We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polypropylene Microplastics Disrupt Epithelial Barrier Integrity and Viability in Human Airway Epithelial Cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny polypropylene microplastic particles, the kind used in many plastic products, can damage the cells lining our airways when exposed in lab experiments. The plastics caused cell stress that weakened the "seals" between cells, making the airway barrier leaky. This suggests breathing in microplastics could potentially harm lung health, though more research is needed to confirm this happens in real life.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) on the integrity and viability of upper airway epithelial cells and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.MethodsHuman nasal primary epithelial cells and a human alveolar epithelial cell line A549 were exposed to PP-MPs. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (N-cadherin, vimentin), and tight junction (TJ) proteins (ZO-1, E-cadherin, occludin) were analyzed. Activation of the TGF-β/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was evaluated. In addition, the effects of the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) were assessed.ResultsPP-MP exposure significantly increased intracellular ROS production and induced EMT, as evidenced by upregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin, along with downregulation of TJ proteins, including ZO-1, E-cadherin, and occludin. These changes were associated with activation of the TGF-β/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. NAC treatment effectively reversed these effects, restoring epithelial barrier integrity.ConclusionPP-MPs induce EMT and impair epithelial barrier function through ROS-mediated activation of the TGF-β/p38 MAPK pathway. These findings highlight the potential respiratory health risks associated with MP exposure.
More Papers Like This
Polystyrene nanoplastics impair epithelial barrier establishment and modulate extracellular vesicle release in human bronchial cells cultured at the air-liquid interface
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists exposed lab-grown human airway cells to tiny nanoplastic particles (like those found in breathing air polluted with plastic waste) and found the particles weakened the protective barrier these cells normally form, while also triggering inflammation-related signals. This suggests nanoplastics could make airways more vulnerable, especially in people whose lung lining is already damaged or still developing—though this was shown in a lab model, not in humans breathing polluted air, so more research is needed to confirm real-world impact.
Pathophysiological effects of inhaled airborne microplastics on the respiratory epithelial barrier: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles floating in the air we breathe may be doing more damage to our lungs than we realized. This review of existing research found that when these microplastics land in our airways, they can trigger cell stress, inflammation, and damage to the protective lining of our lungs—potentially making respiratory problems worse over time. While scientists still need more long-term studies to fully understand the risks, this research is an early warning sign that the plastic pollution in our air isn't just an environmental issue—it could be a health issue too.
Polystyrene microplastic particles: In vitro pulmonary toxicity assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the effects of polystyrene microplastics on human lung cells in the laboratory and found that the particles triggered inflammation and oxidative stress. The microplastics also weakened the protective barrier function of lung tissue by depleting key structural proteins. The study suggests that inhaling microplastics may increase the risk of respiratory problems by damaging the lung's natural defenses.
Polyamide and polyvinyl chloride microplastics induce cytotoxicity and cytokine release in primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists exposed lung cells from human airways to tiny plastic particles (from nylon and PVC, two common plastics) to see how they'd react, similar to what might happen when we breathe in airborne microplastics. The smallest particles caused cell damage and triggered inflammation-related signals, with PVC causing harm at lower doses than nylon—suggesting the type and size of plastic particles we inhale may matter for lung health. This is early-stage lab research, so more studies are needed to confirm what this means for people breathing in real-world air.
An assessment of the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics in human derived cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics on human-derived cell lines and found that the particles triggered inflammatory responses and oxidative stress at concentrations relevant to environmental exposure. The microplastics also affected cell viability and caused measurable changes in immune-related gene expression. The study raises concerns about potential health effects from chronic human exposure to one of the most commonly produced plastic types.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.