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Yun X, Liang L, Tian J, Li N, Chen Z, Zheng Y, Duan S, Zhang L. Raman-guided exploration of placental microplastic exposure: Unraveling the polymeric tapestry and assessing developmental implications. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135271. [PMID: 39038382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135271] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastics in human tissues and their potential reproductive toxicity have been increasingly documented, yet their appearance in the placenta and the impact of microplastic exposure on human fertility and pregnancy remains uncertain. Utilizing an inVia™ confocal Raman microspectroscopy by Renishaw equipped with a detection threshold as low as 0.25 µm, our study examined the microplastics in the placentas of 50 women post-delivery and investigated their correlations with gestational age, and neonatal length and weight. We found that 40 microplastic particles were identified across 31 of 50 placentas, averaging 2.35 ± 1.25 µm in size and ranging from 1.03 to 6.84 µm. Seven distinct polymer types were detected, with PTFE, PS, and ABS being the most prevalent. Notably, no significant difference across the normal, PTFE, and PS groups for all demographic variables examined was identified, nor as pathological alterations of placental tissues. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the presence of seven microplastic polymers in human placentas, with PTFE, PS, and ABS being the most prevalent. However, maternal and neonatal parameters were not affected, and further studies are necessary to elucidate the effects of microplastics on developmental outcomes and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yun
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250001, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan 250001, China; School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Liyang Liang
- Department of Surgery-oncology, Tangshan Gongren Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Jiaqi Tian
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250001, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Ning Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250001, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yongfei Zheng
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Shuyin Duan
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250001, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan 250001, China.
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2
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Tan Y, Ji L, Mo Y, Huang H, Lei X. Bibliometrics analysis of hotspots research on infertility syndromes and polystyrene. Toxicol Ind Health 2024; 40:465-478. [PMID: 38805015 DOI: 10.1177/07482337241257274] [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] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Polystyrene plastic pollution poses a pressing environmental concern and represents a significant risk factor for infertility. Despite this, a comprehensive overview of the field remains scarce, with future trends largely unknown. Bibliometrics, an applied mathematical and statistical method, offers a means to analyze textual information across various levels, facilitating quantitative assessments of all knowledge carriers and unveiling the nature and developmental trajectories of a discipline. This study aimed to employ bibliometric methods to scrutinize the current status and research hotspots within the realm of polystyrene and infertility. Literature spanning from 1980 to 2023 pertaining to polystyrene and infertility was retrieved from the core database of Web of Science. Quantitative analyses were conducted utilizing CiteSpace (version 5.7.R7), VOSviewer (version 1.6.18.0), and an online literature analysis website (https://bibliometric.com/). The analysis visually represented countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords within the field. This study delved into the development history, knowledge structure, research hotspots, and potential trends in the field, furnishing a macro perspective for researchers. The investigation encompassed 267 articles published across 120 journals by 1,352 authors affiliated with 417 institutions in 51 countries, with these articles garnering 10,310 citations across 2,811 journals. The top three countries contributing the most articles were China, the United States, and Germany. In essence, the research hotspots primarily revolved around metabolism, endocrinology, and immunity. Despite China's relatively recent entry into this field, its rapid development is evident. However, the low citation frequency suggests a need for improved article quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongpeng Tan
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lin Ji
- Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yi Mo
- Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaocan Lei
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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3
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Bai CL, Wang D, Luan YL, Huang SN, Liu LY, Guo Y. A review on micro- and nanoplastics in humans: Implication for their translocation of barriers and potential health effects. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142424. [PMID: 38795915 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
As emerging contaminants, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can absorb and leach various toxic chemicals and ultimately endanger the health of the ecological environment and humans. With extensive research on MNPs, knowledge about MNPs in humans, especially their translocation of barriers and potential health effects, is of utmost importance. In this review, we collected literature published from 2000 to 2023, focusing on MNPs on their occurrence in humans, penetrating characteristics in the placental, blood-brain, and blood-testis barriers, and exposure effects on mammalian health. The characteristics and distributions of MNPs in human samples were analyzed, and the results demonstrated that MNPs were ubiquitous in most human samples, except for kidneys and cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, the phenomenon of MNPs crossing barriers and their underlying mechanisms were discussed. We also summarized the potential factors that may affect the barrier crossing and health effects of MNPs, including characteristics of MNPs, exposure doses, administration routes, exposure durations, co-exposure to other pollutants, and genetic predisposition. Exposure to MNPs may cause cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and developmental and reproductive toxicity in mammals. People are encouraged to reduce their exposure to MNPs to prevent these adverse health effects. Finally, we discussed the shortcomings of current research on MNPs in humans, providing a valuable reference for understanding and evaluating the potential health risks from MNP exposure in mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Lan Bai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Hainan Branch, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya, 572022, China
| | - Yu-Ling Luan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Si-Nan Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Liang-Ying Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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4
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Gao M, Yang Z, Zhang Z, Chen L, Xu B. Nervous system exposure of different classes of nanoparticles: A review on potential toxicity and mechanistic studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 259:119473. [PMID: 38908667 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are generally defined as very small particles in the size range of 1-100 nm. Due to the rapid development of modern society, many new materials have been developed. The widespread use of NPs in medical applications, the food industry and the textile industry has led to an increase in NPs in the environment and the possibility of human contact, which poses a serious threat to human health. The nervous system plays a leading role in maintaining the integrity and unity of the body and maintaining a harmonious balance with the external environment. Therefore, based on two categories of organic and inorganic NPs, this paper systematically summarizes the toxic effects and mechanisms of NPs released into the nervous system. The results showed that exposure to NPs may damage the nervous system, decrease learning and cognitive ability, and affect embryonic development. Finally, a remediation scheme for NPs entering the body via the environment is also introduced. This scheme aims to reduce the neurotoxicity caused by NPs by supplementing NPs with a combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. The results provide a valuable reference for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Gao
- Department of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300211, China; Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ziye Yang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Liqun Chen
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Baoshan Xu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300211, China.
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Krause S, Ouellet V, Allen D, Allen S, Moss K, Nel HA, Manaseki-Holland S, Lynch I. The potential of micro- and nanoplastics to exacerbate the health impacts and global burden of non-communicable diseases. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101581. [PMID: 38781963 PMCID: PMC11228470 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101581] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCD) constitute one of the highest burdens of disease globally and are associated with inflammatory responses in target organs. There is increasing evidence of significant human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MnPs). This review of environmental MnP exposure and health impacts indicates that MnP particles, directly and indirectly through their leachates, may exacerbate inflammation. Meanwhile, persistent inflammation associated with NCDs in gastrointestinal and respiratory systems potentially increases MnP uptake, thus influencing MnP access to distal organs. Consequently, a future increase in MnP exposure potentially augments the risk and severity of NCDs. There is a critical need for an integrated one-health approach to human health and environmental research for assessing the drivers of human MnP exposure and their bidirectional links with NCDs. Assessing these risks requires interdisciplinary efforts to identify and link drivers of environmental MnP exposure and organismal uptake to studies of impacted disease mechanisms and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés (LEHNA), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023, 69622 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Valerie Ouellet
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Deonie Allen
- WESP - Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability & Public Health, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
| | - Steven Allen
- WESP - Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability & Public Health, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
| | - Kerry Moss
- Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Holly A Nel
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Semira Manaseki-Holland
- Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Iseult Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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6
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Yarahmadi A, Heidari S, Sepahvand P, Afkhami H, Kheradjoo H. Microplastics and environmental effects: investigating the effects of microplastics on aquatic habitats and their impact on human health. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1411389. [PMID: 38912266 PMCID: PMC11191580 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1411389] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are particles with a diameter of <5 mm. The disposal of plastic waste into the environment poses a significant and pressing issue concern globally. Growing worry has been expressed in recent years over the impact of MPs on both human health and the entire natural ecosystem. MPs impact the feeding and digestive capabilities of marine organisms, as well as hinder the development of plant roots and leaves. Numerous studies have shown that the majority of individuals consume substantial quantities of MPs either through their dietary intake or by inhaling them. MPs have been identified in various human biological samples, such as lungs, stool, placenta, sputum, breast milk, liver, and blood. MPs can cause various illnesses in humans, depending on how they enter the body. Healthy and sustainable ecosystems depend on the proper functioning of microbiota, however, MPs disrupt the balance of microbiota. Also, due to their high surface area compared to their volume and chemical characteristics, MPs act as pollutant absorbers in different environments. Multiple policies and initiatives exist at both the domestic and global levels to mitigate pollution caused by MPs. Various techniques are currently employed to remove MPs, such as biodegradation, filtration systems, incineration, landfill disposal, and recycling, among others. In this review, we will discuss the sources and types of MPs, the presence of MPs in different environments and food, the impact of MPs on human health and microbiota, mechanisms of pollutant adsorption on MPs, and the methods of removing MPs with algae and microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Yarahmadi
- Department of Biology, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | | | - Parisa Sepahvand
- Department of Biology, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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7
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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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8
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Sharma RK, Kumari U, Kumar S. Impact of Microplastics on Pregnancy and Fetal Development: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e60712. [PMID: 38903343 PMCID: PMC11186737 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern because of its potential to impair human health, particularly with regard to fetal development. However, the origins of prenatal MP exposure and its effects on fetal development have not been well studied. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development. PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from 2010 until March 2024. Original publications exploring the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development were included in the study. After selecting papers, two independent reviewers extracted data regarding study characteristics, microplastics identified, and reproductive impacts. The quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklists for Studies created by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Twelve studies, including 234 subjects, were selected from a total of 2,809 citations for the final qualitative analysis. Articles were published between 2021 and 2024, and most were conducted in China. The results of the included studies confirmed the existence of microplastics with varying sizes (2.1 to 100 micrometers) in the placenta and the fetal body. Studies revealed correlations between lifestyle choices and the presence of microplastics in the placenta. They also reported correlations between the level of microplastics and diminished microbiome diversity, reduced birthweights, affected gestational age, and fetal growth and development. Microplastics may be detrimental to a developing fetus during pregnancy. Nonetheless, more thorough research is required to comprehend the impact of microplastic exposure on pregnancy and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Usha Kumari
- Biochemistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Patna, Patna, IND
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Chen CY, Lin Z. Exploring the potential and challenges of developing physiologically-based toxicokinetic models to support human health risk assessment of microplastic and nanoplastic particles. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108617. [PMID: 38599027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108617] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pollution has emerged as a significant and widespread environmental issue. Humans are inevitably exposed to MPs and NPs via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contacts from various sources. However, mechanistic knowledge of their distribution, interaction, and potency in the body is still lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we have undertaken the task of elucidating the toxicokinetic (TK) behaviors of MPs and NPs, aiming to provide mechanistic information for constructing a conceptual physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model to support in silico modeling approaches. Our effort involved a thorough examination of the existing literature and data collation on the presence of MPs in the human body and in vitro/ex vivo/in vivo biodistribution across various cells and tissues. By comprehending the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion mechanisms of MPs and NPs in relation to their physicochemical attributes, we established a foundational understanding of the link between external exposure and internal tissue dosimetry. We observed that particle size and surface chemistry have been thoroughly explored in previous experimental studies. However, certain attributes, such as polymer type, shape, and biofilm/biocorona, warrant attention and further examination. We discussed the fundamental disparities in TK properties of MPs/NPs from those of engineered nanoparticles. We proposed a preliminary PBTK framework with several possible modeling approaches and discussed existing challenges for further investigation. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive compilation of existing TK data of MPs/NPs, a critical overview of TK processes and mechanisms, and proposes potential PBTK modeling approaches, particularly regarding their applicability to the human system, and outlines future perspectives for developing PBTK models and their integration into human health risk assessment of MPs and NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yun Chen
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, FL 32608, United States
| | - Zhoumeng Lin
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, FL 32608, United States.
