We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics amplify the pro-inflammatory response to fungal mycelial fragments and spores in neutrophil-like cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that HDPE microplastics combined with fungal fragments induced significant release of inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-8 from neutrophil-like immune cells. Notably, they observed a trend of decreasing IL-6 levels at higher microplastic doses mixed with fungal particles, suggesting possible dysregulation of the inflammatory response. The study indicates that microplastics may amplify and alter immune reactions to common biological particles found in indoor and outdoor air.
HDPE combined with fungal fragments induced significant release of IL-6 and IL-8 while the mixtures with fungal spores induced only IL-6 release from the neutrophil-like cells. Most importantly, we observed a trend of decreasing IL-6 levels with increasing doses of HDPE microplastics in mixture with fungal particles, indicating possible dysregulation of the pro-inflammatory response. The tested doses of HDPE microplastics in mixture with fungal particles showed no significant acute effects on the cell viability. Using HEK293-TLR reporter cells, we found no significant activation of TLR2 and TLR4 by HDPE microplastics, fungal particles, or their combination, suggesting that the release of IL-6 and IL-8 is induced through other innate immune-signaling pathways. Taken together, fungal particles as microbial contaminants, seem to be the main drivers of the immune responses triggered by exposure to mixed HDPE microplastics and fungal particles. Among these, fungal mycelial fragments appear to be the most potent compared to fungal spores that are typically monitored for risk assessments.
More Papers Like This
56 Combined microplastic and indoor or urban dust exposure potentiates inflammatory responses in a human alveolar model in vitro
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed a three-cell alveolar model — including type I and type II pneumocytes alongside macrophages — at the air-liquid interface to polyamide, PET, or polystyrene particles followed by urban or indoor dust, finding that while single plastic exposures produced minimal cytokine release, combined exposures significantly elevated IL-8, indicating synergistic pulmonary inflammation.
Fungal plastiphily and its link to generic virulence traits makes environmental microplastics a global health factor
AI summary Read the abstract
This meta-analysis reveals that fungi, including species that cause human infections, are attracted to microplastics in the environment. Microplastics provide tiny habitats where disease-causing fungi can accumulate and potentially evolve, suggesting that the trillions of microplastic particles in our environment may be increasing our exposure to fungal pathogens.
Nanoplastics affect the inflammatory cytokine release by primary human monocytes and dendritic cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed primary human immune cells to nanoplastics of different shapes, sizes, and polymer types and measured their inflammatory responses. Irregular PVC fragments triggered the strongest release of inflammatory signaling molecules, and fragment-shaped particles consistently provoked more inflammation than spherical ones. The findings indicate that the type and shape of nanoplastics matter significantly for immune responses, and that studies using only smooth spherical particles may underestimate the real-world inflammatory potential of plastic pollution.
Synergistic effects of microplastics and bioaerosols: emerging trends in urban air pollution complexification and public health implications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the emerging synergistic health risks of airborne microplastics and bioaerosols in urban environments. Researchers found that microplastics can serve as carriers for bacteria, fungi, and viruses, potentially prolonging pathogen survival and increasing human exposure through inhalation. The combined exposure may amplify respiratory inflammation and oxidative stress beyond what either pollutant causes individually, highlighting a growing concern for urban public health.
Investigating the inflammatory effect of microplastics in cigarette butts on peripheral blood mononuclear cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed human immune cells to microplastic fibers from cigarette filters (made of cellulose acetate) and found they triggered a significant inflammatory response. At higher concentrations, the microfibers reduced cell survival and caused immune cells to release inflammatory signaling molecules (TNF-alpha and IL-6). Since cigarette filter microplastics are found widely in water, soil, and air, this suggests they could cause harmful inflammation when they enter the human body.
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.