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Assessment of the cytotoxicity micro- and nano-plastic on human intestinal Caco-2 cells and the protective effects of catechin.
Summary
Researchers used a human intestinal cell line (Caco-2) to test cytotoxicity of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics, finding dose-dependent cell damage and disruption of intestinal barrier function. The study supports growing concerns that ingested microplastics could contribute to gut inflammation and compromise the protective lining of the human intestine.
Micro- and nano-plastics (M/NPs) potentially leach from plastic wrapping into food and beverages. However, the risks of ingested M/NPs to human intestinal health remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the potential risks and mechanisms of PS-M/NPs using a human intestinal epithelial model and to explore protective measures to reduce these risks. The results showed that polystyrene (PS) M/NPs exhibited size-dependent cytotoxicity (3 μm < 0.3 μm < 80 nm < 20 nm). Additionally, by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after exposure to PS-M/NPs and the elimination of ROS by -acetyl-L-cysteine, we identified oxidative stress as a mechanism of PS-M/NP-induced cytotoxicity. Hazard quotients calculated from the study indicated that the risks of M/NPs derived from plastic teabags exceeded the margin of safety, suggesting that ingested M/NPs potentially pose a risk to human intestinal health. Furthermore, this study found that catechins can reduce the adverse effects of M/NPs, so we propose that drinking tea may offer a protective effect against the harm of M/NPs on the intestinal system.
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