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Winiarska E, Jutel M, Zemelka-Wiacek M. The potential impact of nano- and microplastics on human health: Understanding human health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118535. [PMID: 38460665 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are used all over the world. Unfortunately, due to limited biodegradation, plastics cause a significant level of environmental pollution. The smallest recognized to date are termed nanoplastics (1 nm [nm] up to 1 μm [μm]) and microplastics (1 μm-5 mm). These nano- and microplastics can enter the human body through the respiratory system via inhalation, the digestive tract via consumption of contaminated food and water, or penetration through the skin via cosmetics and clothes contact. Bioaccumulation of plastics in the human body can potentially lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders like lung cancer, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, neurological symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness, inflammatory bowel disease and even disturbances in gut microbiota. Most studies to date have confirmed that nano- and microplastics can induce apoptosis in cells and have genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of plastics' actions may help extrapolate the risks to humans. The article provides a comprehensive review of articles in databases regarding the impact of nano- and microplastics on human health. The review included retrospective studies and case reports of people exposed to nanoplastics and microplastics. This research highlights the need for further research to fully understand the extent of the impact of plastics on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Winiarska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland
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Peng M, Grootaert C, Vercauteren M, Boon N, Janssen C, Rajkovic A, Asselman J. Probing Long-Term Impacts: Low-Dose Polystyrene Nanoplastics Exacerbate Mitochondrial Health and Evoke Secondary Glycolysis via Repeated and Single Dosing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38814788 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are omnipresent in the environment and contribute to human exposure. However, little is known regarding the long-term effects of NPs on human health. In this study, human intestinal Caco-2 cells were exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics (nanoPS) in an environmentally relevant concentration range (102-109 particles/mL) under two realistic exposure scenarios. In the first scenario, cells were repeatedly exposed to nanoPS every 2 days for 12 days to study the long-term effects. In the second scenario, only nanoPS was added once and Caco-2 cells were cultured for 12 days to study the duration of the initial effects of NPs. Under repeated dosing, initial subtle effects on mitochondria induced by low concentrations would accrue over consistent exposure to nanoPS and finally lead to significant impairment of mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial mass, and cell differentiation process at the end of prolonged exposure, accompanied by significantly increased glycolysis over the whole exposure period. Single dosing of nanoPS elicited transient effects on mitochondrial and glycolytic functions, as well as increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the early phase of exposure, but the self-recovery capacity of cells mitigated these effects at intermediate culture times. Notably, secondary effects on glycolysis and ROS production were observed during the late culture period, while the cell differentiation process and mitochondrial mass were not affected at the end. These long-term effects are of crucial importance for comprehensively evaluating the health hazards arising from lifetime exposure to NPs, complementing the extensively observed acute effects associated with prevalent short-term exposure to high concentrations. Our study underlines the need to study the toxicity of NPs in realistic long-term exposure scenarios such as repeated dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Peng
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Oostende Belgium
| | - Charlotte Grootaert
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maaike Vercauteren
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Oostende Belgium
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Technology and Ecology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Colin Janssen
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Oostende Belgium
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Oostende Belgium
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Kaushik A, Singh A, Gupta VK, Mishra YK. Nano/Micro-Plastic, an invisible threat getting into the Brain. CHEMOSPHERE 2024:142380. [PMID: 38763401 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Due to weather and working/operational conditions, plastic degradation produces toxic and non-biodegradable nano and microplastics (N/M-Ps, ranging from 10 nm to 5 mm), and over time these N/M-Ps have integrated with the human cycle through ingestion and inhalation. These N/M-Ps, as serious emerging pollutants, are causing considerable adverse health issues due to up-taken by the cells, tissue, and organs, including the brain. It has been proven that N/M-Ps can cross the blood-brain barrier (via olfactory and blood vessels) and affect the secretion of neuroinflammatory (cytokine and chemokine), transporters, and receptor markers. Neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and brain injury, which may result in such scenarios are a serious concern and may cause brain disorders. However, the related pathways and pathogenesis are not well-explored but are the focus of upcoming emerging research. Therefore, as a focus of this editorial, well-organized multidisciplinary research is required to explore associated pathways and pathogenesis, leading to brain mapping and nano-enabled therapeutics in acute and chronic N/M-P exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL-USA.
| | - Avtar Singh
- Research and Development, Molekule Inc., 3802 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, Florida, 33612, USA.
