1
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Song H, Jiang P, Tang H, Wang Z, Ge X, Li X, He F, Guo S, Tian G, Qi Y, Hu S, Liu R. Nanoplastics composite norfloxacin induced changes in conformation and function of lysozyme and differential effects of co-exposure contamination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174688. [PMID: 38992361 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174688] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The concurrent environmental contamination by nanoplastics (NPs) and norfloxacin (NOR) is a burgeoning concern, with significant accumulations in various ecosystems and potential ingress into the human body via the food chain, posing threats to both public health and ecological balance. Despite the gravity of the situation, studies on the co-exposure contamination effects of these substances are limited. Moreover, the response mechanisms of key functional proteins to these pollutants are yet to be fully elucidated. In this work, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the interaction mechanisms of NPs and NOR with lysozyme under both single and co-exposure condition, utilizing dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential measurements, multi-spectroscopy methods, enzyme activity assays and molecular docking, to obtain a relationship between the compound effects of NPs and NOR. Our results indicate that NPs adsorb NOR on their surface, forming more stable aggregates. These aggregates influence the conformation, secondary structure (α-Helix ratio decreased by 3.1 %) and amino acid residue microenvironment of lysozyme. And changes in structure affect the activity of lysozyme (reduced by 39.9 %) with the influence of composited pollutants exerting stronger changes. Molecular simulation indicated the key residues Asp 52 for protein function located near the docking site, suggesting pollutants preferentially binds to the active center of lysozyme. Through this study, we have found the effect of increased toxicity on lysozyme under the compounded conditions of NPs and NOR, confirming that the increased molecular toxicity of NPs and NOR is predominantly realized through the increase in particle size and stability of the aggregates under weak interactions, as well as induction of protein structural looseness. This study proposes a molecular perspective on the differential effects and mechanisms of NPs-NOR composite pollution, providing new insights into the assessment of in vitro responses to composite pollutant exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyu Song
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Pin Jiang
- Yanzhou District branch of Jining Ecological Environment Bureau, No. 159, Wenhua East Road, Yanzhou District, Jining City, Shandong Province 272100, PR China
| | - Houquan Tang
- Jinan Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Jinan City, Shandong Province 250104, China
| | - Zaifeng Wang
- Jinan Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Jinan City, Shandong Province 250104, China
| | - Xuan Ge
- Jinan Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Jinan City, Shandong Province 250104, China
| | - Xiangxiang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Falin He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Shuqi Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Guang Tian
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Yuntao Qi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Shaoyang Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China.
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2
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Du J, Huang W, Pan Y, Xu S, Li H, Jin M, Liu Q. Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics Combined With Antibiotics in the Aquatic Environment: Recent Developments and Prospects. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1950-1961. [PMID: 38980257 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Both microplastics and antibiotics are commonly found contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics have the ability to absorb antibiotic pollutants in water, but the specific adsorption behavior and mechanism are not fully understood, particularly in relation to the impact of microplastics on toxicity in aquatic environments. We review the interaction, mechanism, and transport of microplastics and antibiotics in water environments, with a focus on the main physical characteristics and environmental factors affecting adsorption behavior in water. We also analyze the effects of microplastic carriers on antibiotic transport and long-distance transport in the water environment. The toxic effects of microplastics combined with antibiotics on aquatic organisms are systematically explained, as well as the effect of the adsorption behavior of microplastics on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Finally, the scientific knowledge gap and future research directions related to the interactions between microplastics and antibiotics in the water environment are summarized to provide basic information for preventing and treating environmental risks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1950-1961. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Du
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
- Suzhou Fishseeds Bio-technology, Suzhou, China
- Suzhou Health-Originated Bio-technology Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Wenfei Huang
- Eco-Environmental Science and Research, Institute of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Pan
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaodan Xu
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Meiqing Jin
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- Suzhou Fishseeds Bio-technology, Suzhou, China
- Suzhou Health-Originated Bio-technology Ltd., Suzhou, China
- Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
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3
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He F, Shi H, Hu S, Liu R. Regulation mechanisms of ferric ions release from iron-loaded transferrin protein caused by nano-sized polystyrene plastics-induced conformational and structural changes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133495. [PMID: 38232549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133495] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the binding of iron-binding protein transferrin (TF) with NPs and their interaction mechanisms have not been completely elucidated yet. Here, we probed the conformation-dependent release of Fe ions from TF induced by nano-sized polystyrene plastics (PS-NPs) using dialysis, ICP-MS, multi-spectroscopic techniques, and computational simulation. The results showed that the release of free Fe ions from TF was activated after PS-NPs binding, which displayed a clear dose-effect correlation. PS-NPs binding can induce the unfolding and loosening of polypeptide chain and backbone of TF. Alongside this we found that the TF secondary structure was destroyed, thereby causing TF protein misfolding and denaturation. In parallel, PS-NPs interacted with the chromophores, resulting in the occurrence of fluorescence sensitization effects and the disruption of the surrounding micro-environment of aromatic amino acids. Also, the binding of PS-NPs induced the formation of new aggregates in the PS-NPs-TF system. Further simulations indicated that PS-NPs exhibited a preference for binding to the hinge region that connects the C-lobe and N-lobe, which is responsible for the Fe ions release and structural alterations of TF. This finding provides a new understanding about the regulation of the release of Fe ions of iron-loaded TF through NPs-induced conformational and structural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falin He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Huijian Shi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Shaoyang Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China.
