We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Size-Dependent PulmonaryToxicity and Whole-Body Distributionof Inhaled Micro/Nanoplastic Particles in Male Mice from Chronic Exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used a whole-body inhalation exposure system to chronically expose male mice to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics at environmental concentrations and tracked particle distribution and lung toxicity. Nanoplastics (80 nm) showed greater tissue transport than microplastics (1 µm), with highest accumulation in lungs followed by blood and spleen, and both sizes disrupted oxidative balance and antioxidant defenses.
The ubiquitous presence of micro/nanoplastics (MP/NP) in the atmosphere has raised significant concerns about their potential health risks through inhalation, yet the effects of natural respiratory exposure remain underexplored. This study addresses this critical knowledge void by utilizing a whole-body inhalation exposure system to investigate the distribution, accumulation, and pulmonary toxicity of polystyrene MP/NP (1.5 × 105 particles/m3) in male ICR mice (n = 16/group). Fluorescently labeled MP/NP revealed the highest particle accumulation in the lungs, followed by the bloodstream and spleen, with minimal detection in the brain. Unsurprisingly, 80 nm nanoplastics displayed greater intertissue transport efficiency than 1 μm microplastics. Chronic exposure to both microplastics and nanoplastics disrupted oxidative balance and exacerbated oxidative stress within the extracellular environment of the lungs. The impaired antioxidant defenses and disrupted intra- and extracellular metabolism led to inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Intriguingly, 1 μm microplastics induced more severe pulmonary toxicity than their smaller counterparts, promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition and fibrosis. These findings underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of size-dependent toxicities of inhalable plastic particles and highlight the health risks posed by airborne MP/NP.
More Papers Like This
Size-Dependent Pulmonary Toxicity and Whole-Body Distribution of Inhaled Micro/Nanoplastic Particles in Male Mice from Chronic Exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed mice to airborne micro- and nanoplastic particles through normal breathing over an extended period and found the highest accumulation in the lungs, followed by the blood and spleen. Surprisingly, the larger 1-micrometer microplastics caused more severe lung damage than the smaller 80-nanometer particles, triggering inflammation, cell death, and scarring. These findings highlight that breathing in airborne plastic particles poses real health risks, with particle size playing an important role in the type of damage caused.
Analysis of Biodistribution and in vivo Toxicity of Varying Sized Polystyrene Micro and Nanoplastics in Mice
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that smaller plastic particles spread more widely through the bodies of mice and caused more organ damage than larger ones, particularly in the liver, kidneys, and heart. Nanoplastics (under 1 micrometer) were especially concerning because they crossed biological barriers more easily than microplastics. The results suggest that the tiniest plastic particles in our environment may pose the greatest health risks.
Inhalation of Environmental Polystyrene Micro/Nanoplastics Induces Pulmonary Toxicity and Synergistically Exacerbates Acute Lung Injury in Male Mice
AI summary Read the abstract
Breathing in tiny plastic particles—like those found in air pollution—caused lung inflammation and breathing problems in mice, even without any other health issues. Even more concerning, mice that had already inhaled these plastic particles got much sicker when exposed to a bacterial infection afterward, suggesting that everyday plastic pollution in the air we breathe could make our lungs more vulnerable to future illness. Smaller "microplastic" particles (as opposed to even tinier "nanoplastics") seemed to cause the most damage, highlighting that size matters when it comes to how harmful these particles are.
Comparison of PET tracing and biodistribution between 64Cu-labeled micro-and nano-polystyrene in a murine inhalation model
AI summary Read the abstract
Using advanced PET imaging in mice, researchers tracked where inhaled micro and nanoplastics traveled in the body and found that nano-sized particles cleared from the lungs much faster than micro-sized ones but accumulated more in the liver, spleen, and other organs. Micro-sized particles stayed in the lungs longer, with peak retention at 24 hours, while nano-sized particles spread quickly throughout the body. This is one of the first studies to directly visualize how inhaled plastic particles distribute through living mammals, confirming that smaller particles pose a greater risk of reaching organs beyond the lungs.
Comparison of PET tracing and biodistribution between 64Cu-labeled micro-and nano-polystyrene in a murine inhalation model
AI summary Read the abstract
Using radioactive copper labeling and PET imaging, researchers tracked where inhaled micro- and nano-sized polystyrene particles travel in the body, finding that nanoplastics distributed more widely to organs than microplastics after lung exposure. This is significant for understanding the health risks of airborne plastic particles, which people inhale daily from synthetic textiles, dust, and urban air.
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.