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Kazmi SSUH, Tayyab M, Pastorino P, Barcelò D, Yaseen ZM, Grossart HP, Khan ZH, Li G. Decoding the molecular concerto: Toxicotranscriptomic evaluation of microplastic and nanoplastic impacts on aquatic organisms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134574. [PMID: 38739959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134574] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive and steadily increasing presence of microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) in aquatic environments has raised significant concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms and their integration into trophic dynamics. This emerging issue has garnered the attention of (eco)toxicologists, promoting the utilization of toxicotranscriptomics to unravel the responses of aquatic organisms not only to MPs/NPs but also to a wide spectrum of environmental pollutants. This review aims to systematically explore the broad repertoire of predicted molecular responses by aquatic organisms, providing valuable intuitions into complex interactions between plastic pollutants and aquatic biota. By synthesizing the latest literature, present analysis sheds light on transcriptomic signatures like gene expression, interconnected pathways and overall molecular mechanisms influenced by various plasticizers. Harmful effects of these contaminants on key genes/protein transcripts associated with crucial pathways lead to abnormal immune response, metabolic response, neural response, apoptosis and DNA damage, growth, development, reproductive abnormalities, detoxification, and oxidative stress in aquatic organisms. However, unique challenge lies in enhancing the fingerprint of MPs/NPs, presenting complicated enigma that requires decoding their specific impact at molecular levels. The exploration endeavors, not only to consolidate existing knowledge, but also to identify critical gaps in understanding, push forward the frontiers of knowledge about transcriptomic signatures of plastic contaminants. Moreover, this appraisal emphasizes the imperative to monitor and mitigate the contamination of commercially important aquatic species by MPs/NPs, highlighting the pivotal role that regulatory frameworks must play in protecting all aquatic ecosystems. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of ensuring the sustainability of aquatic resources and the resilience of ecosystems facing the growing threat of plastic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Shabi Ul Hassan Kazmi
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Muhammad Tayyab
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, PR China
| | - Paolo Pastorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zaher Mundher Yaseen
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, (IGB), Alte Fischerhuette 2, Neuglobsow, D-16775, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Maulbeerallee 2, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Zulqarnain Haider Khan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Gang Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China.
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2
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Li Z, Xian H, Ye R, Zhong Y, Liang B, Huang Y, Dai M, Guo J, Tang S, Ren X, Bai R, Feng Y, Deng Y, Yang X, Chen D, Yang Z, Huang Z. Gender-specific effects of polystyrene nanoplastic exposure on triclosan-induced reproductive toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:172876. [PMID: 38692326 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172876] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) and triclosan (TCS) are ubiquitous emerging environmental contaminants detected in human samples. While the reproductive toxicity of TCS alone has been studied, its combined effects with NPs remain unclear. Herein, we employed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering to characterize the coexposure of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 50 nm) with TCS. Then, adult zebrafish were exposed to TCS at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.361-48.2 μg/L), with or without PS-NPs (1.0 mg/L) for 21 days. TCS biodistribution in zebrafish tissues was investigated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Reproductive toxicity was assessed through gonadal histopathology, fertility tests, changes in steroid hormone synthesis and gene expression within the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad-liver (HPGL) axis. Transcriptomics and proteomics were applied to explore the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that PS-NPs could adsorb TCS, thus altering the PS-NPs' physical characteristics. Our observations revealed that coexposure with PS-NPs reduced TCS levels in the ovaries, livers, and brains of female zebrafish. Conversely, in males, coexposure with PS-NPs increased TCS levels in the testes and livers, while decreasing them in the brain. We found that co-exposure mitigated TCS-induced ovary development inhibition while exacerbated TCS-induced spermatogenesis suppression, resulting in increased embryonic mortality and larval malformations. This co-exposure influenced the expression of genes linked to steroid hormone synthesis (cyp11a1, hsd17β, cyp19a1) and attenuated the TCS-decreased estradiol (E2) in females. Conversely, testosterone levels were suppressed, and E2 levels were elevated due to the upregulation of specific genes (cyp11a1, hsd3β, cyp19a1) in males. Finally, the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics suggested that the aqp12-dctn2 pathway was involved in PS-NPs' attenuation of TCS-induced reproductive toxicity in females, while the pck2-katnal1 pathway played a role in PS-NPs' exacerbation of TCS-induced reproductive toxicity in males. Collectively, PS-NPs altered TCS-induced reproductive toxicity by disrupting the HPGL axis, with gender-specific effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hongyi Xian
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Rongyi Ye
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yizhou Zhong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Boxuan Liang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuji Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mingzhu Dai
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Jie Guo
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Shuqin Tang
- College of Environment and Climate, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaohu Ren
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Shenzhen Medical Key Discipline of Health Toxicology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ruobing Bai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yu Feng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xingfen Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Da Chen
- College of Environment and Climate, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhenlie Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China.