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4
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Sun R, Liu M, Xiong F, Xu K, Huang J, Liu J, Wang D, Pu Y. Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics induce gastric toxicity through ROS mediated oxidative stress and P62/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169228. [PMID: 38101634 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) exist widely in the environment and can enter the human body indirectly through the food chain or directly through inhalation or ingestion. The primary organ that MPs contaminated food or water enters the human body through the digestive tract is the stomach. However, at present, the effects of MPs on the stomach and the related mechanism remain unclear. In this study, our results indicated that 50 nm and 250 nm polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) at environmental related dose significantly decreased stomach organ coefficient, inhibited gastric juice secretion and mucus secretion, disrupted gastric barrier function and suppressed antioxidant ability in mice. In vitro experiments showed that PS-MPs inhibited cell viability, increased ROS generation, and induced apoptosis through mitochondria-dependent pathway. Simultaneously, PS-MPs also decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP level, disrupted mitochondrial kinetic homeostasis, and activated P62 / Nrf2 / Keap1 pathway. Furthermore, blocking ROS (NAC) partially alleviated ROS and apoptosis caused by PS-MPs. Based on above findings, the potential adverse outcome pathway (AOP) of PS-MPs-caused gastric toxicity was proposed which provides a new insight into the risk assessment of MP related gastric damage. Our study unveils the gastric injury induced by PS MPs is dependent on ROS - mediated P62 / Nrf2 / Keap1 signaling pathway, and provides scientific basis for further exploration the mechanism of gastric toxicity of PS MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Manman Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Daqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
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5
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He L, Lu Z, Zhang Y, Yan L, Ma L, Dong X, Wu Z, Dai Z, Tan B, Sun R, Sun S, Li C. The effect of polystyrene nanoplastics on arsenic-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115814. [PMID: 38100851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are detrimental to the environment. However, the combined effects of microplastics and arsenic (As) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of polystyrene (PS) microplastics and As on HepG2 cells. The results showed that PS microplastics 20, 50, 200, and 500 nm in size were taken up by HepG2 cells, causing a decrease in cellular mitochondrial membrane potential. The results of lactate dehydrogenase release and flow cytometry showed that PS microplastics, especially those of 50 nm, enhanced As-induced apoptosis. In addition, transcriptome analysis revealed that TP53, AKT1, CASP3, ACTB, BCL2L1, CASP8, XIAP, MCL1, NFKBIA, and CASP7 were the top 10 hub genes for PS that enhanced the role of As in HepG2 cell apoptosis. Our results suggest that nano-PS enhances As-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, this study is important for a better understanding of the role of microplastics in As-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei He
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Zifan Lu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China.
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China
| | - Linhong Yan
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China
| | - Lihua Ma
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China
| | - Xiaoling Dong
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China
| | - Zijie Wu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Zhenqing Dai
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Baoyi Tan
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Ruikun Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Shengli Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Chengyong Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China.
