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Xiong G, Zhang H, Peng Y, Shi H, Han M, Hu T, Wang H, Zhang S, Wu X, Xu G, Zhang J, Liu Y. Subchronic co-exposure of polystyrene nanoplastics and 3-BHA significantly aggravated the reproductive toxicity of ovaries and uterus in female mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124101. [PMID: 38710361 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124101] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Both nanoplastics (NPs) and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (3-BHA) are environmental contaminants that can bio-accumulate through the food chain. However, the combined effects of which on mammalian female reproductive system remain unclear. Here, the female ICR-CD1 mice were used to evaluate the damage effects of ovaries and uterus after NPs and 3-BHA co-treatment for 35 days. Firstly, co-exposure significantly reduced the body weight and organ index of ovaries and uterus in mice. Secondly, combined effects of NPs and 3-BHA exacerbated the histopathological abnormalities to the ovaries and uterus and decreased female sex hormones such as FSH and LH while increased antioxidant activities including CAT and GSH-Px. Moreover, the apoptotic genes, inflammatory cytokines and the key reproductive development genes such as FSTL1 were significantly up-regulated under co-exposure conditions. Thirdly, through transcriptional and bioinformatics analysis, immunofluorescence and western blotting assays, together with molecular docking simulation, we determined that co-exposure up-regulated the FSTL1, TGF-β and p-Smad1/5/9 but down-regulated the expression of BMP4. Finally, the pharmacological rescue experiments further demonstrated that co-exposure of NPs and 3-BHA mainly exacerbated the female reproductive toxicity through FSTL1-mediated BMP4/TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Taken together, our studies provided the theoretical basis of new environmental pollutants on the reproductive health in female mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghua Xiong
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China; College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yulin Peng
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Huangqi Shi
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Meiling Han
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Tianle Hu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Hongcheng Wang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Shangrong Zhang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Gaoxiao Xu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Jun'e Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yong Liu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China.
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2
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Li S, Qiao Z, Huang M, Lao Q, Zhang Q, Xing Y, Pan S, Martin FL, Liu H, Pang W. Combined exposure of polystyrene microplastics and benzo[a]pyrene in rat: Study of the oxidative stress effects in the liver. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116390. [PMID: 38705037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116390] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) are prevalent environmental pollutants. Numerous studies have extensively reported their individual adverse effects on organisms. However, the combined effects and mechanisms of exposure in mammals remain unknown. Thus, this study aims to investigate the potential effects of oral administration of 0.5μm polystyrene (PS) MPs (1 mg/mL or 5 mg/mL), B[a]P (1 mg/mL or 5 mg/mL) and combined (1 mg/mL or 5 mg/mL) on 64 male SD rats by gavage method over 6-weeks. The results demonstrate that the liver histopathological examination showed that the liver lobules in the combined (5 mg/kg) group had blurred and loose boundaries, liver cord morphological disorders, and significant steatosis. The levels of AST, ALT, TC, and TG in the combined dose groups were significantly higher than those in the other groups, the combined (5 mg/kg) group had the lowest levels of antioxidant enzymes and the highest levels of oxidants. The expression of Nrf2 was lowest and the expression of P38, NF-κB, and TNF-α was highest in the combined (5 mg/kg) group. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the combination of PSMPs and B[a]P can cause the highest levels of oxidative stress and elicit markedly enhanced toxic effects, which cause severe liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengle Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China; School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Zipeng Qiao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China; School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Meidie Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China; School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Qiufeng Lao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China; School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Qingquan Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China; School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Yu Xing
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China; School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Songying Pan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China; School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Francis L Martin
- Biocel UK Ltd, Hull HU10 6TS, UK; Department of Cellular Pathology, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool FY3 8NR, UK
| | - Hui Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China; School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China.
| | - Weiyi Pang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China; School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China; School of Humanities and Management, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China.
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3
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Su QL, Wu J, Tan SW, Guo XY, Zou DZ, Kang K. The impact of microplastics polystyrene on the microscopic structure of mouse intestine, tight junction genes and gut microbiota. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304686. [PMID: 38837998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, are widely present in the environment, have become a serious threat to aquatic life and human health, potentially causing ecosystem disorders and health problems. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of microplastics, specifically microplastics-polystyrene (MPs-PS), on the structural integrity, gene expression related to tight junctions, and gut microbiota in mice. A total of 24 Kunming mice aged 30 days were randomly assigned into four groups: control male (CM), control female (CF), PS-exposed male (PSM), and PS-exposed female (PSF)(n = 6). There were significant differences in villus height, width, intestinal surface area, and villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) between the PS group and the control group(C) (p <0.05). Gene expression analysis demonstrated the downregulation of Claudin-1, Claudin-2, Claudin-15, and Occludin, in both duodenum and jejunum of the PS group (p < 0.05). Analysis of microbial species using 16S rRNA sequencing indicated decreased diversity in the PSF group, as well as reduced diversity in the PSM group at various taxonomic levels. Beta diversity analysis showed a significant difference in gut microbiota distribution between the PS-exposed and C groups (R2 = 0.113, p<0.01), with this difference being more pronounced among females exposed to MPs-PS. KEGG analysis revealed enrichment of differential microbiota mainly involved in seven signaling pathways, such as nucleotide metabolism(p<0.05). The relative abundance ratio of transcriptional pathways was significantly increased for the PSF group (p<0.01), while excretory system pathways were for PSM group(p<0.05). Overall findings suggest that MPs-PS exhibit a notable sex-dependent impact on mouse gut microbiota, with a stronger effect observed among females; reduced expression of tight junction genes may be associated with dysbiosis, particularly elevated levels of Prevotellaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Ling Su
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of Animal Science, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Shao-Wen Tan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Guo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Ding-Zhe Zou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Kai Kang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
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Kaur M, Sharma A, Bhatnagar P. Vertebrate response to microplastics, nanoplastics and co-exposed contaminants: Assessing accumulation, toxicity, behaviour, physiology, and molecular changes. Toxicol Lett 2024; 396:48-69. [PMID: 38677566 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Pollution from microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has gained significant public attention and has become a serious environmental problem worldwide. This review critically investigates MPs/NPs' ability to pass through biological barriers in vertebrate models and accumulate in various organs, including the brain. After accumulation, these particles can alter individuals' behaviour and exhibit toxic effects by inducing oxidative stress or eliciting an inflammatory response. One major concern is the possibility of transgenerational harm, in which toxic consequences are displayed in offspring who are not directly exposed to MPs/NPs. Due to their large and marked surface hydrophobicity, these particles can easily absorb and concentrate various environmental pollutants, which may increase their toxicity to individuals and subsequent generations. This review systematically provides an analysis of recent studies related to the toxic effects of MPs/NPs, highlighting the intricate interplay between co-contaminants in vitro and in vivo. We further delve into mechanisms of MPs/NPs-induced toxicity and provide an overview of potential therapeutic approaches to lessen the negative effects of these MPs/NPs. The review also emphasizes the urgency of future studies to examine the long-term effects of chronic exposure to MPs/NPs and their size- and type-specific hazardous dynamics, and devising approaches to safeguard the affected organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjyot Kaur
