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Rahman L, Williams A, Wu D, Halappanavar S. Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics Generated from Disposable Water Bottles Induce Interferon Signaling Pathways in Mouse Lung Epithelial Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:1287. [PMID: 39120391 PMCID: PMC11314056 DOI: 10.3390/nano14151287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are present in ambient air in a respirable size fraction; however, their potential impact on human health via inhalation routes is not well documented. In the present study, methods for a lab-scale generation of MPs from regularly used and littered plastic articles were optimized. The toxicity of 11 different types of MPs, both commercially purchased and in-lab prepared MPs, was investigated in lung epithelial cells using cell viability, immune and inflammatory response, and genotoxicity endpoints. The underlying mechanisms were identified by microarray analysis. Although laborious, the laboratory-scale methods generated a sufficient quantity of well characterized MPs for toxicity testing. Of the 11 MPs tested, the small sized polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) MPs prepared from disposable water bottles induced the maximum toxicity. Specifically, the smaller size PETE MPs induced a robust activation of the interferon signaling pathway, implying that PETE MPs are perceived by cells by similar mechanisms as those employed to recognize pathogens. The PETE MPs of heterogenous size and shapes induced cell injury, triggering cell death, inflammatory cascade, and DNA damage, hallmark in vitro events indicative of potential in vivo tissue injury. The study establishes toxicity of specific types of plastic materials in micron and nano size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Rahman
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (L.R.); (A.W.); (D.W.)
| | - Andrew Williams
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (L.R.); (A.W.); (D.W.)
| | - Dongmei Wu
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (L.R.); (A.W.); (D.W.)
| | - Sabina Halappanavar
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (L.R.); (A.W.); (D.W.)
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
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Hou R, Zhang J, Fu Q, Li T, Gao S, Wang R, Zhao S, Zhu B. The boom era of emerging contaminants: A review of remediating agricultural soils by biochar. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172899. [PMID: 38692328 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172899] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Emerging contaminants (ECs) are widely sourced persistent pollutants that pose a significant threat to the environment and human health. Their footprint spans global ecosystems, making their remediation highly challenging. In recent years, a significant amount of literature has focused on the use of biochar for remediation of heavy metals and organic pollutants in soil and water environments. However, the use of biochar for the remediation of ECs in agricultural soils has not received as much attention, and as a result, there are limited reviews available on this topic. Thus, this review aims to provide an overview of the primary types, sources, and hazards of ECs in farmland, as well as the structure, functions, and preparation types of biochar. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the importance and prospects of three remediation strategies for ECs in cropland: (i) employing activated, modified, and composite biochar for remediation, which exhibit superior pollutant removal compared to pure biochar; (ii) exploring the potential synergistic efficiency between biochar and compost, enhancing their effectiveness in soil improvement and pollution remediation; (iii) utilizing biochar as a shelter and nutrient source for microorganisms in biochar-mediated microbial remediation, positively impacting soil properties and microbial community structure. Given the increasing global prevalence of ECs, the remediation strategies provided in this paper aim to serve as a valuable reference for future remediation of ECs-contaminated agricultural lands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Hou
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Effective Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources of Ministry of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Effective Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources of Ministry of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Effective Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources of Ministry of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China.
| | - Tianxiao Li
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Effective Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources of Ministry of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China.
