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Effects of Nanoplastic Particles on the Kidney
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (like those from broken-down everyday plastics) can travel through the digestive system and reach the kidneys, where they get absorbed by important filtering cells and change their shape and structure. Using fish and lab-grown human kidney cells, researchers also discovered that if the kidney's filtering system is already damaged, these plastic particles pass through more easily, suggesting people with kidney disease might be more vulnerable to potential harm from microplastic exposure. This early research highlights a new reason to take plastic pollution seriously, though more studies are needed to know exactly how this affects human health long-term
Background: Nanoplastic particles as a new type of emerging pollutant have become a huge scientific concern. Due to the common existence of plastic particles, they have a potential effect on human health. However, it is not known if these particles can reach the kidney or have disease causing potential. Methods: Fluorescence-labelled carboxylated polystyrene nanoplastic particles with a size of 0.05 μm were used to scan their potential effect on kidney cells. Cultured immortalized human podocytes and human glomerular endothelial cells as well as zebrafish larvae were exposed to the particles. Quantitative PCR, cell viability tests and phalloidin staining were performed after particle exposure. 3D construction models visualized the location of particles. Furthermore, tracking of particle uptake in both cultured glomerular cells and zebrafish was done by immunofluorescent microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Results: Both, podocytes and glomerular endothelial cells were able to take up polystyrene nanoplastic particles although expression of cell specific markers did not seem to be affected. However, morphology and cytoskeleton of cells were altered due to the particle showing their general effect on glomerular cells. Nanoplastic particles were incorporated in the zebrafish larvae through the digestive system and they could also be detected in the glomerular region of larvae. Electron microscopy revealed the ultrastructural localization of the particles. In zebrafish with glomerular damage nanoparticle were more likely to pass the glomerular basement membrane to reach the podocytes. Conclusion: Polystyrene nanoplastic particles can be incorporated via the digestive system, reach the kidney and be taken up by glomerular cells which is facilitated in glomerular diseased state with impaired glomerular filtration barrier. Funding: Government Support – Non-U.S.
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