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6
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Shi C, Liu Z, Yu B, Zhang Y, Yang H, Han Y, Wang B, Liu Z, Zhang H. Emergence of nanoplastics in the aquatic environment and possible impacts on aquatic organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167404. [PMID: 37769717 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Plastic production on a global scale is instrumental in advancing modern society. However, plastic can be broken down by mechanical and chemical forces of humans and nature, and knowledge of the fate and effects of plastic, especially nanoplastics, in the aquatic environment remains poor. We provide an overview of current knowledge on the environmental occurrence and toxicity of nanoplastics, and suggestions for future research. There are nanoplastics present in seas, rivers, and nature reserves from Asia, Europe, Antarctica, and the Arctic Ocean at levels of 0.3-488 microgram per liter. Once in the aquatic environment, nanoplastics accumulate in plankton, nekton, benthos through ingestion and adherence, with multiple toxic results including inhibited growth, reproductive abnormalities, oxidative stress, and immune system dysfunction. Further investigations should focus on chemical analysis methods for nanoplastics, effect and mechanism of nanoplastics at environmental relevant concentrations in aquatic organisms, as well as the mechanism of the Trojan horse effect of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoli Shi
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhiqun Liu
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Bingzhi Yu
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yu Han
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Binhao Wang
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai Academy of Environment Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Hangjun Zhang
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Hangzhou Internation Urbanology Research Center, Hangzhou 311121, China
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7
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He T, Qu Y, Yang X, Liu L, Xiong F, Wang D, Liu M, Sun R. Research progress on the cellular toxicity caused by microplastics and nanoplastics. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:1576-1593. [PMID: 36806101 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles of a diameter of less than 5 mm and a major carrier of pollution. In accordance with its diameter range, MPs can be divided into microplastics (100-5 mm) and nanoplastics (<100 nm). In recent years, in addition to the impact of MPs on the environment, the ways in which MPs affect the body has also attracted continuous attention. However, relevant studies on the cytotoxicity of MPs are not comprehensive. Based on the current research, this paper summarizes four main cytotoxic mechanisms of MPs, inducing oxidative stress, damaging cell membrane organelles, inducing immune response, and genotoxicity. Generally, MPs cause cytotoxicity such as oxidative stress, damage to cell membranes and organelles, activation of immune responses, and genotoxicity through mechanical damage or induction of cells to produce reactive oxygen species. Understanding these toxic mechanisms is helpful for the evaluation and prevention of human toxicity of MPs. This paper also analyzes the limitations of current research and prospects for future research into cellular MPs, with the aim of providing a scientific basis and reference for further research into the toxic mechanism of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongwei He
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinhan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingxiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Daqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Manman Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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8
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Yang Z, DeLoid GM, Zarbl H, Baw J, Demokritou P. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and their potential toxicological outcomes: State of science, knowledge gaps and research needs. NANOIMPACT 2023; 32:100481. [PMID: 37717636 PMCID: PMC10841092 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste has been produced at a rapidly growing rate over the past several decades. The environmental impacts of plastic waste on marine and terrestrial ecosystems have been recognized for years. Recently, researchers found that micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), micron (100 nm - 5 mm) and nanometer (1 - 100 nm) scale particles and fibers produced by degradation and fragmentation of plastic waste in the environment, have become an important emerging environmental and food chain contaminant with uncertain consequences for human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent findings from studies of potential toxicity and adverse health impacts of MNPs in terrestrial mammals, including studies in both in vitro cellular and in vivo mammalian models. Also reviewed here are recently released biomonitoring studies that have characterized the bioaccumulation, biodistribution, and excretion of MNPs in humans. The majority MNPs in the environment to which humans are most likely to be exposed, are of irregular shapes, varied sizes, and mixed compositions, and are defined as secondary MNPs. However, the MNPs used in most toxicity studies to date were commercially available primary MNPs of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other polymers. The emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence reviewed here suggests that MNP toxicity and bioactivity are largely determined by MNP particle physico-chemical characteristics, including size, shape, polymer type, and surface properties. For human exposure, MNPs have been identified in human blood, urine, feces, and placenta, which pose potential health risks. The evidence to date suggests that the mechanisms underlying MNP toxicity at the cellular level are primarily driven by oxidative stress. Nonetheless, large knowledge gaps in our understanding of MNP toxicity and the potential health impacts of MNP exposures still exist and much further study is needed to bridge those gaps. This includes human population exposure studies to determine the environmentally relevant MNP polymers and exposure concentrations and durations for toxicity studies, as well as toxicity studies employing environmentally relevant MNPs, with surface chemistries and other physico-chemical properties consistent with MNP particles in the environment. It is especially important to obtain comprehensive toxicological data for these MNPs to understand the range and extent of potential adverse impacts of microplastic pollutants on humans and other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenning Yang
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Glen M DeLoid
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Joshua Baw
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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9
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Lukić Bilela L, Matijošytė I, Krutkevičius J, Alexandrino DAM, Safarik I, Burlakovs J, Gaudêncio SP, Carvalho MF. Impact of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) on the marine environment: Raising awareness, challenges, legislation, and mitigation approaches under the One Health concept. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115309. [PMID: 37591052 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have long been known for their detrimental effects on the ecosystems and living organisms; however the long-term impact on the marine environment is still insufficiently recognized. Based on PFAS persistence and bioaccumulation in the complex marine food network, adverse effects will be exacerbated by global processes such as climate change and synergies with other pollutants, like microplastics. The range of fluorochemicals currently included in the PFAS umbrella has significantly expanded due to the updated OECD definition, raising new concerns about their poorly understood dynamics and negative effects on the ocean wildlife and human health. Mitigation challenges and approaches, including biodegradation and currently studied materials for PFAS environmental removal are proposed here, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and bridging research gaps. The PFAS EU regulations, good practices and legal frameworks are discussed, with emphasis on recommendations for improving marine ecosystem management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lada Lukić Bilela