| | - Shijun Gao
- Heilongjiang Water Conservancy Research Institute, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150080, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Heilongjiang Province Five building Construction Engineering Co., LTD, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Bingyu Zhu
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Effective Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources of Ministry of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
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Alijagic A, Särndahl E. Can evolutionary immunology decode micro and nanoplastic challenges? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1404360. [PMID: 38827731 PMCID: PMC11140029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1404360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andi Alijagic
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Eva Särndahl
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Han W, Cui J, Sun G, Miao X, Pufang Z, Nannan L. Nano-sized microplastics exposure induces skin cell senescence via triggering the mitochondrial localization of GSDMD. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123874. [PMID: 38552769 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123874] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Nano-sized microplastic pollution is distributed worldwide. Nano-sized microplastics can enter the blood through the digestive tract, and then transported to various tissues and organs of the body, resulting in a series of toxicological effects. In addition, nano-sized microplastics can penetrate the skin barrier. However, the toxicological effects of nano-sized microplastics on the skin are still not completely understood. Two skin cell lines were used as in vitro models to investigate the toxicological effects of nano-sized microplastics on skin cells and their potential molecular mechanisms. First, cellular behavioral research results showed that nano-sized microplastics can be internalized into skin cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Further experiments using western blotting, indirect immunofluorescence, and ELISA assays demonstrated that nano-sized microplastics cause an increase in skin cell inflammation levels. Additionally, our research showed that nano-sized microplastics caused skin cell senescence damage by evaluating aging-marker molecules such as p16 and p21. Subsequently, we studied the potential molecular mechanism by which nano-sized microplastics cause pathological skin injury and found that they induce mitochondrial oxidative stress, depolarize the mitochondrial membrane potential, and recruit GSDMD to the mitochondria. Subsequently, mtDNA enters the cytoplasm via GSDMD pores, which then activates the AIM2 Inflammasome. Ultimately, it causes a series of biochemical reactions such as inflammation and aging in cells. In an in vivo model, we tested the effect of nano-sized microplastics on skin regeneration and found that they acted as an inhibitor to skin regeneration and aggravated the inflammatory reaction of the skin. Overall, our results provide new evidence of the skin toxicity of nano-sized microplastics. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further research on the potential toxicological effects of nano-sized microplastics on the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Han
- The First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Oral Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiayue Cui
- Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Gao Sun
- The First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Oral Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao Miao
- The First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Oral Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhang Pufang
- The First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Oral Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Nannan
- The First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Oral Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Bishop CR, Yan K, Nguyen W, Rawle DJ, Tang B, Larcher T, Suhrbier A. Microplastics dysregulate innate immunity in the SARS-CoV-2 infected lung. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1382655. [PMID: 38803494 PMCID: PMC11128561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1382655] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Global microplastic (MP) pollution is now well recognized, with humans and animals consuming and inhaling MPs on a daily basis, with a growing body of concern surrounding the potential impacts on human health. Methods Using a mouse model of mild COVID-19, we describe herein the effects of azide-free 1 μm polystyrene MP beads, co-delivered into lungs with a SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.5 inoculum. The effect of MPs on the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection was analysed using histopathology and RNA-Seq at 2 and 6 days post-infection (dpi). Results Although infection reduced clearance of MPs from the lung, virus titres and viral RNA levels were not significantly affected by MPs, and overt MP-associated clinical or histopathological changes were not observed. However, RNA-Seq of infected lungs revealed that MP exposure suppressed innate immune responses at 2 dpi and increased pro-inflammatory signatures at 6 dpi. The cytokine profile at 6 dpi showed a significant correlation with the 'cytokine release syndrome' signature observed in some COVID-19 patients. Discussion The findings are consistent with the recent finding that MPs can inhibit phagocytosis of apoptotic cells via binding of Tim4. They also add to a growing body of literature suggesting that MPs can dysregulate inflammatory processes in specific disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron R. Bishop
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kexin Yan
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Wilson Nguyen
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Rawle
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bing Tang
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Thibaut Larcher
- Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche, Oniris, Nantes, France
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Global Virus Network (GVN) Center of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Alijagic A, Suljević D, Fočak M, Sulejmanović J, Šehović E, Särndahl E, Engwall M. The triple exposure nexus of microplastic particles, plastic-associated chemicals, and environmental pollutants from a human health perspective. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108736. [PMID: 38759545 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) is increasing at a dramatic rate globally, posing risks for exposure and subsequent potential adverse effects on human health. Apart from being physical objects, MP particles contain thousands of plastic-associated chemicals (i.e., monomers, chemical additives, and non-intentionally added substances) captured within the polymer matrix. These chemicals are often migrating from MPs and can be found in various environmental matrices and human food chains; increasing the risks for exposure and health effects. In addition to the physical and chemical attributes of MPs, plastic surfaces effectively bind exogenous chemicals, including environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants). Therefore, MPs can act as vectors of environmental pollution across air, drinking water, and food, further amplifying health risks posed by MP exposure. Critically, fragmentation of plastics in the environment increases the risk for interactions with cells, increases the presence of available surfaces to leach plastic-associated chemicals, and adsorb and transfer environmental pollutants. Hence, this review proposes the so-called triple exposure nexus approach to comprehensively map existing knowledge on interconnected health effects of MP particles, plastic-associated chemicals, and environmental pollutants. Based on the available data, there is a large knowledge gap in regard to the interactions and cumulative health effects of the triple exposure nexus. Each component of the triple nexus is known to induce genotoxicity, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, but knowledge about long-term and inter-individual health effects is lacking. Furthermore, MPs are not readily excreted from organisms after ingestion and they have been found accumulated in human blood, cardiac tissue, placenta, etc. Even though the number of studies on MPs-associated health impacts is increasing rapidly, this review underscores that there is a pressing necessity to achieve an integrated assessment of MPs' effects on human health in order to address existing and future knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Alijagic
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Damir Suljević
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71 000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Muhamed Fočak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71 000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jasmina Sulejmanović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71 000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Elma Šehović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71 000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Eva Särndahl
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Magnus Engwall
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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Sellin ML, Hansmann D, Bader R, Jonitz-Heincke A. Influence of metallic particles and TNF on the transcriptional regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated genes in human osteoblasts. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1397432. [PMID: 38751427 PMCID: PMC11094288 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397432] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The release of mature interleukin (IL-) 1β from osteoblasts in response to danger signals is tightly regulated by the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. These danger signals include wear products resulting from aseptic loosening of joint arthroplasty. However, inflammasome activation requires two different signals: a nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-activating priming signal and an actual inflammasome-activating signal. Since human osteoblasts react to wear particles via Toll-like receptors (TLR), particles may represent an inflammasome activator that can induce both signals. Methods Temporal gene expression profiles of TLRs and associated intracellular signaling pathways were determined to investigate the period when human osteoblasts take up metallic wear particles after initial contact and initiate a molecular response. For this purpose, human osteoblasts were treated with metallic particles derived from cobalt-chromium alloy (CoCr), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) alone or in combination for incubation times ranging from one hour to three days. Shortly after adding the particles, their uptake was observed by the change in cell morphology and spectral data. Results Exposure of osteoblasts to particles alone increased NLRP3 inflammasome-associated genes. The response was not significantly enhanced when cells were treated with CoCr + LPS or CoCr + TNF, whereas inflammation markers were induced. Despite an increase in genes related to the NLRP3 inflammasome, the release of IL-1β was unaffected after contact with CoCr particles. Discussion Although CoCr particles affect the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated genes, a single stimulus was not sufficient to prime and activate the inflammasome. TNF was able to prime the NLRP3 inflammasome of human osteoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Luise Sellin
- Biomechanics and Implant Technology Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedics, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Alijagic A, Kotlyar O, Larsson M, Salihovic S, Hedbrant A, Eriksson U, Karlsson P, Persson A, Scherbak N, Färnlund K, Engwall M, Särndahl E. Immunotoxic, genotoxic, and endocrine disrupting impacts of polyamide microplastic particles and chemicals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108412. [PMID: 38183898 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108412] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Due to their exceptional properties and cost effectiveness, polyamides or nylons have emerged as widely used materials, revolutionizing diverse industries, including industrial 3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM). Powder-based AM technologies employ tonnes of polyamide microplastics to produce complex components every year. However, the lack of comprehensive toxicity assessment of particulate polyamides and polyamide-associated chemicals, especially in the light of the global microplastics crisis, calls for urgent action. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of polyamide-12 microplastics used in AM, and assessed a number of toxicity endpoints focusing on inflammation, immunometabolism, genotoxicity, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation, endocrine disruption, and cell morphology. Specifically, microplastics examination by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that work flow reuse of material created a fraction of smaller particles with an average size of 1-5 µm, a size range readily available for uptake by human cells. Moreover, chemical analysis by means of gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry detected several polyamide-associated chemicals including starting material, plasticizer, thermal stabilizer/antioxidant, and migrating slip additive. Even if polyamide particles and chemicals did not induce an acute inflammatory response, repeated and prolonged exposure of human primary macrophages disclosed a steady increase in the levels of proinflammatory chemokine Interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL-8). Moreover, targeted metabolomics disclosed that polyamide particles modulated the kynurenine pathway and some of its key metabolites. The p53-responsive luciferase reporter gene assay showed that particles per se were able to activate p53, being indicative of a genotoxic stress. Polyamide-associated chemicals triggered moderate activation of AhR and elicited anti-androgenic activity. Finally, a high-throughput and non-targeted morphological profiling by Cell Painting assay outlined major sites of bioactivity of polyamide-associated chemicals and indicated putative mechanisms of toxicity in the cells. These findings reveal that the increasing use of polyamide microplastics may pose a potential health risk for the exposed individuals, and it merits more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Alijagic
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden.
