Micro/nanoplastics(M/NPs)have become pervasive environmental pollutants,posing significant risks to human health through various exposure routes,including ingestion,inhalation,and direct contact.This review systematic...Micro/nanoplastics(M/NPs)have become pervasive environmental pollutants,posing significant risks to human health through various exposure routes,including ingestion,inhalation,and direct contact.This review systematically examined the potential impacts of M/NPs on ocular health,focusing on exposure pathways,toxicological mechanisms,and resultant damage to the eye.Ocular exposure to M/NPs can occur via direct contact and oral ingestion,with the latter potentially leading to the penetration of particles through ocular biological barriers into ocular tissues.The review highlighted that M/NPs can induce adverse effects on the ocular surface,elevate intraocular pressure,and cause abnormalities in the vitreous and retina.Mechanistically,oxidative stress and inflammation are central to M/NP-induced ocular damage,with smaller particles often exhibiting greater toxicity.Overall,this review underscored the potential risks of M/NPs to ocular health and emphasized the need for further research to elucidate exposure mechanisms,toxicological pathways,and mitigation strategies.展开更多
Quantitative detection of trace small-sized nanoplastics(<100 nm)remains a significant challenge in surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS).To tackle this issue,we developed a hydrophobic CuO@Ag nanowire substrate ...Quantitative detection of trace small-sized nanoplastics(<100 nm)remains a significant challenge in surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS).To tackle this issue,we developed a hydrophobic CuO@Ag nanowire substrate and introduced a multiplex-feature analysis strategy based on the coffee ring effect.This substrate not only offers high Raman enhancement but also exhibits a high probability of detection(POD),enabling rapid and accurate identification of 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics over a broad concentration range(1–10−10 wt%).Importantly,experimental results reveal a strong correlation between the coffee ring formation and the concentration of nanoplastic dispersion.By incorporating Raman signal intensity,coffee ring diameter,and POD as combined features,we established a machine learning-based mapping between nanoplastic concentration and coffee ring characteristics,allowing precise predictions of dispersion concentration.The mean squared error of these predictions is remarkably low,ranging from 0.21 to 0.54,representing a 19 fold improvement in accuracy compared to traditional linear regression-based methods.This strategy effectively integrates SERS with wettability modification techniques,ensuring high sensitivity and fingerprinting capabilities,while addressing the limitations of Raman signal intensity in accurately reflecting concentration changes at ultra-low levels,providing a new idea for precise SERS measurements of nanoplastics.展开更多
The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various ...The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various organisms.The primary known impacts of microplastic/nanoplastic are observed in the liver and respiratory system,leading to hepatotoxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Although research on the effects of MPs and NPs on diabetes is still in its early stages,there are potential concerns.This editorial highlights the risk to diabetics from co-exposure to contaminants and MPs/NPs,supported by evidence from animal studies and the various chemical compositions of MPs/NPs.展开更多
Nanoplastics(less than 1µm in size,NPs)have emerged as a significant pollutant in aquatic environment,posing considerable threats to freshwater biota.However,the mechanisms through which NPs modulate the predatio...Nanoplastics(less than 1µm in size,NPs)have emerged as a significant pollutant in aquatic environment,posing considerable threats to freshwater biota.However,the mechanisms through which NPs modulate the predation responses of these organisms remain poorly elucidated.We investigated the impacts of polystyrene NPs,characterized by a representative particle size(diameter:50 nm;concentration:0–8μg/L),on the anti-predation defense mechanisms of mature rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus against predator of rotifer Asplanchna brightwellii,utilizing transcriptomics to unravel the underlying molecular pathways.Results reveal that the posterolateral spine length and type of B.calyciflorus serve as robust indicators of defensive morphology,even in the presence of NPs exposure.Specifically,increasing concentrations of NPs and predator cues suppressed the defensive responses,which was associated with morphological transformations.This suppression was associated with the down-regulation of the HIF-1αsignaling pathway,implicating potentially its role in modulating fight-or-flight responses.Furthermore,we identified functional crosstalk among multiple signaling pathways,including HIF-1α,PI3K-Akt,FoxO,and mTOR,in B.calyciflorus,which may underpin the organism's responses to polystyrene NP exposure.These findings contribute to the advancement of predictive models to assess the ecological risks posed by polystyrene NPs contamination in aquatic ecosystems.展开更多
The interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and pollutants affects their bioavailability and toxicity.However,the processes by which NPs and pollutants change in vivo have rarely been explored.Here,using laser ablatio...The interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and pollutants affects their bioavailability and toxicity.However,the processes by which NPs and pollutants change in vivo have rarely been explored.Here,using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS),we found that both nanoplastics and ZnO NPs caused more Cd to accumulate in zebrafish larvae,but with distinct pathways.Nanoplastics could adsorb Cd^(2+) and transfer it into the larvae through the“Trojan horse”effect.The coexposure of nanoplastics and Cd^(2+) caused Cd to accumulate in the abdomen where the nanoplastics were located without dissociation,showing a lower toxic effect than Cd^(2+) exposure alone.ZnO NPs weakly adsorbed Cd^(2+),but they increased the Zn and Cd contents in larvae by enhancing the expression of metal transporters.The coexposure of ZnO and Cd^(2+) evenly distributed Cd in the larvae,revealing a more severe toxic effect than Cd^(2+) exposure alone.Our results demonstrated the changing bioavailability and toxicity of Cd induced by different NPs.This also shows the vital role LA-ICP-MS plays in revealing the relationship between toxicity and bioavailability.In addition,the long-term effect of bioavailability on heavy metal toxicity and nanosafety deserves further investigation.展开更多
Nanoplastics are emerging contaminants that may co-exist with organochlorine pesticides and adversely affect invertebrates in the environment.However,the impact of environmental aging on the combined toxicity of nanop...Nanoplastics are emerging contaminants that may co-exist with organochlorine pesticides and adversely affect invertebrates in the environment.However,the impact of environmental aging on the combined toxicity of nanoplastics and organochlorine pesticides remains unclear.This study investigated the effects of aging on the combined toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics(PS NPs)and chlordane against Caenorhabditis elegans.The results showed that photo-aging altered the physicochemical properties of PS NPs and promoted the combined toxicity of PS NPs and chlordane to nematodes by reducing survival rate,body length and enhancing germline apoptosis.Additionally,combined exposure of nematodes to aged PS NPs and chlordane significantly increased reactive oxygen species production and intestinal permeability,suggesting that aging enhances combined toxicity through oxidative stress and intestinal damage.Moreover,aging increased chlordane contents in nematodes without promoting PS NPs accumulation,potentially leading to increased combined toxicity of PS NPs and chlordane.Notably,aging significantly increased the accumulation of PS NPs in the posterior intestine of the nematode during co-exposure,which may be responsible for the most sensitive and highest degree of change in germline apoptosis.These observations emphasize the significance of accounting for environmental aging as well as the accumulation and distribution of nanoplastics in organisms when assessing the combined effects of nanoplastics and coexisting pollutants.展开更多
Nanoplastic(NP)contaminants are receiving increasing attention due to the harm they can cause to aquatic organisms and their accumulation in the human body through the food web.The goal of this study was to evaluate t...Nanoplastic(NP)contaminants are receiving increasing attention due to the harm they can cause to aquatic organisms and their accumulation in the human body through the food web.The goal of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress caused by NPs on the clams Meretrix meretrix and Sinonovacula constricta.Specimens were exposed to three concentrations of fluorescently labeled polystyrene NPs(PS-NPs;0,0.1,and 1 mg L^(-1))for 7 d followed by a 3 d recovery period.The activities of antioxidant enzymes,such as catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GPx)and the content of malonaldehyde(MDA)were measured in the digestive gland,gills,and mantle tissues.Results showed that the SOD activity in the gills of M.meretrix was significantly higher than that of the control at day 1,and PS-NPs exposure inhibited the CAT activity in the gills and SOD and GPx activities in the mantle.Exposure to low or high concentrations of PS-NPs increased the activities of both CAT and GPx in the gills of S.constricta at day 3.The oxidative damage was more severe in the digestive gland of M.meretrix and in the mantle of S.constricta based on MDA level,and it returned to normal after recovery.Integrated biomarker response,index version 2(IBRv2)values showed that the gills were more sensitive to PS-NPs than mantle and digestive gland.Therefore,the oxidative stress by PS-NPs depended on exposure time,dose,organ,and species.展开更多