- Department of Zoology, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Anju Sharma
- Department of Zoology, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Pradeep Bhatnagar
- Department of Zoology, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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5
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Rehman A, Huang F, Zhang Z, Habumugisha T, Yan C, Shaheen U, Zhang X. Nanoplastic contamination: Impact on zebrafish liver metabolism and implications for aquatic environmental health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108713. [PMID: 38703446 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are increasingly pervasive in the environment, raising concerns about their potential health implications, particularly within aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the impact of polystyrene nanoparticles (PSN) on zebrafish liver metabolism using liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) based non-targeted metabolomics. Zebrafish were exposed to 50 nm PSN for 28 days at low (L-PSN) and high (H-PSN) concentrations (0.1 and 10 mg/L, respectively) via water. The results revealed significant alterations in key metabolic pathways in low and high exposure groups. The liver metabolites showed different metabolic responses with L-PSN and H-PSN. A total of 2078 metabolite features were identified from the raw data obtained in both positive and negative ion modes, with 190 metabolites deemed statistically significant in both L-PSN and H-PSN groups. Disruptions in lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and amino acid synthesis were identified. Notably, L-PSN exposure induced changes in DNA building blocks, membrane-associated biomarkers, and immune-related metabolites, while H-PSN exposure was associated with oxidative stress, altered antioxidant metabolites, and liver injury. For the first time, L-PSN was found depolymerized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Utilizing an analytical approach to the adverse outcome pathway (AOP), impaired lipid metabolism and oxidative stress have been identified as potentially conserved key events (KEs) associated with PSN exposure. These KEs further induced liver inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis at the tissue and organ level. Ultimately, this could significantly impact biological health. The study highlights the PSN-induced effects on zebrafish liver metabolism, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the risks associated with NPs contamination in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rehman
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese 905 Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, 906, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Fuyi Huang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese 905 Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, 906, PR China
| | - Zixing Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese 905 Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, 906, PR China
| | - Théogène Habumugisha
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese 905 Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, 906, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Changzhou Yan
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese 905 Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, 906, PR China
| | - Uzma Shaheen
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese 905 Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, 906, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese 905 Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, 906, PR China.
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Song Y, Wang X, Lu X, Wang T. Exposure to Microcystin-LR Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Altering Gut Microbiota and Associated Metabolites in APC min/+ Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:212. [PMID: 38787064 PMCID: PMC11125743 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050212] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs), toxins generated by cyanobacteria, feature microcystin-LR (MC-LR) as one of the most prevalent and toxic variants in aquatic environments. MC-LR not only causes environmental problems but also presents a substantial risk to human health. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MC-LR on APCmin/+ mice, considered as an ideal animal model for intestinal tumors. We administered 40 µg/kg MC-LR to mice by gavage for 8 weeks, followed by histopathological examination, microbial diversity and metabolomics analysis. The mice exposed to MC-LR exhibited a significant promotion in colorectal cancer progression and impaired intestinal barrier function in the APCmin/+ mice compared with the control. Gut microbial dysbiosis was observed in the MC-LR-exposed mice, manifesting a notable alteration in the structure of the gut microbiota. This included the enrichment of Marvinbryantia, Gordonibacter and Family_XIII_AD3011_group and reductions in Faecalibaculum and Lachnoclostridium. Metabolomics analysis revealed increased bile acid (BA) metabolites in the intestinal contents of the mice exposed to MC-LR, particularly taurocholic acid (TCA), alpha-muricholic acid (α-MCA), 3-dehydrocholic acid (3-DHCA), 7-ketodeoxycholic acid (7-KDCA) and 12-ketodeoxycholic acid (12-KDCA). Moreover, we found that Marvinbryantia and Family_XIII_AD3011_group showed the strongest positive correlation with taurocholic acid (TCA) in the mice exposed to MC-LR. These findings provide new insights into the roles and mechanisms of MC-LR in susceptible populations, providing a basis for guiding values of MC-LR in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ting Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, China; (Y.S.); (X.W.); (X.L.)
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Sun H, Yang B, Zhu X, Li Q, Song E, Song Y. Oral exposure of polystyrene microplastics and doxycycline affects mice neurological function via gut microbiota disruption: The orchestrating role of fecal microbiota transplantation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133714. [PMID: 38340564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133714] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The debris of plastics with a size < 5 mm, called microplastics, possess long-lived legacies of plastic pollution and a growing threat to human beings. The adverse effects and corresponding molecular mechanisms of microplastics are still largely unknown and must be prioritized. Antibiotics commonly co-existed with microplastics; the current study investigated the syngenetic toxic effect of doxycycline (Dox) and polystyrene microplastics (PS). Specifically, we found that Dox combined with PS exposure perturbed gut microbiota homeostasis in mice, which mediated brain lesions and inflammation with a concomitant decline in learning and memory behaviors through the gut-brain axis. Of note, PS exposure resulted in intestinal damage and structural change, but Dox did not accelerate the disruption of intestinal barrier integrity in PS-treated mice. Interestingly, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can reverse neurological impairment caused by combined PS and Dox exposure via compensating gut microbes; therefore, the learning and memory abilities of mice were also recovered. This work not only provides insights into the syngenetic effect of microplastics and antibiotics and highlights their distal neurotoxicity through the gut-brain axis but also offers a promising strategy against their combined toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Bingwei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xiaokang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qiong Li
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Erqun Song
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yang Song
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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8
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Wardani I, Hazimah Mohamed Nor N, Wright SL, Kooter IM, Koelmans AA. Nano- and microplastic PBK modeling in the context of human exposure and risk assessment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108504. [PMID: 38537584 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Insufficient data on nano- and microplastics (NMP) hinder robust evaluation of their potential health risks. Methodological disparities and the absence of established toxicity thresholds impede the comparability and practical application of research findings. The diverse attributes of NMP, such as variations in sizes, shapes, and compositions, complicate human health risk assessment. Although probability density functions (PDFs) show promise in capturing this diversity, their integration into risk assessment frameworks is limited. Physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models offer a potential solution to bridge the gap between external exposure and internal dosimetry for risk evaluation. However, the heterogeneity of NMP poses challenges for accurate biodistribution modeling. A literature review, encompassing both experimental and modeling studies, was conducted to examine biodistribution studies of monodisperse micro- and nanoparticles. The literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases yielded 39 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Evaluation criteria were adapted from previous Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA-QC) studies, best practice guidelines from WHO (2010), OECD guidance (2021), and additional criteria specific to NMP risk assessment. Subsequently, a conceptual framework for a comprehensive NMP-PBK model was developed, addressing the multidimensionality of NMP particles. Parameters for an NMP-PBK model are presented. QA-QC evaluations revealed that most experimental studies scored relatively well (>0) in particle characterizations and environmental settings but fell short in criteria application for biodistribution modeling. The evaluation of modeling studies revealed that information regarding the model type and allometric scaling requires improvement. Three potential applications of PDFs in PBK modeling of NMP are identified: capturing the multidimensionality of the NMP continuum, quantifying the probabilistic definition of external exposure, and calculating the bio-accessibility fraction of NMP in the human body. A framework for an NMP-PBK model is proposed, integrating PDFs to enhance the assessment of NMP's impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira Wardani
