0
Article Tier 2 Human Health Effects Sign in to save

An assessment of the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics in human derived cells

The Science of The Total Environment 2019 621 citations

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers assessed the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics on human-derived cell lines and found that the particles triggered inflammatory responses and oxidative stress at concentrations relevant to environmental exposure. The microplastics also affected cell viability and caused measurable changes in immune-related gene expression. The study raises concerns about potential health effects from chronic human exposure to one of the most commonly produced plastic types.

Polymers
Models
Study Type Environmental

Environmental pollution caused by plastic waste is a growing global problem. Discarded plastic products and debris (microplastic particles) in the oceans detrimentally affect marine ecosystems and may impact human. Humans are exposed to plastic debris via the consumption of seafood and drinking water, contact with food packaging, or inhalation of particles. The accumulation of microplastic particles in humans has potential health risks such as cytotoxicity, hypersensitivity, unwanted immune response, and acute response like hemolysis. We investigated the cellular responses of secondary polypropylene microplastics (PP particles) of approximately ~20 μm and 25-200 μm in different condition and size to normal cells, immune cells, blood cells, and murine immune cells by cytokine analysis, ROS assay, polarization assay and proliferation assay. We found that PP particles showed low cytotoxicity effect in size and concentration manner, however, a high concentration, small sized, DMSO method of PP particles stimulated the immune system and enhanced potential hypersensitivity to PP particles via an increase in the levels of cytokines and histamines in PBMCs, Raw 264.7 and HMC-1 cells.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Evaluation of potential toxicity of polyethylene microplastics on human derived cell lines

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers tested the toxic effects of two sizes of polyethylene microplastics on human cell lines representing different tissue types. They found that microplastic exposure triggered inflammatory responses and caused cellular damage, with effects varying depending on particle size and cell type. The findings suggest that microplastics commonly encountered in everyday life could pose health risks when they interact with human tissues.

Article Tier 2

Cytotoxic Effects of Microplastics on Human Cells

AI summary Read the abstract

This study reviewed and tested the cytotoxic effects of microplastics on human cells, finding that microplastic particles can cause cell damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress at relevant concentrations. The results support growing concern that microplastics ingested or inhaled by humans may pose direct health risks at the cellular level.

Article Tier 2

Toxicity in vitro reveals potential impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health: A review

AI summary Read the abstract

This review summarizes laboratory cell-culture studies examining the potential health impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on human cells. Researchers found evidence that these particles can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption to normal cell functions across multiple cell types. The study suggests that while more research is needed, the in vitro evidence indicates microplastics and nanoplastics have the potential to affect human health through several biological pathways.

Article Tier 2

A rapid review and meta-regression analyses of the toxicological impacts of microplastic exposure in human cells

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers conducted a systematic review and statistical analysis of studies examining the effects of microplastic exposure on human cells in the laboratory. They found evidence that microplastics can cause cell damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, with smaller particles and higher doses generally producing stronger effects. The study provides the first pooled estimate of dose-response thresholds for microplastic toxicity in human cells, helping to frame the potential health risks of daily exposure.

Article Tier 2

Micro- and nano-plastics induce inflammation and cell death in human cells.

AI summary Read the abstract

Human cell cultures exposed to micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs) showed elevated inflammation markers and cell death, with effects varying by particle type and concentration. The study developed a novel extraction and staining technique to identify individual plastic types in complex mixtures, advancing methods for assessing human cellular toxicity.

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.

Email me about

Share this paper