We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Deciphering the links: Fragmented polystyrene as a driver of skin inflammation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested fragmented polystyrene particles on human skin using cell cultures, live mice, and donated human skin samples, finding that these microplastics can penetrate skin layers and trigger significant inflammation. The particles were taken up by skin cells and caused the release of inflammatory signals, suggesting that everyday skin contact with microplastics in cosmetics, textiles, and dust could contribute to skin irritation and inflammatory skin conditions.
Nano- and microplastics (NMPs), ubiquitous in the environment, pose significant health risks. We report for the first time a comprehensive study using in-vitro, in-vivo, and ex-vivo models to investigate the penetration and inflammatory effects of fragmented polystyrene (fPS) on human skin, including the analysis of both penetration depth and fPS amounts that penetrate the skin. Human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells exposed to fPS exhibited notable internalization and cytotoxicity. In a 3D human skin model, fPS particles penetrated the dermal layer within one hour, with an average maximum penetration of 4.7 μg for particles smaller than 2 µm. Similarly, mouse dorsal skin and human abdominal skin models confirmed fPS penetration. RNA sequencing revealed substantial upregulation of inflammatory genes, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, IL-8, ICAM-1, FOS, and JUN, following fPS exposure. These findings were validated at both the mRNA and protein levels, indicating a robust inflammatory response. Notably, the inflammatory response in both the 3D human skin and mouse models increased in a dose-dependent manner, underscoring the toxicological impact of fPS on skin health. This study provides crucial insights into the mechanisms through which NMPs affect human health and underscores the need for further research to develop effective mitigation strategies.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics and Skin Aging: Disruption of Barrier Function and Induction of Fibroblast Senescence
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polystyrene microplastics affect skin health using lab-grown skin cells and gene expression analysis. They found that microplastic exposure disrupted the skin's protective barrier by inhibiting normal skin cell development and accelerated aging in the deeper skin layer by triggering cellular senescence. The study suggests that microplastics may contribute to premature skin aging and weakened skin barrier function, adding to the growing understanding of how these particles affect human health.
Polystyrene nanoparticle-induced keratinocyte death compromises skin barrier integrity and augments antigen-driven allergic skin inflammation in NC/Nga mice.
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny 20-nanometer polystyrene plastic particles killed skin cells and weakened the skin barrier in lab tests on mouse skin cells. In mice, applying these particles with an allergen worsened allergic skin inflammation, increasing skin thickness, immune markers, and antibody levels compared to allergen alone.
Potential toxicity of polystyrene microplastic particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the cellular-level toxicity of polystyrene microplastic particles and found that they stimulated immune responses in a size- and concentration-dependent manner. The particles triggered the production of cytokines and chemokines, which are signaling molecules involved in inflammation. The study challenges the common assumption that microplastics pose minimal risk to human health, suggesting they may have immunological effects upon direct contact with cells.
The effects of size and surface functionalization of polystyrene nanoplastics on stratum corneum model membranes: An experimental and computational study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes and surface modifications interact with the outermost layer of human skin, the stratum corneum. Using both experiments and computer simulations, they found that particle size and surface chemistry significantly affected how nanoplastics disrupted skin barrier membranes. The study provides early evidence that nanoplastics could potentially compromise the skin's protective barrier, which is relevant to understanding dermal exposure risks.
Cellular response of keratinocytes to the entry and accumulation of nanoplastic particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how nanoplastic particles interact with human skin cells when the protective outer skin layer is compromised. They found that nanoplastics readily penetrate and accumulate inside skin cells, triggering stress responses and activating inflammatory pathways -- suggesting that people with damaged or sensitive skin may be especially vulnerable to nanoplastic absorption.
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.