, Microbacterium and Pseudomonas, being implicated in gut barrier dysfunction. This research illuminates the mechanism of gut toxicity induced by PS-MPs and PCB126 combined pollution in earthworms, providing novel insights for the ecological risk assessment of soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Li
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Baohua Xu
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Functional Food, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Mengwei Yu
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shaohui Xia
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shijin Wu
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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18
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Tang CH, Lin CY, Li HH, Kuo FW. Microplastics elicit an immune-agitative state in coral. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168406. [PMID: 37939952 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168406] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in the ocean is a major problem, as its pervasiveness elicits concerns the health impacts microplastics may have on marine life (such as reef-building corals). As a primary endpoint, the organismal lipidome can define the weakening of fitness and reveal the physiological context of adverse health effects in organisms. To gain insight into the effects of microplastics on coral health, lipid profiling was performed via an untargeted lipidomic approach on the coral Turbinaria mesenterina exposed to ~10 μm polystyrene microparticles for 10 days. Considerable microplastic accumulation and obvious effects relating with immune activation were observed in the coral treated with a near environmentally relevant concentration of microplastics (10 μg/L); however, these effects were not evident in the high level (100 μg/L) treatment group. In particular, increased levels of membrane lipids with 20:4 and 22:6 fatty acid chains reallocated from the triacylglycerol pool were observed in coral host cells and symbiotic algae, respectively, which could upregulate immune activity and realign symbiotic communication in coral. High levels of polyunsaturation can sensitize the coral cell membrane to lipid peroxidation and increase cell death, which is of greater concern; additionally, the photoprotective capacity of symbiotic algae was compromised. As a result, coral physiological functions were altered. These results show that, realistic levels of microplastic pollution can affect coral health and should be a concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Ho Tang
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan; Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Yu Lin
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Hui Li
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan; Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Wen Kuo
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan
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19
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Baysal A, Soyocak A, Saygin H, Saridag AM. Exposure to phagolysosomal simulated fluid altered the cytotoxicity of PET micro(nano)plastics to human lung epithelial cells. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024; 34:72-97. [PMID: 37697451 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2023.2256847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of micro(nano)plastics into various environmental and biological settings influences their physicochemical and toxic behavior. Simulated body fluids are appropriate media for understanding the degradation, stability, and interaction with other substances of any material in the human body. When the particles enter the human body via inhalation, which is one of the avenues for micro(nano)plastics, they first come into contact with the lung lining fluid under neutral conditions and then are phagocytosed under acidic conditions to be removed. Therefore, it is important to examine the physicochemical transformation and toxicity characteristics after interaction with phagolysosomal simulant fluid (PSF). Here, we focused on exploring how the physicochemical differences (e.g. surface chemistry, elemental distribution, and surface charge) of micro(nano)plastics under pH 4.5 phagolysosome conditions impact cytotoxicity and the oxidative characteristics of lung epithelia cells. The cytotoxicity of lung epithelia cells to those treated with PSF and non-treated micro(nano)plastics was tested by various viability indicators including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), MTT, and LDH. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity background was examined through the oxidative processes (e.g. reactive oxygen species, antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and reduced glutathione). The results showed that all tested surface physicochemical characteristics were significantly influenced by the phagolysosome conditions. The staged responses were observed with the treatment duration, and significant changes were calculated in carbonyl, carbon-nitrogen, and sulfonyl groups. Moreover, the negativity of the zeta potentials declined between exposure of 2-40 h and then increased at 80 h compared to control owing to the chemical functional groups and elemental distribution of the plastic particles. The tested viability indicators showed that the micro(nano)plastics treated with PSF were cytotoxic to the lung epithelia cells compared to non-treated micro(nano)plastics, and SOD was the dominant enzyme triggering cytotoxicity due to the particle degradation and instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Baysal
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Letters, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Turkey
| | - Ahu Soyocak
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Saygin
- Application and Research Center for Advanced Studies, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ayse Mine Saridag
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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20
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Li P, Li Q, Lai Y, Yang S, Yu S, Liu R, Jiang G, Liu J. Direct entry of micro(nano)plastics into human blood circulatory system by intravenous infusion. iScience 2023; 26:108454. [PMID: 38077139 PMCID: PMC10709129 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the pathways of human exposure to micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) is crucial for assessing their health impacts. Intravenous infusion can induce MNPs direct entry into the human blood, posing serious risks on human health, but remains unclear. Herein, we developed comprehensive analytical methods to detect polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MNPs down to 20 nm, and found about 0.52 μg equal to 105-1011 particles of PVC-MNPs released from intravenous infusion products (IVIPs) during each intravenous infusion of 250 mL injection. The released amounts of MNPs from IVIPs were dependent on the plastic materials, and the injection volume and composition. These findings indicated that the released MNPs should be directly introduced into the human blood circulatory system, causing serious impacts on human health. Our study reveals a previously ignored but important pathway of human exposure to MNPs, and calls for further research on the potential risks of these MNPs on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Li
