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Impact of nanoplastics on thyroid function: Unraveling cellular biokinetics, molecular mechanisms and human risk assessment
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Researchers investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on thyroid-derived cell lines, finding rapid intracellular uptake, disruption of redox balance, and altered expression of thyroid hormone-related genes and proteins. The findings indicate that nanoplastics can directly disrupt thyroid cell function through oxidative stress and interference with hormone biosynthesis pathways.
Nanoplastics (NP) have emerged as a significant environmental and health concern with endocrine disrupting potential that remain largely unknown. This study investigates the effects of Polystyrene NP (PSNP) on thyroid disruption using thyroid-derived cell lines, focusing on cellular biokinetics, distribution, alteration of redox balance and impact on thyroid hormone (TH)-related gene and protein expression and function. PSNP were rapidly internalized in a cell-type-dependent manner and localized in lysosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum with limited clearance. They led to time and concentration-dependent alterations in key thyroid hormone-related transcripts (e.g. NIS, MCT8), without overt cytotoxicity. Toxicity data were used to calculate a benchmark dose (BMD5) for NIS gene (Slc5a5) inhibition at 11 particles/cell (0.21 µg/mL), suggesting a robust point of departure for thyroid bioactivity. Our study demonstrates that PSNP elevated ROS levels, reduced cellular iodide uptake, disrupted TH homeostasis and could contribute to thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism and impaired neurodevelopment. Moreover, we have identified PSNP as endocrine disruptors (thyroid modality), supporting their urgent consideration in regulatory actions given the recent detection of similar particles in human tissues. Our study provides novel insights into the potential molecular impacts of NP on thyroid physiology, and it highlights the importance of integrating New Approach Methodologies for risk assessment of NP.
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Thyroid endocrine status and biochemical stress responses in adult male Wistar rats chronically exposed to pristine polystyrene nanoplastics
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Adult male rats were given daily oral doses of polystyrene nanoplastics for five weeks, causing dose-dependent reductions in thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, FT3, FT4) and increases in TSH, along with elevated oxidative stress markers. The study provides evidence that chronic nanoplastic ingestion disrupts the thyroid endocrine system in a mammalian model.
Polystyrene Microplastics‐Induced Thyroid Dysfunction in Mice: A Study of Gene Expression, Oxidative Stress, and Histopathological Changes
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In a mouse study, polystyrene microplastics caused thyroid dysfunction by altering gene expression, increasing oxidative stress, and damaging thyroid tissue. The findings show that microplastic exposure can disrupt the endocrine system, specifically the thyroid gland which controls metabolism and development. As environmental microplastic contamination increases, this research raises concerns about potential thyroid-related health problems in both animals and humans.
Small particles, big impact: A narrative review of microplastics and their effects on thyroid function
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This narrative review synthesized evidence linking microplastic and nanoplastic exposure to thyroid dysfunction, examining mechanisms including endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation. The authors identified thyroid-disrupting effects in both animal models and human epidemiological data, with children and pregnant women as particularly vulnerable populations.
The Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastic and Bisphenol A Exposure on the Thyroid Gland in Mice
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Researchers examined the individual and combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and bisphenol A on the thyroid gland in mice over four weeks. The study found that nanoplastics alone caused dose-dependent thyroid hormone disruption and structural damage, while co-exposure with bisphenol A clearly worsened the injury, indicating an additive or synergistic toxic effect on thyroid function.
Nano and microplastics: unveiling their profound impact on endocrine health
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This review summarizes existing research showing that micro- and nanoplastics can disrupt the endocrine (hormone) system, altering reproductive hormones, thyroid function, and gene expression in lab and animal studies. Exposure to these particles triggered inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hormone-producing organs, suggesting that widespread plastic pollution may be contributing to rising rates of hormonal and reproductive health problems.
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