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK.
| | - Yogendra Kumar Mishra
- Mads Clausen Institute, NanoSYD, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, 6400, Sønderborg, Denmark.
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Onyeaka H, Jalata DD, Mekonnen SA. Mitigating physical hazards in food processing: Risk assessment and preventive strategies. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:7515-7522. [PMID: 38107102 PMCID: PMC10724640 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical contaminants in food, such as glass, metal, and plastic, can cause significant health risks and economic loss. This study explores these understudied physical hazards, aiming to provide comprehensive risk analysis and preventive solutions. Our research identified several key infiltration points in the food supply chain, including raw material sourcing and packaging stages. These hazards can be effectively mitigated by employing advanced technologies like metal detectors and optical sorting machines, along with stringent quality control measures. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders in the food industry, emphasizing the need for regulatory compliance and consumer education to ensure food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Dassalegn Daraje Jalata
- Department of Food Science and NutritionEthiopian Institute of Agricultural ResearchAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Solomon Abate Mekonnen
- Department of Food Science and NutritionEthiopian Institute of Agricultural ResearchAddis AbabaEthiopia
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Urrutia-Pereira M, Guidos-Fogelbach G, Chong-Neto HJ, Solé D. Microplastics exposure and immunologic response. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2023; 51:57-65. [PMID: 37695231 DOI: 10.15586/aei.v51i5.834] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of microplastics (MPs) on human health. DATA SOURCE The authors conducted a non-systematic review of articles published in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish in the last decade in the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and SciELO. The keywords used were: microplastics OR nanoplastics OR marine litter OR toxicology OR additives AND human health OR children OR adults. DATA SUMMARY MPs are a group of emerging contaminants that have attracted scientific interest and societal attention in the last decade due to their ubiquitous detection in all environments. Humans can primarily be exposed to MPs and nanoplastics via oral and inhalation routes, but dermal contact cannot be overlooked, especially in young children. The possible toxic effects of plastic particles are due to their potential toxicity, often combined with that of leachable additives and adsorbed contaminants. CONCLUSIONS Unless the plastic value chain is transformed over the next two decades, the risks to species, marine ecosystems, climate, health, economy, and communities will be unmanageable. However, along with these risks are the unique opportunities to help transition to a more sustainable world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Herberto José Chong-Neto
- Department of Pediatrics, Divison of Allergy and Pneumology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil;
| | - Dirceu Solé
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Yang W, Li Y, Boraschi D. Association between Microorganisms and Microplastics: How Does It Change the Host-Pathogen Interaction and Subsequent Immune Response? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044065. [PMID: 36835476 PMCID: PMC9963316 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a significant problem worldwide because of the risks it poses to the equilibrium and health of the environment as well as to human beings. Discarded plastic released into the environment can degrade into microplastics (MPs) due to various factors, such as sunlight, seawater flow, and temperature. MP surfaces can act as solid scaffolds for microorganisms, viruses, and various biomolecules (such as LPS, allergens, and antibiotics), depending on the MP characteristics of size/surface area, chemical composition, and surface charge. The immune system has efficient recognition and elimination mechanisms for pathogens, foreign agents, and anomalous molecules, including pattern recognition receptors and phagocytosis. However, associations with MPs can modify the physical, structural, and functional characteristics of microbes and biomolecules, thereby changing their interactions with the host immune system (in particular with innate immune cells) and, most likely, the features of the subsequent innate/inflammatory response. Thus, exploring differences in the immune response to microbial agents that have been modified by interactions with MPs is meaningful in terms of identifying new possible risks to human health posed by anomalous stimulation of immune reactivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Yang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen 518071, China
- China-Italy Joint Laboratory of Pharmacobiotechnology for Medical Immunomodulation, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yang Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen 518071, China
- China-Italy Joint Laboratory of Pharmacobiotechnology for Medical Immunomodulation, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Diana Boraschi
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen 518071, China