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qingcun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yujian Lai
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Shuping Yang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Sujuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Rui Liu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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21
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Le VG, Nguyen MK, Nguyen HL, Lin C, Hadi M, Hung NTQ, Hoang HG, Nguyen KN, Tran HT, Hou D, Zhang T, Bolan NS. A comprehensive review of micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: Occurrence, fate, toxicity, and strategies for risk reduction. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166649. [PMID: 37660815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166649] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) have received considerable attention over the past 10 years due to their environmental prevalence and potential toxic effects. With the increase in global plastic production and disposal, MNP pollution has become a topic of emerging concern. In this review, we describe MNPs in the atmospheric environment, and potential toxicological effects of exposure to MNPs. Studies have reported the occurrence of MNPs in outdoor and indoor air at concentrations ranging from 0.0065 items m-3 to 1583 items m-3. Findings have identified plastic fragments, fibers, and films in sizes predominantly <1000 μm with polyamide (PA), polyester (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), rayon, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) as the major compounds. Exposure through indoor air and dust is an important pathway for humans. Airborne MNPs pose health risks to plants, animals, and humans. Atmospheric MNPs can enter organism bodies via inhalation and subsequent deposition in the lungs, which triggers inflammation and other adverse health effects. MNPs could be eliminated through source reduction, policy/regulation, environmental awareness and education, biodegradable materials, bioremediation, and efficient air-filtration systems. To achieve a sustainable society, it is crucial to implement effective strategies for reducing the usage of single-use plastics (SUPs). Further, governments play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing issue of MNPs pollution and must establish viable solutions to tackle this significant challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van-Giang Le
- Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University (CRES-VNU), Hanoi, 111000, Viet Nam
| | - Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Hoang-Lam Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Mohammed Hadi
- Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Nguyen Tri Quang Hung
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Hong-Giang Hoang
- Faculty of Medicine, Dong Nai Technology University, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai 810000, Viet Nam
| | - Khoi Nghia Nguyen
- Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 270000, Viet Nam
| | - Huu-Tuan Tran
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Management, Science and Technology Advanced Institute, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Applied Technology, School of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
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Corti A, Pagano G, Lo Giudice A, Papale M, Rizzo C, Azzaro M, Vinciguerra V, Castelvetro V, Giannarelli S. Marine sponges as bioindicators of pollution by synthetic microfibers in Antarctica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166043. [PMID: 37544451 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Different marine sponge species from Tethys Bay, Antarctica, were analyzed for contamination by polyester and polyamide microplastics (MPs). The PISA (Polymer Identification and Specific Analysis) procedure was adopted as it provides, through depolymerization and HPLC analysis, highly sensitive mass-based quantitative data. The study focused on three analytes resulting from the hydrolytic depolymerization of polyesters and polyamides: terephthalic acid (TPA), 6-aminohexanoic acid (AHA), and 1-6-hexanediamine (HMDA). TPA is a comonomer found in the polyesters poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(butylene adipate co terephthalate) (PBAT), and in polyamides such as poly(1,4-p-phenylene terephthalamide) (Kevlar™ and Twaron™ fibers) and poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide) (nylon 6 T). AHA is the monomer of nylon 6. HMDA is a comonomer of the aliphatic nylon 6,6 (HMDA-co-adipic acid) and of semi-aromatic polyamides such as, again, nylon 6 T (HMDA-co-TPA). Except for the biodegradable PBAT, these polymers exhibit high to extreme mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance. Indeed, they are used as technofibers in protective clothing able to withstand extreme conditions as those typical of Antarctica. Of the two amine monomers, only HMDA was found above the limit of quantification, and only in specimens of Haliclona (Rhizoniera) scotti, at a concentration equivalent to 27 μg/kg of nylon 6,6 in the fresh sponge. Comparatively higher concentrations, corresponding to 2.5-4.1 mg/kg of either PBAT or PPTA, were calculated from the concentration of TPA detected in all sponge species. Unexpectedly, TPA did not originate from PET (the most common textile fiber) as it was detected in the acid hydrolysate, whereas the PISA procedure results in effective PET depolymerization only under alkaline conditions. The obtained results showed that sponges, by capturing and concentrating MPs from large volumes of filtered marine waters, may be considered as effective indicators of the level and type of pollution by MPs and provide early warnings of increasing levels of pollution even in remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Corti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giulia Pagano
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelina Lo Giudice
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Papale
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Carmen Rizzo
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), 98122 Messina, Italy; Sicily Marine Centre, Department Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Maurizio Azzaro
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Virginia Vinciguerra
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valter Castelvetro
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Giannarelli
