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Yang N, Wu T, Li M, Hu X, Ma R, Jiang W, Su Z, Yang R, Zhu C. Silver-quercetin-loaded honeycomb-like Ti-based interface combats infection-triggered excessive inflammation via specific bactericidal and macrophage reprogramming. Bioact Mater 2025; 43:48-66. [PMID: 39318638 PMCID: PMC11421951 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.09.012] [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: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive inflammation caused by bacterial infection is the primary cause of implant failure. Antibiotic treatment often fails to prevent peri-implant infection and may induce unexpected drug resistance. Herein, a non-antibiotic strategy based on the synergy of silver ion release and macrophage reprogramming is proposed for preventing infection and bacteria-induced inflammation suppression by the organic-inorganic hybridization of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) and quercetin (Que) into a polydopamine (PDA)-based coating on the 3D framework of porous titanium (SQPdFT). Once the planktonic bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) reach the surface of SQPdFT, released Que disrupts the bacterial membrane. Then, AgNP can penetrate the invading bacterium and kill them, which further inhibits the biofilm formation. Simultaneously, released Que can regulate macrophage polarization homeostasis via the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors gamma (PPARγ)-mediated nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway, thereby terminating excessive inflammatory responses. These advantages facilitate the adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), concomitantly suppressing osteoclast maturation, and eventually conferring superior mechanical stability to SQPdFT within the medullary cavity. In summary, owing to its excellent antibacterial effect, immune remodeling function, and pro-osteointegration ability, SQPdFT is a promising protective coating for titanium-based implants used in orthopedic replacement surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Ting Wu
- CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Xianli Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Ruixiang Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
| | - Zheng Su
- Department of Orthopaedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Rong Yang
- CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
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Sheng M, Liu W, Lu Z, Lin Y, Yu W. S100A9 regulates M1 macrophage polarization and exacerbates steatotic liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. Transpl Immunol 2024; 87:102134. [PMID: 39368753 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2024.102134] [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: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 09/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Steatotic livers exhibit higher susceptibility to ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury, which increase the risk of primary graft non-function following liver transplantation. S100A9 is identified as a pivotal innate immune sensor that regulates the progression of liver diseases. However, its significance in steatotic liver IR injury remains under-investigated. METHODS In mice model, we generated S100A9 knockout (S100A9 KO) mice to investigate the role of S100A9 in IR-stimulated steatotic livers. In vitro, primary bone marrow-derived macrophages were utilized to explore the effect of S100A9 in regulating macrophage polarization and inflammation. RESULTS S100A9 expression was markedly increased in steatotic livers of mice subjected to IR insult. S100A9 deletion significantly attenuated liver inflammatory injury, as evidenced by the diminished infiltration of both monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils (p < 0.05). The expression of proinflammatory factors was reduced (p < 0.05) at the same time. Additionally, S100A9-deficient livers demonstrated M1 polarization decrease and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) suppression (p < 0.05). In vitro, genetic TLR4 inhibition led to nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inactivation and subsequent M1 polarization decrease (p < 0.05) in macrophages treated with recombinant S100A9. Conclusion In this study, we highlight the pivotal role of TLR4/NF-κB as a critical mediator of S100A9 in inducing M1 macrophage polorization- dependent inflammation in steatotic livers IR injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Sheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Weihua Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhangjiu Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanbang Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China..
| | - Wenli Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China..
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Wu L, Liu X, Jiang Q, Li M, Liang M, Wang S, Wang R, Su L, Ni T, Dong N, Zhu L, Guan F, Zhu J, Zhang W, Wu M, Chen Y, Chen T, Wang B. Methamphetamine-induced impairment of memory and fleeting neuroinflammation: Profiling mRNA changes in mouse hippocampus following short-term and long-term exposure. Neuropharmacology 2024; 261:110175. [PMID: 39357738 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110175] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) has been implicated in inducing memory impairment, but the precise mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Current research often limits itself to singular models or focuses on individual gene or protein functions, which hampers a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we established three METH mouse exposure models, extracted hippocampal nuclei, and utilized RNA sequencing to analyze changes in mRNA expression profiles. Our results indicate that METH significantly impairs the learning and memory capabilities of mice. Additionally, we observed that METH-induced inflammatory responses occur in the early phase and do not further exacerbate with repeated injections. However, RNA sequencing revealed the persistent enrichment of inflammatory pathway molecules, which correlated with worsened behaviors. This suggests that although METH-induced neuroinflammation plays a critical role in learning and memory impairment, the continued enrichment of inflammatory pathway molecules is associated with behavioral outcomes. These findings provide crucial evidence for the potential application of immune intervention in METH-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiqiang Wu
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingchen Jiang
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Ming Li
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Liang
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Linlan Su
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tong Ni
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Nan Dong
- School of Life Science and Technology and Core Facilities Sharing Platform, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Zhu
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fanglin Guan
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Wu
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanjiong Chen
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Teng Chen
- College of Forensic Science, Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China.
