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Nanoplastic-induced DNA damage in mammalian cells
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This review looked at 36 lab studies testing tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) on cells grown in dishes. It found that both polystyrene nanoplastics and plastics broken down from real PET bottles caused DNA damage, with immune cells showing more consistent effects than other cell types.
Plastic pollution is a growing public health concern. Nanoplastics (NPs) are defined as plastic particles <1,000 nm diameter. Microplastics and NPs have been detected in foods, water, and air. In this mini-review, we assess the genotoxic effects of primary (polystyrene) and secondary (‘true-to-life’) NPs in cultured mammalian cells. Studies were identified in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Narrative review of the literature was supported by statistical analysis of associations between reported genotoxic effects (positive or null effects, or semi-quantitative indicators of effect size) and cell type (immune vs. non-immune cells), genotoxicity endpoint (repairable vs. permanent DNA lesions), maximal exposure concentration, particle size (> the defined size of nanoparticles, 100 nm) and surface modification in polystyrene NP studies. Results from 36 studies show that, as determinants of the effects of polystyrene NPs, biological differences (cell type and genotoxicity endpoint) are more important than the exposure concentration or the particle characteristics (particle size and surface modification). There is higher consistency or stronger effect in studies on immune cells vs. non-immune cells, and some evidence of stronger effect on permanent DNA lesions (mainly micronuclei, MN) vs. repairable damages (mainly, comet assay endpoints). Results from nine studies on true-to-life NPs from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics suggest genotoxic potential, although differences in plastic degradation methods may affect the level of genotoxicity. Overall, the analysis shows that primary (polystyrene) and true-to-life (PET) NPs can generate DNA damage in cultured mammalian cells.
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Exposure to nanoplastic particles and DNA damage in mammalian cells
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This review assessed the evidence for DNA damage caused by nanoplastic exposure in mammalian cells, focusing primarily on polystyrene particles. Researchers found that most studies reported increased DNA strand breaks and chromosomal damage, though the results varied depending on particle size, surface chemistry, and concentration. The evidence indicates that nanoplastics have the potential to cause genetic damage in mammalian cells, but more standardized testing is needed to fully understand the risks.
Micro- and nanoplastic induced cellular toxicity in mammals: A review
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This review examines research on how micro- and nanoplastics cause cellular damage in mammalian systems, covering both laboratory and animal studies. Evidence indicates that these particles can trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage in cells, with smaller nanoplastics generally showing greater toxicity due to their ability to penetrate cell membranes more readily.
Bioeffects of Nanoplastics: DNA Damage and Mechanism
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This review examines how nanoplastics, plastic particles smaller than one micrometer, can damage DNA in cells. The authors explain that nanoplastics may cause genetic damage through oxidative stress, inflammation, and direct interference with cellular processes, which raises concerns about potential long-term health effects including cancer risk.
Generation of Eroded Nanoplastics from Domestic Wastes and Their Impact on Macrophage Cell Viability and Gene Expression
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Researchers created nanoplastics from common household plastic waste like water bottles, styrofoam, and plastic bags, then tested their effects on immune cells. All types of nanoplastics killed immune cells in a dose-dependent way and triggered changes in genes related to inflammation, with polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene being the most toxic. This study shows that the tiny plastic particles shed from everyday items can harm immune cells, which could weaken the body's ability to fight infection and disease.
Cellular responses to micro- and nanoplastics exposure: mechanisms and pathophysiological implications
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This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles interact with cells in lab and animal studies, finding repeated signs of cell stress, including damage to cell structures and inflammation. Studies also detected plastic material in human blood and tissue samples, but the review states this does not prove the particles cause specific diseases.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.