- Department of aquatic ecology and water quality management, Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Stephanie L Wright
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Ingeborg M Kooter
- TNO, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Department of aquatic ecology and water quality management, Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands
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Wang X, Deng K, Zhang P, Chen Q, Magnuson JT, Qiu W, Zhou Y. Microplastic-mediated new mechanism of liver damage: From the perspective of the gut-liver axis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170962. [PMID: 38360312 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170962] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are environmental contaminants that are present in all environments and can enter the human body, accumulate in various organs, and cause harm through the ingestion of food, inhalation, and dermal contact. The connection between bowel and liver disease and the interplay between gut, liver, and flora has been conceptualized as the "gut-liver axis". Microplastics can alter the structure of microbial communities in the gut and the liver can also be a target for microplastic invasion. Numerous studies have found that when MPs impair human health, they not only promote dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and disruption of the gut barrier but also cause liver damage. For this reason, the gut-liver axis provides a new perspective in understanding this toxic response. The cross-talk between MPs and the gut-liver axis has attracted the attention of the scientific community, but knowledge about whether MPs cause gut-liver interactions through the gut-liver axis is still very limited, and the effect of MPs on liver injury is not well understood. MPs can directly induce microbiota disorders and gut barrier dysfunction. As a result, harmful bacteria and metabolites in the gut enter the blood through the weak intestinal barrier (portal vein channel along the gut-liver axis) and reach the liver, causing liver damage (inflammatory damage, metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, etc.). This review provides an integrated perspective of the gut-liver axis to help conceptualize the mechanisms by which MP exposure induces gut microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic injury and highlights the connection between MPs and the gut-liver axis. Therefore, from the perspective of the gut-liver axis, targeting intestinal flora is an important way to eliminate microplastic liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Wang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Kaili Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Hospital, Ningbo 315336, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jason T Magnuson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Wenhui Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yuping Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine Research on Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ningbo 315020, China; Institute of Digestive Disease of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China.
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10
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Covello C, Di Vincenzo F, Cammarota G, Pizzoferrato M. Micro(nano)plastics and Their Potential Impact on Human Gut Health: A Narrative Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2658-2677. [PMID: 38534784 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030168] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are becoming an increasingly severe global problem due to their widespread distribution and complex impact on living organisms. Apart from their environmental impact, the effects of MNPs on living organisms have also continued to attract attention. The harmful impact of MNPs has been extensively documented in marine invertebrates and larger marine vertebrates like fish. However, the research on the toxicity of these particles on mammals is still limited, and their possible effects on humans are poorly understood. Considering that MNPs are commonly found in food or food packaging, humans are primarily exposed to them through ingestion. It would be valuable to investigate the potential harmful effects of these particles on gut health. This review focuses on recent research exploring the toxicological impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on the gut, as observed in human cell lines and mammalian models. Available data from various studies indicate that the accumulation of MNPs in mammalian models and human cells may result in adverse consequences, in terms of epithelial toxicity, immune toxicity, and the disruption of the gut microbiota. The paper also discusses the current research limitations and prospects in this field, aiming to provide a scientific basis and reference for further studies on the toxic mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Covello
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Di Vincenzo
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cammarota
- UOC Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pizzoferrato
- UOC Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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11
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De Boever S, Devisscher L, Vinken M. Unraveling the micro- and nanoplastic predicament: A human-centric insight. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170262. [PMID: 38253106 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170262] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics are vast anthropogenic pollutants in our direct surroundings with a robust environmental stability and a potential for a long-lasting and increasing global circulation. This has raised concerns among the public and policy makers for human health upon exposure to these particles. The micro- and nanoplastic burden on humans is currently under debate, along with criticism on the experimental approaches used in hazard assessment. The present review presents an overview of the human-relevant aspects associated with the current micro-and nanoplastic burden. We focus on environmental circulation and the estimation of exposure quantities to humans, along with a state-of-the-art overview of particle accumulation in over 15 human organs and other specimen. Additionally, data regarding particle characteristics used in toxicity testing was extracted from 91 studies and discussed considering their environmental and human relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybren De Boever
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Centre Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiteit Gent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Wen J, Sun H, Yang B, Song E, Song Y, Jiang G. Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Microplastic Exposure Cause Cholestasis and Bile Acid Metabolism Dysregulation through a Gut-Liver Loop in Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1832-1841. [PMID: 38230996 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The massive production of plastics causes the ubiquitous existence of microplastics (MPs) in the biota, therefore, posing exposure risks and potential health concerns to human beings. However, the exact mechanisms of MPs-induced toxicities and abnormalities are largely unknown. In this study, we developed a mouse model of gavage polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) for 30 days. We found that PS MPs can damage the intestinal barrier, accumulate in the liver tissue, and cause injury. The liver and intestine are both highly associated with bile acid (BA) metabolism. Indeed, we found that PS MPs dysregulate BA synthesis and efflux-related gene expression in the liver, causing cholestasis. Tandemly, PS MPs alter the ratio of primary to secondary BA in the feces by affecting the composition of the intestinal flora. At last, PS MPs alter mice's fecal BA profile, which affects normal BA metabolism. Taken together, the present study provides robust data on the mechanism of toxicity of MPs causing the disturbance of BA metabolism via a 4-step gut-liver loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bingwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Erqun Song
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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13
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Zhang Z, Chen W, Chan H, Peng J, Zhu P, Li J, Jiang X, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Tan Z, Peng Y, Zhang S, Lin K, Yung KKL. Polystyrene microplastics induce size-dependent multi-organ damage in mice: Insights into gut microbiota and fecal metabolites. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132503. [PMID: 37717443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Particle size is one of the most important factors in determining the biological toxicity of microplastics (MPs). In this study, we attempted to examine the systemic toxicity of polystyrene MPs of different sizes (0.5 µm MP1 and 5 µm MP2) in C57BL/6 J mice. After the mice were given oral gavage of MPs for 8 consecutive weeks, histopathology and molecular biology assays, 16 S rRNA sequencing of the gut microbiota, and untargeted metabolomics were performed. The results showed that MPs were distributed in the organs in a size-dependent manner, with smaller particles demonstrating greater biodistribution. Further analysis indicated that exposure to MPs caused multi-organ damage through distinct toxicity pathways. Specifically, exposure to 0.5 µm MP1 led to excessive accumulation and induced more serious inflammation and mechanical damage in the spleen, kidney, heart, lung, and liver. However, 5 µm MP2 led to more severe intestinal barrier dysfunction, as well as gut dysbiosis and metabolic disorder in association with neuroinflammation. These results are helpful in expanding our knowledge of the toxicity of MPs of different sizes in mammalian models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Zhang
- Golden Meditech Centre for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Wenqing Chen
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Hiutung Chan