As an emerging and potentially threatening pollutant,nanoplastics(NPs)have received considerable global attention.Due to their physical properties and diminutive size,NPs ingestion can more easily cross biological bar...As an emerging and potentially threatening pollutant,nanoplastics(NPs)have received considerable global attention.Due to their physical properties and diminutive size,NPs ingestion can more easily cross biological barriers and enter the human and animal body.Despite reports of hepatotoxicity associated with NPs,their impact and potential underlying mechanisms remain elusive.In this study,we investigated the impact of NPs at concentrations found in the environment on the gut flora,intestinal barrier function,liver pyroptosis,and inflammation in mice following 12 weeks of exposure.To further validate the involvement of gut flora in inflammatory liver damage caused by NPs,we utilized antibiotics to remove the intestinal flora and performed fecal microbiota transplantation.We confirmed that NPs exposure altered the gut microbiota composition,with a notable rise in the proportions of Alloprevotella and Ileibacterium while causing a decrease in the relative proportions of Dubosiella.This disruption also affected the gut barrier,increasing lipopolysaccharides in circulation and promoting liver pyroptosis.Importantly,mice receiving fecal transplants from NPs-treated mice showed intestinal barrier damage,liver pyroptosis,and inflammation.However,NPs effects on the intestinal barrier and liver pyroptosis were attenuated by antibiotics depletion of the commensal microbiota.In summary,our current research revealed that extended exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of NPs resulted in inflammatory damage to the liver.Additionally,we have identified for the first time that imbalances in intestinal flora are crucial in liver pyroptosis induced by NPs.展开更多
Nanoplastics exhibit greater environmental biotoxicity than microplastics and can be ingested by humans through major routes such as tap water,bottled water and other drinking water.Nanoplastics present a challenge fo...Nanoplastics exhibit greater environmental biotoxicity than microplastics and can be ingested by humans through major routes such as tap water,bottled water and other drinking water.Nanoplastics present a challenge for air flotation due to their minute particle size,negative surface potential,and similar density to water.This study employed dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride(DTAC)as a modifier to improve conventional air flotation,which significantly enhanced the removal of polystyrene nanoplastics(PSNPs).Conventional air flotation removed only 3.09%of PSNPs,while air flotation modified by dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride(DTAC-modified air flotation)increased the removal of PSNPs to 98.05%.The analysis of the DTAC-modified air flotation mechanism was conducted using a combination of instruments,including a zeta potential analyzer,contact angle meter,laser particle size meter,high definition camera,scanning electron microscope(SEM),energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS)and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR).The results indicated that the incorporation of DTAC reversed the electrostatic repulsion between bubbles and PSNPs to electrostatic attraction,significantly enhancing the hydrophobic force in the system.This,in turn,improved the collision adhesion effect between bubbles and PSNPs.The experimental results indicated that even when the flotation time was reduced to 7min,the DTACmodified air flotation still achieved a high removal rate of 96.26%.Furthermore,changes in aeration,pH,and ionic strength did not significantly affect the performance of the modified air flotation for the removal of PSNPs.The removal rate of PSNPs in all three water bodies exceeded 95%.The DTAC-modified air flotation has excellent resistance to interference from complex conditions and shows great potential for practical application.展开更多