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van Uunen D, Kloukinioti M, Kooter IM, Höppener EM, Yoe LEA, Brunner AM, Boersma A, Parker LA. Suspension of micro- and nanoplastic test materials: liquid compatibility, (bio)surfactants, toxicity and environmental relevance. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124306. [PMID: 38834150 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics have been detected in environmental compartments from the highest mountains to the deepest seas. They have been shown to be present at almost all trophic levels, and within humans they have been detected in numerous organs and human stool. Whilst their ubiquitous nature is indisputable, little is known about the health risks they may present. Much current research is focussed on the production of test materials with which to perform the necessary health studies. An important aspect of this is the correct storage and suspension of the materials to ensure they remain stable both chemically and with regards to size and shape. In this review, we look at the chemical stability of nine common polymers in a range of liquids; first with the use of commercial compatibility charts and then with a more quantitative approach using Hansen solubility parameters. We then look at stability with regards to particle agglomeration, whether and how stable compositions can be predicted, and which dispersants can be added to increase stability. Finally, we discuss the role of bio-surfactants and the eco-corona and how these may offer a route to both better stability and environmental relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dónal van Uunen
- TNO Environmental Modelling, Sensing and Analysis, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Kloukinioti
- TNO Environmental Modelling, Sensing and Analysis, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands; School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingeborg M Kooter
- TNO Environmental Modelling, Sensing and Analysis, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands; School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elena M Höppener
- TNO Environmental Modelling, Sensing and Analysis, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laurine E A Yoe
- TNO Environmental Modelling, Sensing and Analysis, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea M Brunner
- TNO Environmental Modelling, Sensing and Analysis, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen Boersma
- TNO Materials Solutions, HTC 25, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Luke A Parker
- TNO Environmental Modelling, Sensing and Analysis, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Xian H, Li Z, Bai R, Ye R, Feng Y, Zhong Y, Liang B, Huang Y, Guo J, Wang B, Dai M, Tang S, Ren X, Chen X, Chen D, Yang X, Huang Z. From cradle to grave: Deciphering sex-specific disruptions of the nervous and reproductive systems through interactions of 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and nanoplastics in adult zebrafish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134298. [PMID: 38626679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134298] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are common in personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) and consumer goods; however, they have become pervasive environmental contaminants. MNPs serve as carriers of 4-MBC in both PCCPs and the environment. Our previous study demonstrated that 4-MBC induces estrogenic effects in zebrafish larvae. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the sex- and tissue-specific accumulation and potential toxicities of chronic coexposure to 4-MBC and MNPs. Herein, adult zebrafish were exposed to environmentally realistic concentrations of 4-MBC (0, 0.4832, and 4832 μg/L), with or without polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 50 nm, 1.0 mg/L) for 21 days. Sex-specific accumulation was observed, with higher concentrations in female brains, while males exhibited comparable accumulation in the liver, testes, and brain. Coexposure to PS-NPs intensified the 4-MBC burden in all tested tissues. Dual-omics analysis (transcriptomics and proteomics) revealed dysfunctions in neuronal differentiation, death, and reproduction. 4-MBC-co-PS-NP exposure disrupted the brain histopathology more severely than exposure to 4-MBC alone, inducing sex-specific neurotoxicity and reproductive disruptions. Female zebrafish exhibited autism spectrum disorder-like behavior and disruption of vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation, while male zebrafish showed Parkinson's-like behavior and spermatogenesis disruption. Our findings highlight that PS-NPs enhance tissue accumulation of 4-MBC, leading to sex-specific impairments in the nervous and reproductive systems of zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Xian
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhiming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruobing Bai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Rongyi Ye
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yu Feng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yizhou Zhong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Boxuan Liang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuji Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jie Guo
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Binjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Prevention and Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Mingzhu Dai
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Shuqin Tang
- College of Environment and Climate, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaohu Ren
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xueping Chen
- Vitargent (International) Biotechnology Limited, Shatin 999077, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Da Chen
- College of Environment and Climate, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xingfen Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhenlie Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Hu X, Wang S, Feng R, Hu K. Natural organic small molecules promote the aging of plastic wastes and refractory carbon decomposition in water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134043. [PMID: 38492386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134043] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics are ubiquitous in rivers and undergo environmental aging. However, the molecular mechanisms of plastic aging and the in-depth effects of aging on ecological functions remain unclear in waters. The synergies of microplastics and nanoplastics (polystyrene as an example) with natural organic small molecules (e.g., natural hyaluronic acid and vitamin C related to biological tissue decomposition) are the key to producing radicals (•OH and •C). The radicals promote the formation of bubbles on plastic surfaces and generate derivatives of plastics such as monomer and dimer styrene. Nanoplastics are easier to age than microplastics. Pristine plastics inhibit the microbial Shannon diversity index and evenness, but the opposite results are observed for aging plastics. Pristine plastics curb pectin decomposition (an indicator of plant-originated refractory carbon), but aging plastics promote pectin decomposition. Microplastics and nanoplastics undergoing aging processes enhance the carbon biogeochemical cycle. For example, the increased carbohydrate active enzyme diversity, especially the related glycoside hydrolase and functional species Pseudomonas and Clostridium, contributes to refractory carbon decomposition. Different from the well-studied toxicity and aging of plastic pollutants, this study connects plastic pollutants with biological tissue decomposition, biodiversity and climate change together in rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Shuting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruihong Feng
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Kai Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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Kim WH, Lee DH, Kim JE, Jeong HW, Chung JO, Roh J, Kim W, Fu X, Shim SM. Characterization of the intestinal transport mechanism of polystyrene microplastics (MPs) and the potential inhibitory effect of green tea extracts on MPs intestinal absorption. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 97:105813. [PMID: 38522493 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The aims of the current study included characterizing the intestinal transport mechanism of polystyrene microplastics (MPs) with different charges and sizes in the intestinal epithelial cell model and determining the inhibitory effect of green tea extracts (GTEs) on the intestinal absorption of MPs in Caco-2 cells. The smaller sizes, which included diameters of 0.2 μm, of amine-modified MPs compared to either larger size (1 μm diameter, or carboxylate-MPs (0.2 and 1 μm diameter) significantly lowered the cell viability of caco-2 cells that were measured by MTT assay (p < 0.05). The transported amount (particles/mL of the cell media) of amine-modified MPs by the Caco-2 cell, was not dependent according to the concentrations, energy, or temperature, but it was higher than the carboxylate-modified MPs. The co-treatment of GTEs with the amine-modified MPs inhibited Caco-2 cell cytotoxicity as well as reduced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 generated by the exposure of amine-modified MPs. The GTEs co-treatment also increased trans-epithelial electrical resistances (TEER) and reduced the transportation of Lucifer Yellow via the Caco-2 monolayer compared to only the amine-modified MPs exposure. The GTEs treatment led to a decrease in the number of amine-modified MPs transported to the basal side of the Caco-2 monolayer. The results from our study suggest that the consumption of GTEs could enhance the intestinal barrier function by recovering intestinal epithelial cell damage induced by MPs, which resulted in a decrease of the intestinal absorption of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Hyun Kim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-dong, Seoul 143-747, South Korea
| | - Dong-Ho Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-dong, Seoul 143-747, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Kim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-dong, Seoul 143-747, South Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Jeong
- Healthcare Research Division, AMOREPACIFIC Research and Innovation (R&I) Center, 1920, Yonggu-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jin-Oh Chung
- Healthcare Research Division, AMOREPACIFIC Research and Innovation (R&I) Center, 1920, Yonggu-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - JongHwa Roh
- Healthcare Research Division, AMOREPACIFIC Research and Innovation (R&I) Center, 1920, Yonggu-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - WanGi Kim
- Healthcare Research Division, AMOREPACIFIC Research and Innovation (R&I) Center, 1920, Yonggu-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Xiaoting Fu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266005, China
| | - Soon-Mi Shim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-dong, Seoul 143-747, South Korea.
