We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polyethylene: an identified component of human dental calculus triggers cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses in gingival fibroblasts
Summary
Researchers identified 26 types of microplastics in human dental calculus, with polyamide, polyethylene, and polyurethane as the most prevalent. Laboratory experiments showed that polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics reduced gingival cell viability, increased cell death, impaired cell migration, and activated inflammatory signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner. The study suggests that microplastics accumulate in the oral cavity over time and may drive chronic inflammation in gum tissue.
The oral cavity, the gateway to the digestive system, represents a critical entrance for micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) to enter the human body. Few studies have assessed the long-term accumulation of MNPs in the oral cavity and their potential harm to resident cells. This study investigated the presence of MNPs in human dental calculus and evaluated the cytotoxic and inflammatory effects of polyethylene (PE) on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Twenty-six types of microplastics were identified in human dental calculus, with polyamide (PA, 41.4 %), PE (32.7 %), and polyurethane (PU, 7 %) emerging as the predominant components. In vitro experiments revealed that PE-MNPs significantly reduced HGFs' viability, increased apoptosis rates, and impaired cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PE-MNPs exposure activated the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathway and upregulated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β and IL-6), as evidenced by elevated phosphorylation of NF-κB. This study revealed that MNPs persistently accumulate in the oral cavity, potentially driving chronic inflammatory activation in gingival fibroblasts and compromising tissue repair mechanisms.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Dental Calculus Microplastics: Exposure Assessment And Cytotoxicity On Gingival Fibroblasts
Researchers detected microplastics in dental calculus — the hardened plaque that builds up on teeth — at an average of over 3,600 particles per gram, with polyamide and polyethylene among the most common types. Exposing gum cells to these particles reduced their viability and triggered cell death, suggesting microplastics accumulate in the mouth and may harm oral tissues.
Integrated network toxicology, machine learning, molecular docking and experimental validation to elucidate mechanism of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics inducing periodontitis
Researchers combined computational biology, machine learning, and laboratory experiments to explore how polyethylene terephthalate microplastics might contribute to periodontitis, a common gum disease. They identified key molecular targets and signaling pathways through which microplastics could promote gum tissue inflammation. The study provides the first evidence linking microplastic exposure to the biological mechanisms underlying periodontal disease.
Microplastics in the Pathogenesis of Periodontal Diseases: A Narrative Review
This narrative review examines emerging evidence on how microplastics may contribute to the development and progression of periodontal diseases. Researchers found that microplastics have been detected in oral tissues and may promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of the oral microbiome. The study suggests that microplastic exposure could represent a previously unrecognized risk factor for gum disease.
Microplastics Affect the Inflammation Pathway in Human Gingival Fibroblasts: A Study in the Adriatic Sea
Researchers exposed human gingival fibroblast cells to microplastics collected from different depths of the Adriatic Sea and found that the particles activated inflammatory signaling pathways. The study found that microplastics from 1-meter and 78-meter depths triggered increased levels of inflammatory markers NFkB, MyD88, and NLRP3, and reduced cellular metabolic activity.
The oral–systemic interface of micro- and nanoplastics
Researchers reviewed the oral cavity as an underexplored entry point for micro- and nanoplastics from dental products, toothbrushes, restorations, and implants, finding evidence linking local particle exposure to oral diseases including periodontitis and oral cancer, and noting that particles crossing oral barriers can disseminate systemically to worsen inflammatory and metabolic conditions.