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10
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Zhang L, Wan B, Zheng J, Chen L, Xuan Y, Zhang R, Chen Z, Hu C, Zhang Y, Yan C. Polystyrene nanoplastics inhibit beige fat function and exacerbate metabolic disorder in high-fat diet-fed mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170700. [PMID: 38331288 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Global health concerns about micro- and nanoplastics are increasing. The newly discovered beige adipocytes play a vital role in energy homeostasis through their high thermogenic capacity upon activation. However, the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on beige adipocytes have not yet been studied. We investigated whether the effects of oral exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on systemic metabolic performance can be induced by disrupting beige adipocyte function, and the potential mechanism. In the present study, C57BL/6J male mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with or without PS-NPs exposure for 12 weeks to investigate the differences in metabolic performance. We also isolated stromal vascular fraction from C57BL/6J male mice to differentiate and prepare primary beige adipocyte cultures. Primary beige adipocytes were treated with PS-NPs on the sixth day of differentiation. The results showed that oral intake of PS-NPs exacerbated metabolic disorders of mice under HFD, including suppressed energy expenditure, increased fat mass and liver steatosis, decreased insulin sensitivity, disrupted glucose homeostasis, and decreased cold-tolerance capability compared with the control group. Intriguingly, we observed that, after a 12-week exposure, PS-NPs accumulated in the inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT), a fat depot rich in beige adipocytes, further suppressing thermogenic gene programs, particularly the level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a master regulator in the browning process of beige adipocytes. These effects ultimately led to decreased energy expenditure and subsequent disorders of glucolipid metabolism. Mechanistically, we revealed that PS-NPs disrupt mitochondrial function and induce oxidative damage and inflammation in beige adipocytes to inhibit their function. These negative metabolic effects of PS-NPs were ameliorated by antioxidant supplementation. Our study is the first to demonstrate that PS-NPs exposure exacerbates metabolic disorder in HFD-fed mice by disrupting beige adipocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Centre for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Baocheng Wan
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Centre for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jiangfei Zheng
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Centre for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Liwei Chen
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Centre for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Ye Xuan
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Centre for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Centre for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Centre for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Cheng Hu
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Centre for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Centre for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
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11
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Hasanah U, Amqam H, Septami ARE, Chalid M, Aris AZ. Plasticizing Pregnancy: Microplastics Identified in Expectant Mothers' Feces. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241235810. [PMID: 38476841 PMCID: PMC10929056 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241235810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Microplastics may be present in food and drinks from various sources, exposing pregnant women to these particles. Consumption of contaminated food can lead to the ingestion of microplastics by pregnant women, potentially causing adverse health effects on the fetus. This study aims to investigate the presence of microplastics in the stools of pregnant women. Methods The research was conducted in the Makassar City region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Thirty healthy pregnant women from 2 community health centers, Pattingalloang and Jumpandang Baru, participated in the study. Their stools were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy to detect the presence of microplastics. Result The analysis revealed the presence of a total of 359 microplastics in the participants' stools, with particle counts ranging from 4 to 21 and sizes ranging from 0.2 to 4.9 mm per 25 g of stool. The polymers identified included Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide/Nylon, Polyethylene Chlorinated, HDPE, and Ethylene Propylene. The amount of microplastics varied significantly among groups with different levels of seafood consumption. Conclusion Indonesian pregnant women have been exposed to some microplastic polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uswatun Hasanah
- Department of Enviromental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Hasnawati Amqam
- Department of Enviromental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | | | - Maisuri Chalid
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Zaharin Aris
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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12
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Motivarash Y, Bhatt A, Kardani H. Microplastic (MP) occurrence in pelagic and demersal fishes of Gujarat, northwest coast of India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:17239-17255. [PMID: 38334930 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32361-7] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are globally observed in marine as well as freshwater habitats, and laboratory studies have shown that marine organisms can accidentally ingest them. Monitoring the MP ingestion by fish in the environment is very crucial for understanding the risk of consuming MP-contaminated fish for human health. In this study, we investigated MP ingestion in 400 fish individuals from the Veraval Coast, in the state of Gujarat, India. There was 100% MP occurrence in the inedible tissues of fish, and 68% of the analyzed fishes presented MPs in edible tissues. The most dominant MPs based on their size in fishes were 0.05-0.1 mm. One hundred percent presence of only fibres in edible tissue was observed, while in inedible tissue, it was 77%, 20.42% and 2.58% of fibre, fragment and film respectively. The most common MP colour was blue. The predominant polymers were low-density polyethylene (LDPE) followed by polypropylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polystyrene. This is the first study performed on MPs in marine fishes from this region. Our findings suggest that the abundance of MPs observed in this area is higher than in other states of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagnesh Motivarash
- College of Fisheries science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval, Gujarat, India.
| | - Ashishkumar Bhatt
- College of Fisheries science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval, Gujarat, India
| | - Hitesh Kardani
- Fisheries Research Station, Kamdhenu university, Sikka, Gujarat, India
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13
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Liang J, Ji F, Wang H, Zhu T, Rubinstein J, Worthington R, Abdullah ALB, Tay YJ, Zhu C, George A, Li Y, Han M. Unraveling the threat: Microplastics and nano-plastics' impact on reproductive viability across ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169525. [PMID: 38141979 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169525] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution pervades both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, fragmenting over time into microplastics (MPs) and nano-plastics (NPs). These particles infiltrate organisms via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption, predominantly through the trophic interactions. This review elucidated the impacts of MPs/NPs on the reproductive viability of various species. MPs/NPs lead to reduced reproduction rates, abnormal larval development and increased mortality in aquatic invertebrates. Microplastics cause hormone secretion disorders and gonadal tissue damage in fish. In addition, the fertilization rate of eggs is reduced, and the larval deformity rate and mortality rate are increased. Male mammals exposed to MPs/NPs exhibit testicular anomalies, compromised sperm health, endocrine disturbances, oxidative stress, inflammation, and granulocyte apoptosis. In female mammals, including humans, exposure culminates in ovarian and uterine deformities, endocrine imbalances, oxidative stress, inflammation, granulosa cell apoptosis, and tissue fibrogenesis. Rodent offspring exposed to MPs experience increased mortality rates, while survivors display metabolic perturbations, reproductive anomalies, and weakened immunity. These challenges are intrinsically linked to the transgenerational conveyance of MPs. The ubiquity of MPs/NPs threatens biodiversity and, crucially, jeopardizes human reproductive health. The current findings underscore the exigency for comprehensive research and proactive interventions to ameliorate the implications of these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liang
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Feng Ji
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Tian Zhu
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - James Rubinstein
- College of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Richard Worthington
- School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford university, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Yi Juin Tay
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Chenxin Zhu
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
| | - Andrew George
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, OX12JD, UK
| | - Yiming Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mingming Han
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
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14
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Shi W, Wu N, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Chen J, Li J. A global review on the abundance and threats of microplastics in soils to terrestrial ecosystem and human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169469. [PMID: 38154650 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Soil is the source and sink of microplastics (MPs), which is more polluted than water and air. In this paper, the pollution levels of MPs in the agriculture, roadside, urban and landfill soils were reviewed, and the influence of MPs on soil ecosystem, including soil properties, microorganisms, animals and plants, was discussed. According to the results of in vivo and in vitro experiments, the possible risks of MPs to soil ecosystem and human health were predicted. Finally, in light of the current status of MPs research, several prospects are provided for future research directions to better evaluate the ecological risk and human health risk of MPs. MPs concentrations in global agricultural soils, roadside soils, urban soils and landfill soils had a great variance in different studies and locations. The participation of MPs has an impact on all aspects of terrestrial ecosystems. For soil properties, pH value, bulk density, pore space and evapotranspiration can be changed by MPs. For microorganisms, MPs can alter the diversity and abundance of microbiome, and different MPs have different effects on bacteria and fungi differently. For plants, MPs may interfere with their biochemical and physiological conditions and produce a wide range of toxic effects, such as inhibiting plant growth, delaying or reducing seed germination, reducing biological and fruit yield, and interfering with photosynthesis. For soil animals, MPs can affect their mobility, growth rate and reproductive capacity. At present epidemiological evidences regarding MPs exposure and negative human health effects are unavailable, but in vitro and in vivo data suggest that they pose various threats to human health, including respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, endocrine system, nervous system, and circulation system. In conclusion, the existence and danger of MPs cannot be ignored and requires a global effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshan Shi
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Zengli Zhang
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Yuting Liu
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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15
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Vasconez Martinez MG, Reihs EI, Stuetz HM, Hafner A, Brandauer K, Selinger F, Schuller P, Bastus N, Puntes V, Frank J, Tomischko W, Frauenlob M, Ertl P, Resch C, Bauer G, Povoden G, Rothbauer M. Using Rapid Prototyping to Develop a Cell-Based Platform with Electrical Impedance Sensor Membranes for In Vitro RPMI2650 Nasal Nanotoxicology Monitoring. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:107. [PMID: 38392026 PMCID: PMC10886737 DOI: 10.3390/bios14020107] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Due to advances in additive manufacturing and prototyping, affordable and rapid microfluidic sensor-integrated assays can be fabricated using additive manufacturing, xurography and electrode shadow masking to create versatile platform technologies aimed toward qualitative assessment of acute cytotoxic or cytolytic events using stand-alone biochip platforms in the context of environmental risk assessment. In the current study, we established a nasal mucosa biosensing platform using RPMI2650 mucosa cells inside a membrane-integrated impedance-sensing biochip using exclusively rapid prototyping technologies. In a final proof-of-concept, we applied this biosensing platform to create human cell models of nasal mucosa for monitoring the acute cytotoxic effect of zinc oxide reference nanoparticles. Our data generated with the biochip platform successfully monitored the acute toxicity and cytolytic activity of 6 mM zinc oxide nanoparticles, which was non-invasively monitored as a negative impedance slope on nasal epithelial models, demonstrating the feasibility of rapid prototyping technologies such as additive manufacturing and xurography for cell-based platform development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Gabriel Vasconez Martinez
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.G.V.M.); (E.I.R.); (K.B.); (P.S.); (M.F.); (P.E.)
