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Journal of Hazardous Materials Feb 2022Plastics have caused serious environmental pollution. In recent years, microplastics (MPs) have caused widespread concern about their potential toxicity on animals and...
Plastics have caused serious environmental pollution. In recent years, microplastics (MPs) have caused widespread concern about their potential toxicity on animals and humans, especially on organ and tissue deposition. However, there is little known about the reproductive toxic effects of MPs in female mammals. In this study, the reproductive toxicity of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) in female mice was evaluated after continued exposure for 35 days. Results showed that PS-MPs could accumulate in heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, large intestine, small intestine, uterus, ovary and blood of exposed mice. Moreover, PS-MPs exposure increased the IL-6 level and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in mouse ovaries. The results also showed that PS-MPs exposure decreased the first polar body extrusion rate and the survival rate of superovulated oocytes. Meanwhile, PS-MPs reduced the level of glutathione (GSH), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), endoplasmic reticulum calcium ([Ca]) and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oocytes. In conclusion, our study illustrated that PS-MPs exposure induced the inflammation of ovaries and reduced the quality of oocytes in mice, which provided a basis for studying the reproductive toxic mechanism of PS-MPs in female mammals.
Topics: Animals; Female; Mice; Microplastics; Plastics; Polystyrenes; Reactive Oxygen Species; Reproduction; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 34740508
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127629 -
Environment International May 2022Plastic particles are ubiquitous pollutants in the living environment and food chain but no study to date has reported on the internal exposure of plastic particles in...
Plastic particles are ubiquitous pollutants in the living environment and food chain but no study to date has reported on the internal exposure of plastic particles in human blood. This study's goal was to develop a robust and sensitive sampling and analytical method with double shot pyrolysis - gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and apply it to measure plastic particles ≥700 nm in human whole blood from 22 healthy volunteers. Four high production volume polymers applied in plastic were identified and quantified for the first time in blood. Polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and polymers of styrene (a sum parameter of polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, acetonitrile butadiene styrene etc.) were the most widely encountered, followed by poly(methyl methacrylate). Polypropylene was analysed but values were under the limits of quantification. In this study of a small set of donors, the mean of the sum quantifiable concentration of plastic particles in blood was 1.6 µg/ml, showing a first measurement of the mass concentration of the polymeric component of plastic in human blood. This pioneering human biomonitoring study demonstrated that plastic particles are bioavailable for uptake into the human bloodstream. An understanding of the exposure of these substances in humans and the associated hazard of such exposure is needed to determine whether or not plastic particle exposure is a public health risk.
Topics: Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Plastics; Polymers; Polystyrenes; Pyrolysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 35367073
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107199 -
The American Journal of Emergency... Feb 2022Hyperkalemia represents a widespread and potentially lethal condition that affects millions of people across their lives. Despite the prevalence and severity of the... (Review)
Review
Hyperkalemia represents a widespread and potentially lethal condition that affects millions of people across their lives. Despite the prevalence and severity of the condition, there are no consensus guidelines on the treatment of hyperkalemia or even a standard definition. Herein, we provide a succinct review of what we believe to be the most significant misconceptions encountered in the emergency care of hyperkalemia, examine current available literature, and discuss practical points on several modalities of hyperkalemia treatment. Additionally, we review the pathophysiology of the electrocardiographic effects of hyperkalemia and how intravenous calcium preparations can antagonize these effects. We conclude each section with recommendations to aid emergency physicians in making safe and efficacious choices for the treatment of acute hyperkalemia.
Topics: Calcium; Calcium-Regulating Hormones and Agents; Cation Exchange Resins; Electrocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Hyperkalemia; Polystyrenes; Ringer's Lactate
PubMed: 34890894
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.11.030 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials May 2022Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a serious environmental issue worldwide, but its potential effects on health remain unknown. The administration of polystyrene...