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Gao X, Xu K, Du W, Wang S, Jiang M, Wang Y, Han Q, Chen M. Comparing the effects and mechanisms of exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics with different functional groups on the male reproductive system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171299. [PMID: 38423318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171299] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
After aging in the environment, some nanoplastics will carry different charges and functional groups, thereby altering their toxicological effects. To evaluate the potential impact of aging of nanoplastics on the mammalian reproductive system, we exposed C57BL/6 male mice to a dose of 5 mg/kg/d polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) with different functional groups (unmodified, carboxyl functionalized and amino functionalized) for 45 days for this study. The results suggest that PS-NPs with different functional groups triggered oxidative stress, a decreased in the testis index, disruption of the outer wall of the seminiferous tubules, reduction in the number of spermatogonia cells and sperm counts, and an increased in sperm malformations. We performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis on the differentially expressed proteins, and found they were mainly enriched in protein transport, RNA splicing and mTOR signaling. We confirmed that the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway is over activated, which may lead to reduction of spermatogonia stem cells by over differentiation. Strikingly, PS-NPs with functional group modifications are more toxic than those of unmodified polystyrene, and that PS-NPs with positively charged amino modifications are the most toxic. This study provides a new understanding for correctly evaluating the toxicological effects of plastic aging, and of the mechanism responsible for the reproductive toxicity caused by nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Gao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Wanting Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Shuxin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Mengling Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Yunyi Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Han
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Mingqing Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China.
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Gettings SM, Timbury W, Dmochowska A, Sharma R, McGonigle R, MacKenzie LE, Miquelard-Garnier G, Bourbia N. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro- and nanoplastic particles affect the mitochondrial efficiency of human brain vascular pericytes without inducing oxidative stress. NANOIMPACT 2024; 34:100508. [PMID: 38663501 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100508] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of micro- and nanoplastic particles composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a significant contributor to plastic pollution, on human brain vascular pericytes. Specifically, we delved into their impact on mitochondrial functionality, oxidative stress, and the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress, ferroptosis and mitochondrial functions. Our findings demonstrate that the exposure of a monoculture of human brain vascular pericytes to PET particles in vitro at a concentration of 50 μg/ml for a duration of 3, 6 and 10 days did not elicit oxidative stress. Notably, we observed a reduction in various aspects of mitochondrial respiration, including maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, and ATP production in pericytes subjected to PET particles for 3 days, with a mitochondrial function recovery at 6 and 10 days. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant alterations in mitochondrial DNA copy number, or in the expression of genes linked to oxidative stress and ferroptosis, but an increase of the expression of the gene mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) was noted at 3 days exposure. These outcomes suggest that, at a concentration of 50 μg/ml, PET particles do not induce oxidative stress in human brain vascular pericytes. Instead, at 3 days exposure, PET exposure impairs mitochondrial functions, but this is recovered at 6-day exposure. This seems to indicate a potential mitochondrial hormesis response (mitohormesis) is incited, involving the gene TFAM. Further investigations are warranted to explore the stages of mitohormesis and the potential consequences of plastics on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and intercellular interactions. This research contributes to our comprehension of the potential repercussions of nanoplastic pollution on human health and underscores the imperative need for ongoing examinations into the exposure to plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Gettings
- UK Health Security Agency, Radiation Effects Department, Radiation Protection Science Division, Harwell Science Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - William Timbury
- UK Health Security Agency, Radiation Effects Department, Radiation Protection Science Division, Harwell Science Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Anna Dmochowska
- Laboratoire PIMM, CNRS, Arts et Métiers Institute of Technology, Cnam, HESAM Universite, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Riddhi Sharma
- UK Health Security Agency, Radiation Effects Department, Radiation Protection Science Division, Harwell Science Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Rebecca McGonigle
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK
| | - Lewis E MacKenzie
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK
| | - Guillaume Miquelard-Garnier
- Laboratoire PIMM, CNRS, Arts et Métiers Institute of Technology, Cnam, HESAM Universite, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nora Bourbia
- UK Health Security Agency, Radiation Effects Department, Radiation Protection Science Division, Harwell Science Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK.
