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Papers
6 resultsShowing papers from Second Hospital of Shandong University
ClearTargeted activation of ErbB4 receptor ameliorates neuronal deficits and neuroinflammation in a food-borne polystyrene microplastic exposed mouse model
In mice exposed to polystyrene microplastics through food, researchers found significant brain inflammation and cognitive problems, but activating a specific brain receptor (ErbB4) with a small molecule drug helped reverse these effects. This suggests that microplastic exposure through diet may contribute to brain damage, and points toward possible treatments for microplastic-related neurological harm.
Micro- and nano-plastic contamination in foods and potential risk to human health
This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about micro- and nanoplastic contamination in food, covering sources, occurrence, and analytical detection methods. Researchers found that while various foods, especially seafood, contain measurable levels of microplastics, the health risks to humans remain difficult to assess due to inconsistent research methods. The study calls for standardized approaches to better evaluate dietary exposure and potential health impacts.
MORN2 regulates the morphology and energy metabolism of mitochondria and is required for male fertility in mice
Researchers identified a protein called MORN2 that plays a critical role in shaping mitochondria and supporting their energy production in sperm cells. When this protein was absent in mice, the animals became infertile due to defective mitochondrial structures in their sperm. The study adds to our understanding of the molecular requirements for male reproductive health.
Combined exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and bisphenol A results in mitochondrial damage and ferroptosis via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in mice kidneys
Researchers exposed mice to polystyrene nanoplastics combined with bisphenol A for six weeks and found that co-exposure caused significant kidney damage through mitochondrial dysfunction and a form of cell death called ferroptosis. The combined exposure was more harmful than either contaminant alone, operating through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The findings suggest that nanoplastics acting as carriers for co-pollutants like BPA may amplify toxic effects on kidney tissue.
Microplastics enhance the risk of cross-genus dissemination of carbapenemase resistance plasmids in ICU patients
Researchers demonstrated that hospital-derived microplastics significantly increase the conjugation rate of carbapenemase resistance plasmids between drug-resistant bacteria by stimulating biofilm formation, with the effect amplified more than 3.9-fold under conditions simulating diabetic patient urine — identifying medical plastics as a potential environmental driver of untreatable ICU infections.
Health risk analysis of micro-and nanoplastic exposure via the microbiota-gut-brain axis
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics that accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract may disrupt the microbiota-gut-brain axis through neural, immune, and endocrine pathways. The study suggests that these particles can interfere with normal gut microbiota function after entering the body through diet, inhalation, and skin contact, potentially inducing or worsening health effects.