| | - Eva I. Reihs
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.G.V.M.); (E.I.R.); (K.B.); (P.S.); (M.F.); (P.E.)
- Karl Chiari Lab for Orthopaedic Biology, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-22, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Helene M. Stuetz
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.G.V.M.); (E.I.R.); (K.B.); (P.S.); (M.F.); (P.E.)
| | - Astrid Hafner
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.G.V.M.); (E.I.R.); (K.B.); (P.S.); (M.F.); (P.E.)
| | - Konstanze Brandauer
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.G.V.M.); (E.I.R.); (K.B.); (P.S.); (M.F.); (P.E.)
| | - Florian Selinger
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.G.V.M.); (E.I.R.); (K.B.); (P.S.); (M.F.); (P.E.)
| | - Patrick Schuller
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.G.V.M.); (E.I.R.); (K.B.); (P.S.); (M.F.); (P.E.)
| | - Neus Bastus
- Catalan Institute of Nanotechnology, UAB Campus, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (N.B.); (V.P.)
| | - Victor Puntes
- Catalan Institute of Nanotechnology, UAB Campus, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (N.B.); (V.P.)
| | - Johannes Frank
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (J.F.); (W.T.)
| | - Wolfgang Tomischko
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (J.F.); (W.T.)
| | - Martin Frauenlob
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.G.V.M.); (E.I.R.); (K.B.); (P.S.); (M.F.); (P.E.)
| | - Peter Ertl
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.G.V.M.); (E.I.R.); (K.B.); (P.S.); (M.F.); (P.E.)
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (J.F.); (W.T.)
| | - Christian Resch
- Science, Research, and Development Division, Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Bauer
- Science, Research, and Development Division, Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- CBRN-Defence-Centre, Austrian Armed Forces, 2100 Korneuburg, Austria
| | - Guenter Povoden
- CBRN-Defence-Centre, Austrian Armed Forces, 2100 Korneuburg, Austria
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9/IV, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Department for Legal Philosophy, Law of Religion and Culture, University Vienna, Freyung 6, 1010 Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), IFA Building 1, Konrad-Lorenz-Straße 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Mario Rothbauer
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.G.V.M.); (E.I.R.); (K.B.); (P.S.); (M.F.); (P.E.)
- Karl Chiari Lab for Orthopaedic Biology, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-22, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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16
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Hori T, Okae H, Shibata S, Kobayashi N, Kobayashi EH, Oike A, Sekiya A, Arima T, Kaji H. Trophoblast stem cell-based organoid models of the human placental barrier. Nat Commun 2024; 15:962. [PMID: 38332125 PMCID: PMC10853531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45279-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Human placental villi have essential roles in producing hormones, mediating nutrient and waste exchange, and protecting the fetus from exposure to xenobiotics. Human trophoblast organoids that recapitulate the structure of villi could provide an important in vitro tool to understand placental development and the transplacental passage of xenobiotics. However, such organoids do not currently exist. Here we describe the generation of trophoblast organoids using human trophoblast stem (TS) cells. Following treatment with three kinds of culture medium, TS cells form spherical organoids with a single outer layer of syncytiotrophoblast (ST) cells that display a barrier function. Furthermore, we develop a column-type ST barrier model based on the culture condition of the trophoblast organoids. The bottom membrane of the column is almost entirely covered with syndecan 1-positive ST cells. The barrier integrity and maturation levels of the model are confirmed by measuring transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin. Further analysis reveals that the model can be used to derive the apparent permeability coefficients of model compounds. In addition to providing a suite of tools for the study of placental development, our trophoblast models allow the evaluation of compound transfer and toxicity, which will facilitate drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hori
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Shun Shibata
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Eri H Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Oike
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Asato Sekiya
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kaji
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan.
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17
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Heeb NV, Muñoz M, Haag R, Wyss S, Schönenberger D, Durdina L, Elser M, Siegerist F, Mohn J, Brem BT. Corelease of Genotoxic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nanoparticles from a Commercial Aircraft Jet Engine - Dependence on Fuel and Thrust. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1615-1624. [PMID: 38206005 PMCID: PMC10809754 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08152] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Jet engines are important contributors to global CO2 emissions and release enormous numbers of ultrafine particles into different layers of the atmosphere. As a result, aviation emissions are affecting atmospheric chemistry and promote contrail and cloud formation with impacts on earth's radiative balance and climate. Furthermore, the corelease of nanoparticles together with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) affects air quality at airports. We studied exhausts of a widely used turbofan engine (CFM56-7B26) operated at five static thrust levels (idle, 7, 30, 65, and 85%) with conventional Jet A-1 fuel and a biofuel blend composed of hydro-processed esters and fatty acids (HEFA). The particles released, the chemical composition of condensable material, and the genotoxic potential of these exhausts were studied. At ground operation, particle number emissions of 3.5 and 0.5 × 1014 particles/kg fuel were observed with highest genotoxic potentials of 41300 and 8800 ng toxicity equivalents (TEQ)/kg fuel at idle and 7% thrust, respectively. Blending jet fuel with HEFA lowered PAH and particle emissions by 7-34% and 65-67% at idle and 7% thrust, respectively, indicating that the use of paraffin-rich biofuels is an effective measure to reduce the exposure of airport personnel to nanoparticles coated with genotoxic PAHs (Trojan horse effect).