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9
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Casella C, Ballaz SJ. Genotoxic and neurotoxic potential of intracellular nanoplastics: A review. J Appl Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38494651 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste comprises polymers of different chemicals that disintegrate into nanoplastic particles (NPLs) of 1-100-nm size, thereby littering the environment and posing a threat to wildlife and human health. Research on NPL contamination has up to now focused on the ecotoxicology effects of the pollution rather than the health risks. This review aimed to speculate about the possible properties of carcinogenic and neurotoxic NPL as pollutants. Given their low-dimensional size and high surface size ratio, NPLs can easily penetrate biological membranes to cause functional and structural damage in cells. Once inside the cell, NPLs can interrupt the autophagy flux of cellular debris, alter proteostasis, provoke mitochondrial dysfunctions, and induce endoplasmic reticulum stress. Harmful metabolic and biological processes induced by NPLs include oxidative stress (OS), ROS generation, and pro-inflammatory reactions. Depending on the cell cycle status, NPLs may direct DNA damage, tumorigenesis, and lately carcinogenesis in tissues with high self-renewal capabilities like epithelia. In cells able to live the longest like neurons, NPLs could trigger neurodegeneration by promoting toxic proteinaceous aggregates, OS, and chronic inflammation. NPL genotoxicity and neurotoxicity are discussed based on the gathered evidence, when available, within the context of the intracellular uptake of these newcomer nanoparticles. In summary, this review explains how the risk evaluation of NPL pollution for human health may benefit from accurately monitoring NPL toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics at the intracellular resolution level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Casella
- Department Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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10
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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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11
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Sun Q, Yang YT, Zheng ZY, Ni HG. Nanopolystyrene size effect and its combined acute toxicity with halogenated PAHs on Daphnia magna. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169435. [PMID: 38128673 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169435] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs, diameter <1 μm) not only have toxicity but also change the toxicity of other pollutants in water. To date, the nanopolystyrene (nano-PS) size effect and its combined toxicity with halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAHs) remain unclear. In this study, the single toxicity, combined toxicity, and mode of action of the binary mixture of polystyrene (PS) and HPAH were examined. At the same time, the nano-PS size effect on combined toxicity was also discussed. According to our results, the 48 h acute toxicity test results showed that 30 nm PS was highly toxic (EC50-48 h = 1.65 mg/L), 200 nm PS was moderately toxic (EC50-48 h = 17.8 mg/L), and 1 μm PS was lowly toxic (EC50-48 h = 189 mg/L). The NP toxicity decreased with increasing size. HPAHs were highly toxic substances to Daphnia magna (EC50-48 h = 0.12-0.22 mg/L). The mode of action of PS and HPAHs was antagonistic according to the toxicity unit method (TU), additive index method (AI), and mixture toxicity index method (MTI). The size effect of nano-PS operates via two mechanisms: the inherent toxicity of nano-PS and the sorption of pollutants by nano-PS. The former impacts the combined toxicity more than the latter. In the binary mixed system, the larger the particle size and the higher the proportion of NPs in the system, the less toxic the system was. Linear interpolation analysis can be used to predict the combined toxicity of a mixed system with any mixing ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sun
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yu-Ting Yang
- School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zi-Yi Zheng
- School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hong-Gang Ni
- School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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12
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Zhao B, Rehati P, Yang Z, Cai Z, Guo C, Li Y. The potential toxicity of microplastics on human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168946. [PMID: 38043812 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are plastic particles, films, and fibers with a diameter of < 5 mm. Given their long-standing existence in the environment and terrible increase in annual emissions, concerns were raised about the potential health risk of microplastics on human beings. In particular, the increased consumption of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased human contact with microplastics. To date, the emergence of microplastics in the human body, such as feces, blood, placenta, lower airway, and lungs, has been reported. Related toxicological investigations of microplastics were gradually increased. To comprehensively illuminate the interplay of microplastic exposure and human health, we systematically reviewed the updated toxicological data of microplastics and summarized their mode of action, adverse effects, and toxic mechanisms. The emerging critical issues in the current toxicological investigations were proposed and discussed. Our work would facilitate a better understanding of MPs-induced health hazards for toxicological evaluation and provide helpful information for regulatory decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bosen Zhao
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Palizhati Rehati
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zhu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Caixia Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Yanbo Li
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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13
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Son JW, Nam Y, Kim C. Nanoplastics from disposable paper cups and microwavable food containers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:133014. [PMID: 37984146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs, <1 µm) pose greater risks due to their increased absorption rates in biological systems. In this study, we investigated the release of NPs from paper cups and microwavable food containers coated with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA). For disposable paper cups, we found that LDPE-coated cups released up to 26-fold more NPs (maximum 1.9 × 107 per cup) than PLA-coated ones. The NPs release from LDPE-coated cups was increased at high temperatures above 80 °C, and further increased by physical agitation. However, negligible NP release was observed when the inner coating thickness exceeded 1 mm. For microwavable food containers, those with PLA coatings were more susceptible to the effects of microwave. Depending on the cooking time, we noticed a significant difference (up to 40000 times) in the number of released NPs between LDPE and PLA coatings. Additionally, higher microwave power level led to an increase of NPs, even with constant total energy input. Considering the release of NP, PLA coatings for disposable paper cups and LDPE coatings for microwavable food containers seem more suitable. Furthermore, our results suggest that multi-use cups significantly reduce NPs release due to their material thickness, making them a safer alternative to disposable ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Son
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Nam
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Changwoo Kim
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Zhao J, Miao L, Yao Y, Adyel TM, Cheng H, Liu S, Liu Y, Hou J. Surface modification significantly changed the effects of nano-polystyrene on sediment microbial communities and nitrogen metabolism. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132409. [PMID: 37643574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are ubiquitous in the natural environment, and their ecological risks have received considerable attention. Surface modification is common for nanoplastics and an essential factor affecting their toxicity. However, studies on the potential effects of nanoplastics and their surface-modified forms on functional communities in aquatic systems are still scarce. This study investigated the effects of nano-polystyrene (nPS), amino-modified nPS (nPS-NH2), and carboxylated nPS (nPS-COOH) particles on sediment bacterial and fungal communities and their functions over a 60-day incubation period. The results showed that the fungal community was significantly inhibited by nPS-NH2 exposure, while the bacterial community diversity remained relatively stable in all nPS treatments. Proteobacteria and Ascomycota were the dominant phyla for the bacterial and fungal communities, respectively. Nitrification was inhibited in all nPS treatments, while denitrification was enhanced for nPS-NH2 and nPS-COOH treatments. The activity of four key denitrification enzymes (NAR, NIR, NOR, and NOS) was also significantly improved by nPS, resulting in increased nitrogen and nitrous oxide gas production, and decreased nitrate concentrations in the overlying water. This showed the total increased effect of nPS on the activity of denitrifiers. Our results suggest that surface modification significantly affects the effects of nPS on microbial communities and functions. The potential impacts of nPS on ecological functions should be elucidated with more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, 500 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Lingzhan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Yao
