We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Human Gastrointestinal Models—Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity
Summary
This review summarizes current knowledge on how polystyrene nanoplastics affect human gastrointestinal cells at the molecular level. Researchers found that once internalized, these particles can trigger oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and disruptions to calcium signaling and metabolism. The evidence indicates that nanoplastics interact with biological systems in complex ways that may compromise cellular integrity in the digestive tract.
Plastic pollution is a growing environmental and health issue due to the increasing presence of micro- and nanoplastics in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) are among the most extensively studied because of their wide occurrence, physicochemical stability, and availability for laboratory research. Their nanoscale size enables interaction with biological systems at the molecular level, promoting internalization, intracellular trafficking, and potential bioaccumulation. This review summarizes current knowledge on the cellular effects and molecular mechanisms of PS-NPs, particularly in human gastrointestinal models. The gastrointestinal tract is a primary route of nanoplastic exposure, where PS-NPs can cross epithelial barriers, interact with immune and epithelial cells, and disturb cellular homeostasis. Once internalized, PS-NPs can induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and dysregulation of autophagy, leading to alterations in lipid and glucose metabolism. Excessive synthesis of reactive oxygen species may trigger DNA damage, activate the ATM/ATR-p53 signaling pathway, and impair DNA repair mechanisms, thereby contributing to genomic instability. Emerging evidence also shows that PS-NPs can interact with ion channels, affecting calcium homeostasis, membrane potential, and cell viability. Overall, these findings highlight the complex and multifaceted toxicity of PS-NPs at the cellular level and underscore the need for further research to assess the long-term risks of nanoplastic exposure.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Nanoplastics as a potential environmental health factor: effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells
Researchers tested how polystyrene nanoparticles interact with human intestinal cells in the lab. They found that the nanoparticles were readily taken up by the cells in a concentration-dependent manner, but no significant toxic effects were observed under the conditions tested. The study suggests that while nanoplastics can enter gut cells, their short-term toxicity at the tested levels appears limited.
Polystyrene nanoplastics exposure causes inflammation and death of esophageal cell
Researchers exposed human esophageal cells to polystyrene nanoplastics and found that the particles triggered significant inflammation and cell death. The nanoplastics activated inflammatory signaling pathways and caused oxidative damage to the cells at concentrations relevant to human dietary exposure. The findings raise concerns about the potential effects of nanoplastic contamination in food and drinking water on the upper digestive tract.
Size-dependent toxicity of polystyrene microplastics on the gastrointestinal tract: Oxidative stress related-DNA damage and potential carcinogenicity
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics accumulate mainly in stomach tissue, where smaller nanoscale particles cause more severe damage than larger ones. The nanoplastics reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, increased DNA damage markers, and activated signaling pathways associated with cancer development. These size-dependent effects on the gastrointestinal tract suggest that the smallest plastic particles may pose the greatest risk to digestive health.
Exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles leads to dysfunction in DNA repair mechanisms in Caco-2 cells
Researchers found that exposing intestinal cells (Caco-2) to polystyrene nanoplastics impaired DNA repair mechanisms even at doses that didn't kill the cells, raising concern that nanoplastic exposure could lead to genetic instability and long-term health risks over time.
Nano-plastics and gastric health: Decoding the cytotoxic mechanisms of polystyrene nano-plastics size
Researchers examined how different sizes of polystyrene nanoplastics affect human stomach cells in the laboratory. They found that smaller nanoplastics were more readily taken up by the cells and caused greater damage, including increased oxidative stress and reduced cell survival. The study suggests that nanoplastic particle size plays a critical role in determining their potential impact on gastrointestinal health.