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a serious environmental issue worldwide, but its potential effects on health remain unknown. The administration of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) to mice for eight weeks impaired learning and memory behavior. PS-MPs were detected in the brain especially in the hippocampus of these mice. Concurrently, the hippocampus had decreased levels of immediate-early genes, aberrantly enhanced synaptic glutamate AMPA receptors, and elevated neuroinflammation, all of which are critical for synaptic plasticity and memory. Interestingly, ablation of the vagus nerve, a modulator of the gut-brain axis, improved the memory function of PS-MPs mice. These results indicate that exposure to PS-MPs in mice alters the expression of neuronal activity-dependent genes and synaptic proteins, and increases neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, subsequently causing behavioral changes through the vagus nerve-dependent pathway. Our findings shed light on the adverse impacts of PS-MPs on the brain and hippocampal learning and memory.
Topics: Animals; Glutamic Acid; Hippocampus; Mice; Microplastics; Plastics; Polystyrenes
PubMed: 35150991
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128431 -
Particle and Fibre Toxicology Oct 2020Plastic is everywhere. It is used in food packaging, storage containers, electronics, furniture, clothing, and common single-use disposable items. Microplastic and...
BACKGROUND
Plastic is everywhere. It is used in food packaging, storage containers, electronics, furniture, clothing, and common single-use disposable items. Microplastic and nanoplastic particulates are formed from bulk fragmentation and disintegration of plastic pollution. Plastic particulates have recently been detected in indoor air and remote atmospheric fallout. Due to their small size, microplastic and nanoplastic particulate in the atmosphere can be inhaled and may pose a risk for human health, specifically in susceptible populations. When inhaled, nanosized particles have been shown to translocate across pulmonary cell barriers to secondary organs, including the placenta. However, the potential for maternal-to-fetal translocation of nanosized-plastic particles and the impact of nanoplastic deposition or accumulation on fetal health remain unknown. In this study we investigated whether nanopolystyrene particles can cross the placental barrier and deposit in fetal tissues after maternal pulmonary exposure.
RESULTS
Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 20 nm rhodamine-labeled nanopolystyrene beads (2.64 × 10 particles) via intratracheal instillation on gestational day (GD) 19. Twenty-four hours later on GD 20, maternal and fetal tissues were evaluated using fluorescent optical imaging. Fetal tissues were fixed for particle visualization with hyperspectral microscopy. Using isolated placental perfusion, a known concentration of nanopolystyrene was injected into the uterine artery. Maternal and fetal effluents were collected for 180 min and assessed for polystyrene particle concentration. Twenty-four hours after maternal exposure, fetal and placental weights were significantly lower (7 and 8%, respectively) compared with controls. Nanopolystyrene particles were detected in the maternal lung, heart, and spleen. Polystyrene nanoparticles were also observed in the placenta, fetal liver, lungs, heart, kidney, and brain suggesting maternal lung-to-fetal tissue nanoparticle translocation in late stage pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
These studies confirm that maternal pulmonary exposure to nanopolystyrene results in the translocation of plastic particles to placental and fetal tissues and renders the fetoplacental unit vulnerable to adverse effects. These data are vital to the understanding of plastic particulate toxicology and the developmental origins of health and disease.
Topics: Animals; Female; Fetus; Humans; Inhalation Exposure; Maternal Exposure; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Particle Size; Placenta; Plastics; Polystyrenes; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley
PubMed: 33099312
DOI: 10.1186/s12989-020-00385-9 -
Environment International Aug 2022The adverse effects of plastic on adult animal and human health have been receiving increasing attention. However, its potential toxicity to fetuses has not been fully...