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Tanveer M Adyel
- STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Haomiao Cheng
- School of Hydraulic Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, Jiangsu, China
| | - Songqi Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Jiangsu Environmental Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Jun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
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15
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Paul MB, Böhmert L, Hsiao IL, Braeuning A, Sieg H. Complex intestinal and hepatic in vitro barrier models reveal information on uptake and impact of micro-, submicro- and nanoplastics. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108172. [PMID: 37657408 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108172] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Plastic particles are found almost ubiquitously in the environment and can get ingested orally by humans. We have used food-relevant microplastics (2 µm polylactic acid), submicroplastics (250 nm polylactic acid and 366 nm melamine formaldehyde resin) and nanoplastics (25 nm polymethylmethacrylate) to study material- and size-dependent uptake and transport across the human intestinal barrier and liver. Therefore, different Transwell™-based in vitro (co-)culture models were used: Differentiated Caco-2 cells mimicking the intestinal enterocyte monolayer, an M-cell model complementing the Caco-2 monoculture with antigen uptake-specialized cells, a mucus model complementing the barrier with an intestinal mucus layer, and an intestinal-liver co-culture combining differentiated Caco-2 cells with differentiated HepaRG cells. Using these complex barrier models, uptake and transport of particles were analyzed based on the fluorescence of the particles using confocal microscopy and a fluorescence-based quantification method. Additionally, the results were verified by Time-of-Flight - Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) analysis. Furthermore, an effect screening at the mRNA level was done to investigate oxidative stress response, inflammation and changes to xenobiotic metabolism in intestinal and hepatic cells after exposure to plastic particles. Oxidative stress and inflammation were additionally analyzed using a flow-cytometric assay for reactive oxygen species and cytokine measurements. The results reveal a noteworthy uptake into and transport of microplastic and submicroplastic particles across the intestinal epithelium. Particularly, we show a pronounced uptake of particles into liver cells after crossing of the intestinal epithelium, using the intestinal-liver co-culture. The particles evoke some alterations in xenobiotic metabolism, but did not cause increased oxidative stress or inflammatory response on protein level. Taken together, these complex barrier models can be applied on micro-, submicro- and nanoplastics and reveal information in particle uptake, transport and cellular impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxi B Paul
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Food Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Linda Böhmert
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Food Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - I-Lun Hsiao
- School of Food Safety, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Albert Braeuning
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Food Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Holger Sieg
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Food Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
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16
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Jabor Z, Sutton SC. Effects of Digestion, Cell Culture Media, and Mucous on the Physical Properties, Cellular Effects, and Translocation of Polystyrene and Polymethacrylate Nanoparticles. TOXICS 2023; 11:708. [PMID: 37624213 PMCID: PMC10458608 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of plastic and metal nanoparticles in organisms, foods, and beverages has generated numerous studies on the effects of these particles on the barrier cells and their subsequent absorption into the body. Following ingestion, nanoparticles travel down the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and their physicochemical characteristics change in response to the change in proteins and pH during their digestion. We measured the translocation of digested nanoparticles across a co-culture monolayer of Caco-2 and various combinations (1:9, 5:5, and 9:1) of HT29-MTX-E12. The in vitro model of the intestine was used to determine the translocation of digested 20 nm polymethacrylate (PMA) particles and the accompanying monolayer barrier effects after a 72 h exposure. The in vitro digestion increased the agglomeration and hydrodynamic diameters and decreased the surface charge of the nanoparticles. For NH2-functionalized polymethacrylate nanoparticles (PMA-NH2), the diameters increased from 57 nm (water) to 3800 nm (media), or 2660 nm (chyme). These nanoparticles compromised the integrity of the monolayer (trans-epithelial electrical resistance, Lucifer yellow translocation) and translocated across all the cell ratio configurations. Digestion can have a large effect on nanoparticle agglomeration and surface charge. Excess mucous was not seen as a barrier to the translocation of PMA-NH2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Jabor
- School of Pharmacy, Westbrook College of Health Professions, University of New England, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME 04103, USA
| | - Steven C. Sutton
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Westbrook College of Health Professions, University of New England, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME 04103, USA
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17
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Forest V, Pourchez J. Can the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health really be assessed using in vitro models? A review of methodological issues. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108115. [PMID: 37542783 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Because of the many advantages they offer (strength, low cost, durability, lightweight, resistance, etc.), plastics are integral part of our daily life with a production constantly rising. However, their waste management is still inadequate, resulting in their release and accumulation in the environment, representing a main source of pollution. Their degradation results in debris of variable size including microplastics (0.1 μm-5 mm) and even nanoplastics (<0.1 μm), whose potential impact on ecosystems and human health have raised concerns. The potential adverse effects they may cause have been evaluated using both in vitro and in vivo models. However, due to some specific characteristics of micro- and nanoplastics, there are challenging questions about whether conventional in vitro tests are appropriate for evaluating their toxicity. For example, low-density plastics float on the surface of the culture medium and cannot come into contact with cells adhering to the bottom of the culture plates, which prevents proper evaluation of potential adverse effects and leads to misinterpretation of toxicological assays. In this review, we discuss the main issues related to the evaluation of micro- and nanoplastics toxicity using conventional in vitro assays. A literature survey has allowed to propose some solutions to circumvent these issues including the use of mathematical models to accurately determine the dose of particles delivered to cells, advanced 3D models (organoids), inverted cell culture models, cell cultures at the air-liquid interface or under dynamic conditions. Finally, we propose some perspectives and recommendations for further research on the in vitro evaluation of micro- and nanoplastics toxicity, underlining the importance of using standardized protocols for comparison purposes and samples and experimental conditions more representative of real-life exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Forest
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, F-42023 Saint-Etienne, France.