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Junjie Peng
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Peili Zhu
- Golden Meditech Centre for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Junkui Li
- Golden Meditech Centre for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xiaoli Jiang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Zhang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zicong Tan
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yungkang Peng
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Shiqing Zhang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Kaili Lin
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ken Kin-Lam Yung
- Golden Meditech Centre for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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14
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Ge Y, Yang S, Zhang T, Wan X, Zhu Y, Yang F, Yin L, Pu Y, Liang G. The hepatotoxicity assessment of micro/nanoplastics: A preliminary study to apply the adverse outcome pathways. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:165659. [PMID: 37517720 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a significant global problem over the years, leading to the continuous decomposition and accumulation of micro/nanoplastics (MNPLs) in the environment. As a result, human exposure to these MNPLs is inevitable. The liver, in particular, is highly susceptible to potential MNPL toxicity. In this study, we systematically reviewed the current literature on MNPLs-induced hepatotoxicity and collected data on toxic events occurring at different biological levels. Then, to better understand the cause-mechanism causality, we developed an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework for MNPLs-induced hepatotoxicity. The AOP framework provided insights into the mechanism of MNPL-induced hepatotoxicity and highlighted potential health risks such as liver dysfunction and inflammation, metabolism disorders and liver fibrosis. Moreover, we discussed the potential application of emerging toxicological models in the hepatotoxicity study. Liver organoids and liver-on-chips, which can simulate the structure and function of the liver in vitro, offer a promising alternative platform for toxicity testing and risk assessment. We proposed combining the AOP framework with these emerging toxicological models to improve our understanding of the hepatotoxic effects of MNPLs. Overall, this study performed a preliminary exploration of novel toxicological methodologies to assess the hepatotoxicity of MNPLs, providing a deeper understanding of environmental toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Ge
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Sheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Xin Wan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yuxin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards of Hunan Province, School of Basic Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.
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15
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Zhuang J, Chen Q, Xu L, Chen X. Combined exposure to polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene microplastics induces liver injury and perturbs gut microbial and serum metabolic homeostasis in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 267:115637. [PMID: 37944461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115637] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
A variety of microplastics (MPs) have become ubiquitous environmental pollutants, leading to inevitable human contact and health impacts. Most previous research has explored the toxic effects of a single type of MPs exposure. However, the effects of co-exposure to both common types of MPs, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) MPs on mammals have not been explored. Here, adult mice were exposed to PS-PVC (1.0 µm PS and 2.0 µm PVC both at the concentration of 0.5 mg/day) for 60 days. The results showed that PS-PVC co-exposure-induced hepatotoxicity was evidenced by liver histopathological changes, the release of inflammatory cytokines, and the activation of oxidative stress. Moreover, the intestinal mucosal barrier was damaged after PS-PVC treatment. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing reported there was a marked shift in the gut microbial structure accompanied by decreased relative abundances of probiotics, such as Clostridium, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, Desulfovibrio, Clostridiales_unclassified and Ruminococcaceae_unclassified and increased the conditional pathogen abundances, such as Erysipelatoclostridium. Furthermore, the triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TCH) expression levels in the serum and liver were increased after PS-PVC co-exposure. Serum metabolomics analysis showed that there were 717 differential expression metabolites found in the positive- and negative-ion modes, including 476 up-regulated and 241 down-regulated, mainly enriched in butyrate metabolism, thiamine metabolism, and phenylacetate metabolism. In addition, remarked changes in the gut microbiota and serum metabolic profiles were closely related to hepatic and intestinal injuries after PS-PVC co-exposure. These results have provided new insights into the toxic effects of PS and PVC MPs co-exposure through the gut-liver axis and the health risks of PS and PVC MPs should be paid more attention to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshen Zhuang
- Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Qianling Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identiffcation, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Luyao Xu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identiffcation, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Xuebing Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identiffcation, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
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16
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Yang Z, DeLoid GM, Zarbl H, Baw J, Demokritou P. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and their potential toxicological outcomes: State of science, knowledge gaps and research needs. NANOIMPACT 2023; 32:100481. [PMID: 37717636 PMCID: PMC10841092 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste has been produced at a rapidly growing rate over the past several decades. The environmental impacts of plastic waste on marine and terrestrial ecosystems have been recognized for years. Recently, researchers found that micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), micron (100 nm - 5 mm) and nanometer (1 - 100 nm) scale particles and fibers produced by degradation and fragmentation of plastic waste in the environment, have become an important emerging environmental and food chain contaminant with uncertain consequences for human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent findings from studies of potential toxicity and adverse health impacts of MNPs in terrestrial mammals, including studies in both in vitro cellular and in vivo mammalian models. Also reviewed here are recently released biomonitoring studies that have characterized the bioaccumulation, biodistribution, and excretion of MNPs in humans. The majority MNPs in the environment to which humans are most likely to be exposed, are of irregular shapes, varied sizes, and mixed compositions, and are defined as secondary MNPs. However, the MNPs used in most toxicity studies to date were commercially available primary MNPs of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other polymers. The emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence reviewed here suggests that MNP toxicity and bioactivity are largely determined by MNP particle physico-chemical characteristics, including size, shape, polymer type, and surface properties. For human exposure, MNPs have been identified in human blood, urine, feces, and placenta, which pose potential health risks. The evidence to date suggests that the mechanisms underlying MNP toxicity at the cellular level are primarily driven by oxidative stress. Nonetheless, large knowledge gaps in our understanding of MNP toxicity and the potential health impacts of MNP exposures still exist and much further study is needed to bridge those gaps. This includes human population exposure studies to determine the environmentally relevant MNP polymers and exposure concentrations and durations for toxicity studies, as well as toxicity studies employing environmentally relevant MNPs, with surface chemistries and other physico-chemical properties consistent with MNP particles in the environment. It is especially important to obtain comprehensive toxicological data for these MNPs to understand the range and extent of potential adverse impacts of microplastic pollutants on humans and other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenning Yang
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Glen M DeLoid
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Joshua Baw
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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17
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Zou W, Lu S, Wang J, Xu Y, Shahid MA, Saleem MU, Mehmood K, Li K. Environmental Microplastic Exposure Changes Gut Microbiota in Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2503. [PMID: 37570310 PMCID: PMC10417107 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As novel environmental contaminants, MPs exist widely in the environment and accumulate in organisms, which has become a global ecological problem. MP perturbations of organismal physiology and behavior have been extensively recorded in aquatic animals, but the potential effects of MPs on poultry are not well characterized. Here, we explored the adverse effects of MP exposure on the growth performance and gut microbiota of chickens. Results showed that the growth performance of chickens decreased significantly during MP exposure. Additionally, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria were found to be dominant in the gut microbiota of MP-exposed chickens, regardless of health status. Although the types of dominant bacteria did not change, the abundances of some bacteria and the structure of the gut microbiota changed significantly. Compared with the controls, the alpha diversity of gut microbiota in chickens exposed to MPs showed a significant decrease. The results of comparative analyses of bacteria between groups showed that the levels of 1 phyla (Proteobacteria) and 18 genera dramatically decreased, whereas the levels of 1 phyla (Cyanobacteria) and 12 genera dramatically increased, during MP exposure. In summary, this study provides evidence that exposure to MPs has a significant impact on the growth performance and gut microbial composition and structure of chickens, leading to a gut microbial imbalance. This may raise widespread public concern about the health threat caused by MP contamination, which is relevant to the maintenance of environmental quality and protection of poultry health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Sijia Lu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yixiao Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Muhammad Akbar Shahid