Microplastics and nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals(EDCs),raising significant concerns about their impact on human health.Research highlights the h...Microplastics and nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals(EDCs),raising significant concerns about their impact on human health.Research highlights the hazardous effects of MPs/NPs on both male and female reproductive systems,influencing germ cells,embryo development,and progeny.Additionally,studies show that MPs/NPs affect the gene expression of anabolic steroid hormones in vitro and in vivo,inducing reproductive toxicity through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation.Considering these adverse effects,identifying natural compounds that can mitigate the toxicity of MPs/NPs is increasingly important.Plants offer a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can counteract these harmful effects.Among these,anthocyanins,natural colorants responsible for the vibrant hues of fruits and flowers,exhibit a wide range of biological activities,including antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-neoplastic properties.Moreover,anthocyanins can modulate sex hormone levels and alleviate reproductive toxicity.Cyanidin-3-glucoside(C3G),one of the most extensively studied anthocyanins,shows promise in reducing reproductive toxicity,particularly in females,and in protecting male reproductive organs,including the testis and epididymis.This protective effect is believed to result from its interaction with steroid receptors,specifically the androgen and estrogen receptors(ERs).These findings highlight the need to explore the mechanisms by which anthocyanins mitigate the reproductive toxicity caused by MPs/NPs.This review provides novel insights into how natural compounds can be leveraged to lessen the impact of environmental contaminants on human health,especially concerning reproductive health.展开更多
The detection of nanoplastics(NPs)and their interactions with antibiotics is critical due to their potential environmental and health risks.Traditional detection methods are challenged by the small size and chemical s...The detection of nanoplastics(NPs)and their interactions with antibiotics is critical due to their potential environmental and health risks.Traditional detection methods are challenged by the small size and chemical similarity of NPs to microplastics.Current surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS)substrates for NP detection are limited by high cost,reliance on single enhancement modes,and insufficient sensitivity and selectivity,especially for NP-antibiotic complexes.In this study,the F/M-AAO substrate,which integrates 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane(F_(4)TCNQ)and molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))with anodic aluminum oxide(AAO)templates,is used to enhance the detection of NPs and NP-antibiotic complexes.The conical cavity structure of the substrate facilitates the enrichment and direct detection of NPs with diameters smaller than 450 nm.The three-dimensional(3D)F/M-AAO substrate achieved a limit of detection(LOD)of 1.73×10^(6)ng/L for 100-nm NPs and a minimum detection concentration of 10^(-10)M for ciprofloxacin adsorbed on NPs(NPs-CIP).It demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and selectivity in the detection of both individual NPs and NPantibiotic complexes.This work highlights the innovative application of the F/M-AAO substrate in the SERS detection of NPs and NP-antibiotic complexes,providing a low-cost and effective platform for monitoring emerging environmental contaminants.展开更多
The environmental behavior of and risks associated with nanoplastics(NPs)have attracted considerable attention.However,compared to pristine NPs,environmental factors such as ultraviolet(UV)irradiation that lead to cha...The environmental behavior of and risks associated with nanoplastics(NPs)have attracted considerable attention.However,compared to pristine NPs,environmental factors such as ultraviolet(UV)irradiation that lead to changes in the toxicity of NPs have rarely been studied.We evaluated the changes in morphology and physicochemical properties of polystyrene(PS)NPs before and after UV irradiation,and compared their hepatotoxicity in mice.The results showed that UV irradiation caused particle size reduction and increased the carbonyl index(CI)and negative charge on the particle surface.UV-aged PS NPs(aPS NPs)could induce the generation of hydroxyl radicals(·OH),but also further promoted the generation of·OH in the Fenton reaction system.Hepatic pathological damage was more severe in mice exposed to aPS NPs,accompanied by a large number of vacuoles and hepatocyte balloon-like changes and more marked perturbations in blood glucose and serum lipoprotein,alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels.In addition,exposure to PS NPs and aPS NPs,especially aPS NPs,triggered oxidative stress and significantly damaged the antioxidant capacity of mice liver.Compared with PS NPs,exposure to aPS NPs increased the number of altered metabolites in hepatic and corresponding metabolic pathways,especially glutathione metabolism.Our research suggests that UV irradiation can disrupt the redox balance in organisms by promoting the production of·OH,enhancing PS NPs-induced liver damage and metabolic disorders.This study will help us understand the health risks of NPs and to avoid underestimation of the risks of NPs in nature.展开更多