The adverse effects of plastic on adult animal and human health have been receiving increasing attention. However, its potential toxicity to fetuses has not been fully elucidated. Herein, biodistribution of polystyrene (PS) particles was determined after the maternal mice were orally given PS micro- and/or nano-particles with and without surface modifications during gestational days 1 to 17. The results showed that PS microplastics (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) mainly emerged in the alimentary tract, brain, uterus, and placenta in maternal mice, and only the latter infiltrated into the fetal thalamus. PS NPs and carboxyl-modified NPs induced differentially expressed genes mainly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation and GABAergic synapse. Maternal administration of PS particles during gestation led to anxiety-like behavior of the progenies and their γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) reduction in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala at Week 8. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, alleviated PS particles-induced oxidative injury in the fetal brain and rescued the anxiety-like behavior of the progenies. Additionally, PS nanoparticles caused excessive ROS and apoptosis in neuronal cell lines, which were prevented by glutathione supplementation. These results suggested that PS particles produced a negative effect on fetuses by inducing oxidative injury and suppressing GABA synthesis in their brain. The findings contribute to estimating the risk for PS particles to human and animal health.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Animals; Mice; Polystyrenes; Plastics; Reactive Oxygen Species; Tissue Distribution; Fetus; Apoptosis; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Nanoparticles; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 35749991
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107362 -
Particle and Fibre Toxicology Feb 2022Microplastics (MPs), which are smaller in size and difficult to degrade, can be easily ingested by marine life and enter mammals through the food chain. Our previous...
BACKGROUND
Microplastics (MPs), which are smaller in size and difficult to degrade, can be easily ingested by marine life and enter mammals through the food chain. Our previous study demonstrated that following acute exposure to MPs, the serum testosterone content reduced and sperm quality declined, resulting in male reproductive dysfunction in mice. However, the toxic effect of long-term exposure to MPs at environmental exposure levels on the reproductive system of mammals remains unclear.
RESULTS
In vivo, mice were given drinking water containing 100 μg/L and 1000 μg/L polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) with particle sizes of 0.5 μm, 4 μm, and 10 μm for 180 consecutive days. We observed alterations in testicular morphology and reductions in testosterone, LH and FSH contents in serum. In addition, the viability of sperm was declined and the rate of sperm abnormality was increased following exposure to PS-MPs. The expression of steroidogenic enzymes and StAR was downregulated in testis tissues. In vitro, we used primary Leydig cells to explore the underlying mechanism of the decrease in testosterone induced by PS-MPs. First, we discovered that PS-MPs attached to and became internalized by Leydig cells. And then we found that the contents of testosterone in the supernatant declined. Meanwhile, LHR, steroidogenic enzymes and StAR were downregulated with concentration-dependent on PS-MPs. We also confirmed that PS-MPs decreased StAR expression by inhibiting activation of the AC/cAMP/PKA pathway. Moreover, the overexpression of LHR alleviated the reduction in StAR and steroidogenic enzymes levels, and finally alleviated the reduction in testosterone induced by PS-MPs.
CONCLUSIONS
PS-MPs exposure resulted in alterations in testicular histology, abnormal spermatogenesis, and interference of serum hormone secretion in mice. PS-MPs induced a reduction in testosterone level through downregulation of the LH-mediated LHR/cAMP/PKA/StAR pathway. In summary, our study showed that chronic exposure to PS-MPs resulted in toxicity of male reproduction under environmental exposure levels, and these potential risks may ring alarm bells of public health.
Topics: Animals; Male; Mammals; Mice; Microplastics; Plastics; Polystyrenes; Reproduction; Testosterone
PubMed: 35177090
DOI: 10.1186/s12989-022-00453-2 -
Particle and Fibre Toxicology Aug 2023Plastic pollution is greatly serious in the ocean and soil. Microplastics (MPs) degraded from plastic has threatened animals and humans health. The accumulation of MPs...
BACKGROUND
Plastic pollution is greatly serious in the ocean and soil. Microplastics (MPs) degraded from plastic has threatened animals and humans health. The accumulation of MPs in the tissues and blood in animals and humans has been found. There is therefore a need to assess the toxicological effects of MPs on the reproductive system.