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Kong D, Wu Y, Tong B, Liang Y, Xu F, Chi X, Ni L, Tian G, Zhang G, Xu Z. CHES1 modulated tumorigenesis and senescence of pancreas cancer cells through repressing AKR1B10. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167214. [PMID: 38718846 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167214] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is characteristic by a heterogeneous tumor microenvironment and gene mutations, conveys a dismal prognosis and low response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Here, we found that checkpoint suppressor 1 (CHES1) served as a tumor repressor in PDAC and was associated with patient prognosis. Functional experiments indicated that CHES1 suppressed the proliferation and invasion of PDAC by modulating cellular senescence. To further identify the downstream factor of CHES1 in PDAC, label-free quantitative proteomics analysis was conducted, which showed that the oncogenic Aldo-keto reductase 1B10 (AKR1B10) was transcriptionally repressed by CHES1 in PDAC. And AKR1B10 facilitated the malignant activity and repressed senescent phenotype of PDAC cells. Moreover, pharmaceutical inhibition of AKR1B10 with Oleanolic acid (OA) significantly induced tumor regression and sensitized PDAC cells to gemcitabine, and this combined therapy did not cause obvious side effects. Rescued experiments revealed that CHES1 regulated the tumorigenesis and gemcitabine sensitivity through AKR1B10-mediated senescence in PDAC. In summary, this study revealed that the CHES1/AKR1B10 axis modulated the progression and cellular senescence in PDAC, which might provide revenues for drug-targeting and senescence-inducing therapies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demin Kong
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China; The Second Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Binghua Tong
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yonghui Liang
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Fuyi Xu
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xiaodong Chi
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Lei Ni
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Geng Tian
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Guilong Zhang
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhaowei Xu
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.
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Zhang T, Wen R, Fan H, Yu Y, Jia H, Peng Z, Zhou L, Yu G, Zhang W. Impact and potential value of immunosenescence on solid gastrointestinal tumors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1375730. [PMID: 39007138 PMCID: PMC11239362 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1375730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Solid gastrointestinal tumors often respond poorly to immunotherapy for the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), which is exacerbated by immune system alterations. Immunosenescence is the process of increased diversification of immune genes due to aging and other factors, leading to a decrease in the recognition function of the immune system. This process involves immune organs, immune cells, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The most fundamental change is DNA damage, resulting in TME remodeling. The main manifestations are worsening inflammation, increased immunosuppressive SASP production, decreased immune cell antitumor activity, and the accumulation of tumor-associated fibroblasts and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, making antitumor therapy less effective. Senotherapy strategies to remove senescent cells and block key senescence processes can have synergistic effects with other treatments. This review focuses on immunoenescence and its impact on the solid TME. We characterize the immunosenescent TME and discuss future directions for antitumor therapies targeting senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Leqi Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanyu Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Zhang D, Li L, Li M, Cao X. Biological functions and clinic significance of SAF‑A (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:88. [PMID: 38665420 PMCID: PMC11040223 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1776] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
As one member of the heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family, scaffold attachment factor A (SAF-A) or hnRNP U, is an abundant nuclear protein. With RNA and DNA binding activities, SAF-A has multiple functions. The present review focused on the biological structure and different roles of SAF-A and SAF-A-related diseases. It was found that SAF-A maintains the higher-order chromatin organization via RNA and DNA, and regulates transcription at the initiation and elongation stages. In addition to regulating pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA transportation and stabilization, SAF-A participates in double-strand breaks and mitosis repair. Therefore, the aberrant expression and mutation of SAF-A results in tumors and impaired neurodevelopment. Moreover, SAF-A may play a role in the anti-virus system. In conclusion, due to its essential biological functions, SAF-A may be a valuable clinical prediction factor or therapeutic target. Since the role of SAF-A in tumors and viral infections may be controversial, more animal experiments and clinical assays are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiquan Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Immune Mechanism and Therapy of Major Diseases of Luzhou Key Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Mengni Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Xinmei Cao
- Immune Mechanism and Therapy of Major Diseases of Luzhou Key Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