The degradation of plastic debris may result in the generation of nanoplastics(NPs).Their high specific surface area for the sorption of organic pollutions and toxic heavy metals and possible transfer between organism...The degradation of plastic debris may result in the generation of nanoplastics(NPs).Their high specific surface area for the sorption of organic pollutions and toxic heavy metals and possible transfer between organisms at different nutrient levels make the study of NPs an urgent priority.However,there is very limited understanding on the occurrence,distribution,abundant,and fate of NPs in the environment,partially due to the lack of suitable techniques for the separation and identification of NPs from complex environmental matrices.In this review,we first overviewed the state-of-the-art methods for the extraction,separation,identification and quantification of NPs in the environment.Some of them have been successfully applied for the field determination of NPs,while some are borrowed from the detection of microplastics or engineered nanomaterials.Then the possible fate and transport of NPs in the environment are thoroughly described.Although great efforts have been made during the recent years,large knowledge gaps still exist,such as the relatively high detection limit of existing method failing to detect ultralow masses of NPs in the environment,and spherical polystyrene NP models failing to represent the various compositions of NPs with different irregular shapes,which needs further investigation.展开更多
Nanoplastics-induced developmental and reproductive toxicity,neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity are a focus of widespread attention.However,the effects of nanoplastics(NPs)on glycolipid metabolism and the precise underl...Nanoplastics-induced developmental and reproductive toxicity,neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity are a focus of widespread attention.However,the effects of nanoplastics(NPs)on glycolipid metabolism and the precise underlying mechanisms are unclear at present.Here,we showed that oral administration of polystyrene nanoparticles(PS-NPs)disrupts glycolipid metabolism,with reactive oxygen species(ROS)identified as a potential key signaling molecule.After PS-NPs treatment,excessive production of ROS induced the infammatory response and activated the antioxidant pathway through nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2.The activation of nuclear factor-κB(NFκB)signaling pathway induced the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway,which induced the activation of extracellular regulated kinases(ERK)and p38.Constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling proteins induced high continued phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1,in turn,leading to decreased protein kinase B(Akt)activity,which weakened the sensitivity of liver cells to insulin signals and induced insulin resistance.In parallel,phosphorylation of Akt led to loss of control of Fo XO1,a key gene of gluconeogenesis,activating transcription of glucose-6-phosphatase(G6PC)and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase(PEPCK)in a manner dependent on PGC1α.Moreover,the activated ERK promoted lipid accumulation through ERK-PPARγcascades.Therefore,sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 and levels of its downstream lipogenic enzymes,ACC-1,were up-regulated.Upon treatment with the antioxidant resveratrol,PS-NPs-induced glucose and lipid metabolic disorders were improved by inhibiting ROS-induced activation of NFκB and MAPK signaling pathway in mice.Based on above,PS-NPs exposure disrupts glycolipid metabolism in mice,with ROS identified as a potential key signaling molecule.展开更多
Objective This study was designed to provide the evidences on the toxicokinetics of microplastics(MPs)and nanoplastics(NPs)in the bodies of mammals.Methods 100 nm,3μm,and 10μm fluorescent polystyrene(PS)beads were a...Objective This study was designed to provide the evidences on the toxicokinetics of microplastics(MPs)and nanoplastics(NPs)in the bodies of mammals.Methods 100 nm,3μm,and 10μm fluorescent polystyrene(PS)beads were administered to mice once by gavage at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight.The levels and change of fluorescence intensity in samples of blood,subcutaneous fat,perirenal fat,peritesticular fat,cerebrum,cerebellum,testis,and epididymis were measured at 0.5,1,2,and 4 h after administration using an IVIS Spectrum small-animal imaging system.Histological examination,confocal laser scanning,and transmission electron microscope were performed to corroborate the findings.Results After confirming fluorescent dye leaching and impact of pH value,increased levels of fluorescence intensity in blood,all adipose tissues examined,cerebrum,cerebellum,and testis were measured in the 100 nm group,but not in the 3 and 10μm groups except in the cerebellum and testis at 4 h for the 3μm PS beads.The presence of PS beads was further corroborated.Conclusion After a single oral exposure,NPs are absorbed rapidly in the blood,accumulate in adipose tissues,and penetrate the blood-brain/testis barriers.As expected,the toxicokinetics of MPs is significantly size-dependent in mammals.展开更多
