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Cellular Uptake and Nuclear Accumulation of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in 3T3 Fibroblasts and Hepatocytes of Rattus norvegicus
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics can get inside liver and connective tissue cells from rats, and even sneak into the cell's nucleus, where DNA is stored. Cells exposed to these plastics showed signs of stress and damage, including swelling and higher rates of cell death, suggesting these ultra-small plastic particles may be more harmful than previously thought. While this study used animal cells rather than human cells, it raises important questions about what everyday exposure to nanoplastics (found in food packaging, water, and other sources) might mean for our own cellular health.
Polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) are emerging contaminants that pose potential risks to cellular health due to their small size and ability to penetrate biological barriers. This study investigates the cellular uptake mechanisms and intracellular distribution of PSNPs using Rattus norvegicus hepatocytes and 3T3 fibroblast cell cultures. Fluorescence microscopy analysis demonstrated substantial PSNP accumulation within both cell types, with distinct intracellular localization patterns. In hepatocytes, PSNPs were predominantly observed in the cytoplasm and occasionally within the nucleus, suggesting active endocytosis and potential nuclear transport. In 3T3 fibroblasts, PSNPs were found not only in the cytoplasm and around the nucleus but also within the nuclear compartment, highlighting their ability to traverse the nuclear envelope. Quantitative analysis revealed significant morphological changes, increased cell and nucleus diam eters, and a higher percentage of necrotic cells in PSNP-exposed groups compared to controls (p < 0.05). The observed cellular stress responses may induce oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and apoptosis, supported by morphological and fluorescence evidence indicating interactions with proteins, lipids, and nuclear components.. These findings high light the potential health risks associated with PSNP exposure, highlighting the need for further research into their long-term biological impacts and the mechanisms underlying their cellular interactions.
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Stress (Cortisol) and Hepatotoxic Effects of Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastics in Swiss Albino Mice: A Comparative Study
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Researchers exposed Swiss albino mice to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics and compared the stress and liver toxicity responses, finding that both sizes elevated cortisol levels and caused hepatotoxic damage, with nanoplastics generally producing more pronounced physiological disruption than microplastics.
Cellular and Animal Toxicities of Micro- and Nanoplastics
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Researchers reviewed evidence from cell and animal studies on the toxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics, finding that these particles can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and organ damage in laboratory models, raising concern about what chronic low-level human exposure might mean for long-term health.
Biochemical, Histological and Molecular Docking into the Impact of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Antioxidant Enzymes and Testicular Health in Rats
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Tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics, found widely in our environment, may harm male fertility, according to a new rat study. Rats exposed to higher doses of these plastics showed weakened antioxidant defenses and physical damage to testicular tissue, including fewer developing sperm cells. While this research was done in rats, not humans, it adds to growing concerns that the microplastics and nanoplastics we're routinely exposed to through food, water, and air could pose risks to reproductive health.
Chronic Toxicity of Polystyrene Microplastics in Blood and Organs of Albino Mice: a Histopathological and Biochemical Assessment
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Researchers assessed chronic toxicity of polystyrene microplastics in albino mice through histopathological and biochemical analysis of blood and organs, examining how repeated exposure alters tissue integrity and physiological markers over time.
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