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert V. Heeb
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Maria Muñoz
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Regula Haag
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Simon Wyss
- Empa, Swiss Federal
Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Air Pollution/Environmental Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - David Schönenberger
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Empa, Swiss Federal
Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Air Pollution/Environmental Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Durdina
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Elser
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Empa, Swiss Federal
Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Automotive Powertrain Technologies Laboratory, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | | | - Joachim Mohn
- Empa, Swiss Federal
Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Air Pollution/Environmental Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin T. Brem
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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18
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He Y, Yin R. The reproductive and transgenerational toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: A threat to mammalian fertility in both sexes. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:66-85. [PMID: 37382358 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are extensively distributed in the environment. However, a comprehensive review and in-depth discussion on the effects of MPs and NPs to reproductive capacity and transgenerational toxicity on mammals, especially on humans, is lacked. It is suggested that microplastics and nanoplastics could accumulate in mammalian reproductive organs and exert toxic effects on the reproductive system for both sexes. For males, the damage of microplastics consists of abnormal testicular and sperm structure, decreased sperm vitality, and endocrine disruption, which were caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis of testicular cells, autophagy, abnormal cytoskeleton, and abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. For females, the damage of microplastics includes abnormal ovary and uterus structure and endocrine disruption, which were caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, granulosa cell apoptosis, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis abnormalities, and tissue fibrosis. For transgenerational toxicity, premature mortality existed in the rodent offspring after maternal exposure to microplastics. Among the surviving offspring, metabolic disorders, reproductive dysfunction, immune, neurodevelopmental, and cognitive disorders were detected, and these events directly correlated with transgenerational translocation of MPs and NPs. Studies on human-derived cells or organoids demonstrated that transgenerational toxicity studies for both sexes are yet in the phase of exploring suitable experimental models, and more detailed research on the threat of MPs and NPs to human fertility is still urgently needed. Further studies will help assess the MPs and NPs threat to public fertility and reproductive health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchong He
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Provincial, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ruocheng Yin
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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19
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Adams S, Stapleton PA. Nanoparticles at the maternal-fetal interface. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112067. [PMID: 37689342 PMCID: PMC10591848 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The increasing production of intentional and unintentional nanoparticles (NPs) has led to their accumulation in the environment as air and ground pollution. The heterogeneity of these particles primarily relies on the NP physicochemical properties (i.e., chemical composition, size, shape, surface chemistry, etc.). Pregnancy represents a vulnerable life stage for both the woman and the developing fetus. The ubiquitous nature of these NPs creates a concern for developmental fetal exposures. At the maternal-fetal interface lies the placenta, a temporary endocrine organ that facilitates nutrient and waste exchange as well as communication between maternal and fetal tissues. Recent evidence in human and animal models identifies that gestational exposure to NPs results in placental translocation leading to local effects and endocrine disruption. Currently, the mechanisms underlying placental translocation and cellular uptake of NPs in the placenta are poorly understood. The purpose of this review is to assess the current understanding of the physiochemical factors influencing NP translocation, cellular uptake, and endocrine disruption at the maternal-fetal interface within the available literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Adams
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, USA
| | - P A Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, USA; Environmental Occupational and Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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Liu S, Liu X, Guo J, Yang R, Wang H, Sun Y, Chen B, Dong R. The Association Between Microplastics and Microbiota in Placentas and Meconium: The First Evidence in Humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17774-17785. [PMID: 36269573 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy and infancy are vulnerable times for detrimental environmental exposures. However, the exposure situation of microplastics (MPs) for mother-infant pairs and the adverse health effect of MPs are largely unknown. Therefore, we explored MP exposure in placentas and meconium samples, and the potential correlation of MP exposure with microbiota in placentas and meconium. A total of 18 mother-infant pairs were effectively recruited from Shanghai, China. The study required pregnant women to provide placentas and meconium samples. An Agilent 8700 laser infrared imaging spectrometer (LDIR) was applied to identify MPs. Microbiota detection was identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Sixteen types of MPs were found in all matrices, and polyamide (PA) and polyurethane (PU) were the major types we identified. MPs detected in samples with a size of 20-50 μm were more than 76.46%. At the phylum level, both placenta and meconium microbiota were mainly composed of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Firmicutes. We also found some significant differences between placenta and meconium microbiota in β-diversity and gut composition. Additionally, we found polystyrene was inversely related with the Chao index of meconium microbiota. Polyethylene was consistently inversely correlated with several genera of placenta microbiota. The total MPs, PA, and PU consistently impacted several genera of meconium microbiota. In conclusion, MPs are ubiquitous in placentas and meconium samples, indicating the wide exposure of pregnant women and infants. Moreover, our findings may support a link between high concentration of MPs and microbiota genera in placentas and meconium. Additionally, there were several significant associations between the particle size of MPs in 50-100 μm and meconium microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Liu
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xinyuan Liu
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jialin Guo
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Ruoru Yang
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hangwei Wang
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yongyun Sun
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bo Chen
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Nutrition, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ruihua Dong
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Nutrition, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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21
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Baş O, İlhan H, Hancı H, Çelikkan H, Ekinci D, Değermenci M, Karapınar BO, Warille AA, Çankaya S, Özkasapoğlu S. To what extent are orally ingested nanoplastics toxic to the hippocampus in young adult rats? J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 132:102314. [PMID: 37473873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102314] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
As the use of plastic-containing materials in our daily lives becomes increasingly common, exposure to nanoplastics accordingly becomes inevitable. Micro and nanoplastics released from large amounts of plastic waste constitute a serious environmental problem. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of polystyrene nanoplastic (PS-NP) on the hippocampus. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty Wistar albino rats, 15 male and 15 female, aged 6-8 weeks, were used in the research. These were randomly divided into three groups of five males and five females each. A five-minute open field test was applied to all rats on the first and last days of the study. Three groups of rats (Control, NP1 and NP2) received the standard chow and water. Additionally, rats in the first neoplastic group (NP1) received 25 mg/kg PS-NP and rats in the second nanoplastic group (NP2) received 50 mg/kg PS-NP, at the same time each day by oral gavage. The rats were sacrificed under deep anesthesia at the end of four weeks. The hippocampi were removed and subjected to histopathological and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Green fluorescent dots were detected in the hippocampi of both dose groups receiving nanoplastics (NPs) administered orally to female and male rats. Histopathological examination revealed neuronal degeneration in the hippocampi of male and female rats from both dose groups. However, while no significant difference was observed among the groups in terms of changes in antioxidant enzyme values and open-field test data in male rats, significant differences in peroxidase (POD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) values and fecal boli and grooming numbers were determined in female rats exposed to NPs. In conclusion, exposure to NP substances extend as far as the hippocampus, causing neuronal damage and behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orhan Baş
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Samsun University, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Hasan İlhan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Hatice Hancı
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Çelikkan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Ekinci
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | | | - Burak Oğuzhan Karapınar
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Aymen A Warille
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Soner Çankaya
- Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Sezgin Özkasapoğlu
- Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency Boron Research Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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22
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Han D, Chen R, Kan H, Xu Y. The bio-distribution, clearance pathways, and toxicity mechanisms of ambient ultrafine particles. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2023; 2:95-106. [PMID: 38074989 PMCID: PMC10702920 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Ambient particles severely threaten human health worldwide. Compared to larger particles, ultrafine particles (UFPs) are highly concentrated in ambient environments, have a larger specific surface area, and are retained for a longer time in the lung. Recent studies have found that they can be transported into various extra-pulmonary organs by crossing the air-blood barrier (ABB). Therefore, to understand the adverse effects of UFPs, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate their bio-distribution and clearance pathways in vivo after inhalation, as well as their toxicological mechanisms. This review highlights emerging evidence on the bio-distribution of UFPs in pulmonary and extra-pulmonary organs. It explores how UFPs penetrate the ABB, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the placental barrier (PB) and subsequently undergo clearance by the liver, kidney, or intestine. In addition, the potential underlying toxicological mechanisms of UFPs are summarized, providing fundamental insights into how UFPs induce adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyang Han
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Renjie Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haidong Kan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanyi Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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23
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Lin YD, Huang PH, Chen YW, Hsieh CW, Tain YL, Lee BH, Hou CY, Shih MK. Sources, Degradation, Ingestion and Effects of Microplastics on Humans: A Review. TOXICS 2023; 11:747. [PMID: 37755757 PMCID: PMC10534390 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Celluloid, the predecessor to plastic, was synthesized in 1869, and due to technological advancements, plastic products appear to be ubiquitous in daily life. The massive production, rampant usage, and inadequate disposal of plastic products have led to severe environmental pollution. Consequently, reducing the employment of plastic has emerged as a pressing concern for governments globally. This review explores microplastics, including their origins, absorption, and harmful effects on the environment and humans. Several methods exist for breaking down plastics, including thermal, mechanical, light, catalytic, and biological processes. Despite these methods, microplastics (MPs, between 1 and 5 mm in size) continue to be produced during degradation. Acknowledging the significant threat that MPs pose to the environment and human health is imperative. This form of pollution is pervasive in the air and food and infiltrates our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. It is essential to assess the potential hazards that MPs can introduce. There is evidence suggesting that MPs may have negative impacts on different areas of human health. These include the respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems, the liver and organs, the skin, and even the placenta and placental barrier. It is encouraging to see that most of the countries have taken steps to regulate plastic particles. These measures aim to reduce plastic usage, which is essential today. At the same time, this review summarizes the degradation mechanism of plastics, their impact on human health, and plastic reduction policies worldwide. It provides valuable information for future research on MPs and regulatory development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Duan Lin
- Department of Seafood Science, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; (Y.-D.L.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Ping-Hsiu Huang
- School of Food, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, No.4, Meicheng Road, Higher Education Park, Huai’an 223003, China;
| | - Yu-Wei Chen
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; (Y.-W.C.); (C.-W.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Chang-Wei Hsieh
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; (Y.-W.C.); (C.-W.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Bao-Hong Lee
- Department of Horticulture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Yao Hou
- Department of Seafood Science, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; (Y.-D.L.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Ming-Kuei Shih
- Graduate Institute of Food Culture and Innovation, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Kaohsiung 812301, Taiwan
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24
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Geng Y, Liu Z, Hu R, Huang Y, Li F, Ma W, Wu X, Dong H, Song K, Xu X, Zhang Z, Song Y. Toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: invisible killers of female fertility and offspring health. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1254886. [PMID: 37700763 PMCID: PMC10493312 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1254886] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emergent pollutants, which have sparked widespread concern. They can infiltrate the body via ingestion, inhalation, and cutaneous contact. As such, there is a general worry that MPs/NPs may have an impact on human health in addition to the environmental issues they engender. The threat of MPs/NPs to the liver, gastrointestinal system, and inflammatory levels have been thoroughly documented in the previous research. With the detection of MPs/NPs in fetal compartment and the prevalence of infertility, an increasing number of studies have put an emphasis on their reproductive toxicity in female. Moreover, MPs/NPs have the potential to interact with other contaminants, thus enhancing or diminishing the combined toxicity. This review summarizes the deleterious effects of MPs/NPs and co-exposure with other pollutants on female throughout the reproduction period of various species, spanning from reproductive failure to cross-generational developmental disorders in progenies. Although these impacts may not be directly extrapolated to humans, they do provide a framework for evaluating the potential mechanisms underlying the reproductive toxicity of MPs/NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Geng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Runan Hu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanjing Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenwen Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoxu Dong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kunkun Song
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohu Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufan Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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25
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Dad FP, Khan WUD, Kirkham MB, Bolan N, Tanveer M. Microplastics: a review of their impacts on different life forms and their removal methods. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:86632-86655. [PMID: 37438501 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28513-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The pollution of microplastics (MPs) is a worldwide major concern, as they have become a major part of our food chain. MPs enter our ecosystem via different pathways, including anthropogenic activities and improper disposal of plastics. The aim of this article is to review the current scientific literature related to MPs and how they affect different life forms on earth. Briefly, MPs induced negative effects on humans are primarily linked with the oxidative stress and disruption in immunity. MPs not only affect the soil chemical and physical properties such as reduction in soil health and productivity but also impose harmful effects on soil microorganisms. Moreover, MP-induced plant growth reduction results from three complementary mechanisms: (i) reduction in root and shoot growth, (ii) reduction in photosynthesis accompanied by higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and (iii) reduction in nutrient uptake via altered root growth. Given the negative effects of MPs on different life forms, it is important to remove or remediate them. We have discussed different MP removal methods including coagulation, membrane filtration technology, biochar, and biological degradation of MPs in soil and wastewater effluents. The use of ozone as ultrafiltration technique has also been shown as the most promising technique for MP removal. Finally, some future research recommendations are also put forward at the end to further enhance our understanding of the MPs induced negative effects on different life forms. The flowchart shows the interaction of MPs from water contaminated with MPs with different parts of the ecosystem and final interaction with human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiza Pir Dad
- Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Waqas-Ud-Din Khan
- Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
- Department of Agriculture, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Mohsin Tanveer
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia.