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Feng Y, Tu C, Li R, Wu D, Yang J, Xia Y, Peijnenburg WJ, Luo Y. A systematic review of the impacts of exposure to micro- and nano-plastics on human tissue accumulation and health. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2023; 2:195-207. [PMID: 38435355 PMCID: PMC10902512 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) pollution has become a pressing global environmental issue, with growing concerns regarding its impact on human health. However, evidence on the effects of MNPs on human health remains limited. This paper reviews the three routes of human exposure to MNPs, which include ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. It further discusses the potential routes of translocation of MNPs in human lungs, intestines, and skin, analyses the potential impact of MNPs on the homeostasis of human organ systems, and provides an outlook on future research priorities for MNPs in human health. There is growing evidence that MNPs are present in human tissues or fluids. Lab studies, including in vivo animal models and in vitro human-derived cell cultures, revealed that MNPs exposure could negatively affect human health. MNPs exposure could cause oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, disruption of internal barriers like the intestinal, the air-blood and the placental barrier, tissue damage, as well as immune homeostasis imbalance, endocrine disruption, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Limitedly available epidemiological studies suggest that disorders like lung nodules, asthma, and blood thrombus might be caused or exacerbated by MNPs exposure. However, direct evidence for the effects of MNPs on human health is still scarce, and future research in this area is needed to provide quantitative support for assessing the risk of MNPs to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Tu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruijie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Di Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jie Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Willie J.G.M. Peijnenburg
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Center for Safety of Substances and Products, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yongming Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Thodhal Yoganandham S, Hamid N, Junaid M, Duan JJ, Pei DS. Micro(nano)plastics in commercial foods: A review of their characterization and potential hazards to human health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116858. [PMID: 37562740 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Micro (nano)plastics (MNPs) are pollutants of worldwide concern for their ubiquitous environmental presence and associated impacts. The higher consumption of MNPs contaminated commercial food can cause potential adverse human health effects. This review highlights the evidence of MNPs in commercial food items and summarizes different sampling, extraction, and digestion techniques for the isolation of MNPs, such as oxidizing digestion, enzymatic digestion, alkaline digestion and acidic digestion. Various methods for the characterization and quantification of microplastics (MPs) are also compared, including μ-Raman spectroscopy, μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis and Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Finally, we share our concerns about the risks of MNPs to human health through the consumption of commercial seafood. The knowledge of the potential human health impacts at a subcellular or molecular level of consuming mariculture products contaminated with MNPs is still limited. Moreover, MNPs are somewhat limited, hard to measure, and still contentious. Due to the nutritional significance of fish consumption, the risk of exposure to MNPs and the associated health effects are of the utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naima Hamid
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Jin-Jing Duan
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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25
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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: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [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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26
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La Porta E, Exacoustos O, Lugani F, Angeletti A, Chiarenza DS, Bigatti C, Spinelli S, Kajana X, Garbarino A, Bruschi M, Candiano G, Caridi G, Mancianti N, Calatroni M, Verzola D, Esposito P, Viazzi F, Verrina E, Ghiggeri GM. Microplastics and Kidneys: An Update on the Evidence for Deposition of Plastic Microparticles in Human Organs, Tissues and Fluids and Renal Toxicity Concern. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14391. [PMID: 37762695 PMCID: PMC10531672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814391] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution became a main challenge for human beings as demonstrated by the increasing dispersion of plastic waste into the environment. Microplastics (MPs) have become ubiquitous and humans are exposed daily to inhalation or ingestion of plastic microparticles. Recent studies performed using mainly spectroscopy or spectrometry-based techniques have shown astounding evidence for the presence of MPs in human tissues, organs and fluids. The placenta, meconium, breast milk, lung, intestine, liver, heart and cardiovascular system, blood, urine and cerebrovascular liquid are afflicted by MPs' presence and deposition. On the whole, obtained data underline a great heterogeneity among different tissue and organs of the polymers characterized and the microparticles' dimension, even if most of them seem to be below 50-100 µm. Evidence for the possible contribution of MPs in human diseases is still limited and this field of study in medicine is in an initial state. However, increasing studies on their toxicity in vitro and in vivo suggest worrying effects on human cells mainly mediated by oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Nephrological studies are insufficient and evidence for the presence of MPs in human kidneys is still lacking, but the little evidence present in the literature has demonstrated histological and functional alteration of kidneys in animal models and cytotoxicity through apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress and inflammation in kidney cells. Overall, the manuscript we report in this review recommends urgent further study to analyze potential correlations between kidney disease and MPs' exposure in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo La Porta
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Ottavia Exacoustos
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Francesca Lugani
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Andrea Angeletti
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Decimo Silvio Chiarenza
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Carolina Bigatti
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Sonia Spinelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Xhuliana Kajana
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Andrea Garbarino
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluca Caridi
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Nicoletta Mancianti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Emergency-Urgency and Transplantation, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Marta Calatroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Verzola
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.V.); (P.E.); (F.V.)