Microplastics(MPs)and nanoplastics(NPs)have become hazardous materials due to the massive amount of plastic waste and disposable masks,but their specific health effects remain uncertain.In this study,fluorescence-labe...Microplastics(MPs)and nanoplastics(NPs)have become hazardous materials due to the massive amount of plastic waste and disposable masks,but their specific health effects remain uncertain.In this study,fluorescence-labeled polystyrene NPs(PS-NPs)were injected into the circulatory systems of mice to determine the distribution and potential toxic effects of NPs in vivo.Interestingly,whole-body imaging found that PS-NPs accumulated in the testes of mice.Therefore,the toxic effects of PS-NPs on the reproduction systems and the spermatocytes cell line of male mice,and their mechanisms,were investigated.After oral exposure to PS-NPs,their spermatogenesis was affected and the spermatogenic cells were damaged.The spermatocyte cell line GC-2 was exposed to PS-NPs and analyzed using RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)to determine the toxic mechanisms;a ferroptosis pathway was found after PS-NP exposure.The phenomena and indicators of ferroptosis were then determined and verified by ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1),and it was also found that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)played an important role in spermatogenic cell ferroptosis induced by PS-NPs.Finally,it was confirmed in vivo that this mechanism of Nrf2 played a protective role in PS-NPs-induced male reproductive toxicity.This study demonstrated that PS-NPs induce male reproductive dysfunction in mice by causing spermatogenic cell ferroptosis dependent on Nrf2.展开更多
Many types of plastic products,including polystyrene,have long been used in commercial and industrial applications.Microplastics and nanoplastics,plastic particles derived from these plastic products,are emerging as e...Many types of plastic products,including polystyrene,have long been used in commercial and industrial applications.Microplastics and nanoplastics,plastic particles derived from these plastic products,are emerging as environmental pollutants that can pose health risks to a wide variety of living organisms,including humans.However,it is not well understood how microplastics and nanoplastics affect cellular functions and induce stress responses.Humans can be exposed to polystyrene-microplastics and polystyrene-nanoplastics through ingestion,inhalation,or skin contact.Most ingested plastics are excreted from the body,but inhaled plastics may accumulate in the lungs and can even reach the brain via the nose-to-brain route.Small-sized polystyrene-nanoplastics can enter cells by endocytosis,accumulate in the cytoplasm,and cause various cellular stresses,such as inflammation with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production,oxidative stress with generation of reactive oxygen species,and mitochondrial dysfunction.They induce autophagy activation and autophagosome formation,but autophagic flux may be impaired due to lysosomal dysfunction.Unless permanently exposed to polystyrene-nanoplastics,they can be removed from cells by exocytosis and subsequently restore cellular function.However,neurons are very susceptible to this type of stress,thus even acute exposure can lead to neurodegeneration without recovery.This review focuses specifically on recent advances in research on polystyrene-nanoplastic-induced cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity.Furthermore,in this review,based on mechanistic studies of polystyrene-nanoplastics at the cellular level other than neurons,future directions for overcoming the negative effects of polystyrene-nanoplastics on neurons were suggested.展开更多
With continuous population and economic growth in the 21st century,plastic pollution is a major global issue.However,the health concern of microplastics/nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)decomposed from plastic wastes has drawn pu...With continuous population and economic growth in the 21st century,plastic pollution is a major global issue.However,the health concern of microplastics/nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)decomposed from plastic wastes has drawn public attention only in the recent decade.This article summarizes recent works dedicated to understanding the impact of MPs/NPs on the liver-the largest digestive organ,which is one of the primary routes that MPs/NPs enter human bodies.The interrelated mechanisms including oxidative stress,hepatocyte energy re-distribution,cell death and autophagy,as well as immune responses and inflammation,were also featured.In addition,the disturbance of microbiome and gut-liver axis,and the association with clinical diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease,steatohepatitis,liver fibrosis,and cirrhosis were briefly discussed.Finally,we discussed potential directions in regard to this trending topic,highlighted current challenges in research,and proposed possible solutions.展开更多