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26
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Cary C, Stapleton P. Determinants and mechanisms of inorganic nanoparticle translocation across mammalian biological barriers. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2111-2131. [PMID: 37303009 PMCID: PMC10540313 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biological barriers protect delicate internal tissues from exposures to and interactions with hazardous materials. Primary anatomical barriers prevent external agents from reaching systemic circulation and include the pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and dermal barriers. Secondary barriers include the blood-brain, blood-testis, and placental barriers. The tissues protected by secondary barriers are particularly sensitive to agents in systemic circulation. Neurons of the brain cannot regenerate and therefore must have limited interaction with cytotoxic agents. In the testis, the delicate process of spermatogenesis requires a specific milieu distinct from the blood. The placenta protects the developing fetus from compounds in the maternal circulation that would impair limb or organ development. Many biological barriers are semi-permeable, allowing only materials or chemicals, with a specific set of properties, that easily pass through or between cells. Nanoparticles (particles less than 100 nm) have recently drawn specific concern due to the possibility of biological barrier translocation and contact with distal tissues. Current evidence suggests that nanoparticles translocate across both primary and secondary barriers. It is known that the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles can affect biological interactions, and it has been shown that nanoparticles can breach primary and some secondary barriers. However, the mechanism by which nanoparticles cross biological barriers has yet to be determined. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize how different nanoparticle physicochemical properties interact with biological barriers and barrier products to govern translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Cary
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Phoebe Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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27
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Lenders V, Koutsoumpou X, Phan P, Soenen SJ, Allegaert K, de Vleeschouwer S, Toelen J, Zhao Z, Manshian BB. Modulation of engineered nanomaterial interactions with organ barriers for enhanced drug transport. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:4672-4724. [PMID: 37338993 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00574j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
The biomedical use of nanoparticles (NPs) has been the focus of intense research for over a decade. As most NPs are explored as carriers to alter the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of associated drugs, the delivery of these NPs to the tissues of interest remains an important topic. To date, the majority of NP delivery studies have used tumor models as their tool of interest, and the limitations concerning tumor targeting of systemically administered NPs have been well studied. In recent years, the focus has also shifted to other organs, each presenting their own unique delivery challenges to overcome. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in leveraging NPs to overcome four major biological barriers including the lung mucus, the gastrointestinal mucus, the placental barrier, and the blood-brain barrier. We define the specific properties of these biological barriers, discuss the challenges related to NP transport across them, and provide an overview of recent advances in the field. We discuss the strengths and shortcomings of different strategies to facilitate NP transport across the barriers and highlight some key findings that can stimulate further advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Lenders
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Xanthippi Koutsoumpou
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Philana Phan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Stefaan J Soenen
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, CN Rotterdam, 3015, The Netherlands
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven de Vleeschouwer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Leuven Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zongmin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Bella B Manshian
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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28
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Stapleton PA. The Application of Engineered Nanomaterials in Perinatal Therapeutics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2303072. [PMID: 37438678 PMCID: PMC10784409 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a vulnerable life stage for the mother and developing fetus. Because of this dual concern, approved therapeutic options for pre-existing conditions or pregnancy-induced pathologies, placental deformities, or fetal concerns are extremely limited. These cases often leave patients and clinicians having to choose between maternal health and fetal development. Recent advancements in nanomedicine and nanotherapeutic devices have made the development of perinatal therapeutics an attractive objective. However, perinatal medicine requires a multifaceted approach given the interactions between maternal, placental, and fetal physiology. Maternal-fetal interactions are centralized to the placenta, a specialized transient barrier organ, to allow for nutrient and waste exchange. Perinatal nanotherapeutics must be designed for placental avoidance or uptake. In this review, pregnancy-related conditions, experimental models, and modes of drug delivery during pregnancy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe A Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, 160 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
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29
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Jaafarzadeh Haghighi Fard N, Mohammadi MJ, Jahedi F. Effects of nano and microplastics on the reproduction system: In vitro and in vivo studies review. Food Chem Toxicol 2023:113938. [PMID: 37429406 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), as their name suggest, are tiny plastic particles. The negative impact of MPs as an emerging pollutant on humans is not hidden from anyone. Recent research on how this pollutant affects the reproductive system and how it enters the blood, placenta, and semen has attracted the attention of scientists. This review study deals with the reproductive toxicity of MPs particles in terrestrial animals, aquatic animals, soil fauna, human cells, and human placenta. In vitro and in vivo animal studies showed that MPs can lead to reduced fertility in men, reduced ovarian capacity, apoptosis of granulosa cells, or even reduced sperm motility. They cause oxidative stress and cell apoptosis and inflammatory effects. The results of these animal studies show that MPs may have similar effects on the human reproductive system. However, not much research has been done on human reproductive toxicity by MPs. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the toxicity of the reproductive system by MPs. The purpose of this comprehensive study is to express the importance of the impact of MPs on the reproductive system. These results provide new insight into the potential dangers of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neamatollah Jaafarzadeh Haghighi Fard
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Jahedi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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30
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S C, G G, LA S, W N, P M, L A, A W, V F, P W, D G, T BT. Transcriptomic profiling reveals differential cellular response to copper oxide nanoparticles and polystyrene nanoplastics in perfused human placenta. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:108015. [PMID: 37315489 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The growing nanoparticulate pollution (e.g. engineered nanoparticles (NPs) or nanoplastics) has been shown to pose potential threats to human health. In particular, sensitive populations such as pregnant women and their unborn children need to be protected from harmful environmental exposures. However, developmental toxicity from prenatal exposure to pollution particles is not yet well studied despite evidence of particle accumulation in human placenta. Our study aimed to investigate how copper oxide NPs (CuO NPs; 10-20 nm) and polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs; 70 nm) impact on gene expression in ex vivo perfused human placental tissue. Whole genome microarray analysis revealed changes in global gene expression profile after 6 h of perfusion with sub-cytotoxic concentrations of CuO (10 µg/mL) and PS NPs (25 µg/mL). Pathway and gene ontology enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes suggested that CuO and PS NPs trigger distinct cellular response in placental tissue. While CuO NPs induced pathways related to angiogenesis, protein misfolding and heat shock responses, PS NPs affected the expression of genes related to inflammation and iron homeostasis. The observed effects on protein misfolding, cytokine signaling, and hormones were corroborated by western blot (accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins) or qPCR analysis. Overall, the results of the present study revealed extensive and material-specific interference of CuO and PS NPs with placental gene expression from a single short-term exposure which deserves increasing attention. In addition, the placenta, which is often neglected in developmental toxicity studies, should be a key focus in the future safety assessment of NPs in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chortarea S
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Gupta G
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Saarimäki LA
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Netkueakul W
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Manser P
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Aengenheister L
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; Human Biomonitoring Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), 1 A-B, Rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Wichser A
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials, Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Fortino V
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Wick P
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Greco D
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Buerki-Thurnherr T
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Song X, Du L, Si M, Zou D, Qiu X. Effects of Micro(nano)plastics on the reproductive system: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139138. [PMID: 37285987 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (100nm-5 mm) and nanoplastics (1-100 nm) are collectively referred to as micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), which are refractory to degradation, easy to migration, small in size, strong in adsorption, and can widely present in human living environment. A number of studies have confirmed that MNPs can be exposed to the human body through a variety of routes, and can penetrate various barriers to enter the reproductive system, suggesting that MNPs may pose potential harm to human reproductive health. Current studies most were limited to phenotypic studies and their subjects were basically lower marine organisms and mammals. Therefore, in order to provide theoretical base for further exploring the effects of MNPs on the human reproductive system, this paper searched the relevant literature at home and abroad, mainly analyzed rodent experiments, and concluded that the main exposure routes of MNPs are dietary intake, air inhalation, skin contact and medical plastics. After entering the reproductive system, MNPs produce reproductive toxicity mainly through oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic disorders, cytotoxicity and other mechanisms. More work is required to comprehensively identify the exposure routes, improve the detection methods to evaluate the effective exposure and deeply study the specific mechanisms of toxic effects, withing the aim of conducting relevant studies at the population level in the next step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Song
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, 610219, China.