| | - Jérémie Pourchez
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, F-42023 Saint-Etienne, France
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18
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Wang L, Chen J, Zhang X, Xu M, Zhang X, Zhao W, Cui J. Effects of microplastics and tetracycline on intestinal injury in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139364. [PMID: 37391084 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and tetracycline are both emerging environmental pollutants that threaten human health. The toxic impacts of their single and coexposure on the intestine and gut microbiota have not been well studied in mammals. Given the spatial functional characteristics of the intestine, it is important to know whether the toxicities of MPs and tetracycline in different intestinal segments are distinct. This study investigated the pathological and functional injuries of different intestinal segments and the microbial disorder upon exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and/or tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). Both PS-MPs and TCH altered the intestinal morphology and induced functional impairment. However, the PS-MPs primarily damaged the colon, while TCH mainly damaged the small intestine, especially the jejunum. Combined treatment evoked ameliorative adverse effects on the intestinal segments except for the ileum. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that PS-MPs and/or TCH decreased gut microbiota diversity, especially PS-MPs. In addition, PS-MPs and TCH affected the microflora metabolic processes, especially protein absorption and digestion. Gut microbiota dysbiosis could partly lead to the physical and functional damage induced by PS-MPs and TCH. These findings enhance our knowledge regarding the hazards of coexisting microplastics and antibiotics for mammalian intestinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Pollution Prevention Biotechnology, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China.
| | - Jiamin Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Pollution Prevention Biotechnology, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Pollution Prevention Biotechnology, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China
| | - Man Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Pollution Prevention Biotechnology, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China
| | - Xuyan Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Pollution Prevention Biotechnology, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China
| | - Wanqing Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Pollution Prevention Biotechnology, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China
| | - Jiansheng Cui
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Pollution Prevention Biotechnology, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang, 050018, China.
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19
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Ji J, Wu X, Li X, Zhu Y. Effects of microplastics in aquatic environments on inflammatory bowel disease. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 229:115974. [PMID: 37088319 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been increasing in recent years, particularly in newly industrialized nations. Environmental factors have been identified as playing a crucial role in IBD pathogenesis. Microplastics (MPs), a novel class of environmental pollutants, are a significant global pollution concern. MPs are found in almost all aquatic environments. MPs in the environment may pose health risks, specifically concerning the intestinal system, due to prolonged exposure through the consumption of aquatic foods and drinking water. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the impact of MPs in water resources on the occurrence and progression of IBD. Our systematic analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies found that MPs induce intestinal barrier dysfunction, imbalance in the intestinal microbiome, and metabolic abnormalities, ultimately leading to IBD. In addition, MP exposure causes greater harm to individuals with preexisting gastrointestinal disorders than those without them. Our analysis of this literature review highlights the need for further research to improve the understanding of the complex relationship between MP exposure and IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Ji
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xi Li
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Ya Zhu
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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20
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Li H, Zhu L, Ma M, Wu H, An L, Yang Z. Occurrence of microplastics in commercially sold bottled water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161553. [PMID: 36640894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in all environmental compartments, including food and water. A growing body of evidence suggests the potential health impacts of continuous microplastic ingestion on humans. However, a lack of information on microplastic exposure to humans through drinking water and the high heterogeneity of available data limits advancements in health risk assessments. In the present study, laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LD-IR) was used to determine the occurrence of microplastics in bottled water sold in China. Then, the ingestion level of microplastics through drinking water was estimated. The results showed that the average microplastic abundance in bottled water was 72.32 ± 44.64 items/L, which was higher than that detected in tap water (49.67 ± 17.49 items/L). Overall, the microplastic structures were dominated by films and mainly consisted of cellulose and PVC. Their sizes were concentrated in the range of 10-50 μm, accounting for 67.85 ± 8.40 % of the total microplastics in bottled water and 75.50 % in tap water. The estimated daily intake of microplastics (EDI) by infants through bottled water and tap water was almost twice as high as that by adults, although adults ingested more microplastics. The present results provide valuable data for further assessing human health risks associated with exposure to microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Long Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Mindong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Haiwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Zhanhong Yang
- Environmental Standards Institute of Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
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21
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Dusza HM, van Boxel J, van Duursen MBM, Forsberg MM, Legler J, Vähäkangas KH. Experimental human placental models for studying uptake, transport and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160403. [PMID: 36417947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and have recently been found in human lungs, blood and placenta. However, data on the possible effects of MNPs on human health is extremely scarce. The potential toxicity of MNPs during pregnancy, a period of increased susceptibility to environmental insults, is of particular concern. The placenta provides a unique interface between maternal and fetal circulation which is essential for in utero survival and healthy pregnancy. Placental toxicokinetics and toxicity of MNPs are still largely unexplored and the limited studies performed up to now focus mainly on polystyrene particles. Practical and ethical considerations limit research options in humans, and extrapolation from animal studies is challenging due to marked differences between species. Nevertheless, diverse in vitro and ex vivo human placental models exist e.g., plasma membrane vesicles, mono-culture and co-culture of placental cells, placenta-on-a-chip, villous tissue explants, and placental perfusion that can be used to advance this research area. The objective of this concise review is to recapitulate different human placental models, summarize the current understanding of placental uptake, transport and toxicity of MNPs and define knowledge gaps. Moreover, we provide perspectives for future research urgently needed to assess the potential hazards and risks of MNP exposure to maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Dusza