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Usman Saleem
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Kun Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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18
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Rosendo-Silva D, Viana S, Carvalho E, Reis F, Matafome P. Are gut dysbiosis, barrier disruption, and endotoxemia related to adipose tissue dysfunction in metabolic disorders? Overview of the mechanisms involved. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:1287-1302. [PMID: 37014495 PMCID: PMC10412677 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03262-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Recently, compelling evidence points to dysbiosis and disruption of the epithelial intestinal barrier as major players in the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders, such as obesity. Upon the intestinal barrier disruption, components from bacterial metabolism and bacteria itself can reach peripheral tissues through circulation. This has been associated with the low-grade inflammation that characterizes obesity and other metabolic diseases. While circulating bacterial DNA has been postulated as a common feature of obesity and even type 2 diabetes, almost no focus has been given to the existence and effects of bacteria in peripheral tissues, namely the adipose tissue. As a symbiont population, it is expected that gut microbiota modulate the immunometabolism of the host, thus influencing energy balance mechanisms and inflammation. Gut inflammatory signals cause direct deleterious inflammatory responses in adipose tissue and may also affect key gut neuroendocrine mechanisms governing nutrient sensing and energy balance, like incretins and ghrelin, which play a role in the gut-brain-adipose tissue axis. Thus, it is of major importance to disclose how gut microbiota and derived signals modulate neuroendocrine and inflammatory pathways, which contribute to the dysfunction of adipose tissue and to the metabolic sequelae of obesity and related disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding these topics and identifies new perspectives in this field of research, highlighting new pathways toward the reduction of the inflammatory burden of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rosendo-Silva
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sofia Viana
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Coimbra Health School (ESTeSC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Carvalho
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Flávio Reis
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Matafome
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
- Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Coimbra Health School (ESTeSC), Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, Pole III of University of Coimbra, Subunit 1, 1st floor, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-354, Coimbra, Portugal.
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19
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Niu H, Liu S, Jiang Y, Hu Y, Li Y, He L, Xing M, Li X, Wu L, Chen Z, Wang X, Lou X. Are Microplastics Toxic? A Review from Eco-Toxicity to Effects on the Gut Microbiota. Metabolites 2023; 13:739. [PMID: 37367897 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13060739] [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] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies have presented an initial picture of the toxic effects of exposure to environmental micro- and nanoplastics. They have indicated that micro- and nanoplastics may induce toxicity by leading to oxidative stress, energy metabolism disorders, gene damage, and so forth in environmental organisms, marine invertebrates and vertebrates, and laboratory mouse models. In recent years, micro- and nanoplastics have been discovered in human fecal samples, placentas, lung tissue, and even blood; thus, micro- and nanoplastics pose an alarming and ever-increasing threat to global public health. However, current research on the health effects of micro- and nanoplastics and the possible adverse outcomes in humans has only presented the tip of the iceberg. More robust clinical data and basic experiments are still warranted to elucidate the specific relationships and mechanisms. In this paper, we review studies on micro- and nanoplastic toxicity from the perspectives of eco-toxicity, the adverse effects on invertebrates and vertebrates, and the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on the gut microbiota and its metabolites. In addition, we evaluate the toxicological role of micro- and nanoplastic exposure and its potential implications in respect to human health. We also summarize studies regarding preventive strategies. Overall, this review provides insights on micro- and nanoplastic toxicity and its underlying mechanisms, opening up scientific avenues for future in-depth studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixia Niu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Shaojie Liu
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yujie Jiang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Yahui Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Luyang He
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Mingluan Xing
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Xueqing Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Lizhi Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Zhijian Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Xiaoming Lou
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
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20
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Liu W, Zhang B, Yao Q, Feng X, Shen T, Guo P, Wang P, Bai Y, Li B, Wang P, Li R, Qu Z, Liu N. Toxicological effects of micro/nano-plastics on mouse/rat models: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1103289. [PMID: 37275491 PMCID: PMC10233117 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1103289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Micro/nano-plastics (MNPs) are considered a heterogeneous class of environmental contaminants that cause multiple toxic effects on biological species. As the commonly used mammalian models to study the effects of MNPs with regard to their toxic effects, the mouse and rat models are making a great contribution to the disciplines of environmental toxicology and medical health. However, the toxic effects of MNPs have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the toxic effects of MNPs on mouse/rat models were conducted. A total of seven main categories were established in this systematic review, and 24 subcategories were further divided according to the specific physiological significance of the endpoint or the classification of the physiological system, which covered all the selected pieces of literature. A total of 1,762 biological endpoints were found, and 52.78% of them were significantly affected. This fact indicates that there are relative factors, including the size, polymer type, concentration, and exposure time of MNPs and different sexes of mouse/rat models that could significantly affect the biological endpoints. These biological endpoints can be classified into various factors, such as the dose-response relationships between MNP concentration and physiological categories of the nervous system, growth, reproduction, digestive tract histopathology, and inflammatory cytokine level, among others. MNPs negatively affected the blood glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and reproductive function in mice. The reproductive function in male mice is more sensitive to the toxic effects of MNPs. These findings also provide insights into and directions for exploring the evidence and mechanisms of the toxic effects of MNPs on human health. It is clear that more research is required on the pathological mechanisms at the molecular level and the long-term effects of tissue accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Liu
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Bowen Zhang
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qianqian Yao
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xihua Feng
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tianling Shen
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peisen Guo
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Panpan Wang
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yitong Bai
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Bo Li
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peixi Wang
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruiling Li
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhi Qu
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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21
