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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics dysregulate innate immunity in the SARS-CoV-2 infected lung
ClearImpact of Microplastic Exposure on Airway Inflammation in an Acute Asthma Murine Model
Mouse experiments found that microplastic exposure worsened inflammatory responses in healthy lungs but did not further aggravate airway inflammation in mice with pre-existing asthma, suggesting the lung's response to microplastics depends on baseline immune state.
Detrimental effects of microplastic exposure on normal and asthmatic pulmonary physiology
Researchers exposed both healthy and asthmatic mice to airborne microplastics and found significant lung inflammation, immune activation, and increased mucus production in both groups. Microplastic particles were taken up by immune cells called macrophages, and gene analysis revealed changes in immune response, cellular stress, and cell death pathways. The study suggests that inhaling microplastics may worsen respiratory health in both normal and vulnerable populations.
Microplastics dysregulate innate immunity in the SARS-CoV-2 infected lung
This study found that microplastics can interfere with the immune response in lungs infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by blocking a protein called Tim4 that helps clear dead cells. The findings suggest that microplastic exposure in the lungs could worsen respiratory infections by disrupting the body's ability to manage inflammation and clean up damaged tissue.
Microplastics exposed by respiratory tract and exacerbation of community-acquired pneumonia: The potential influences of respiratory microbiota and inflammatory factors
Researchers found that microplastics were present in the lungs of pneumonia patients, and that patients with severe pneumonia had higher levels of microplastics in their airways than those with milder cases. The microplastics appeared to worsen lung infections by disrupting the balance of airway bacteria and increasing inflammation. This study provides early evidence that inhaled microplastics may make respiratory infections more dangerous in humans.
Pulmonary accumulation and immune modulation by intravenously administered environmentally relevant microplastics in mice
Researchers intravenously administered environmentally relevant oxidized polyethylene microplastics to mice and tracked their distribution using fluorescent labeling. The particles primarily accumulated in the lungs and induced inflammatory cell infiltration, demonstrating that microplastics entering the bloodstream can concentrate in pulmonary tissue and trigger immune responses.
Microplastics interact with SARS-CoV-2 and facilitate host cell infection
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 binds to microplastic surfaces, and this interaction facilitates enhanced viral infection of host cells and amplifies inflammatory responses, suggesting microplastics may act as vectors for viral pathogens.
Lung microbiota participated in fibrous microplastics (MPs) aggravating OVA-induced asthma disease in mice
In a mouse study, inhaling fiber-shaped microplastics significantly worsened asthma symptoms, including airway inflammation, mucus buildup, and lung tissue scarring. The microplastic fibers also disrupted the balance of bacteria living in the lungs and activated inflammatory pathways. Since fibrous microplastics are the most common airborne shape and have been found in human lungs, this research suggests they could worsen respiratory conditions like asthma in people.
Polystyrene Microplastics Induce Inflammatory Responses and Promote M2‐Associated Cytokine Expression in Mouse Lung Tissues
Mice were given 10-50 µm polystyrene microplastics orally at 2,000 mg/kg and lung tissue was examined for biodistribution and immune response. PS-MPs accumulated in lung tissue and triggered inflammatory responses with elevated M2-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), suggesting microplastic inhalation may promote an immunosuppressive rather than pro-inflammatory lung phenotype.
Mechanisms underlying Th2-dominant pneumonia caused by plastic pollution derivatives (PPD): A molecular toxicology investigation that encompasses gut microbiomics and lung metabolomics
In a mouse study, exposure to dibutyl phthalate (a plastic additive) and polystyrene microplastics for five weeks caused pneumonia-like lung damage, increased oxidative stress, and triggered inflammation. The researchers found that these plastic pollution byproducts caused a specific type of immune response that leads to eosinophilic inflammation in the airways, connected through the gut-lung axis. The findings suggest that everyday exposure to plastic-derived chemicals and particles could contribute to respiratory disease.
Effects of secondary microplastic on the respiratory system of BALB/c mice
Researchers exposed BALB/c mice to secondary microplastics derived from environmentally weathered plastic and assessed respiratory system effects. Secondary MPs caused greater pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress than virgin particles, suggesting that real-world aged plastics carry higher respiratory toxicity risks than pristine particles used in most laboratory studies.
Presence of nanoplastics in sputum of patients with severe asthma: a novel environmental perspective
Researchers analyzed sputum from severe asthma patients and detected nanoplastics in samples for the first time, comparing concentrations and immune profiles across asthma phenotypes. Nanoplastic presence in sputum was associated with more severe disease and distinct immune dysregulation patterns, identifying environmental nanoplastic exposure as a potential modifier of asthma severity.
Polystyrene microplastics induce an immunometabolic active state in macrophages
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics taken up by macrophages — immune cells lining the gut and lungs — triggered a metabolic shift toward an inflammatory state. This finding suggests microplastics reaching human tissues may alter immune function in ways that could contribute to inflammation-related diseases.
