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Investigation of potential toxic effects of nano- and microplastics on human endometrial stromal cells
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Researchers exposed human endometrial cells (uterine lining cells) to polystyrene nano- and microplastics and found that smaller particles (100 nanometers) were taken up most readily, accumulating in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. At higher concentrations, the nanoplastics reduced cell growth and triggered cell death. These findings suggest that nanoplastics could pose a risk to uterine health and potentially affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) have become a global concern in recent years. Most current research on the impact of plastics on obstetrics has focused on their accumulation in specific tissues in animal models and the disease-causing potential of MPs. However, there is a relative lack of research on the cellular changes caused by the accumulation of MPs. In this study, we aimed to establish a proper in vitro exposure protocol for polystyrene (PS)-NPs and MPs and to investigate possible cytotoxic effects of PS-NPs and MPs on human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) using different plastic sizes and concentrations. The results showed that smaller plastics, specifically 100 nm PS-NPs and 1 μm PS-MPs, had a higher cellular uptake propensity than larger particles, such as 5 μm PS-MPs, with significant morphological changes and cell death observed at concentrations above 100 μg/mL a 24-h period. In addition, confocal microscopy and real-time imaging confirmed the accumulation of these particles in the nucleus and cytoplasm, with internalization rates correlating with particle size. Also, 100 nm PS-NPs reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that exposure to 100 nm PS-NPs and 1 μm PS-MPs leads to dynamic accumulation in ESCs, resulting in cell death or decreased proliferation at specific concentrations, which highlights the potential cellular toxicity of NPs or MPs.
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The potential toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics to human trophoblasts in vitro
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Researchers used human trophoblast cells to evaluate the potential toxicity of 100-nanometer polystyrene nanoplastics on placental function. The study found that nanoplastic exposure affected trophoblast cell viability and function at certain concentrations, suggesting potential implications for understanding nanoplastic effects during pregnancy.
Investigation of potential detrimental effects of nano- and microplastics in human endometrial stromal cells
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This review examined potential detrimental effects of nano- and microplastics in human reproductive health, assessing in vitro and animal studies showing disruption to sperm motility, hormonal signaling, and embryonic development. The authors conclude that reproductive toxicity is a plausible concern but emphasize the lack of direct human clinical evidence.
Detection and quantification of microplastics in endometrial polyps and their role in polyp formation
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Researchers detected and compared microplastic levels between normal uterine lining tissue and endometrial polyps, finding significantly higher concentrations of polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC in the polyp tissue. They also discovered that polystyrene microplastics can promote the growth and migration of uterine lining cells through a specific cellular signaling pathway, which may contribute to polyp formation. This is the first study to link microplastic accumulation in reproductive tissue to a common gynecological condition that can affect fertility.
Effects of bisphenol A and nanoscale and microscale polystyrene plastic exposure on particle uptake and toxicity in human Caco-2 cells
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Researchers studied how human intestinal Caco-2 cells take up polystyrene plastic particles of five different sizes ranging from 300 nanometers to 6 micrometers. The study found that smaller particles were taken up at higher rates and that co-exposure with bisphenol A increased cellular toxicity, suggesting that nanoscale plastics may pose a greater risk to human intestinal cells than larger microplastics.
Exposure of the human placental primary cells to nanoplastics induces cytotoxic effects, an inflammatory response and endocrine disruption
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Scientists exposed human placental cells to polystyrene nanoparticles at concentrations found in human blood and observed cell death, inflammation, and disrupted hormone production, with smaller 20-nanometer particles causing more damage than larger ones. This is significant because the placenta is the critical barrier protecting developing babies, and these findings suggest nanoplastics may interfere with pregnancy hormones and placental function at real-world exposure levels.
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