We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Micro- and Nanoplastics and Human Health: Role of Food Nutrients Targeting Nfe2l2 Gene in Diabetes
AI summary Read the abstract
This study explores how dietary polyphenolic compounds found in functional foods may counteract the harmful effects of micro- and nanoplastic exposure by activating the Nrf2 transcription factor, a master regulator of cellular antioxidant defenses. The research suggests that microplastic-induced deregulation of the Nfe2l2 gene encoding Nrf2 may worsen inflammatory conditions associated with metabolic disorders, and that specific food nutrients could help restore this protective pathway.
A new category of polyphenolic compounds, like flavonoids, phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, and others, referred to as food nutrients, may counteract the harmful effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) by enhancing cellular stress resilience response and overall human health. These compounds found in functional food help mitigate the cellular damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress caused by MNP exposure, which can contribute to pathological conditions, including diabetes. Importantly, specific food nutrients are able to activate, at the minimum dose, the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) to prevent or block MNP-induced damage. The Nfe2l2 gene encodes the Nrf2 transcription factor, acting as a master regulator of redox homeostasis by inducing antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven resilience genes, which in turn, promote the expression of detoxification enzymes like heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and shield cells from environmental damage and toxicity. Deregulation of the Nfe2l2 gene due to the accumulation of MNP pollutants may exacerbate the inflammatory conditions associated with diabetes and its chronic complications by rendering cells more sensitive to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pyroptosis. Furthermore, epigenetic modifications influence gene regulation; chromatin remodeling directly impacts DNA accessibility, allowing or limiting transcription factor access to regulate gene expression. This mechanism may also play a pivotal role in the progression of oxidative stress-related diseases, as it modulates the Nrf2 pathway and the expression levels of its target genes. In contrast to the current literature, which has only addressed the pathological mechanisms induced by MNPs, this research explores, for the first time, how food nutrients interacting with the Nfe2l2 gene can combat or reverse the toxic effects of MNPs in cells, tissues, and organs. The goal is to improve health by attenuating MNP toxicity, which is influenced by individual genetic variations and cellular stress resilience.
More Papers Like This
Micro- and Nanoplastics and Functional Nutrients in Human Health: Epigenetic Mechanisms and Cellular Resilience Signaling in Brain Insulin Resistance and the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores how functional nutrients like polyphenols and flavonoids may help counteract damage caused by micro- and nanoplastic exposure, particularly regarding brain health. The study suggests these nutrients can activate protective cellular pathways at low doses to help maintain blood-brain barrier integrity, though chronic pollutant exposure may disrupt antioxidant signaling and contribute to brain insulin resistance.
Healthful Diet and Nutritional Food as a Preventive and Interventional Paradigm in the Face of Microplastic and Nanoplastic Crisis
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines dietary patterns and nutritional interventions as potential strategies to reduce health risks from microplastic and nanoplastic exposure, discussing how antioxidant-rich foods and specific nutrients may mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by MNP ingestion.
Dietary Components as Promising Candidates for Mitigating Micro- and Nanoplastic-Associated Metabolic Dysfunctions.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on micro- and nanoplastics found in human tissues and their links to effects seen in cell and animal studies, including insulin resistance, liver changes, and cardiovascular injury. It also discusses dietary strategies that might counteract these effects, noting such approaches remain hypothetical with limited clinical evidence.
Oxidative stress-activated Nrf2 remitted polystyrene nanoplastic-induced mitochondrial damage and inflammatory response in HepG2 cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered that polystyrene nanoplastics damage human liver cells by causing oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, but the cells activate a protective pathway called Nrf2 to fight back. When the Nrf2 defense was blocked, the damage from nanoplastics became significantly worse, confirming its protective role. This study helps explain how the liver tries to defend itself against nanoplastic toxicity, and suggests that people with weaker antioxidant defenses may be more vulnerable to liver damage from plastic exposure.
Cellular mechanisms of microplastic and nanoparticle exposure and its relationship with metabolic diseases: Literature review
AI summary Read the abstract
This literature review examined how microplastic and nanoparticle exposure affects cellular mechanisms related to metabolic disease, finding evidence that these contaminants disrupt insulin signaling, alter lipid metabolism, and may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome.
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.