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeske van Boxel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Markus M Forsberg
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juliette Legler
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsi H Vähäkangas
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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22
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Fournier E, Ratel J, Denis S, Leveque M, Ruiz P, Mazal C, Amiard F, Edely M, Bezirard V, Gaultier E, Lamas B, Houdeau E, Engel E, Lagarde F, Etienne-Mesmin L, Mercier-Bonin M, Blanquet-Diot S. Exposure to polyethylene microplastics alters immature gut microbiome in an infant in vitro gut model. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130383. [PMID: 36444070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Infants are characterized by an immaturity of the gut ecosystem and a high exposure to microplastics (MPs) through diet, dust and suckling. However, the bidirectional interactions between MPs and the immature infant intestinal microbiota remain unknown. Our study aims to investigate the impact of chronic exposure to polyethylene (PE) MPs on the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier of infants, using the new Toddler mucosal Artificial Colon coupled with a co-culture of epithelial and mucus-secreting cells. Gut microbiota composition was determined by 16S metabarcoding and microbial activities were evaluated by gas, short chain fatty acid and volatolomics analyses. Gut barrier integrity was assessed via evaluation of intestinal permeability, inflammation and mucus synthesis. Exposure to PE MPs induced gut microbial shifts increasing α-diversity and abundance of potentially harmful pathobionts, such as Dethiosulfovibrionaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. Those changes were associated to butyrate production decrease and major changes in volatile organic compounds profiles. In contrast, no significant impact of PE MPs on the gut barrier, as mediated by microbial metabolites, was reported. For the first time, this study indicates that ingestion of PE MPs can induce perturbations in the gut microbiome of infants. Next step would be to further investigate the potential vector effect of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elora Fournier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 454 MEDIS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Jeremy Ratel
- INRAE, UR QuaPA, MASS Team, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Sylvain Denis
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 454 MEDIS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mathilde Leveque
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Philippe Ruiz
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 454 MEDIS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Carine Mazal
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 454 MEDIS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frederic Amiard
- Le Mans Université, IMMM UMR-CNRS 6283, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, F-72085 Cedex 9 Le Mans, France
| | - Mathieu Edely
- Le Mans Université, IMMM UMR-CNRS 6283, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, F-72085 Cedex 9 Le Mans, France
| | - Valerie Bezirard
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Gaultier
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Lamas
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Houdeau
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Erwan Engel
- INRAE, UR QuaPA, MASS Team, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Fabienne Lagarde
- Le Mans Université, IMMM UMR-CNRS 6283, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, F-72085 Cedex 9 Le Mans, France
| | - Lucie Etienne-Mesmin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 454 MEDIS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Muriel Mercier-Bonin
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France.
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23
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Fournier E, Leveque M, Ruiz P, Ratel J, Durif C, Chalancon S, Amiard F, Edely M, Bezirard V, Gaultier E, Lamas B, Houdeau E, Lagarde F, Engel E, Etienne-Mesmin L, Blanquet-Diot S, Mercier-Bonin M. Microplastics: What happens in the human digestive tract? First evidences in adults using in vitro gut models. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130010. [PMID: 36182891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and humans are inevitably exposed to them. However, the effects of MPs in the human digestive environment are largely unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of repeated exposure to polyethylene (PE) MPs on the human gut microbiota and intestinal barrier using, under adult conditions, the Mucosal Artificial Colon (M-ARCOL) model, coupled with a co-culture of intestinal epithelial and mucus-secreting cells. The composition of the luminal and mucosal gut microbiota was determined by 16S metabarcoding and microbial activities were characterized by gas, short chain fatty acid, volatolomic and AhR activity analyses. Gut barrier integrity was assessed via intestinal permeability, inflammation and mucin synthesis. First, exposure to PE MPs induced donor-dependent effects. Second, an increase in abundances of potentially harmful pathobionts, Desulfovibrionaceae and Enterobacteriaceae, and a decrease in beneficial bacteria such as Christensenellaceae and Akkermansiaceae were observed. These bacterial shifts were associated with changes in volatile organic compounds profiles, notably characterized by increased indole 3-methyl- production. Finally, no significant impact of PE MPs mediated by changes in gut microbial metabolites was reported on the intestinal barrier. Given these adverse effects of repeated ingestion of PE MPs on the human gut microbiota, studying at-risk populations like infants would be a valuable advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elora Fournier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 454 MEDIS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Mathilde Leveque
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Philippe Ruiz
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 454 MEDIS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jeremy Ratel
- INRAE, UR QuaPA, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Claude Durif
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 454 MEDIS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sandrine Chalancon
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 454 MEDIS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frederic Amiard
- Le Mans Université, IMMM UMR-CNRS 6283, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, F-72085, Le Mans Cedex 9, France
| | - Mathieu Edely
- Le Mans Université, IMMM UMR-CNRS 6283, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, F-72085, Le Mans Cedex 9, France
| | - Valerie Bezirard
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Gaultier
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Lamas
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Houdeau
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Fabienne Lagarde
- Le Mans Université, IMMM UMR-CNRS 6283, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, F-72085, Le Mans Cedex 9, France
| | - Erwan Engel
- INRAE, UR QuaPA, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Lucie Etienne-Mesmin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 454 MEDIS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Muriel Mercier-Bonin
- Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France.