| | - Lixia Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, 610219, China
| | - Maling Si
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, 610219, China
| | - Dan Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, 610219, China
| | - Xihong Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, 610219, China
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Malinowska K, Sicińska P, Michałowicz J, Bukowska B. The effects of non-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles of different diameters on the induction of apoptosis and mTOR level in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 335:139137. [PMID: 37285979 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Particles of various types of plastics, including polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs), have been determined in human blood, placenta, and lungs. These findings suggest a potential detrimental effect of PS-NPs on bloodstream cells. The purpose of this study was to assess the mechanism underlying PS-NPs-induced apoptosis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Non-functionalized PS-NPs of three diameters: 29 nm, 44 nm, and 72 nm were studied used in this research. PBMCs were isolated from human leukocyte-platelet buffy coat and treated with PS-NPs at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 200 μg/mL for 24 h. Apoptotic mechanism of action was evaluated by determining the level of cytosolic calcium ions, as well as mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and ATP levels. Furthermore, detection of caspase-8, -9, and -3 activation, as well as mTOR level was conducted. The presence of apoptotic PBMCs was confirmed by the method of double staining of the cells with propidium iodide and FITC-conjugated Annexin V. We found that all tested NPs increased calcium ion and depleted mitochondrial transmembrane potential levels. The tested NPs also activated caspase-9 and caspase-3, and the smallest NPs of 29 nm of diameter also activated caspase-8. The results clearly showed that apoptotic changes and an increase of mTOR level depended on the size of the tested NPs, while the smallest particles caused the greatest alterations. PS-NPs of 26 nm of diameter activated the extrinsic pathway (increased caspase-8 activity), as well as intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway (increased caspase-9 activity, raised calcium ion level, and decreased transmembrane mitochondrial potential) of apoptosis. All PS-NPs increased mTOR level at the concentrations smaller than those that induced apoptosis and its level returned to control value when the process of apoptosis escalated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Malinowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Sicińska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jaromir Michałowicz
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Bożena Bukowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland.
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Yadav A, Yadav K, Ahmad R, Abd-Elsalam KA. Emerging Frontiers in Nanotechnology for Precision Agriculture: Advancements, Hurdles and Prospects. AGROCHEMICALS 2023; 2:220-256. [DOI: 10.3390/agrochemicals2020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
This review article provides an extensive overview of the emerging frontiers of nanotechnology in precision agriculture, highlighting recent advancements, hurdles, and prospects. The benefits of nanotechnology in this field include the development of advanced nanomaterials for enhanced seed germination and micronutrient supply, along with the alleviation of biotic and abiotic stress. Further, nanotechnology-based fertilizers and pesticides can be delivered in lower dosages, which reduces environmental impacts and human health hazards. Another significant advantage lies in introducing cutting-edge nanodiagnostic systems and nanobiosensors that monitor soil quality parameters, plant diseases, and stress, all of which are critical for precision agriculture. Additionally, this technology has demonstrated potential in reducing agro-waste, synthesizing high-value products, and using methods and devices for tagging, monitoring, and tracking agroproducts. Alongside these developments, cloud computing and smartphone-based biosensors have emerged as crucial data collection and analysis tools. Finally, this review delves into the economic, legal, social, and risk implications of nanotechnology in agriculture, which must be thoroughly examined for the technology’s widespread adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Yadav
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, District Banaskantha, Gujarat 385506, India
| | - Kusum Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
| | - Rumana Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Era University, Lucknow 226003, India
| | - Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
- Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt
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Zhu L, Xie C, Chen L, Dai X, Zhou Y, Pan H, Tian K. Transport of microplastics in the body and interaction with biological barriers, and controlling of microplastics pollution. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 255:114818. [PMID: 36958263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are one novel environmental pollutant sized < 5 mm that is ubiquitously present in numerous environmental media and particularly susceptible to interact with various toxic chemicals. Importantly, MPs can enter the food chain, and are bio-enriched and bio-accumulated with trophic levels, eventually endangering ecosystems and human health. However, there need to be more understanding regarding the bio-interaction of MPs with the host, particularly for biological barriers. This review aimed to summarize the latest findings regarding the main exposure routes of MPs that generated health burdens on humans. Furthermore, their interactions with biological barriers that generate adverse health effects and the underlying mechanisms were also reviewed. Additionally, we provided a comprehensive overview of recent advances regarding the removing and controlling of MPs. Finally, we discussed the future directions for MPs hazard prevention to provide helpful information for regulating decision-making and guiding safer plastics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Caiyan Xie
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Liangkai Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xingyu Dai
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Yuanzhong Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Hong Pan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China.
| | - Kunming Tian
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China.
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Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
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36
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Saeedi M. How microplastics interact with food chain: a short overview of fate and impacts. JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37360257 PMCID: PMC10010214 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-023-05720-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics as one of the ubiquitous contaminants have recently attracted attentions. Microplastics have the potential to impact the social-ecological environment. Accordingly, negating adverse effects on the environment necessitates scrutinizing physical and chemical characteristics of microplastics, emission sources, effects on the ecological environment, contaminated food chains especially human food web, and the impacts on human health. Microplastics are defined as very small plastic particles with a size smaller than 5 mm, which come in heterogeneous colors depending on their emission source and are composed of thermoplastics and thermosets. These particles based on their emission source are classified into primary and secondary microplastics. These particles diminish the quality of terrestrial, aquatic and air environments, which directly impact the habitats and trigger disruptions in plants and wild life. The adverse effects of these particles are multiplied when adsorbing to toxic chemicals. Moreover, these particles have the potential to be transmitted in organisms and human food chain. Due to the fact that the retention time in the body of organisms is longer than the time elapsed from ingestion to excretion, microplastic bioaccumulation occurs in the food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Saeedi
- Environment Department, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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37
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Rathod NB, Xavier KAM, Özogul F, Phadke GG. Impacts of nano/micro-plastics on safety and quality of aquatic food products. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2023; 103:1-40. [PMID: 36863832 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The spread of nano/microplastics (N/MPs) pollution has gained importance due to the associated health concerns. Marine environment including fishes, mussels, seaweed and crustaceans are largely exposed to these potential threats. N/MPs are associated with plastic, additives, contaminants and microbial growth, which are transmitted to higher trophic levels. Foods from aquatic origin are known to promote health and have gained immense importance. Recently, aquatic foods are traced to transmit the nano/microplastic and the persistent organic pollutant poising hazard to humans. However, microplastic ingestion, translocation and bioaccumulation of the contaminant have impacts on animal health. The level of pollution depends upon the pollution in the zone of growth for aquatic organisms. Consumption of contaminated aquatic food affects the health by transferring the microplastic and chemicals. This chapter describes the sources and occurrence of N/MPs in marine environment, detailed classification of N/MPs based on the properties influencing associated hazard. Additionally, occurrence of N/MPs and their impact on quality and safety in aquatic food products are discussed. Lastly, existing regulations and requirements of a robust framework of N/MPs are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikheel Bhojraj Rathod
- Department of Post Harvest Management of Meat, Poultry and Fish, Post Graduate Institute of Post Harvest Technology & Management, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Roha, Raigad, Maharashtra, India.
| | - K A Martin Xavier
- Department of Post-Harvest Technology, Fishery Resource Harvest and Postharvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Fatih Özogul
- Department of Seafood Processing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Girija Gajanan Phadke
- Network for Fish Quality Management & Sustainable Fishing (NETFISH), The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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38
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Gubert P, Gubert G, de Oliveira RC, Fernandes ICO, Bezerra IC, de Ramos B, de Lima MF, Rodrigues DT, da Cruz AFN, Pereira EC, Ávila DS, Mosca DH. Caenorhabditis elegans as a Prediction Platform for Nanotechnology-Based Strategies: Insights on Analytical Challenges. TOXICS 2023; 11:239. [PMID: 36977004 PMCID: PMC10059662 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology-based strategies have played a pivotal role in innovative products in different technological fields, including medicine, agriculture, and engineering. The redesign of the nanometric scale has improved drug targeting and delivery, diagnosis, water treatment, and analytical methods. Although efficiency brings benefits, toxicity in organisms and the environment is a concern, particularly in light of global climate change and plastic disposal in the environment. Therefore, to measure such effects, alternative models enable the assessment of impacts on both functional properties and toxicity. Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode model that poses valuable advantages such as transparency, sensibility in responding to exogenous compounds, fast response to perturbations besides the possibility to replicate human disease through transgenics. Herein, we discuss the applications of C. elegans to nanomaterial safety and efficacy evaluations from one health perspective. We also highlight the directions for developing appropriate techniques to safely adopt magnetic and organic nanoparticles, and carbon nanosystems. A description was given of the specifics of targeting and treatment, especially for health purposes. Finally, we discuss C. elegans potential for studying the impacts caused by nanopesticides and nanoplastics as emerging contaminants, pointing out gaps in environmental studies related to toxicity, analytical methods, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Gubert
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology Applied to Health, PPGBAS, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Pure and Applied Chemistry, POSQUIPA, Federal University of Western of Bahia, Bahia 47808-021, Brazil
| | - Greici Gubert
- Postdoctoral Program in Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil
| | | | - Isabel Cristina Oliveira Fernandes
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology Applied to Health, PPGBAS, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna de Ramos
- Oceanography Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Milena Ferreira de Lima
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology Applied to Health, PPGBAS, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Daniela Teixeira Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | | | - Ernesto Chaves Pereira
- Postdoctoral Program in Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
| | - Dante Homero Mosca
- Postdoctoral Program in Physics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80060-000, Brazil
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A Systematic Review of the Placental Translocation of Micro- and Nanoplastics. Curr Environ Health Rep 2023:10.1007/s40572-023-00391-x. [PMID: 36848019 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite increasing awareness of the ubiquity of microplastics (MPs) in our environments, little is known about their risk of developmental toxicity. Even less is known about the environmental distribution and associated toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs). Here, we review the current literature on the capacity for MPs and NPs to be transported across the placental barrier and the potential to exert toxicity on the developing fetus. RECENT FINDINGS This review includes 11 research articles covering in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models, and observational studies. The current literature confirms the placental translocation of MPs and NPs, depending on physicochemical properties such as size, charge, and chemical modification as well as protein corona formation. Specific transport mechanisms for translocation remain unclear. There is emerging evidence of placental and fetal toxicity due to plastic particles based on animal and in vitro studies. Nine out of eleven studies examined in this review found that plastic particles were capable of placental translocation. In the future, more studies are needed to confirm and quantify the existence of MPs and NPs in human placentas. Additionally, translocation of different plastic particle types and heterogenous mixtures across the placenta, exposure at different periods of gestation, and associations with adverse birth and other developmental outcomes should also be investigated.