Once inevitably released into the aquatic environment,polystyrene nanoplastics(PS-NPs)will present complicated environmental behaviors,of which the aggregation is a key process determining their environmental fate and...Once inevitably released into the aquatic environment,polystyrene nanoplastics(PS-NPs)will present complicated environmental behaviors,of which the aggregation is a key process determining their environmental fate and impact.In this study,the aggregation kinetics of different sizes(30 nm and 100 nm)of PS-NPs with metal cations(Na^(+),K^(+),Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+)and Pb^(2+))at different solution pH(3,6 and 8)were investigated.The results showed that the aggregation of PS-NPs increased with cation concentration.Taking Pb^(2+)as an example,the adsorption behavior of cations onto PS-NPs was determined by transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and energy dispersive X-ray(EDX)spectroscopy,which demonstrated Pb^(2+)could be adhered onto the surface of PS-NPs with the effect of charge neutralization.The critical coagulation concentrations(CCC)of smaller PS-NPs were higher than that of larger PS-NPs for monovalent cations,whereas a different pattern is observed for divalent cations.It was suggested that there were other factors that DLVO theory does not consider affect the stability of NPs with different particle sizes.In addition,it should be noted that PS-NPs had the capacity of adsorbing large amounts of heavy metal cations and carried them transport to a long distance,and the corresponding ecological risks need to further elucidate.展开更多
In view of the accumulation of nanoplastics(NPs)in the food chain of environment and animals,and the good adsorption properties of nano-plastics to toxic substances,it is necessary to explore the influence of NPs in l...In view of the accumulation of nanoplastics(NPs)in the food chain of environment and animals,and the good adsorption properties of nano-plastics to toxic substances,it is necessary to explore the influence of NPs in living organisms.In this study,single and joint toxicological effects of polystyrene nanoplastics(PS-NPs,size 80 nm)and polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs),were explored in freshwater aquatic animal model zebrafish(Danio rerio).Our study found that exposure to single PS-NPs induced mild acute toxicity,albeit the combined exposure of PS-NPs and polychlorinated biphenyls aggravated the toxicity of PCBs in a dose-dependent manner.Results from gene expression profiling showed that NPs exposure could activate detoxification process,resulting in a slight up-regulation of antioxidant genes(sod1,gstp1),bone development genes(bmp2,bmp4)and cardiac gene(tbx20);while PCBs suppressed the detoxification through down-regulation of these genes,and the addition of NPs will exacerbate the impact of PCBs on gene suppression.Importantly,the results of in vivo purification experiments found that NPs showed prolonged retention in liver,intestine and gills of zebrafish and they might have crossed biological barrier and accumulate in lipid-rich tissues and excretion does not appear as the significant pathway for their elimination.In conclusion,the toxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on chorionic protected embryos were not significant as zebrafish chorion plays an important role in resisting the invasion of pollutants;PCBs can seriously damage the bone and heart development of zebrafish,while the presence of NPs significantly enhanced the toxicity of PCBs in zebrafish,which is an alarming concern for growing NPs levels and ecological safety in aquatic environment.展开更多
基金Supported by the Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.2114050001527).
文摘Micro/nanoplastics(M/NPs)have become pervasive environmental pollutants,posing significant risks to human health through various exposure routes,including ingestion,inhalation,and direct contact.This review systematically examined the potential impacts of M/NPs on ocular health,focusing on exposure pathways,toxicological mechanisms,and resultant damage to the eye.Ocular exposure to M/NPs can occur via direct contact and oral ingestion,with the latter potentially leading to the penetration of particles through ocular biological barriers into ocular tissues.The review highlighted that M/NPs can induce adverse effects on the ocular surface,elevate intraocular pressure,and cause abnormalities in the vitreous and retina.Mechanistically,oxidative stress and inflammation are central to M/NP-induced ocular damage,with smaller particles often exhibiting greater toxicity.Overall,this review underscored the potential risks of M/NPs to ocular health and emphasized the need for further research to elucidate exposure mechanisms,toxicological pathways,and mitigation strategies.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.12174229 and 22375117)Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(No.ZR2022YQ02 and ZR2023MB149)Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province(No.tsqn202306152)for financial support.
