We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Silver and polystyrene nanoparticles activate oestrogen signalling via cytoplasmic oestrogen receptor
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that both nanoplastic polystyrene particles and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) activate estrogen signaling in breast cancer cells by binding to cytoplasmic estrogen receptors. The results suggest these two common nanomaterials are endocrine disruptors capable of mimicking estrogenic activity, with potential implications for hormone-driven diseases.
This study explores the endocrine-disrupting potential of two commonly encountered nanomaterials, nanoplastic and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Many environmental pollutants, especially endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol, heavy metals, interfere with hormone function, posing a serious risk for public health, e.g. prevalence of breast cancer, whose incidence correlates strongly with EDC exposure. However, the impact on hormonal homeostasis of many environmental contaminants, such as nanoplastic, is still unknown. Nanoplastic is a product of the weathering process of plastic goods, while AgNPs are released to the environment from everyday use items, such as health care products, food-related materials or medical devices. These nanoparticles penetrate biological barriers, accumulate in tissues, and may affect oestrogen signalling. Thus, this study investigated how AgNPs and nanopolystyrene (PSNPs) interact with oestrogen receptor (ESR1) signalling in breast cancer cells. The study revealed that in ESR1-positive (ER+) cells, AgNPs notably enhanced ESR1-mediated cell proliferation and progression through the S-phase of the cell cycle, particularly in oestrogen-deprived conditions. The observed effect was ESR1-dependent and effectively blocked by tamoxifen, revealing a ligand-independent activation mechanism. AgNPs downregulated ESR1 signalling-dependent genes, which are linked to cell cycle and proliferation pathways (e.g., IRS1, NCOR1, MED1). PSNPs showed a similar, but milder effect, stimulating ESR1 activation only in the presence of oestrogen (E2). Simultaneous treatment with AgNPs and PSNPs induced a distinct effect, namely, reduced CITED2 and BDNF expression, which was highly dependent on E2 status. The presence of PSNPs also mitigated AgNPs-induced reduction of BRCA1 expression. This study highlights how nanomaterial-induced ESR1 activation can lead to enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell cycle progression, suggesting potential adverse effects of nanomaterials in ER+ cancer proliferation via protein kinase-mediated ESR1 modulation.
More Papers Like This
Citrate silver nanoparticles modulate estrogen signaling in estradiol-supplemented ER-positive breast cancer cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that the surface chemistry of citrate-coated silver nanoparticles can modulate estrogen signaling and interact with estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells. The study suggests that nanoplastics pollution in the environment may influence the toxicity of silver nanoparticles, highlighting the need for more endocrine research at the intersection of nanoplastics contamination and nanotechnology.
Silver and Polystyrene Nanoparticles Act as Endocrine Disruptors via Copper-Dependent CK2/AKT Signaling in Breast Cancer
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny particles of silver (used in some consumer products) and polystyrene (a common type of microplastic) can interfere with hormone-related signals in breast cancer cells, acting a bit like fake estrogen and disrupting normal cell communication. This matters because it suggests everyday exposure to these tiny particles might have effects on hormone-sensitive tissues, though more research is needed to know what this means for real-world human health risk.
Silver and Polystyrene Nanoparticles Act as Endocrine Disruptors via Copper-Dependent CK2/AKT Signaling in Breast Cancer
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny particles of silver (used in some antibacterial products) and polystyrene (a common type of microplastic) can interfere with hormone-related signaling in breast cancer cells, and that copper plays a key role in triggering this effect. This matters because it suggests these widespread materials may act as "endocrine disruptors" — substances that can throw off the body's natural hormone balance — raising questions about their long-term safety, especially for hormone-sensitive tissues.
Nanoplastics increase in vitro oestrogenic activity of neurotherapeutic drugs
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics significantly enhance the estrogenic activity of neurotherapeutic drugs in vitro, suggesting that nanoplastic contamination of drinking water and food could increase hormonal exposures from pharmaceutical residues.
Effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on androgen- and estrogen receptor activity and steroidogenesis in vitro
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how polystyrene micro and nanoplastics of various sizes affect hormone receptor activity and steroid hormone production in human cells grown in the lab. Smaller nanoplastics (50-1000 nm) were taken up into cells and interfered with both estrogen and androgen receptor signaling, while also altering the production of key hormones. This study provides direct evidence that nanoplastics can disrupt the human endocrine system at the cellular level, which could have implications for reproductive health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.