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40
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Dusza HM, van Boxel J, van Duursen MBM, Forsberg MM, Legler J, Vähäkangas KH. Experimental human placental models for studying uptake, transport and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160403. [PMID: 36417947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and have recently been found in human lungs, blood and placenta. However, data on the possible effects of MNPs on human health is extremely scarce. The potential toxicity of MNPs during pregnancy, a period of increased susceptibility to environmental insults, is of particular concern. The placenta provides a unique interface between maternal and fetal circulation which is essential for in utero survival and healthy pregnancy. Placental toxicokinetics and toxicity of MNPs are still largely unexplored and the limited studies performed up to now focus mainly on polystyrene particles. Practical and ethical considerations limit research options in humans, and extrapolation from animal studies is challenging due to marked differences between species. Nevertheless, diverse in vitro and ex vivo human placental models exist e.g., plasma membrane vesicles, mono-culture and co-culture of placental cells, placenta-on-a-chip, villous tissue explants, and placental perfusion that can be used to advance this research area. The objective of this concise review is to recapitulate different human placental models, summarize the current understanding of placental uptake, transport and toxicity of MNPs and define knowledge gaps. Moreover, we provide perspectives for future research urgently needed to assess the potential hazards and risks of MNP exposure to maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Dusza
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeske van Boxel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Markus M Forsberg
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juliette Legler
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsi H Vähäkangas
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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41
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Adamova P, Lotto RR, Powell AK, Dykes IM. Are there foetal extracellular vesicles in maternal blood? Prospects for diagnostic biomarker discovery. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:65-81. [PMID: 36538060 PMCID: PMC9977902 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital disease improves clinical outcomes; however, as many as 50% of congenital heart disease cases are missed by current ultrasound screening methods. This indicates a need for improved screening technology. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted enormous interest in recent years for their potential in diagnostics. EVs mediate endocrine signalling in health and disease and are known to regulate aspects of embryonic development. Here, we critically evaluate recent evidence suggesting that EVs released from the foetus are able to cross the placenta and enter the maternal circulation. Furthermore, EVs from the mother appear to be transported in the reverse direction, whilst the placenta itself acts as a source of EVs. Experimental work utilising rodent models employing either transgenically encoded reporters or application of fluorescent tracking dyes provide convincing evidence of foetal-maternal crosstalk. This is supported by clinical data demonstrating expression of placental-origin EVs in maternal blood, as well as limited evidence for the presence of foetal-origin EVs. Together, this work raises the possibility that foetal EVs present in maternal blood could be used for the diagnosis of congenital disease. We discuss the challenges faced by researchers in translating these basic science findings into a clinical non-invasive prenatal test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Adamova
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Robyn R Lotto
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,School of Nursing and Allied Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Tithebarn St, Liverpool, L2 2ER, UK
| | - Andrew K Powell
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Iain M Dykes
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK. .,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
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42
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Jimoh JO, Rahmah S, Mazelan S, Jalilah M, Olasunkanmi JB, Lim LS, Ghaffar MA, Chang YM, Bhubalan K, Liew HJ. Impact of face mask microplastics pollution on the aquatic environment and aquaculture organisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120769. [PMID: 36455766 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in our environment, especially water bodies is an emerging threat to food security and human health. Inevitably, the outbreak of Covid-19 has necessitated the constant use of face masks made from polymers such as polypropylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, or polyester which eventually will disintegrate into microplastic particles. They can be broken down into microplastics by the weathering action of UV radiation from the sun, heat, or ocean wave-current and precipitate in natural environments. The global adoption of face masks as a preventive measure to curb the spread of Covid-19 has made the safe management of wastes from it cumbersome. Microplastics gain access into aquaculture facilities through water sources and food including planktons. The negative impacts of microplastics on aquaculture cannot be overemphasized. The impacts includes low growth rates of animals, hindered reproductive functions, neurotoxicity, low feeding habit, oxidative stress, reduced metabolic rate, and increased mortality rate among aquatic organisms. With these, there is every tendency of microplastic pollution to negatively impact fish production through aquaculture if the menace is not curbed. It is therefore recommended that biodegradable materials rather than plastics to be considered in the production of face mask while recycle of already produced ones should be encouraged to reduce waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah Olanipekun Jimoh
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICOE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Sharifah Rahmah
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICOE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Suhairi Mazelan
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICOE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Jalilah
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICOE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - John Bunmi Olasunkanmi
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Leong-Seng Lim
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mazlan Abd Ghaffar
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICOE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Yu Mei Chang
- Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Science, Harbin, China
| | - Kesaven Bhubalan
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Hon Jung Liew
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICOE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Science, Harbin, China.
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43
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Liu S, Guo J, Liu X, Yang R, Wang H, Sun Y, Chen B, Dong R. Detection of various microplastics in placentas, meconium, infant feces, breastmilk and infant formula: A pilot prospective study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158699. [PMID: 36108868 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy and infancy are sensitive windows for environmental exposures. However, no study has investigated the presence of microplastics (MPs) in mother-infant pairs, and the exposure sources. Therefore, we aim to assess MPs exposure in placenta, meconium, infant feces, breast milk and infant formula samples, and assess the potential sources of pregnancy and lactational exposure to MPs. A total of 18 mother-infant pairs were recruited, and placentas and meconium samples were collected. Infant feces, breast milk and infant formula samples were collected at 6 months of age. We also collected data on plastic use and feeding habits through two questionnaires to determine the source of exposure. We used an Agilent 8700 laser infrared imaging spectrometer to analyze samples. Sixteen types of MPs were identified, and polyamide (PA) and polyurethane (PU) were dominant. >74 % of the MPs found were 20-50 μm in size. The water intake and usage of scrub cleanser or toothpaste may be exposure sources of pregnant women. The breastfeeding and usage of feeding bottles and plastic toys may be exposure sources for infants. Given the lack of relevant studies, our results highlight the need of investigating the contribution of plastic products to the MPs exposure during the lactational period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Liu
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jialin Guo
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China.
