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Size-dependent effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on autophagy response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
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Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics of two different sizes affect human umbilical vein endothelial cells, focusing on a cellular cleanup process called autophagy. They found that smaller nanoplastics were taken up by cells more readily and caused greater disruption to autophagy function than larger particles. The study suggests that nanoplastic size is a critical factor in determining cardiovascular health risks, as these particles can impair the cells lining blood vessels.
Ubiquitous nanoplastics (NPs) increase exposure risks to humans through the food chain and/or other ways. However, huge knowledge gaps exist regarding the fate and adverse impact of NPs on the human cardiovascular system. Autophagy is an important catabolic pathway that disposes of cytoplasmic waste through the lysosomes. In this study, we pursued to determine the interaction and autophagy effect of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) (100 and 500 nm in size) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The results showed both sizes of PS-NPs interacted with almost all the treated HUVECs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and 500 nm PS-NPs were only bound to the surface of cell membranes, whereas 100 nm PS-NPs were taken up by HUVECs and aggregated in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, exposure to 25 μg/mL of 500 nm PS-NPs for 48 h significantly increased lactate dehydrogenase release from HUVECs, while internalized 100 nm PS-NPs not only caused cell membrane damage, but also induced autophagy initiation and autophagosome formation. By a mCherry-GFP-LC3 lentivirus infection assay, we also demonstrated that autophagic flux level was impaired in response to 100 nm PS-NPs. Herein, our results provide new insight into the size-dependent internalization and autophagy response to PS-NPs in HUVECs.
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Hazard Assessment of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Primary Human Nasal Epithelial Cells, Focusing on the Autophagic Effects
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Researchers exposed primary human nasal epithelial cells to polystyrene nanoplastics of two sizes and found that the smaller particles caused more significant cellular changes, including activation of autophagy pathways. The nanoplastics triggered oxidative stress and altered cell processes related to waste recycling within cells. The study highlights the potential health risks of inhaling airborne nanoplastics, an exposure route that remains understudied.
Nano-plastics and gastric health: Decoding the cytotoxic mechanisms of polystyrene nano-plastics size
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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.
Adverse effect of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on tube formation and viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells
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Researchers tested the effects of polystyrene microplastics on human blood vessel cells grown in the laboratory and found that the particles reduced cell survival and inhibited the formation of new blood vessel structures. Smaller microplastics accumulated inside the cells more readily and triggered cell death through autophagy and necrosis. The study suggests that microplastics entering the bloodstream could potentially interfere with normal vascular function.
Bioaccumulation of differently-sized polystyrene nanoplastics by human lung and intestine cells
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Researchers examined how human lung and intestine cells take up polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes, finding that smaller particles were internalized in greater numbers but at lower total mass compared to larger ones. When compared on a surface area basis, the uptake rates were similar across sizes, suggesting that surface interactions with cell membranes play a key role. The findings indicate that particle size is an important factor to consider when evaluating the health risks of nanoplastic exposure.
Internalization and cytotoxicity of polystyrene microplastics in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
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Researchers investigated the uptake and toxicity of 1-micrometer polystyrene microplastics in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The study found that interaction between the cells and microplastics was very low, with less than 4% of cells taking up particles even at high concentrations, and no significant inflammation, autophagy, or oxidative stress responses were observed at tested exposure levels.
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