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Insights into the effect of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on HER2 signaling pathways
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Researchers produced and characterized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic fragments, then tested their effects on living cells, focusing on a cancer-related signaling pathway called HER2. They found that PET microplastics showed dose-dependent toxic effects on cells and appeared to influence the HER2 signaling pathway, which plays a role in cell growth and division. The study suggests that PET microplastics, commonly released from plastic bottles, deserve more attention in health research given their potential to interact with important cellular processes.
Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to both ecosystems and human health, as fragments of microscale size are daily inhaled and ingested. Such tiny specks are defined as microplastics (MPs), and although their presence as environmental contaminants is ubiquitous in the world, their possible effects at biological and physiological levels are still not clear. To explore the potential impacts of MP exposure, we produced and characterized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro-fragments, then administered them to living cells. PET is widely employed in the production of plastic bottles, and thus represents a potential source of environmental MPs. However, its potential effects on public health are hardly investigated, as the current bio-medical research on MPs mainly utilizes different models, such as polystyrene particles. This study employed cell viability assays and Western blot analysis to demonstrate cell-dependent and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of PET MPs, as well as a significant impact on HER-2-driven signaling pathways. Our findings provide insight into the biological effects of MP exposure, particularly for a widely used but poorly investigated material such as PET.
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Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal cytotoxic mechanisms of Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics in BEAS-2B cells
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Researchers exposed human lung cells to PET microplastics and used combined gene and metabolite analysis to uncover the mechanisms of toxicity. They found that the microplastics disrupted lipid metabolism and activated cell death pathways, reducing cell viability over time. The study suggests that inhaled PET microplastics could pose risks to respiratory health by triggering harmful molecular changes in lung tissue.
Evaluating Cellular Effects of PET Microplastics in 2D/3D Models: Methodological Considerations of Reagent Interference
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Researchers assessed the cellular effects of PET microplastics using both 2D and 3D cell culture models and found dose- and cell-type-dependent reductions in viability along with rapid generation of reactive oxygen species. The study highlights significant methodological challenges, as microplastics can interfere with common lab assays through light scattering, dye adsorption, and surface interactions, potentially producing misleading results without appropriate controls.
Evaluating cellular effects of PET microplastics in 2D/3D models: viability, oxidative stress, and comprehensive methodological considerations
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Researchers exposed multiple mammalian cell types to PET micro- and nanoplastics in both 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid models, finding dose-dependent cytotoxicity and rapid oxidative stress at concentrations above 2.5 µg/mL, while also documenting how particle adsorption and light scattering can introduce false-positive or false-negative results in standard assays if not carefully controlled.
Microplastic-induced carcinogenesis: Molecular mechanisms, cellular interactions, and toxicological implications
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Tiny plastic particles that we breathe, eat, and touch every day are now showing up in our blood, lungs, and other organs, and this review of existing research explains how they might contribute to cancer. Microplastics can trigger cell damage, inflammation, and disrupted signaling in ways linked to tumor growth, and they can also act like tiny rafts that ferry other harmful chemicals and toxins deeper into our bodies. While scientists haven't proven microplastics directly cause cancer in humans yet, the mounting evidence is a strong signal that reducing plastic exposure and pushing for more research should be a public health pri
Engineered and Weathered Polyethylene Terephthalate ( PET ) Microplastics and Nanoplastics Induce Form and Size‐Dependent Oxidative Stress, Oxidative DNA Damage, and Cytotoxicity in MCF ‐7 Cells
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Researchers tested how PET microplastics and nanoplastics, both pristine and environmentally weathered, affect human breast cancer cells in the lab. They found that all particle types caused dose-dependent cell damage, increased oxidative stress, and DNA damage, with weathered particles showing distinct toxicity patterns compared to pristine ones. The study suggests that the size, shape, and environmental aging of plastic particles all influence their potential to harm cells, and that weathered microplastics found in the real environment deserve more research attention.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.