| | - Xinyuan Liu
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Ruoru Yang
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Hangwei Wang
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yongyun Sun
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Bo Chen
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Nutrition, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Ruihua Dong
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Nutrition, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Ragusa A, Matta M, Cristiano L, Matassa R, Battaglione E, Svelato A, De Luca C, D’Avino S, Gulotta A, Rongioletti MCA, Catalano P, Santacroce C, Notarstefano V, Carnevali O, Giorgini E, Vizza E, Familiari G, Nottola SA. Deeply in Plasticenta: Presence of Microplastics in the Intracellular Compartment of Human Placentas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811593. [PMID: 36141864 PMCID: PMC9517680 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. They have been found almost everywhere they have been searched for and recent discoveries have also demonstrated their presence in human placenta, blood, meconium, and breastmilk, but their location and toxicity to humans have not been reported to date. The aim of this study was twofold: 1. To locate MPs within the intra/extracellular compartment in human placenta. 2. To understand whether their presence and location are associated with possible structural changes of cell organelles. Using variable pressure scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, MPs have been localized in ten human placentas. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the presence and localization in the cellular compartment of fragments compatible with MPs in the human placenta and we hypothesized a possible correlation between their presence and important ultrastructural alterations of some intracytoplasmic organelles (mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum). These alterations have never been reported in normal healthy term pregnancies until today. They could be the result of a prolonged attempt to remove and destroy the plastic particles inside the placental tissue. The presence of virtually indestructible particles in term human placenta could contribute to the activation of pathological traits, such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, characteristic of metabolic disorders underlying obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome and partially accounting for the recent epidemic of non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Ragusa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università Campus Bio Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Matta
- Department of Clinico-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Pavia, Via Alessandro Brambilla, 74, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Loredana Cristiano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Loc. Coppito, 67010 Coppito, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberto Matassa
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Via A. Borelli, 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ezio Battaglione
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Via A. Borelli, 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Svelato
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina De Luca
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara D’Avino
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gulotta
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ciro Antonio Rongioletti
- Department of Pathological Anatomy of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Catalano
- Department of Pathological Anatomy of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Criselda Santacroce
- Department of Pathological Anatomy of “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina of Rome, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Polo Montedago Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Polo Montedago Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giorgini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Polo Montedago Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizza
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi, 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Via A. Borelli, 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Via A. Borelli, 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
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45
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Dusza HM, Katrukha EA, Nijmeijer SM, Akhmanova A, Vethaak AD, Walker DI, Legler J. Uptake, Transport, and Toxicity of Pristine and Weathered Micro- and Nanoplastics in Human Placenta Cells. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:97006. [PMID: 36129437 PMCID: PMC9491364 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first evidence of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) exposure in the human placenta is emerging. However, the toxicokinetics and toxicity of MNPs in the placenta, specifically environmentally relevant particles, remain unclear. OBJECTIVES We examined the transport, uptake, and toxicity of pristine and experimentally weathered MNPs in nonsyncytialized and syncytialized BeWo b30 choriocarcinoma cells. METHODS We performed untargeted chemical characterization of pristine and weathered MNPs using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry to evaluate compositional differences following particle weathering. We investigated cellular internalization of pristine and weathered polystyrene (PS; 0.05-10μm) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE; 0-80μm) particles using high-resolution confocal imaging and three-dimensional rendering. We investigated the influence of particle coating with human plasma on the cellular transport of PS particles using a transwell setup and examined the influence of acute MNP exposure on cell viability, damage to the plasma membrane, and expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis. RESULTS Chemical characterization of MNPs showed a significantly higher number of unique features in pristine particles in comparison with weathered particles. Size-dependent placental uptake of pristine and weathered MNPs was observed in both placental cell types after 24 h exposure. Cellular transport was limited and size-dependent and was not influenced by particle coating with human plasma. None of the MNPs affected cell viability. Damage to the plasma membrane was observed only for 0.05μm PS particles in the nonsyncytialized cells at the highest concentration tested (100μg/mL). Modest down-regulation of hsd17b1 was observed in syncytialized cells exposed to pristine MNPs. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that pristine and weathered MNPs are internalized and translocated in placental cells in vitro. Effects on gene expression observed upon pristine PS and HDPE particle exposure warrant further examination. More in-depth investigations are needed to better understand the potential health risks of MNP and chemicals associated with them under environmentally relevant exposure scenarios. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10873.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M. Dusza
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eugene A. Katrukha
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra M. Nijmeijer
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A. Dick Vethaak
- Deltares, Delft, the Netherlands
- Department of Environment and Health, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Douglas I. Walker
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Juliette Legler
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Shen F, Li D, Guo J, Chen J. Mechanistic toxicity assessment of differently sized and charged polystyrene nanoparticles based on human placental cells. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 223:118960. [PMID: 35988336 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics, as emerging contaminants, may be degraded from microplastics and released into aquatic systems globally, which pose threats to human health via ingestion with food or water. Although plastic fragments have been isolated from placental tissues in pregnant women, little is known about the direct toxicity of nanoplastics on human placental cells that plays a critical role in maintaining healthy growth of fetus. This study explored the mechanistic toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) with different sizes (25, 50, 100 and 500 nm) and surface charges (-NH2, -COOH and unlabeled) on human placental cells. Results showed that PS-NPs had size- and surface charge-specific toxicity pattern. The smaller the PS-NP size was, the greater the toxicity induced on human placental cells. In terms of surface charges, NH2-labeled PS-NPs caused greater effects on cytotoxicity, inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) activity, oxidative stress, and cell cycle arrest compared to COOH-labeled and unmodified PS-NPs. PS-NPs also induced size- and surface charge-dependent expression profiles of genes involved in various and interrelated toxicity pathways. In particular, PS-NPs increased intracellular reactive oxygen species in human placental cells, which can induce DNA damage and lead to cell cycle arrest in G1or G2 phase, inflammation and apoptosis. Our findings provide empirical evidences that the negative effects of nanoplastics on human placental cells, and highlight the necessity to conduct risk assessment of nanoplastics on female reproduction and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglin Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Fudan Tyndall Center, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Fudan Tyndall Center, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jianmin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Fudan Tyndall Center, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Furer LA, Abad ÁD, Manser P, Hannig Y, Schuerle S, Fortunato G, Buerki-Thurnherr T. Novel electrospun chitosan/PEO membranes for more predictive nanoparticle transport studies at biological barriers. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:12136-12152. [PMID: 35968642 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr01742c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The design of safe and effective nanoparticles (NPs) for commercial and medical applications requires a profound understanding of NP translocation and effects at biological barriers. To gain mechanistic insights, physiologically relevant and accurate human in vitro biobarrier models are indispensable. However, current transfer models largely rely on artificial porous polymer membranes for the cultivation of cells, which do not provide a close mimic of the natural basal membrane and intrinsically provide limited permeability for NPs. In this study, electrospinning is exploited to develop thin chitosan/polyethylene oxide (PEO) membranes with a high porosity and nanofibrous morphology for more predictive NP transfer studies. The nanofiber membranes allow the cultivation of a tight and functional placental monolayer (BeWo trophoblasts). Translocation studies with differently sized molecules and NPs (Na-fluorescein; 40 kDa FITC-Dextran; 25 nm PMMA; 70, 180 and 520 nm polystyrene NPs) across empty and cell containing membranes reveal a considerably enhanced permeability compared to commercial microporous membranes. Importantly, the transfer data of NPs is highly similar to data from ex vivo perfusion studies of intact human placental tissue. Therefore, the newly developed membranes may decisively contribute to establish physiologically relevant in vitro biobarrier transfer models with superior permeability for a wide range of molecules and particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea A Furer
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
- ETH Zürich, Responsive Biomedical Systems Lab, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ángela Díaz Abad
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Pius Manser
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Yvette Hannig
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Simone Schuerle
- ETH Zürich, Responsive Biomedical Systems Lab, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppino Fortunato
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Sangkham S, Faikhaw O, Munkong N, Sakunkoo P, Arunlertaree C, Chavali M, Mousazadeh M, Tiwari A. A review on microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment: Their occurrence, exposure routes, toxic studies, and potential effects on human health. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113832. [PMID: 35716489 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging environmental pollutants, having a major ecotoxicological concern to humans and many other biotas, especially aquatic animals. The physical and chemical compositions of MPs majorly determine their ecotoxicological risks. However, comprehensive knowledge about the exposure routes and toxic effects of MPs/NPs on animals and human health is not fully known. Here this review focuses on the potential exposure routes, human health impacts, and toxicity response of MPs/NPs on human health, through reviewing the literature on studies conducted in different in vitro and in vivo experiments on organisms, human cells, and the human experimental exposure models. The current literature review has highlighted ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contacts as major exposure routes of MPs/NPs. Further, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, DNA damage, inflammation, immune response, neurotoxicity, metabolic disruption, and ultimately affecting digestive systems, immunology, respiratory systems, reproductive systems, and nervous systems, as serious health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarawut Sangkham
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Muang District, Phayao 56000, Thailand.
| | - Orasai Faikhaw
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Narongsuk Munkong
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Phayao, Muang District, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Pornpun Sakunkoo
- Department of Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Chumlong Arunlertaree
- Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Murthy Chavali
- Office of the Dean (Research) & Division of Chemistry, Department of Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Alliance University, Chandapura-Anekal Main Road, Bengaluru 562106, Karnataka, India
| | - Milad Mousazadeh
- Student research committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran; Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Ananda Tiwari
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio, Finland
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49
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Petersen EJ, Ceger P, Allen DG, Coyle J, Derk R, Garcia-Reyero N, Gordon J, Kleinstreuer NC, Matheson J, McShan D, Nelson BC, Patri AK, Rice P, Rojanasakul L, Sasidharan A, Scarano L, Chang X. U.S. Federal Agency interests and key considerations for new approach methodologies for nanomaterials. ALTEX 2022; 39:183–206. [PMID: 34874455 PMCID: PMC9115850 DOI: 10.14573/altex.2105041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, surface coatings, and compositions, and often possess novel or enhanced properties compared to larger sized particles of the same elemental composition. To ensure the safe commercialization of products containing ENMs, it is important to thoroughly understand their potential risks. Given that ENMs can be created in an almost infinite number of variations, it is not feasible to conduct in vivo testing on each type of ENM. Instead, new approach methodologies (NAMs) such as in vitro or in chemico test methods may be needed, given their capacity for higher throughput testing, lower cost, and ability to provide information on toxicological mechanisms. However, the different behaviors of ENMs compared to dissolved chemicals may challenge safety testing of ENMs using NAMs. In this study, member agencies within the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods were queried about what types of ENMs are of agency interest and whether there is agency-specific guidance for ENM toxicity testing. To support the ability of NAMs to provide robust results in ENM testing, two key issues in the usage of NAMs, namely dosimetry and interference/bias controls, are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah J Petersen
- U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Patricia Ceger
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, LLC, P.O. Box 13501, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - David G Allen
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, LLC, P.O. Box 13501, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jayme Coyle
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Morgantown, WV, USA.,Current affiliation: UES, Inc., Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Raymond Derk
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - John Gordon
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicole C Kleinstreuer
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Danielle McShan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bryant C Nelson
- U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Anil K Patri
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Penelope Rice
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Liying Rojanasakul
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Abhilash Sasidharan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Louis Scarano
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Chang
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, LLC, P.O. Box 13501, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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50
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Nanoplastics and Human Health: Hazard Identification and Biointerface. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12081298. [PMID: 35458006 PMCID: PMC9026096 DOI: 10.3390/nano12081298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are associated with several risks to the ecology and toxicity to humans. Nanoplastics are synthetic polymers with dimensions ranging from 1 nm to 1 μm. They are directly released to the environment or secondarily derived from plastic disintegration in the environment. Nanoplastics are widely detected in environmental samples and the food chain; therefore, their potentially toxic effects have been widely explored. In the present review, an overview of another two potential sources of nanoplastics, exposure routes to illustrate hazard identification of nanoplastics, cell internalization, and effects on intracellular target organelles are presented. In addition, challenges on the study of nanoplastics and future research areas are summarized. This paper also summarizes some approaches to eliminate or minimize the levels of nanoplastics to ensure environmental safety and improve human health.
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