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Inga Matijošytė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio ave. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Jokūbas Krutkevičius
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio ave. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Diogo A M Alexandrino
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, P. Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ivo Safarik
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Biology Centre, ISBB, CAS, Na Sadkach 7, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Juris Burlakovs
- Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences, Józefa Wybickiego 7 A, 31-261 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Susana P Gaudêncio
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Chemistry Department, NOVA Faculty for Sciences and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Maria F Carvalho
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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10
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Ruan Y, Zhong Z, Liu X, Li Z, Li J, Sun L, Sen H. Correlation between cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics in HeLa cells: A size-dependent matter. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289473. [PMID: 37552688 PMCID: PMC10409258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytotoxicity of micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) is known to be strongly influenced by particle size, but the mechanism is not clear so far. We reported the ability of polystyrene MNPs to be internalized by HeLa cells could be a reason for the size dependent cytotoxicity of MNPs. We found that small MNPs (10 nm and 15 nm in radius) could be efficiently internalized by HeLa cells, MNPs of 25 nm in radius could be slightly internalized by the cells, and larger MNPs could not enter the cells at all. We showed that only MNPs, which could be internalized by cells, had a toxic effect on cell activity in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, MNPs, which could not be internalized by cells, showed no cytotoxicity even if at extremely high concentrations. We attributed the correlation between the size-dependent uptake of MNPs and the size-dependent cytotoxicity of MNPs to the enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and abnormal gene expression. Our study pointed out that cellular uptake is one of the most fundamental mechanisms for the cytotoxicity of MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Ruan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Zhong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxian Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Sun
- Guangzhou Inspection Testing and Certification Group Co., Ltd., China
| | - Hou Sen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Shandong Huapu Testing Technology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
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11
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Liu M, Liu J, Xiong F, Xu K, Pu Y, Huang J, Zhang J, Pu Y, Sun R, Cheng K. Research advances of microplastics and potential health risks of microplastics on terrestrial higher mammals: a bibliometric analysis and literature review. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:2803-2838. [PMID: 36598611 PMCID: PMC9811881 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01458-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become increasingly serious global problems due to their wide distribution and complicated impacts on living organisms. To obtain a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress on MPs, we conducted a bibliometric analysis combined with a literature review. The results showed that the number of studies on MPs has grown exponentially since 2010. Recently, the hotspot on MPs has shifted to terrestrial ecosystems and biological health risks, including human health risks. In addition, the toxic effects, identification and quantification of MPs are relatively new research hotspots. We subsequently provide a review of MPs studies related to health risks to terrestrial higher mammals and, in particular, to humans, including detection methods and potential toxicities based on current studies. Currently, MPs have been found existing in human feces, blood, colon, placenta and lung, but it is still unclear whether this is associated with related systemic diseases. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that MPs cause intestinal toxicity, metabolic disruption, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity through oxidative stress, apoptosis and specific pathways, etc. Notably, in terms of combined effects with pollutants and neurotoxicity, the effects of MPs are still controversial. Future attention should be paid to the detection and quantification of MPs in human tissues, exploring the combined effects and related mechanisms of MPs with other pollutants and clarifying the association between MPs and the development of pre-existing diseases. Our work enhances further understanding of the potential health risks of MPs to terrestrial higher mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunqiu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Keping Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
- Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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12
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Cheng Y, Yang S, Yin L, Pu Y, Liang G. Recent consequences of micro-nanaoplastics (MNPLs) in subcellular/molecular environmental pollution toxicity on human and animals. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 249:114385. [PMID: 36508803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and Nanoplastics (MNPLs) pollution has been recognized as the important environmental pollution caused by human activities in addition to global warming, ozone layer depletion and ocean acidification. Most of the current studies have focused on the toxic effects caused by plastics and have not actively investigated the mechanisms causing cell death, especially at the subcellular level. The main content of this paper focuses on two aspects, one is a review of the current status of MNPLs contamination and recent advances in toxicological studies, which highlights the possible concentration levels of MNPLs in the environment and the internal exposure of humans. It is also proposed to pay attention to the compound toxicity of MNPLs as carriers of other environmental pollutants and pathogenic factors. Secondly, subcellular toxicity is discussed and the modes of entry and intracellular distribution of smaller-size MNPLs are analyzed, with particular emphasis on the importance of organelle damage to elucidate the mechanism of toxicity. Importantly, MNPLs are a new type of environmental pollutant and researchers need to focus not only on their toxicity, but also work with governments to develop measures to reduce plastic emissions, optimize degradation and control plastic aggression against organisms, especially humans, from multiple perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China.
| | - Sheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China.
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China.
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China.
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China.
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13
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Sun N, Shi H, Li X, Gao C, Liu R. Combined toxicity of micro/nanoplastics loaded with environmental pollutants to organisms and cells: Role, effects, and mechanism. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107711. [PMID: 36566717 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and living organisms have been exposed to these substances for a long time. When MPs/NPs enter different organisms, they transport various pollutants, including heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, drugs, bacteria, and viruses, from the environment. On this basis, this paper summarizes the combined toxicity induced by MPs/NPs accumulating contaminants from the environment and entering organisms through a systematic review of 162 articles. Moreover, the factors influencing toxic interactions are critically discussed, thus highlighting the dominant role of the relative concentrations of contaminants in the combined toxic effects. Furthermore, for the first time, we describe the threats posed by MPs/NPs combined with other pollutants to human health, as well as their cytotoxic behavior and mechanism. We found that the "Trojan horse" effect of nanoplastics can increase the bioaccessibility of environmental pollutants, thus increasing the carcinogenic risk to humans. Simultaneously, the complex pollutants entering the cells are observed to be constantly dissociated due to the transport of lysosomes. However, current research on the intracellular release of MP/NP-loaded pollutants is relatively poor, which hinders the accurate in vivo toxicity assessment of combined pollutants. Based on the findings of our critical review, we recommend analyzing the toxic effects by clarifying the dose relationship of each component pollutant in cells, which is challenging yet crucial to exploring the toxic mechanism of combined pollution. In the future, our findings can contribute to establishing a system modeling the complete load-translocation toxicological mechanism of MP/NP-based composite pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Huijian Shi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xiangxiang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Canzhu Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China.
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14
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Yu Y, Mo WY, Luukkonen T. Adsorption behaviour and interaction of organic micropollutants with nano and microplastics - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:149140. [PMID: 34303986 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nano/microplastics (NPs/MPs) and organic micropollutants are contaminants exerting serious threats to aquatic ecosystems, which are further aggravated through their interactions. Organic micropollutants can adsorb on the surface of NPs/MPs, enter to the digestive systems of aquatic organisms with NPs/MPs, and desorb from the surface inside the organism. Consequently, the migration behaviour of organic micropollutants is significantly affected increasing their risk to accumulate in the food chain. Therefore, understanding the adsorption interactions between NPs/MPs and organic micropollutants is critical for evaluating the fate and impact of NPs/MPs in the environment. This review article provides an overview about the role of NPs/MPs as (temporary) sinks for organic micropollutants but also as primary sources of organic micropollutants through the leaching of plastic additives. Specifically, the following aspects are discussed: adsorption/desorption mechanisms (e.g., hydrophobic partitioning interaction, surface adsorption by van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonding, and pore filling), influencing environmental factors (e.g., pH, salinity, and dissolved organic matter), leaching of plastic additives from NPs/MPs, and potential ecotoxicological effects arising from the interactions of NPs/MPs and organic micropollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangmei Yu
- Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, Oulu 90014, Finland; Department of Science, School of Science and Technology, The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wing Yin Mo
- Department of Science, School of Science and Technology, The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tero Luukkonen
- Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, Oulu 90014, Finland.