Polyethylene microplastics impede the innate immune response by disrupting the extracellular matrix and signaling transduction
Mice exposed to polyethylene microplastics showed a weakened immune response when challenged with bacterial toxins, with lower levels of immune signaling molecules and reduced immune cell activity. The microplastics disrupted proteins in the extracellular matrix, the structural framework around cells in the liver and spleen, which impaired immune signaling. This suggests that microplastic accumulation in organs could make the body less effective at fighting infections.
Co-exposure to polyethylene microplastics and house dust mites aggravates airway epithelial barrier dysfunction and airway inflammation via CXCL1 signaling pathway in a mouse model
In a mouse model of asthma, co-exposure to inhaled polyethylene microplastics and house dust mite allergens caused worse airway inflammation than either pollutant alone. The microplastics damaged the airway lining and amplified allergic reactions through a specific inflammatory signaling pathway called CXCL1. This finding suggests that breathing in airborne microplastics could make allergies and asthma worse by helping allergens penetrate deeper into the lungs.
Investigation of pulmonary inflammatory responses following intratracheal instillation of and inhalation exposure to polypropylene microplastics
Rats exposed to polypropylene microplastics through both inhalation and direct lung delivery developed inflammatory responses in their lungs, including increased immune cells and tissue changes. Even at relatively low concentrations, the microplastics triggered pulmonary inflammation, supporting concerns that breathing in airborne microplastics could contribute to respiratory health problems in humans.
In vivo toxicity assessment of microplastics in Balb/C mice : study of inhalation exposure and its inflammatory effects
Researchers examined the in vivo toxicity of inhaled microplastics in Balb/C mice, studying pulmonary inflammation, oxidative stress, and systemic effects following repeated inhalation exposure. The study found dose-dependent lung inflammation and evidence of particle translocation to other organs.
Influence of Microplastics on Morphological Manifestations of Experimental Acute Colitis
Researchers fed polystyrene microplastics to mice for six weeks and found that healthy mice developed changes in their colon lining, including altered mucus composition and immune cell populations. When mice with experimentally induced colitis also consumed microplastics, their intestinal inflammation was significantly more severe. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may worsen inflammatory bowel conditions.
Deleterious effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on rodent lungs: a systematic review
This systematic review summarizes research on how inhaled micro- and nanoplastics affect the lungs in animal studies. The findings show these particles can cause lung inflammation, tissue damage, and immune responses, suggesting that breathing in airborne microplastics may pose real risks to respiratory health.
Oropharyngeal Administration of Polystyrene Microplastics Induces Profibrotic and Oxidative Changes in Murine Lung Tissue
Researchers investigated the early lung effects of inhaled polystyrene microplastics in mice over a 21-day exposure period. While overall fibrosis scores did not reach statistical significance in this short timeframe, they observed significant macrophage infiltration, active particle uptake by immune cells, and upregulation of oxidative stress and fibrosis-related molecular markers. The findings suggest that microplastic inhalation triggers early immune and oxidative responses that may precede lung tissue remodeling.
Sterile inflammation induced by respirable micro and nano polystyrene particles in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases
Researchers exposed human lung and immune cells to polystyrene micro and nanoparticles and found they triggered a type of inflammation that does not require infection, called sterile inflammation. Aged (oxidized) particles and those that interacted with immune cells were especially potent at activating inflammatory pathways including the NLRP3 inflammasome. This suggests that breathing in airborne microplastics could cause chronic lung inflammation over time.
Polystyrene particles induces asthma-like Th2-mediated lung injury through IL-33 secretion
Researchers found that inhaled polystyrene microplastic particles triggered asthma-like inflammation in the lungs of mice, with smaller particles causing more severe responses. The particles stimulated the release of IL-33, a signaling molecule that activates a specific type of immune response associated with allergic airway disease. The study identifies a potential mechanism by which airborne microplastics could contribute to respiratory inflammation.
Microplastics drives ILC2s function and fatty acid metabolism in allergic airway inflammation via PPARγ signaling
Researchers found that microplastics exacerbate allergic airway inflammation in house dust mite-sensitized mice by promoting epithelial barrier disruption and type 2 immune activation. The study revealed that microplastics drive the function of innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and alter fatty acid metabolism through the PPARgamma signaling pathway, providing mechanistic insight into how airborne microplastics may worsen respiratory allergies.
Microplastic consumption induces inflammatory signatures in the colon and prolongs a viral arthritis
Researchers found that mice consuming polystyrene microplastics through drinking water developed mild inflammatory changes in the colon, even though the particles were not detected in internal organs. When the mice were infected with chikungunya virus, those consuming microplastics experienced significantly prolonged arthritic swelling associated with elevated immune cell activity. The study suggests that microplastic consumption may subtly alter gut and immune function in ways that worsen inflammatory responses.
Microplastic consumption induces inflammatory signatures in the colon and prolongs a viral arthritis
Mice that consumed low doses of polystyrene microplastics showed signs of colon inflammation and experienced prolonged viral arthritis symptoms. The results suggest that microplastic ingestion may worsen inflammatory conditions, though more research is needed to confirm human relevance.