We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Internalization of nano- and micro-plastics in human erythrocytes leads to oxidative stress and estrogen receptor-mediated cellular responses.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study exposed human red blood cells to nano- and micro-plastics of different polymer types and found that both caused oxidative stress, membrane damage, and altered cell morphology. The findings suggest that plastic particles reaching the bloodstream could impair red blood cell function, with potential cardiovascular and systemic health consequences.
Plastic material versatility has resulted in a substantial increase in its use in several sectors of our everyday lives. Consequently, concern regarding human exposure to nano-plastics (NPs) and micro-plastics (MPs) has recently increased. It has been shown that plastic particles entering the bloodstream may adhere to the erythrocyte surface and exert adverse effects following erythrocyte aggregation and adhesion to blood vessels. Here, we explored the effects of polystyrene nano-plastics (PS-NPs) and micro-plastics (PS-MPs) on human erythrocytes. Cellular morphology, binding/internalization of PS-NPs and PS-MPs, oxidative stress parameters, as well as the distribution and anion exchange capability of band 3 (anion exchanger 1; SLC4A1) have been analyzed in human erythrocytes exposed to 1 μg/mL PS-NPs or PS-MPs for 3 and 24 h, respectively. The data obtained showed significant modifications of the cellular shape after exposure to PS-NPs or PS-MPs. In particular, a significantly increased number of acanthocytes, echinocytes and leptocytes were detected. However, the percentage of eryptotic cells (<1 %) was comparable to physiological conditions. Analytical cytology and confocal microscopy showed that PS-NPs and PS-MPs bound to the erythrocyte plasma membrane, co-localized with estrogen receptors (Erα/ERβ), and were internalized. An increased trafficking from the cytosol to the erythrocyte plasma membrane and abnormal distribution of ERs were also observed, consistent with ERα-mediated binding and internalization of PS-NPs. An increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT kinases indicated that an activation of the ER-modulated non-genomic pathway occurred following exposure to PS-NPs and PS-MPs. Interestingly, PS-NPs or PS-MPs caused a significant production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in an increased lipid peroxidation and protein sulfhydryl group oxidation. Oxidative stress was also associated with an altered band 3 ion transport activity and increased oxidized haemoglobin, which led to abnormal clustering of band 3 on the plasma membrane. Taken together, these findings identify cellular events following the internalization of PS-NPs or PS-MPs in human erythrocytes and contribute to elucidating potential oxidative stress-related harmful effects, which may affect erythrocyte and systemic homeostasis.
More Papers Like This
Kinetics and toxicity of nanoplastics in ex vivo exposed human whole blood as a model to understand their impact on human health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed human whole blood to five types of nanoplastics and found that immune cells, especially monocytes, readily absorbed the particles, triggering oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Different plastic types caused different effects: some triggered blood clotting, others caused red blood cell damage, and PLA (a "biodegradable" plastic) was among the most reactive. This study provides direct evidence that nanoplastics reaching the human bloodstream can disrupt immune cells, blood clotting, and inflammation.
The Impact of Micro/Nanoplastics on Human Hematopoietic Function: Exposure, Deposition, Toxicity, and Mitigation Strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics enter the body via diet and inhalation and accumulate in blood cells and hematopoietic organs, synthesizing animal and in vitro evidence that these particles disrupt red and white blood cell production through oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling while also exploring biodegradation and dietary mitigation strategies.
Hematological consequences of polyethylene microplastics toxicity in male rats: Oxidative stress, genetic, and epigenetic links
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers gave male rats different doses of polyethylene microplastics orally for 35 days and found significant damage to blood cells and the blood-forming system. Higher doses caused oxidative stress, DNA damage, and changes in gene expression patterns related to blood cell production. The study suggests that chronic microplastic ingestion could harm the blood system through both genetic and epigenetic pathways.
Enhancement of biological effects of oxidised nano- and microplastics in human professional phagocytes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how virgin and environmentally aged polystyrene nano- and microplastics affect human immune cells (monocytes and macrophages). The study found that oxidized particles, which simulate environmental aging, caused significantly greater DNA damage and oxidative stress than virgin particles, suggesting that weathered plastics in the environment may pose higher health risks.
Cellular responses to micro- and nanoplastics exposure: mechanisms and pathophysiological implications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles interact with cells in lab and animal studies, finding repeated signs of cell stress, including damage to cell structures and inflammation. Studies also detected plastic material in human blood and tissue samples, but the review states this does not prove the particles cause specific diseases.
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.