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24
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Xu JL, Lin X, Wang JJ, Gowen AA. A review of potential human health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158111. [PMID: 35987230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aims to summarize the current knowledge on biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on human health based on mammalian systems. An extensive search of the literature led to a total of 133 primary research articles on the health relevance of MNPs. Our findings revealed that although the study of MNP cytotoxicity and inflammatory response represents a major research theme, most studies (105 articles) focused on the effects of polystyrene MNPs due to their wide availability as a well characterised research material that can be manufactured with a large range of particle sizes, fluorescence labelling as well as various surface modifications. Among the 133 studies covered in this review, 117 articles reported adverse health effects after being exposed to MNPs. Mammalian in vitro studies identified multiple biological effects including cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, genotoxicity, embryotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, renal toxicity and even carcinogenicity, while rodent in vivo models confirmed the bioaccumulation of MNPs in the liver, spleen, kidney, brain, lung and gut, presenting adverse effects at different levels including reproductive toxic effects and trans-generational toxicity. In contrast, the remaining 16 studies indicated an insignificant impact of MNPs on humans. A few studies attempted to investigate the mechanisms or factors driving the toxicity of MNPs and identified several determining factors including size, concentration, shape, surface charge, attached pollutants and weathering process, which, however, were not benchmarked or considered by most studies. This review demonstrates that there are still many inconsistencies in the evaluation of the potential health effects of MNPs due to the lack of comparability between studies. Current limitations hindering the attainment of reproducible conclusions as well as recommendations for future research directions are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Li Xu
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College of Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Xiaohui Lin
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College of Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jing Jing Wang
- AMBER Research Centre and Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Aoife A Gowen
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College of Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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25
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Peller JR, Mezyk SP, Shidler S, Castleman J, Kaiser S, Faulkner RF, Pilgrim CD, Wilson A, Martens S, Horne GP. Facile nanoplastics formation from macro and microplastics in aqueous media. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120171. [PMID: 36113647 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The immense production of plastic polymers combined with their discordancy with nature has led to vast plastic waste contamination across the geosphere, from the oceans to freshwater reservoirs, wetlands, remote snowpacks, sediments, air and multiple other environments. These environmental pollutants include microplastics (MP), typically defined as small and fragmented plastics less than 5 mm in size, and nanoplastics (NP), particles smaller than a micrometer. The formation of micro and nanoplastics in aqueous media to date has been largely attributed to fragmentation of plastics by natural (i.e., abrasion, photolysis, biotic) or industrial processes. We present a novel method to create small microplastics (≲ 5 μm) and nanoplastics in water from a wide variety of plastic materials using a small volume of a solubilizer liquid, such as n-dodecane, in combination with vigorous mixing. When the suspensions or solutions are subjected to ultrasonic mixing, the particle sizes decrease. Small micro- and nanoparticles were made from commercial, real world and waste (aged) polyethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate, in addition to other plastic materials and were analyzed using dark field microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and particle size measurements. The presented method provides a new and simple way to create specific size distributions of micro- and nanoparticles, which will enable expanded research on these plastic particles in water, especially those made from real world and aged plastics. The ease of NP and small MP formation upon initial mixing simulates real world environments, thereby providing further insight into the behavior of plastics in natural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Peller
- Department of Chemistry, 1710 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 46383, USA.
| | - Stephen P Mezyk
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Long Beach, CA, 90804, USA
| | | | - Joe Castleman
- Department of Chemistry, 1710 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 46383, USA
| | - Scott Kaiser
- Department of Chemistry, 1710 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 46383, USA
| | - Richard F Faulkner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Long Beach, CA, 90804, USA
| | - Corey D Pilgrim
- Center for Radiation Chemistry Research, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, P.O. Box 1625, 83415, USA
| | - Antigone Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, 1710 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 46383, USA
| | - Sydney Martens
- Department of Chemistry, 1710 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 46383, USA
| | - Gregory P Horne
- Center for Radiation Chemistry Research, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, P.O. Box 1625, 83415, USA
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26
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Abstract
Plastic waste pollution is one of the biggest problems in the world today. The amount of plastic in the environment continues to increase, and human exposure to microplastic (MP) has become a reality. This subject has attracted the attention of the whole world. The MP problem has also been noticed by the scientific community. The term microplastic is mostly used to define synthetic material with a high polymer content that can have a size range from 0.1 to 5000 µm. This paper aims to characterize the routes of exposure to MP, define its pollution sources, and identify food types contaminated with plastics. This review addresses the current state of knowledge on this type of particles, with particular emphasis on their influence on human health. Adverse effects of MP depend on routes and sources of exposure. The most common route of exposure is believed to be the gastrointestinal tract. Sources of MP include fish, shellfish, water as well as tea, beer, wine, energy drinks, soft drinks, milk, salt, sugar, honey, poultry meat, fruits, and vegetables. Studies have shown that particles of PET, PE, PP, PS, PVC, PA, and PC are the most frequently found in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Kadac-Czapska
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Eliza Knez
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Grembecka
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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27
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Toh W, Ang EYM, Ng TY, Lin R, Liu Z. Antifouling Bilayer Graphene Slit Membrane for Desalination of Nanoplastic-Infested Seawater: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:43965-43974. [PMID: 36099535 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
It has been shown that the nanoplastic particles present in graphene membranes have a high tendency to cause fouling in them due to the high affinity between graphene and nanoplastic molecules. This poses a significant challenge for the use of graphene membranes for desalination. In this paper, we introduce a double-layer graphene slit membrane as a viable solution to significantly reduce fouling caused by the presence of nanoplastic particles in graphene membranes. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed in this work show that when fouling occurs in a single-layer membrane, the presence of nanoplastics reduces the average permeability by close to 40%, from 1877 LMBH to 1148 LMBH, with a large standard deviation of 26% between runs. With the addition of the secondary membrane, the average permeability increases by 17%, with a significantly reduced standard deviation of 7%. These suggest that the secondary layer acts as a sacrificial shield, attracting the nanoplastic contaminants and preventing them from coming into close proximity with the primary membrane, thus preventing fouling at the primary rejection layer. Furthermore, due to the affinity of the nanoplastic particles with the secondary graphene membrane, this membrane design points toward an effective and efficient way of extracting nanoplastic particles for further analysis or processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Toh
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Elisa Yun Mei Ang
- Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, 10 Dover Drive, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Teng Yong Ng
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Rongming Lin
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Zishun Liu
- International Center for Applied Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
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