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Tu P, Xue J, Niu H, Tang Q, Mo Z, Zheng X, Wu L, Chen Z, Cai Y, Wang X. Deciphering Gut Microbiome Responses upon Microplastic Exposure via Integrating Metagenomics and Activity-Based Metabolomics. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040530. [PMID: 37110188 PMCID: PMC10145956 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Perturbations of the gut microbiome are often intertwined with the onset and development of diverse metabolic diseases. It has been suggested that gut microbiome perturbation could be a potential mechanism through which environmental chemical exposure induces or exacerbates human diseases. Microplastic pollution, an emerging environmental issue, has received ever increasing attention in recent years. However, interactions between microplastic exposure and the gut microbiota remain elusive. This study aimed to decipher the responses of the gut microbiome upon microplastic polystyrene (MP) exposure by integrating 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing with metabolomic profiling techniques using a C57BL/6 mouse model. The results indicated that MP exposure significantly perturbed aspects of the gut microbiota, including its composition, diversity, and functional pathways that are involved in xenobiotic metabolism. A distinct metabolite profile was observed in mice with MP exposure, which probably resulted from changes in gut bacterial composition. Specifically, untargeted metabolomics revealed that levels of metabolites associated with cholesterol metabolism, primary and secondary bile acid biosynthesis, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were changed significantly. Targeted approaches indicated significant perturbation with respect to the levels of short-chain fatty acids derived from the gut microbiota. This study can provide evidence for the missing link in understanding the mechanisms behind the toxic effects of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Tu
- Department of Environmental Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Jingchuan Xue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huixia Niu
- Department of Environmental Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Qiong Tang
- College of Standardization, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhe Mo
- Department of Environmental Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lizhi Wu
- Department of Environmental Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Zhijian Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
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22
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Fackelmann G, Pham CK, Rodríguez Y, Mallory ML, Provencher JF, Baak JE, Sommer S. Current levels of microplastic pollution impact wild seabird gut microbiomes. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:698-706. [PMID: 36973353 PMCID: PMC10172112 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02013-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics contaminate environments worldwide and are ingested by numerous species, whose health is affected in multiple ways. A key dimension of health that may be affected is the gut microbiome, but these effects are relatively unexplored. Here, we investigated if microplastics are associated with changes in proventricular and cloacal microbiomes in two seabird species that chronically ingest microplastics: northern fulmars and Cory's shearwaters. The amount of microplastics in the gut was significantly correlated with gut microbial diversity and composition: microplastics were associated with decreases in commensal microbiota and increases in (zoonotic) pathogens and antibiotic-resistant and plastic-degrading microbes. These results illustrate that environmentally relevant microplastic concentrations and mixtures are associated with changes in gut microbiomes in wild seabirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Fackelmann
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Christopher K Pham
- Institute of Marine Sciences - Okeanos, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | - Yasmina Rodríguez
- Institute of Marine Sciences - Okeanos, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia E Baak
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simone Sommer
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
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23
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Shi X, Xu T, Cui W, Qi X, Xu S. Combined negative effects of microplastics and plasticizer DEHP: The increased release of Nets delays wound healing in mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160861. [PMID: 36526177 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental harmful pollutants microplastics (MPs) and di (2-ethyl) hexyl phthalate (DEHP) are widely residual in the environment, which may cause lesion to multiple apparatus by inducing oxidative stress, threatening the health of human and animals. Neutrophil extracellular traps (Nets) are involved in skin wound healing. Most studies focused on the individual effects of different poisons on animals and ecosystems, but there are few studies on the accumulation and interaction of multiple poisons. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of DEHP and MPs co-exposure on skin wound healing and the formation of Nets. For this purpose, we detected this hypothesis by replicating the DEHP and MPs-exposed skin wound model in mice, as well as the co-culture system of neutrophil and fibroblast. The results displayed that MPs and DEHP exposure delayed skin healing, which was more pronounced in the combined exposure group. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that compared with the DEHP or MPs group, the DEHP+MPs group had more significant oxidative stress, increased Nets release and inflammatory factors, and inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and fibrosis-related factors. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuated these phenomena. Through the co-culture system, we confirmed that the overproduction of Nets induced fibroblasts to exacerbate inflammatory responses and inhibit Wnt pathway and fibrosis. Overall, DEHP and MPs can produce synergistic toxic injury in mice skin wounds, and the excessive activation of ROS/Nets can aggravate inflammatory and inhibit fibrosis, resulting in delayed wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Tong Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Wei Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Xue Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Shiwen Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Laboratory of Embryo Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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24
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Combined Omics Analysis Further Unveils the Specific Role of Butyrate in Promoting Growth in Early-Weaning Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021787. [PMID: 36675302 PMCID: PMC9864007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021787] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal mutations in the microbial structure of early-weaning mammals are an important cause of enteritis. Based on the multiple known beneficial functions of butyrate, we hypothesized that butyrate would alleviate the imbalance of intestinal homeostasis induced by early weaning in animals. However, the mechanisms of action between butyrate and intestinal microbes are still poorly explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether butyrate exerts beneficial effects on the structure of the intestinal flora of weanling rabbits and their intestinal homeostasis, growth and development, and we attempted to elucidate the potential mechanisms of action through a combined omics analysis. We found that dietary butyrate upregulated the transcription of tight junction-related proteins in the epithelial barrier and improved the intestinal microbial structure by suppressing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones. Intestinal and plasma metabolomes were also altered. The bile acid secretion, α-linolenic acid, apoptotic, and prostate cancer pathways responded to the positive dietary butyrate-induced metabolic changes in the weanling rabbits, resulting in the inhibition of inflammation, improved antioxidant capacity, increased rates of cell proliferation and survival, and decreased levels of apoptosis. Additionally, dietary butyrate suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory factors and enhanced positive appetite regulation, which increased the average daily gain of the rabbits. These results demonstrated that dietary butyrate can help maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier, improve the structural composition of the intestinal microflora, enhance organismal metabolism, inhibit inflammation, reduce post-weaning anorexia, and promote growth and development in early-weaning rabbits. These positive effects of dietary butyrate were exerted via the modulation of the microbe-gut-brain axis.
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25
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Dong X, Liu X, Hou Q, Wang Z. From natural environment to animal tissues: A review of microplastics(nanoplastics) translocation and hazards studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158686. [PMID: 36099943 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastic (NPs) pollution is a global concern due to the massive use of plastic products. Although there have been many studies on the treatments of animals with MPs/NPs, there are few systematic summaries of MPs/NPs translocation and hazards in animals. This review comprehensively summarizes the pathways by which animals are exposed to MPs/NPs in the environment, in particular, to summarize in detail their translocation and hazards in vivo. Studies have shown that MPs/NPs enter the animals' body through water, food, breath and even skin, enter the blood circulation through the lungs and digestive tract, and eventually accumulate in various tissues. After a summary of the studies, we found a high correlation between the tissue accumulation of MPs/NPs and their particle size, with 4-20 μm MPs appearing to be more prone to accumulate in tissues. These MPs/NPs accumulated in animal tissues may be transferred to humans through the food chain. Thus, we summarized the studies on the accumulation of MPs/NPs in livestock and poultry products, showing that MPs/NPs in livestock and poultry products gradually increased with the complexity of processing and packaging processes. There are few reports related to direct contamination of livestock products by MPs/NPs, we hope that this review will bring together the growing body of evidence that MPs/NPs can directly harm human health through the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xusheng Dong
- Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, PR China
| | - Xinbei Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, PR China
| | - Qiuling Hou
- Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, PR China
| | - Zhonghua Wang
- Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, PR China.