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Ke P, Zhu DN, Liu MZ, Yan H, Zhao QJ, Du J, Wei W, Chen XW, Liu C. Macrophage β-arrestin-1 deteriorates DSS-induced colitis through interaction with NF-κB signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111676. [PMID: 38367465 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111676] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
β-arrestin-1 has been demonstrated to participate in the regulation of inflammatory reactions in several diseases. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of macrophage β-arrestin-1 in the pathogenesis and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). A myeloid β-arrestin-1 conditional knockout mouse model was generated to explore the role of macrophage β-arrestin-1. DSS was employed for the establishment of an ulcerative colitis mouse model, using TNF-α as an inflammatory stressor in vitro. The expression level of β-arrestin-1 was detected via western blot and immunofluorescence assays, whilst disease severity was evaluated by clinical score and H&E staining in the DSS-induced colitis model. In the in vitro experiments, the levels of inflammatory cytokines were examined using real-time PCR. NF-κB activation was detected through the double luciferase reporter system, western blot, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). BAY11-7082 was used to inhibit NF-κB activation. Our results exposed that the level of β-arrestin-1 was increased in monocytes/macrophages derived from DSS-induced colitis mice or under the TNF-α challenge. Moreover, conditionally knocking out the expression of myeloid β-arrestin-1 alleviated disease severity, while knocking out the expression of β-arrestin-1 decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, NF-κB was identified as a central regulatory element of β-arrestin-1 promoter, and using BAY11-7082 to inhibit NF-κB activation lowered the level of β-arrestin-1 under TNF-α challenge. β-arrestin-1 led to the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by enhancing binding to IκBα and IKK under the TNF-α challenge. Taken together, our findings demonstrated macrophage β-arrestin-1 contributes to the deterioration of DSS-induced colitis through the interaction with NF-κB signaling, thus highlighting a novel target for the treatment of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Ke
- Department of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 20043 China; Air Force Hangzhou Special Service Recuperation Center, Sanatorium Area 4, Nanjing 211131 China
| | - Dan-Ni Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 20043 China
| | - Meng-Zhen Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 20043 China
| | - Hui Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 20043 China
| | - Qing-Jie Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 20043 China
| | - Jing Du
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Pharmacology, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067 China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Agro-Product Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Xiong-Wen Chen
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals & Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 20043 China.
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Fontes BLM, de Souza E Souza LC, da Silva de Oliveira APS, da Fonseca RN, Neto MPC, Pinheiro CR. The possible impacts of nano and microplastics on human health: lessons from experimental models across multiple organs. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2024:1-35. [PMID: 38517360 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2024.2330962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The widespread production and use of plastics have resulted in accumulation of plastic debris in the environment, gradually breaking down into smaller particles over time. Nano-plastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs), defined as particles smaller than 100 nanometers and 5 millimeters, respectively, raise concerns due to their ability to enter the human body through various pathways including ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Various investigators demonstrated that these particles may produce physical and chemical damage to human cells, tissues, and organs, disrupting cellular processes, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress, and impacting hormone and neurotransmitter balance. In addition, micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs) may carry toxic chemicals and pathogens, exacerbating adverse effects on human health. The magnitude and nature of these effects are not yet fully understood, requiring further research for a comprehensive risk assessment. Nevertheless, evidence available suggests that accumulation of these particles in the environment and potential human uptake are causes for concern. Urgent measures to reduce plastic pollution and limit human exposure to MNPLs are necessary to safeguard human health and the environment. In this review, current knowledge regarding the influence of MNPLs on human health is summarized, including toxicity mechanisms, exposure pathways, and health outcomes across multiple organs. The critical need for additional research is also emphasized to comprehensively assess potential risks posed by degradation of MNPLs on human health and inform strategies for addressing this emerging environmental health challenge. Finally, new research directions are proposed including evaluation of gene regulation associated with MNPLs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Lannes Monteiro Fontes
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lorena Cristina de Souza E Souza
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Santos da Silva de Oliveira
- Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biologia - NUMPEX-BIO, Campus Duque de Caxias Geraldo Cidade, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Nunes da Fonseca
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marinaldo Pacifico Cavalcanti Neto
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cintia Rodrigues Pinheiro
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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