- China-Italy Joint Laboratory of Pharmacobiotechnology for Medical Immunomodulation, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80132 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Parrón-Ballesteros J, Gordo RG, López-Rodríguez JC, Olmo N, Villalba M, Batanero E, Turnay J. Beyond allergic progression: From molecules to microbes as barrier modulators in the gut-lung axis functionality. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2023; 4:1093800. [PMID: 36793545 PMCID: PMC9923236 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1093800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The "epithelial barrier hypothesis" states that a barrier dysfunction can result in allergy development due to tolerance breakdown. This barrier alteration may come from the direct contact of epithelial and immune cells with the allergens, and indirectly, through deleterious effects caused by environmental changes triggered by industrialization, pollution, and changes in the lifestyle. Apart from their protective role, epithelial cells can respond to external factors secreting IL-25 IL-33, and TSLP, provoking the activation of ILC2 cells and a Th2-biased response. Several environmental agents that influence epithelial barrier function, such as allergenic proteases, food additives or certain xenobiotics are reviewed in this paper. In addition, dietary factors that influence the allergenic response in a positive or negative way will be also described here. Finally, we discuss how the gut microbiota, its composition, and microbe-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, alter not only the gut but also the integrity of distant epithelial barriers, focusing this review on the gut-lung axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Parrón-Ballesteros
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén García Gordo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos López-Rodríguez
- The Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom,The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nieves Olmo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mayte Villalba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Batanero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Turnay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Correspondence: Javier Turnay
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Allergic Inflammation: Effect of Propolis and Its Flavonoids. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196694. [PMID: 36235230 PMCID: PMC9570745 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of allergic diseases and their complications are increasing worldwide. Today, people increasingly use natural products, which has been termed a "return to nature". Natural products with healing properties, especially those obtained from plants and bees, have been used in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic diseases, including allergy and/or inflammation. Propolis is a multi-component resin rich in flavonoids, collected and transformed by honeybees from buds and plant wounds for the construction and adaptation of their nests. This article describes the current views regarding the possible mechanisms and multiple benefits of flavonoids in combating allergy and allergy-related complications. These benefits arise from flavonoid anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and wound healing activities and their effects on microbe-immune system interactions in developing host responses to different allergens. Finally, this article presents various aspects of allergy pathobiology and possible molecular approaches in their treatment. Possible mechanisms regarding the antiallergic action of propolis on the microbiota of the digestive and respiratory tracts and skin diseases as a method to selectively remove allergenic molecules by the process of bacterial biotransformation are also reported.
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Cheng C, Chen S, Su J, Zhu M, Zhou M, Chen T, Han Y. Recent advances in carrageenan-based films for food packaging applications. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1004588. [PMID: 36159449 PMCID: PMC9503319 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1004588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to solve the increasingly serious environmental problems caused by plastic-based packaging, carrageenan-based films are drawing much attentions in food packaging applications, due to low cost, biodegradability, compatibility, and film-forming property. The purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive review of recent developments in carrageenan-based films, including fabrication strategies, physical and chemical properties and novel food packaging applications. Carrageenan can be extracted from red algae mainly by hydrolysis, ultrasonic-assisted and microwave-assisted extraction, and the combination of multiple extraction methods will be future trends in carrageenan extraction methods. Carrageenan can form homogeneous film-forming solutions and fabricate films mainly by direct coating, solvent casting and electrospinning, and mechanism of film formation was discussed in detail. Due to the inherent limitations of the pure carrageenan film, physical and chemical properties of carrageenan films were enhanced by incorporation with other compounds. Therefore, carrageenan-based films can be widely used for extending the shelf life of food and monitoring the food freshness by inhibiting microbial growth, reducing moisture loss and the respiration, etc. This article will provide useful guidelines for further research on carrageenan-based films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Facilities Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaqi Su
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Facilities Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingrui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Facilities Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Facilities Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yahong Han
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Facilities Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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