RESULTS
In this study, we explored the effect of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on premature testicular aging in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, we found that testicular sertoli cells (TM4 cells) was prematurely senescent following PS-MPs treatment by the evaluation of a range of aging marker molecules (such as Sa-β-gal, p16 and 21). TM4 cells were then employed for in vitro model to study the potential molecular mechanism by which PS-MPs induce the premature senescence of TM4 cells. NF-κB is identified as a key molecule for PS-MPs-induced TM4 cellular senescence. Furthermore, through eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was blocked in PS-MPs-induced senescent TM4 cells, indicating that ROS triggers NF-κB activation. Next, we analyzed the causes of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) accumulation induced by PS-MPs, and results showed that Ca overload induced the accumulation of mtROS. Further, PS-MPs exposure inhibits mitophagy, leading to the continuous accumulation of senescent cells. In vivo, 8-week-old C57 mice were used as models to assess the effect of PS-MPs on premature testicular aging. The results illustrated that PS-MPs exposure causes premature aging of testicular tissue by testing aging markers. Additionally, PS-MPs led to oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the testicular tissue.
CONCLUSION
In short, our experimental results revealed that PS-MPs-caused testicular premature aging is dependent on Ca/ROS/NF-κB signaling axis. The current study lays the foundation for further exploration of the effects of microplastics on testicular toxicology.
Topics: Humans; Male; Animals; Mice; Aging, Premature; Microplastics; Polystyrenes; Plastics; NF-kappa B; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 37641072
DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00546-6 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Jul 2023Exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) is common because of their omnipresence in environment. Recent studies have revealed that MNPs may cause atherosclerosis, but...
Exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) is common because of their omnipresence in environment. Recent studies have revealed that MNPs may cause atherosclerosis, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To address this bottleneck, ApoE mice are exposed to 2.5-250 mg kg polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 50 nm) by oral gavage with a high-fat diet for 19 weeks. It is found that PS-NPs in blood and aorta of mouse exacerbate the artery stiffness and promote atherosclerotic plaque formation. PS-NPs activate phagocytosis of M1-macrophage in the aorta, manifesting as upregulation of macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO). Moreover, PS-NPs disrupt lipid metabolism and increase long-chain acyl carnitines (LCACs). LCAC accumulation is attributed to the PS-NP-inhibited hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2. PS-NPs, as well as LCACs alone, aggravate lipid accumulation via upregulating MARCO in the oxidized low-density lipoprotein-activated foam cells. Finally, synergistic effects of PS-NPs and LCACs on increasing total cholesterol in foam cells are found. Overall, this study indicates that LCACs aggravate PS-NP-induced atherosclerosis by upregulating MARCO. This study offers new insight into the mechanisms underlying MNP-induced cardiovascular toxicity, and highlights the combined effects of MNPs with endogenous metabolites on the cardiovascular system, which warrant further study.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Microplastics; Polystyrenes; Atherosclerosis; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Aorta
PubMed: 37144527
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205876 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2017Microplastics (MPs) are a significant environmental health issue and increasingly greater source of concern. MPs have been detected in oceans, rivers, sediments,...
Microplastics (MPs) are a significant environmental health issue and increasingly greater source of concern. MPs have been detected in oceans, rivers, sediments, sewages, soil and even table salts. MPs exposure on marine organisms and humans has been documented, but information about the toxicity of MPs in mammal is limited. Here we used fluorescent and pristine polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) particles with two diameters (5 μm and 20 μm) to investigate the tissue distribution, accumulation, and tissue-specific health risk of MPs in mice. Results indicated that MPs accumulated in liver, kidney and gut, with a tissue-accumulation kinetics and distribution pattern that was strongly depended on the MPs particle size. In addition, analyses of multiple biochemical biomarkers and metabolomic profiles suggested that MPs exposure induced disturbance of energy and lipid metabolism as well as oxidative stress. Interestingly, blood biomarkers of neurotoxicity were also altered. Our results uncovered the distribution and accumulation of MPs across mice tissues and revealed significant alteration in several biomarkers that indicate potential toxicity from MPs exposure. Collectively, our data provided new evidence for the adverse consequences of MPs.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Environmental Exposure; Gastrointestinal Tract; Kidney; Liver; Male; Metabolomics; Mice, Inbred ICR; Particle Size; Polystyrenes; Risk Factors; Tissue Distribution; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 28436478
DOI: 10.1038/srep46687