| | - Pasquale Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.V.); (P.E.); (F.V.)
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Viazzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.V.); (P.E.); (F.V.)
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Verrina
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
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27
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Honarmandrad Z, Kaykhaii M, Gębicki J. Microplastics removal from aqueous environment by metal organic frameworks. BMC Chem 2023; 17:122. [PMID: 37735691 PMCID: PMC10514943 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-023-01032-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of recent research performed on the applications of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for microplastics (MPs) removal from aqueous environments. MPs pollution has become a major environmental concern due to its negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Therefore, developing effective and sustainable methods for removing them from aqueous environments is crucial. In recent years, MOFs have emerged as a promising solution for this purpose due to their unique properties such as high surface area, renewability, chemical stability, and versatility. Moreover, their specific properties such as their pore size and chemical composition can be tailored to enhance their efficiency in removing MPs. It has been shown that MOFs can effectively adsorb MPs from aqueous media in the range of 70-99.9%. Besides some high price concerns, the main drawback of using MOFs is their powder form which can pose challenges due to their instability. This can be addressed by supporting MOFs on other substrates such as aerogels or foams. Meanwhile, there is a need for more research to investigate the long-term stability of MOFs in aqueous environments and developing efficient regeneration methods for their repeated use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhila Honarmandrad
- Department of Process Engineering and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk, 80-233, Poland
| | - Massoud Kaykhaii
- Department of Process Engineering and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk, 80-233, Poland.
| | - Jacek Gębicki
- Department of Process Engineering and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk, 80-233, Poland
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Passos RS, Davenport A, Busquets R, Selden C, Silva LB, Baptista JS, Barceló D, Campos LC. Microplastics and nanoplastics in haemodialysis waters: Emerging threats to be in our radar. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 102:104253. [PMID: 37604358 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are present in the environment, in drinking water, in human blood and there is evidence of nanoplastics in tap water. The objective of this work was to analyze the possibility of hemodialysis patients being contaminated by micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) during dialysis treatment. The motivation for this investigation is the fact that hemodialysis patients use about 300-600 L of drinking water per week, which may be contaminated by MNPs. A literature review, a field investigation in a London hospital and an estimation of MNPs intake in patients were carried out. The results showed potential points of risk of contamination of patients by MNPs in hemodialysis. It was also estimated that for a filtration efficiency of 99 % for MNPs, the amount of microplastics that can penetrate the kidneys of patients is 0.0021-3768 particles/week. The assessment concludes that hemodialysis patients are at high risk of MNP contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robson S Passos
- Environmental Management Coordination and Environmental Technology and Bioprocesses Research Group, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Luís Freire, 500 - Cidade Universitária, Recife 50740-545, Brazil; Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew Davenport
- UCL Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Busquets
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kingston University London, Penrhyn road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Selden
- Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Royal Free Campus, UCL Medical School, Rowland Hill St, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Luiz B Silva
- Labour Analysis Laboratory, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa Campus I, Cidade Universitaria, 58051-900, Brazil
| | - J Santos Baptista
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA/PROA), Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto - FEUP, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Damià Barceló
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 1826, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Luiza C Campos
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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Wu D, Zhang M, Bao TT, Lan H. Long-term exposure to polystyrene microplastics triggers premature testicular aging. Part Fibre Toxicol 2023; 20:35. [PMID: 37641072 PMCID: PMC10463354 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00546-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plastic pollution is greatly serious in the ocean and soil. Microplastics (MPs) degraded from plastic has threatened animals and humans health. The accumulation of MPs in the tissues and blood in animals and humans has been found. There is therefore a need to assess the toxicological effects of MPs on the reproductive system. RESULTS In this study, we explored the effect of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on premature testicular aging in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, we found that testicular sertoli cells (TM4 cells) was prematurely senescent following PS-MPs treatment by the evaluation of a range of aging marker molecules (such as Sa-β-gal, p16 and 21). TM4 cells were then employed for in vitro model to study the potential molecular mechanism by which