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15
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Kostoff RN, Briggs MB, Kanduc D, Shores DR, Kovatsi L, Drakoulis N, Porter AL, Tsatsakis A, Spandidos DA. Contributing factors common to COVID‑19 and gastrointestinal cancer. Oncol Rep 2021; 47:16. [PMID: 34779496 PMCID: PMC8611322 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The devastating complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) result from the dysfunctional immune response of an individual following the initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Multiple toxic stressors and behaviors contribute to underlying immune system dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 exploits the dysfunctional immune system to trigger a chain of events, ultimately leading to COVID-19. The authors have previously identified a number of contributing factors (CFs) common to myriad chronic diseases. Based on these observations, it was hypothesized that there may be a significant overlap between CFs associated with COVID-19 and gastrointestinal cancer (GIC). Thus, in the present study, a streamlined dot-product approach was used initially to identify potential CFs that affect COVID-19 and GIC directly (i.e., the simultaneous occurrence of CFs and disease in the same article). The nascent character of the COVID-19 core literature (~1-year-old) did not allow sufficient time for the direct effects of numerous CFs on COVID-19 to emerge from laboratory experiments and epidemiological studies. Therefore, a literature-related discovery approach was used to augment the COVID-19 core literature-based ‘direct impact’ CFs with discovery-based ‘indirect impact’ CFs [CFs were identified in the non-COVID-19 biomedical literature that had the same biomarker impact pattern (e.g., hyperinflammation, hypercoagulation, hypoxia, etc.) as was shown in the COVID-19 literature]. Approximately 2,250 candidate direct impact CFs in common between GIC and COVID-19 were identified, albeit some being variants of the same concept. As commonality proof of concept, 75 potential CFs that appeared promising were selected, and 63 overlapping COVID-19/GIC potential/candidate CFs were validated with biological plausibility. In total, 42 of the 63 were overlapping direct impact COVID-19/GIC CFs, and the remaining 21 were candidate GIC CFs that overlapped with indirect impact COVID-19 CFs. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that COVID-19 and GIC share a number of common risk/CFs, including behaviors and toxic exposures, that impair immune function. A key component of immune system health is the removal of those factors that contribute to immune system dysfunction in the first place. This requires a paradigm shift from traditional Western medicine, which often focuses on treatment, rather than prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Neil Kostoff
- School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Gainesville, VA 20155, USA
| | | | - Darja Kanduc
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, I‑70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Darla Roye Shores
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Leda Kovatsi
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Drakoulis
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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16
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Kaloyianni M, Bobori DC, Xanthopoulou D, Malioufa G, Sampsonidis I, Kalogiannis S, Feidantsis K, Kastrinaki G, Dimitriadi A, Koumoundouros G, Lambropoulou DA, Kyzas GZ, Bikiaris DN. Toxicity and Functional Tissue Responses of Two Freshwater Fish after Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics. TOXICS 2021; 9:289. [PMID: 34822680 PMCID: PMC8625933 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9110289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs)' ingestion has been demonstrated in several aquatic organisms. This process may facilitate the hydrophobic waterborne pollutants or chemical additives transfer to biota. In the present study the suitability of a battery of biomarkers on oxidative stress, physiology, tissue function and metabolic profile was investigated for the early detection of adverse effects of 21-day exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs, sized 5-12 μm) in the liver and gills of zebrafish Danio rerio and perch, Perca fluviatilis, both of which are freshwater fish species. An optical volume map representation of the zebrafish gill by Raman spectroscopy depicted 5 μm diameter PS-MP dispersed in the gill tissue. Concentrations of PS-MPs close to the EC50 of each fish affected fish physiology in all tissues studied. Increased levels of biomarkers of oxidative damage in exposed fish in relation to controls were observed, as well as activation of apoptosis and autophagy processes. Malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls and DNA damage responses differed with regard to the sensitivity of each tissue of each fish. In the toxicity cascade gills seemed to be more liable to respond to PS-MPs than liver for the majority of the parameters measured. DNA damage was the most susceptible biomarker exhibiting greater response in the liver of both species. The interaction between MPs and cellular components provoked metabolic alterations in the tissues studied, affecting mainly amino acids, nitrogen and energy metabolism. Toxicity was species and tissue specific, with specific biomarkers responding differently in gills and in liver. The fish species that seemed to be more susceptible to MPs at the conditions studied, was P. fluviatilis compared to D. rerio. The current findings add to a holistic approach for the identification of small sized PS-MPs' biological effects in fish, thus aiming to provide evidence regarding PS-MPs' environmental impact on wild fish populations and food safety and adequacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Kaloyianni
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.K.); (D.X.); (G.M.); (K.F.)
| | - Dimitra C. Bobori
- Laboratory of Ichthyology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despoina Xanthopoulou
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.K.); (D.X.); (G.M.); (K.F.)
