We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Characterization of the intestinal transport mechanism of polystyrene microplastics (MPs) and the potential inhibitory effect of green tea extracts on MPs intestinal absorption
Summary
Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics of different sizes and charges are transported across intestinal cells, and whether green tea extracts can reduce that absorption. The study suggests that green tea extracts may help strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce microplastic transport into the body, and lower the oxidative stress that certain microplastics cause in cells.
The aims of the current study included characterizing the intestinal transport mechanism of polystyrene microplastics (MPs) with different charges and sizes in the intestinal epithelial cell model and determining the inhibitory effect of green tea extracts (GTEs) on the intestinal absorption of MPs in Caco-2 cells. The smaller sizes, which included diameters of 0.2 μm, of amine-modified MPs compared to either larger size (1 μm diameter, or carboxylate-MPs (0.2 and 1 μm diameter) significantly lowered the cell viability of caco-2 cells that were measured by MTT assay (p < 0.05). The transported amount (particles/mL of the cell media) of amine-modified MPs by the Caco-2 cell, was not dependent according to the concentrations, energy, or temperature, but it was higher than the carboxylate-modified MPs. The co-treatment of GTEs with the amine-modified MPs inhibited Caco-2 cell cytotoxicity as well as reduced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 generated by the exposure of amine-modified MPs. The GTEs co-treatment also increased trans-epithelial electrical resistances (TEER) and reduced the transportation of Lucifer Yellow via the Caco-2 monolayer compared to only the amine-modified MPs exposure. The GTEs treatment led to a decrease in the number of amine-modified MPs transported to the basal side of the Caco-2 monolayer. The results from our study suggest that the consumption of GTEs could enhance the intestinal barrier function by recovering intestinal epithelial cell damage induced by MPs, which resulted in a decrease of the intestinal absorption of MPs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Green tea extracts rich in epicatechins inducing aggregation and inhibiting absorption of amine surface functionalized polystyrene microplastics in vitro mimick system
Researchers investigated whether green tea extracts containing 35% epicatechins affect the bioaccessibility of amine-functionalized polystyrene microplastics using in vitro digestion with a Caco-2 cell model, measuring effects on intestinal membrane integrity, microplastic absorption, and aggregation behavior.
Investigating the protective effects of epigallocatechin-gallate against polystyrene microplastics-induced biochemical and hematological alterations in rats
This study investigated whether epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) -- a green tea antioxidant -- could protect rats from biochemical and hematological damage caused by polystyrene microplastic ingestion. EGCG supplementation partially mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory markers elevated by polystyrene microplastic exposure, suggesting a potential dietary protective strategy.
Biological effects of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics on human intestinal organoid-derived epithelial tissue models without and with M cells.
Researchers exposed human intestinal organoid-derived epithelial tissue models with and without M cells to polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics, finding that nano-plastics caused greater disruption of barrier integrity and uptake than micro-plastics, and that M cell-containing models showed enhanced particle translocation compared to standard epithelial models.
Uptake and effects of orally ingested polystyrene microplastic particles in vitro and in vivo
Researchers studied the uptake and effects of orally ingested polystyrene microplastic particles using human intestinal cell models and rodent experiments. They found that smaller microplastics were taken up by intestinal cells and could cross the gut barrier, though the majority passed through the digestive system. The study suggests that while most ingested microplastics are excreted, a fraction can be absorbed, warranting further investigation into long-term health effects.
Assessment of the cytotoxicity micro- and nano-plastic on human intestinal Caco-2 cells and the protective effects of catechin.
Researchers used a human intestinal cell line (Caco-2) to test cytotoxicity of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics, finding dose-dependent cell damage and disruption of intestinal barrier function. The study supports growing concerns that ingested microplastics could contribute to gut inflammation and compromise the protective lining of the human intestine.