We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Kinetics and toxicity of nanoplastics in ex vivo exposed human whole blood as a model to understand their impact on human health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed human whole blood to five types of nanoplastics and found that immune cells, especially monocytes, readily absorbed the particles, triggering oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Different plastic types caused different effects: some triggered blood clotting, others caused red blood cell damage, and PLA (a "biodegradable" plastic) was among the most reactive. This study provides direct evidence that nanoplastics reaching the human bloodstream can disrupt immune cells, blood clotting, and inflammation.
The ubiquitous presence of nanoplastics (NPLs) in the environment is considered of great health concern. Due to their size, NPLs can cross both the intestinal and pulmonary barriers and, consequently, their presence in the blood compartment is expected. Understanding the interactions between NPLs and human blood components is required. In this study, to simulate more adequate real exposure conditions, the whole blood of healthy donors was exposed to five different NPLs: three polystyrene NPLs of approximately 50 nm (aminated PS-NH2, carboxylated PS-COOH, and pristine PS- forms), together with two true-to-life NPLs from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA) of about 150 nm. Internalization was determined in white blood cells (WBCs) by confocal microscopy, once the different main cell subtypes (monocytes, polymorphonucleated cells, and lymphocytes) were sorted by flow cytometry. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) induction was determined in WBCs and cytokine release in plasma. In addition, hemolysis, coagulation, and platelet activation were also determined. Results showed a differential uptake between WBC subtypes, with monocytes showing a higher internalization. Regarding iROS, lymphocytes were those with higher levels, which was observed for different NPLs. Changes in cytokine release were also detected, with higher effects observed after PLA- and PS-NH2-NPL exposure. Hemolysis induction was observed after PS- and PS-COOH-NPL exposure, but no effects on platelet functionality were observed after any of the treatments. To our knowledge, this is the first study comprehensively evaluating the bloodstream kinetics and toxicity of NPL from different polymeric types on human whole blood, considering the role played by the cell subtype and the NPLs physicochemical characteristics in the effects observed after the exposures.
More Papers Like This
Effects of micro- and nanoplastics on blood cells in vitro and cardiovascular parameters in vivo, considering their presence in the human bloodstream and potential impact on blood pressure
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can enter the human bloodstream and interact with blood cells, with plastic particles already detected in human blood, blood clots, and artery plaques. While direct evidence linking microplastics to blood pressure changes in humans is still lacking, animal studies and the mechanisms identified -- including blood vessel damage and inflammation -- suggest cardiovascular effects are plausible.
The Impact of Micro/Nanoplastics on Human Hematopoietic Function: Exposure, Deposition, Toxicity, and Mitigation Strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics enter the body via diet and inhalation and accumulate in blood cells and hematopoietic organs, synthesizing animal and in vitro evidence that these particles disrupt red and white blood cell production through oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling while also exploring biodegradation and dietary mitigation strategies.
Journey of micronanoplastics with blood components
AI summary Read the abstract
This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of how micro- and nanoplastics interact with blood components after entering the human bloodstream. Researchers found that these particles can cause protein damage, red blood cell destruction, immune system activation, and blood clotting abnormalities. The findings highlight that microplastics in the bloodstream may pose a range of health risks beyond the organs where they initially enter the body.
Detrimental effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on platelet and neutrophil immunity: Recent findings and emerging insights
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) harm the immune system, finding that tiny plastic particles can trigger dangerous inflammation in platelets and neutrophils — immune cells that control clotting and infection defense. These effects could disrupt normal blood vessel function and immune balance, though the exact mechanisms by which cells take up MNPs remain poorly understood.
Nanoplastics: Immune Impact, Detection, and Internalization after Human Blood Exposure by Single‐Cell Mass Cytometry
AI summary Read the abstract
Using a new single-cell detection method, researchers tracked how nanoplastics interact with 37 different types of human immune cells from blood samples. The nanoplastics were absorbed by and interfered with several immune cell types, particularly monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Mouse experiments confirmed the nanoplastics accumulated in immune cells in the liver, blood, and spleen, raising concerns about how plastic exposure could disrupt immune function.
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.