- Laboratory of Ichthyology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Glykeria Malioufa
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.K.); (D.X.); (G.M.); (K.F.)
| | - Ioannis Sampsonidis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Stavros Kalogiannis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Konstantinos Feidantsis
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.K.); (D.X.); (G.M.); (K.F.)
| | - Georgia Kastrinaki
- Laboratory of Inorganic Materials, CERTH/CPERI, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Anastasia Dimitriadi
- Biology Department, University of Crete, 70013 Herakleion, Greece; (A.D.); (G.K.)
| | - George Koumoundouros
- Biology Department, University of Crete, 70013 Herakleion, Greece; (A.D.); (G.K.)
| | - Dimitra A. Lambropoulou
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - George Z. Kyzas
- Department of Chemistry, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios N. Bikiaris
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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17
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Matthews S, Mai L, Jeong CB, Lee JS, Zeng EY, Xu EG. Key mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) toxicity across taxonomic groups. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 247:109056. [PMID: 33894368 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous in aquatic and terrestrial environments, and detrimental biological effects have been observed on a variety of organisms, from bacteria and alga to plants and animals. A fast-growing number of toxicological studies report diverse responses and wide species-dependent sensitivity upon MNP exposure. While studies are dominated by in vivo animal tests, our understanding of cellular toxicity and the corresponding toxicity mechanisms is still limited. This challenges the proper assessment of environmental hazards and health risks of MNPs. In this review, we gathered and analyzed the up-to-date studies on humans, animals, plants, alga, and bacteria, and identified the similarities and differences in key toxicity mechanisms of MNPs across different taxonomic groups. Particularly, human cell-based studies at the cellular level provide fundamental and valuable information on the key toxicity mechanisms, which are essential to answer the question of whether and how MNPs pose health threats. In general, toxicity mechanisms of MNPs depend on their size, surface characteristics, polymer type, as well as cell type. Plausible toxicity mechanisms mainly include membrane disruption, extracellular polymeric substance disruption, reactive oxygen species generation, DNA damage, cell pore blockage, lysosome destabilization, and mitochondrial depolarization. A deeper understanding of these key mechanisms in different taxonomic groups can also improve both in vivo and in vitro models useful for predictive impact assessments of plastic pollution on the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Matthews
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Lei Mai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Chang-Bum Jeong
- Department of Marine Science, College of Nature Science, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark.
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18
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Busch M, Bredeck G, Kämpfer AAM, Schins RPF. Investigations of acute effects of polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride micro- and nanoplastics in an advanced in vitro triple culture model of the healthy and inflamed intestine. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110536. [PMID: 33253701 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The continuous degradation of plastic waste in the environment leads to the generation of micro- and nanoplastic fragments and particles. Due to the ubiquitous presence of plastic particles in natural habitats as well as in food, beverages and tap water, oral exposure of the human population with plastic particles occurs worldwide. We investigated acute toxicological effects of polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) micro- and nanoparticles in an advanced in vitro triple culture model (Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12/THP-1) mimicking the healthy and inflamed human intestine to study the effect of inflammatory processes on plastic particle toxicity. We monitored barrier integrity, cytotoxicity, cell layer integrity, DNA damage, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) and mucus distribution after 24 h of particle exposure. In addition, we investigated cytotoxicity, DNA damage and IL-1β release in monocultures of the three cell lines. Amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NH2) served as a positive control for particle-induced toxicity. No acute effects in the investigated endpoints were observed in the model of the healthy intestine after PS or PVC exposure. However, during active inflammatory processes, exposure to PVC particles was found to augment the release of IL-1β and to cause a loss of epithelial cells. Our results suggest that prevalent intestinal inflammation might be an important factor to consider when assessing the hazard of ingested micro- and nanoplastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Busch
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gerrit Bredeck
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Angela A M Kämpfer
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Roel P F Schins
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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