Plastics Additives and Human Health: A Case Study of Bisphenol A (BPA)

Acrylamide and bisphenol A: two plastic additives increase platelet activation, via oxidative stress

Background

Since the mid-20th century, the widespread use of plastics has led to the buildup of harmful byproducts in the environment-most notably acrylamide (AA) and bisphenol A (BPA). These chemicals are now commonly detected in human tissues, raising concerns about their potential health effects. While their presence as environmental pollutants is well known, their specific impact on platelet function and the associated cardiovascular risks remains poorly understood.

Methods

To explore how AA and BPA affect platelet physiology, we performed in vitro assays to assess platelet activation and aggregation following exposure to these compounds. We also used bioinformatic tools to identify potential protein targets in human platelets and carried out molecular docking simulations to investigate how AA and BPA interact with key enzymes involved in platelet regulation.

Results

Both AA and BPA exposure led to a significant increase in platelet activation and aggregation, suggesting an elevated risk of thrombosis. Proteomic analysis identified around 1,230 potential protein targets, with 191 affected by AA and 429 by BPA. These proteins are primarily involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and signaling pathways regulated by protein kinase C (PKC), p38α-MAPK, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Molecular modeling further revealed that AA and BPA form stable complexes with several of these enzymes, indicating direct interference with platelet function.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our study shows that AA and BPA can enhance platelet reactivity and aggregation, which are key factors in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). By identifying specific molecular pathways and targets affected by these pollutants, we provide new insights into their potential role in promoting thrombotic conditions. These findings highlight the urgent need for greater public health awareness and stronger regulatory efforts to reduce human exposure to AA and BPA.

Microplastics and environmental effects: investigating the effects of microplastics on aquatic habitats and their impact on human health

Microplastics (MPs) are particles with a diameter of <5 mm. The disposal of plastic waste into the environment poses a significant and pressing issue concern globally. Growing worry has been expressed in recent years over the impact of MPs on both human health and the entire natural ecosystem. MPs impact the feeding and digestive capabilities of marine organisms, as well as hinder the development of plant roots and leaves. Numerous studies have shown that the majority of individuals consume substantial quantities of MPs either through their dietary intake or by inhaling them. MPs have been identified in various human biological samples, such as lungs, stool, placenta, sputum, breast milk, liver, and blood. MPs can cause various illnesses in humans, depending on how they enter the body. Healthy and sustainable ecosystems depend on the proper functioning of microbiota, however, MPs disrupt the balance of microbiota. Also, due to their high surface area compared to their volume and chemical characteristics, MPs act as pollutant absorbers in different environments. Multiple policies and initiatives exist at both the domestic and global levels to mitigate pollution caused by MPs. Various techniques are currently employed to remove MPs, such as biodegradation, filtration systems, incineration, landfill disposal, and recycling, among others. In this review, we will discuss the sources and types of MPs, the presence of MPs in different environments and food, the impact of MPs on human health and microbiota, mechanisms of pollutant adsorption on MPs, and the methods of removing MPs with algae and microbes.

Adverse (geno)toxic effects of bisphenol A and its analogues in hepatic 3D cell model

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used and versatile chemical compounds in polymer additives and epoxy resins for manufacturing a range of products for human applications. It is known as endocrine disruptor, however, there is growing evidence that it is genotoxic. Because of its adverse effects, the European Union has restricted its use to protect human health and the environment. As a result, the industry has begun developing BPA analogues, but there are not yet sufficient toxicity data to claim that they are safe. We investigated the adverse toxic effects of BPA and its analogues (BPS, BPAP, BPAF, BPFL, and BPC) with emphasis on their cytotoxic and genotoxic activities after short (24-h) and prolonged (96-h) exposure in in vitro hepatic three-dimensional cell model developed from HepG2 cells. The results showed that BPFL and BPC (formed by an additional ring system) were the most cytotoxic analogues that affected cell viability, spheroid surface area and morphology, cell proliferation, and apoptotic cell death. BPA, BPAP, and BPAF induced DNA double-strand break formation (γH2AX assay), whereas BPAF and BPC increased the percentage of p-H3-positive cells, indicating their aneugenic activity. All BPs induced DNA single-strand break formation (comet assay), with BPAP (≥0.1 μM) being the most effective and BPA and BPC the least effective (≥1 μM) under conditions applied. The results indicate that not all of the analogues studied are safer alternatives to BPA and thus more in-depth research is urgently needed to adequately evaluate the risks of BPA analogues and assess their safety for humans.

Microplastics in Fish and Fishery Products and Risks for Human Health: A Review

In recent years, plastic waste has become a universally significant environmental problem. Ingestion of food and water contaminated with microplastics is the main route of human exposure. Fishery products are an important source of microplastics in the human diet. Once ingested, microplastics reach the gastrointestinal tract and can be absorbed causing oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and translocation to other tissues. Furthermore, microplastics can release chemical substances (organic and inorganic) present in their matrix or previously absorbed from the environment and act as carriers of microorganisms. Additives present in microplastics such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP), and potentially toxic elements can be harmful for humans. However, to date, the data we have are not sufficient to perform a reliable assessment of the risks to human health. Further studies on the toxicokinetics and toxicity of microplastics in humans are needed.

Assessing the recovery of steroid levels and gonadal histopathology of tilapia exposed to polystyrene particle pollution by supplementary feed

Background and Aim:

Water pollution caused by industrial waste and human activities has disrupted the reproductive health of aquatic organisms. This study aimed to analyze the effects of water pollution caused by polystyrene particles (PP) on the steroid (estradiol and testosterone) levels and histopathology of male tilapia gonads. In addition, we also analyzed the potential of supplementary feeding to remove and neutralize oxidants.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-six tilapia fishes were taken for the study and were divided into 12 groups (n=3), including a control group (fed with commercial pellets only) and groups fed with a mixture of commercial-probiotic pellets (200 mL/kg, 1×10⁸ colony-forming unit [CFU]/mL) and commercial vitamin C pellets (100 mg/kg), respectively. The PP concentrations used for this study were 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L, and the treatment time was 2 weeks. The testosterone and estradiol concentrations were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and histopathological analysis of the gonads.

Results:

Laboratory analysis performed using tilapia fishes showed that exposure to a PP concentration of <74 μm, mixed with feed for 14 days, could decrease estradiol and testosterone levels. Exposure to plastic particles could change the structure, shape, and size of male gonads. It can also affect the spermatogenic cell number and alter the diameter inside the cysts. Originally, plastic particles were believed to reduce the permeability of the cyst membrane, and this damages the membrane or ruptures the cyst. Supplementary feed containing probiotics (200 mL/kg, 1×108 CFU/mL) and vitamin C (100 mg/kg) can ameliorate the impact of PP exposure on steroid levels. The steroid levels increase with a concurrent improvement in cysts and seminiferous tubule structures.

Conclusion:

Overall, this study indicates that PP concentrations in the aquatic environment negatively affect tilapia reproduction, and this may pose a potential threat to the fish population in freshwater. Provision of supplementary feed containing probiotics and vitamin C may serve as an alternative way to counter the negative impact caused by plastic particles.