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26
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Jiménez‐Arroyo C, Tamargo A, Molinero N, Moreno‐Arribas MV. The gut microbiota, a key to understanding the health implications of micro(nano)plastics and their biodegradation. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 16:34-53. [PMID: 36415969 PMCID: PMC9803334 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of plastic debris on the environment and plant, animal, and human health are a global challenge, with micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) being the main focus. MNPs are found so often in the food chain that they are provoking an increase in human intake. They have been detected in most categories of consumed foods, drinking water, and even human feces. Therefore, oral ingestion becomes the main source of exposure to MNPs, and the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the gut, constantly interacts with these small particles. The consequences of human exposure to MNPs remain unclear. However, current in vivo studies and in vitro gastrointestinal tract models have shown that MNPs of several types and sizes impact gut intestinal bacteria, affecting gut homeostasis. The typical microbiome signature of MNP ingestion is often associated with dysbiosis and loss of resilience, leads to frequent pathogen outbreaks, and local and systemic metabolic disorders. Moreover, the small micro- and nano-plastic particles found in animal tissues with accumulated evidence of microbial degradation of plastics/MNPs by bacteria and insect gut microbiota raise the issue of whether human gut bacteria make key contributions to the bio-transformation of ingested MNPs. Here, we discuss these issues and unveil the complex interplay between MNPs and the human gut microbiome. Therefore, the elucidation of the biological consequences of this interaction on both host and microbiota is undoubtedly challenging. It is expected that microbial biotechnology and microbiome research could help decipher the extent to which gut microorganisms diversify and MNP-determinant species, mechanisms, and enzymatic systems, as well as become important to understand our response to MNP exposure and provide background information to inspire future holistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alba Tamargo
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación (CIAL)CSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
| | - Natalia Molinero
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación (CIAL)CSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
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27
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Chen H, Chen H, Nan S, Liu H, Chen L, Yu L. Investigation of Microplastics in Digestion System: Effect on Surface Microstructures and Probiotics. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 109:882-892. [PMID: 35920852 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03571-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There are increasingly attentions on the pollution from microplastics, especially the impact on human health. This work focuses on one hand the effect of digestion system on the surface microstructures of microplastics from the most popular sources such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride. On the other hand, how these microplastic affect probiotics in digestion system was also investigated to evaluate their toxicity on health. All the samples were treated by in vitro simulating digestion consisting of three phases: oral, gastric and intestinal. There were no physical differences observed by both Scanning Electronic Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy, and no significant chemical changes detected by both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy after digestion treatment. The effect of these microplastics on tested strains were investigated by in vitro culture method and results showed that polystyrene microplastics could inhibit the growth of the Lactobacillus significantly. The results indicated that the digestion system could not decompose microplastics, even on the surfaces, since plastics are inert due to their low chemical reactivity, but the microplastics might lead to imbalance of intestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Centre for Polymers From Renewable Resources, School of Food Science and Engineering, SCUT, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Hongmei Chen
- Centre for Polymers From Renewable Resources, School of Food Science and Engineering, SCUT, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Shugang Nan
- Centre for Polymers From Renewable Resources, School of Food Science and Engineering, SCUT, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Hongsheng Liu
- Centre for Polymers From Renewable Resources, School of Food Science and Engineering, SCUT, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Centre for Polymers From Renewable Resources, School of Food Science and Engineering, SCUT, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Long Yu
- Centre for Polymers From Renewable Resources, School of Food Science and Engineering, SCUT, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Guangzhou, China.
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28
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Hu L, Zhao Y, Xu H. Trojan horse in the intestine: A review on the biotoxicity of microplastics combined environmental contaminants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 439:129652. [PMID: 35901632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
With the reported ability of microplastics (MPs) to act as "Trojan horses" carrying other environmental contaminants, the focus of researches has shifted from their ubiquitous occurrence to interactive toxicity. In this review, we provided the latest knowledge on the processes and mechanisms of interaction between MPs and co-contaminants (heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, pathogens, nanomaterials and other contaminants) and discussed the influencing factors (environmental conditions and characteristics of polymer and contaminants) that affect the adsorption/desorption process. In addition, the bio-toxicological outcomes of mixtures are elaborated based on the damaging effects on the intestinal barrier. Our review showed that the interaction processes and toxicological outcomes of mixture are complex and variable, and the intestinal barrier should receive more attention as the first line of defensing against MPs and environmental contaminants invasion. Moreover, we pointed out several knowledge gaps in this new research area and suggested directions for future studies in order to understand the multiple factors involved, such as epidemiological assessment, nanoplastics, mechanisms for toxic alteration and the fate of mixtures after desorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liehai Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
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29
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Song X, Zhuang W, Cui H, Liu M, Gao T, Li A, Gao Z. Interactions of microplastics with organic, inorganic and bio-pollutants and the ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial and aquatic organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156068. [PMID: 35598660 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As emerging contaminants, microplastics (MPs) have attracted global attention. They are a potential risk to organisms, ecosystems and human health. MPs are characterized by small particle sizes, weak photodegradability, and are good environmental carriers. They can physically adsorb or chemically react with organic, inorganic and bio-pollutants to generate complex binary pollutants or change the environmental behaviors of these pollutants. We systematically reviewed the following aspects of MPs: (i) Adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants by MPs and the key environmental factors affecting adsorption behaviors; (ii) Enrichment and release of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on MPs and the effects of MPs on ARG migration in the environment; (iii) Formation of "plastisphere" and interactions between MPs and microorganisms; (iv) Ecotoxicological effects of MPs and their co-exposures with other pollutants. Finally, scientific knowledge gaps and future research areas on MPs are summarized, including standardization of study methodologies, ecological effects and human health risks of MPs and their combination with other pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocheng Song
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Wen Zhuang
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Qingdao Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
| | - Huizhen Cui
- Public (Innovation) Center of Experimental Teaching, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Min Liu
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Teng Gao
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Qingdao Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Ao Li
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Qingdao Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Zhenhui Gao
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Qingdao Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
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30