| | - Oleksandr Kotlyar
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden; Centre for Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems (AASS), Mobile Robotics and Olfaction Lab (MRO), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Maria Larsson
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Samira Salihovic
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Alexander Hedbrant
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Eriksson
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Patrik Karlsson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Alexander Persson
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Nikolai Scherbak
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | | | - Magnus Engwall
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Eva Särndahl
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
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Hong Y, Wu S, Wei G. Adverse effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the reproductive system: A comprehensive review of fertility and potential harmful interactions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166258. [PMID: 37579804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have caused ubiquitous environmental pollution and raised widespread concern about their potential toxicity to human health, especially in the reproductive system. Moreover, infertility affects >15 % of couples worldwide, and the birth rate is decreasing. Environmental factors are some of the most important causes of infertility. However, little is known about the effects of MPs and NPs on the testes and ovaries. These particles can enter the body primarily via ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, target the reproductive system in a size-dependent manner and disturb germ cell and other somatic cell development. Our study systematically reviewed the adverse effects of plastic particles on reproductive function and offers valuable insights into the different stages of germ cells and the potential mechanisms. Moreover, the synergistic reproductive toxicity of these particles and carried contaminants was summarized. Given the limited research scale, a shift toward innovative technologies and the adoption of multiple omics are recommended for advancing related studies. Further study is needed to explore the reproductive toxicity of MPs and NPs based on their size, polymer type, shape, and carried toxins, establish effective protective measures, and develop precision medicine for targeted reproductive damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Hong
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Shengde Wu
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China.
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
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Rajendran D, Chandrasekaran N. Journey of micronanoplastics with blood components. RSC Adv 2023; 13:31435-31459. [PMID: 37901269 PMCID: PMC10603568 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05620a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The entry of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) into the human body is inevitable. They enter blood circulation through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact by crossing the gut-lung-skin barrier (the epithelium of the digestive tract, the respiratory tract, and the cutaneous layer). There are many reports on their toxicities to organs and tissues. This paper presents the first thorough assessment of MNP-driven bloodstream toxicity and the mechanism of toxicity from the viewpoint of both MNP and environmental co-pollutant complexes. Toxic impacts include plasma protein denaturation, hemolysis, reduced immunity, thrombosis, blood coagulation, and vascular endothelial damage, among others, which can lead to life-threatening diseases. Protein corona formation, oxidative stress, cytokine alterations, inflammation, and cyto- and genotoxicity are the key mechanisms involved in toxicity. MNPs change the secondary structure of plasma proteins, thereby preventing their transport functions (for nutrients, drugs, oxygen, etc.). MNPs inhibit erythropoiesis by influencing hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and differentiation. They cause red blood cell and platelet aggregation, as well as increased adherence to endothelial cells, which can lead to thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. White blood cells and immune cells phagocytose MNPs, provoking inflammation. However, research gaps still exist, including gaps regarding the combined toxicity of MNPs and co-pollutants, toxicological studies in human models, advanced methodologies for toxicity analysis, bioaccumulation studies, inflammation and immunological responses, dose-response relationships of MNPs, and the effect of different physiochemical characteristics of MNPs. Furthermore, most studies have analyzed toxicity using prepared MNPs; hence, studies must be undertaken using true-to-life MNPs to determine the real-world scenario. Additionally, nanoplastics may further degrade into monomers, whose toxic effects have not yet been explored. The research gaps highlighted in this review will inspire future studies on the toxicity of MNPs in the vascular/circulatory systems utilizing in vivo models to enable more reliable health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durgalakshmi Rajendran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore 632014 Tamil Nadu India +91 416 2243092 +91 416 2202624
| | - Natarajan Chandrasekaran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore 632014 Tamil Nadu India +91 416 2243092 +91 416 2202624
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