Autophagic response of intestinal epithelial cells exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics

Growing evidence demonstrates that the bioaccumulation of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in the gastrointestinal tract has negative effects on health. Until now, little information has been available regarding the potential hazards of PS-NPs to intestinal epithelial barriers. In this study, we employed cellular and animal models to investigate the adverse effects of PS-NPs on intestinal epithelium and the underlying mechanism. We found that PS-NPs affected the growth and survival of intestinal epithelial cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. PS-NPs accumulated in the cytoplasm, resulting in an impaired autophagic flux and inducing an autophagic response. This response was also confirmed in vivo. Our results provide new insights into the internalization of PS-NPs and the resultant autophagy response in intestinal epithelial cells.