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Wen S, Zhao Y, Wang M, Yuan H, Xu H. Micro(nano)plastics in food system: potential health impacts on human intestinal system. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:1429-1447. [PMID: 36066327 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2116559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) in human food system have been broadly recognized by researchers and have drawn an increasing public attention to their potential health risks, particularly the risk to the intestinal system regarding the long-term exposure to MNPs through food consumption. This study aims to review the environmental properties (formation and composition) of MNPs and MNPs pollution in human food system following the order of food production, food processing and food consumption. The current analytic and identical technologies utilized by researchers are also summarized in this review. In fact, parts of commonly consumed food raw materials, processed food and the way to take in food all become the possible sources for human MNPs ingestion. In addition, the available literatures investigating MNPs-induced intestinal adverse effect are discussed from in vitro models and in vivo mammalian experiments, respectively. Particle translocation, cytotoxicity, damaged gut barrier, intestinal inflammation as well as microbial alteration are mostly reported. Moreover, the practical remediation strategies for MNPs pollution are also illustrated in the last section. This review is expected to provide a research insight for foodborne MNPs and arouse more public awareness of MNPs pollution in food and potential risk for human intestinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyue Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Mengqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hongbin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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31
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Wang W, Do ATN, Kwon JH. Ecotoxicological effects of micro- and nanoplastics on terrestrial food web from plants to human beings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155333. [PMID: 35452728 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are present in almost all environmental compartments. Terrestrial soils are major environmental reservoirs for MNPs, but the ecotoxicological effects of MNPs on terrestrial biota remain relatively understudied. In this review, we collated findings of previous research on the uptake and impact of MNPs in terrestrial organisms, including flora, fauna, and human beings. Terrestrial plants can take up MNPs via the roots or leaves and translocate them to other parts. MNPs have been detected in the gastrointestinal tracts or feces of many terrestrial animals, including some high trophic-level predators, indicating the incidence of direct ingestion or trophic transfer of MNPs. The presence of MNPs in food items and human feces combines to verify human intake of MNPs via the dietary pathway. Exposure to MNPs can cause diverse effects on terrestrial organisms, including alterations in growth performance, oxidative stress, metabolic disturbance, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mortality. The biological internalization and impact of MNPs are influenced by the physicochemical properties of MNPs (e.g., particle size, polymer type, surface chemistry, and exposure concentrations) and the physiology of the species. MNPs can also affect the bioavailability of co-occurring intrinsic or extrinsic contaminants to terrestrial biota, but their specific role is under dispute. Finally, we underlined the current research gaps and proposed several priorities for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Wang
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Anh T Ngoc Do
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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32
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Wang Y, Zhang Y, Sun X, Shi X, Xu S. Microplastics and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate synergistically induce apoptosis in mouse pancreas through the GRP78/CHOP/Bcl-2 pathway activated by oxidative stress. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 167:113315. [PMID: 35863481 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
With the widespread use of plastics, microplastics (MPs) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) have become emerging environmental pollutants. The combined toxicity of MPs and DEHP on the mouse pancreas and the specific mechanism of toxicity remain unclear. To establish in vitro and in vivo models to address these questions, mice were continuously exposed to 200 mg/kg/d DEHP and 10 mg/L MPs for 4 weeks. In vitro, MIN-6 cells were treated with 200 μg/mL MPs and 200 μM DEHP for 24 h. Based on toxicity assessed using CCK8 of the equivalent TU binary mixture, the IC50 of the TU-mix of DEHP and MPs 0.692 < 0.8, indicating a synergistic effect of the two toxicants. Meanwhile, our data revealed that compared to the control group, MPs and DEHP combined treatment increased ROS levels, inhibited the activity, and enhanced the expression of GRP78, and CHOP. Simultaneously, activated CHOP decreased the expression of Bcl-2, and increased the expression of Bax. In conclusion, DEHP and MPs synergistically induce oxidative stress, and activate the GRP78/CHOP/Bcl-2 pathway to induce pancreatic apoptosis in mice. Our finding provides a new direction for the research on the specific mechanism of MPs and DEHP combined toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China.
| | - Yilei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Xinyue Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Xu Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Shiwen Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China.
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33
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Lu X, Deng DF, Huang F, Casu F, Kraco E, Newton RJ, Zohn M, Teh SJ, Watson AM, Shepherd B, Ma Y, Dawood MA, Rios Mendoza LM. Chronic exposure to high-density polyethylene microplastic through feeding alters the nutrient metabolism of juvenile yellow perch ( Perca flavescens). ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2022; 9:143-158. [PMID: 35573095 PMCID: PMC9079722 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are emergent contaminants threatening aquatic organisms including aquacultured fish. This study investigated the effects of high-density polyethylene (HDPE, 100 to 125 μm) on yellow perch (Perca flavescens) based on integrative evaluation including growth performance, nutritional status, nutrient metabolism, fish health, and gut microbial community. Five test diets (0, 1, 2, 4, or 8 g HDPE/100 g diet) containing 41% protein and 10.5% lipid were fed to juvenile perch (average body weight, 25.9 ± 0.2 g; n = 15) at a feeding rate of 1.5% to 2.0% body weight daily. The feeding trial was conducted in a flow-through water system for 9 wk with 3 tanks per treatment and 15 yellow perch per tank. No mortality or HDPE accumulation in the fish was found in any treatments. Weight gain and condition factor of fish were not significantly impacted by HDPE (P > 0.05). Compared to the control group, fish fed the 8% HDPE diet had significantly decreased levels of protein and ash (P < 0.05). In response to the increasing levels of HDPE exposure, the hepatosomatic index value, hepatocyte size, and liver glycogen level were increased, but lipid content was reduced in the liver tissues. Compared to the control treatment, fish fed the 8% HDPE diet had significant accumulations of total bile acids and different metabolism pathways such as bile acid biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, and carnitine synthesis. Significant enterocyte necrosis was documented in the foregut of fish fed the 2% or 8% HDPE diet; and significant cell sloughing was observed in the midgut and hindgut of fish fed the 8% HDPE diet. Fish fed the 2% HDPE diet harbored different microbiota communities compared to the control fish. This study demonstrates that HDPE ranging from 100 to 125 μm in feed can be evacuated by yellow perch with no impact on growth. However, dietary exposure to HDPE decreased whole fish nutrition quality, altered nutrient metabolism and the intestinal histopathology as well as microbiota community of yellow perch. The results indicate that extended exposure may pose a risk to fish health and jeopardize the nutrition quality of aquacultured end product. This hypothesis remains to be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Lu
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Dong-Fang Deng
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Fei Huang
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Fabio Casu
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Emma Kraco
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Ryan J. Newton
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Merry Zohn
- USDA/ARS/School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Swee J. Teh
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Aaron M. Watson
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Brian Shepherd
- USDA/ARS/School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Ying Ma
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Mahmound A.O. Dawood
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Lorena M. Rios Mendoza
- Department of Natural Sciences, Marine Resources Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Superior, WI, 54880, USA
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34
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Lotus seed resistant starch decreases the blood lipid and regulates the serum bile acids profiles in hyperlipidemic rats. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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