We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Oxidative and Inflammatory Damage by Environmental Polyethylene Microplastics in Caco‐2 Cells Is Prevented by Polyphenol‐Rich Limoncella Apple Extract
Summary
Lab experiments on human gut cells (Caco-2) found that polyethylene microplastics increase oxidative stress and trigger cellular changes associated with disease progression, but that an extract from Limoncella apples rich in polyphenols could counteract these harmful effects. This raises the possibility that dietary antioxidants could offer a protective strategy against microplastic-induced damage in the human digestive system.
Our findings show that PE increases oxidative stress, triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition and dedifferentiation in Caco-2 cells. Interestingly, LAPE, owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, counteracted the harmful effects of PE, suggesting its potential as a nutraceutical strategy to prevent MP-induced damage in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Protective effects of exocarpium citri grandis extract and its flavonoid components against polystyrene microplastic-induced hepatointestinal injury
Scientists found that an extract from citrus fruit peels (called ECG) helped protect mice from liver and gut damage caused by tiny plastic particles. The citrus extract reduced harmful inflammation and oxidative stress while improving healthy gut bacteria balance. This research suggests that natural compounds from citrus peels might help protect our bodies from the health risks of microplastics that we encounter in our food and environment.
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.
Anthocyanins as protectors of gut microbiota: mitigating the adverse effects of microplastic-induced disruption
This review examines how anthocyanins, bioactive compounds found in berries and other pigmented plants, may protect gut microbiota from disruption caused by microplastic exposure. Researchers synthesized evidence suggesting that anthocyanins counteract microplastic-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut. The findings indicate that dietary anthocyanins could serve as a protective factor against the adverse effects of microplastics on digestive health.
Micro-sized polyethylene particles affect cell viability and oxidative stress responses in human colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 and HT-29 cells
Researchers tested the effects of micro-sized polyethylene particles on two types of human colon cancer cells commonly used in gut research. The microplastics reduced cell survival and triggered oxidative stress, which is a type of cellular damage caused by an imbalance of harmful molecules. This study provides evidence that microplastics reaching the human gut through food and water could damage intestinal cells, though more research is needed at real-world exposure levels.
Impact of Micro and Nanoplastics on Inflammatory and Antioxidant Gene Expression in the Gastrointestinal System
This study examined the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on inflammatory and antioxidant gene expression in gastrointestinal tissues. The results indicate that plastic particles trigger upregulation of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress pathways in gut cells, contributing to understanding of how dietary microplastic exposure may contribute to gastrointestinal disease.