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New insights into the potential effects of PET microplastics on organisms via extracellular vesicle-mediated communication
Summary
Researchers discovered that PET microplastics can be transported within the body through tiny cellular packages called extracellular vesicles, which cells naturally use to communicate with each other. They found that exposure to PET microplastics altered the content and behavior of these vesicles, potentially allowing plastic particles to reach tissues beyond the initial site of exposure. The study reveals a previously unknown biological pathway through which microplastics may spread their effects throughout organisms.
Plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives. In the environment, plastics break down into small pieces (<5 mm) that are referred to as microplastics. Microplastics are ubiquitous and widespread in the environment, and all living organisms are exposed to their effects. The present study provides new insights into the potential effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on organisms via extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication. The study demonstrated that serum-derived EVs are able to transport plastic particles. In addition, PET microplastics alter the content of miRNA in EVs. The identified differentially regulated miRNAs may target genes associated with lifestyle diseases, such as cardiovascular or metabolic diseases, and carcinogenesis. This work expands our understanding of PET microplastics' effects on organisms via EV-mediated communication and identifies directions for further research and strategies.