PS-MPs induce the premature senescence of TM4 cells. NF-κB is identified as a key molecule for PS-MPs-induced TM4 cellular senescence. Furthermore, through eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was blocked in PS-MPs-induced senescent TM4 cells, indicating that ROS triggers NF-κB activation. Next, we analyzed the causes of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) accumulation induced by PS-MPs, and results showed that Ca2+ overload induced the accumulation of mtROS. Further, PS-MPs exposure inhibits mitophagy, leading to the continuous accumulation of senescent cells. In vivo, 8-week-old C57 mice were used as models to assess the effect of PS-MPs on premature testicular aging. The results illustrated that PS-MPs exposure causes premature aging of testicular tissue by testing aging markers. Additionally, PS-MPs led to oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the testicular tissue. CONCLUSION In short, our experimental results revealed that PS-MPs-caused testicular premature aging is dependent on Ca2+/ROS/NF-κB signaling axis. The current study lays the foundation for further exploration of the effects of microplastics on testicular toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyi Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Ting Ting Bao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Hainan Lan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
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Shan LP, Hu Y, Hu L, Liu HW, Liu L, Chen J. Involvement of Microplastics in the Conflict Between Host Immunity Defense and Viral Virulence: Promoting the Susceptibility of Shrimp to WSSV Infection. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11634-11642. [PMID: 37498082 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
As the concentration of microplastics/microspheres (MPs) in coastal and estuarine regions increases, the likelihood of disease outbreaks and epidemics also rises. Our study investigated the impact of polyvinyl chloride MPs (PVC-MPs) on white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in shrimp. The results revealed that PVC-MPs obviously increased WSSV replication in vivo, leading to a high mortality rate among the larvae and facilitating the horizontal transmission of WSSV. Furthermore, the data of WSSV loads detected together with qPCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometry approaches indicated that PVC-MPs could interact with the virus to prolong survival and maintain the virulence of WSSV at different temperatures and pH values. In terms of host resistance, metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis demonstrated that exposure to PVC-MPs upregulated metabolic concentrations and gene expressions associated with phospholipid metabolism that were associated with innate immunity responses. Particularly, PVC-MPs stimulated the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and induced lipid peroxidation. The inhibition of PC on Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus reduces expression of the innate immunity genes (IFN-like genes Vago4 and Vago5) regulated by STING signaling pathways, resulting in a significant decrease in the shrimp's resistance to WSSV infection. Notably, a recovery operation in which the exposed larvae were transferred to a MPs-free aquatic environment led to decreased WSSV infectivity over time, indicating the restoration of antiviral properties in shrimp. Overall, these findings highlight that MPs promote shrimp susceptibility to WSSV in two aspects: host immune defense and viral virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Peng Shan
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Ling Hu
- Ningbo Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Han-Wei Liu
- Ningbo Customs District Technology Center, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
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31
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Tang M, Ding G, Li L, Xiao G, Wang D. Exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles at predicted environmental concentrations enhances toxic effects of Acinetobacter johnsonii AC15 infection on Caenorhabditis elegans. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115131. [PMID: 37315368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics and microbial pathogens are both widely distributed in the environment; however, their combined toxicity remains largely unclear. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model, we examined the possible effect of exposure to polystyrene nanoparticle (PS-NP) in Acinetobacter johnsonii AC15 (a bacterial pathogen) infected animals. Exposure to PS-NP at the concentrations of 0.1-10 μg/L significantly enhanced the toxicity of Acinetobacter johnsonii AC15 infection on lifespan and locomotion behaviors. In addition, after exposure to 0.1-10 μg/L PS-NP, the accumulation of Acinetobacter johnsonii AC15 in body of nematodes was also increased. Meanwhile, the innate immune response indicated by the increase of antimicrobial gene expressions in Acinetobacter johnsonii AC15 infected nematodes was suppressed by exposure to 0.1-10 μg/L PS-NP. Moreover, expressions of egl-1, dbl-1, bar-1, daf-16, pmk-1, and elt-2 governing the bacterial infection and immunity in Acinetobacter johnsonii AC15 infected nematodes were further inhibited by exposure to 0.1-10 μg/L PS-NP. Therefore, our data suggested the possible exposure risk of nanoplastic at predicted environmental concentrations in enhancing the toxic effects of bacterial pathogens on environmental organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfeng Tang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, China
| | - Guoying Ding
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, China
| | - Liane Li
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Xiao
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, China.
| | - Dayong Wang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, China; Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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