文摘Quantitative detection of trace small-sized nanoplastics(<100 nm)remains a significant challenge in surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS).To tackle this issue,we developed a hydrophobic CuO@Ag nanowire substrate and introduced a multiplex-feature analysis strategy based on the coffee ring effect.This substrate not only offers high Raman enhancement but also exhibits a high probability of detection(POD),enabling rapid and accurate identification of 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics over a broad concentration range(1–10−10 wt%).Importantly,experimental results reveal a strong correlation between the coffee ring formation and the concentration of nanoplastic dispersion.By incorporating Raman signal intensity,coffee ring diameter,and POD as combined features,we established a machine learning-based mapping between nanoplastic concentration and coffee ring characteristics,allowing precise predictions of dispersion concentration.The mean squared error of these predictions is remarkably low,ranging from 0.21 to 0.54,representing a 19 fold improvement in accuracy compared to traditional linear regression-based methods.This strategy effectively integrates SERS with wettability modification techniques,ensuring high sensitivity and fingerprinting capabilities,while addressing the limitations of Raman signal intensity in accurately reflecting concentration changes at ultra-low levels,providing a new idea for precise SERS measurements of nanoplastics.
基金Supported by Research grant from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital,Linkou,Taiwan,No.CMRPG3N0622.
文摘The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various organisms.The primary known impacts of microplastic/nanoplastic are observed in the liver and respiratory system,leading to hepatotoxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Although research on the effects of MPs and NPs on diabetes is still in its early stages,there are potential concerns.This editorial highlights the risk to diabetics from co-exposure to contaminants and MPs/NPs,supported by evidence from animal studies and the various chemical compositions of MPs/NPs.
基金Supported by the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(No.CARS-50)the Doctors Research Funding of Henan Normal University(No.20230246)。
文摘Nanoplastics(less than 1µm in size,NPs)have emerged as a significant pollutant in aquatic environment,posing considerable threats to freshwater biota.However,the mechanisms through which NPs modulate the predation responses of these organisms remain poorly elucidated.We investigated the impacts of polystyrene NPs,characterized by a representative particle size(diameter:50 nm;concentration:0–8μg/L),on the anti-predation defense mechanisms of mature rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus against predator of rotifer Asplanchna brightwellii,utilizing transcriptomics to unravel the underlying molecular pathways.Results reveal that the posterolateral spine length and type of B.calyciflorus serve as robust indicators of defensive morphology,even in the presence of NPs exposure.Specifically,increasing concentrations of NPs and predator cues suppressed the defensive responses,which was associated with morphological transformations.This suppression was associated with the down-regulation of the HIF-1αsignaling pathway,implicating potentially its role in modulating fight-or-flight responses.Furthermore,we identified functional crosstalk among multiple signaling pathways,including HIF-1α,PI3K-Akt,FoxO,and mTOR,in B.calyciflorus,which may underpin the organism's responses to polystyrene NP exposure.These findings contribute to the advancement of predictive models to assess the ecological risks posed by polystyrene NPs contamination in aquatic ecosystems.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,Nos.22174103 and 21575107)。
文摘The interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and pollutants affects their bioavailability and toxicity.However,the processes by which NPs and pollutants change in vivo have rarely been explored.Here,using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS),we found that both nanoplastics and ZnO NPs caused more Cd to accumulate in zebrafish larvae,but with distinct pathways.Nanoplastics could adsorb Cd^(2+) and transfer it into the larvae through the“Trojan horse”effect.The coexposure of nanoplastics and Cd^(2+) caused Cd to accumulate in the abdomen where the nanoplastics were located without dissociation,showing a lower toxic effect than Cd^(2+) exposure alone.ZnO NPs weakly adsorbed Cd^(2+),but they increased the Zn and Cd contents in larvae by enhancing the expression of metal transporters.The coexposure of ZnO and Cd^(2+) evenly distributed Cd in the larvae,revealing a more severe toxic effect than Cd^(2+) exposure alone.Our results demonstrated the changing bioavailability and toxicity of Cd induced by different NPs.This also shows the vital role LA-ICP-MS plays in revealing the relationship between toxicity and bioavailability.In addition,the long-term effect of bioavailability on heavy metal toxicity and nanosafety deserves further investigation.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2020YFC1808204)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22206001 and U22A20406)the Scientific Research Foundation of Education Department of Anhui Province of China(No.KJ2021A0074).
文摘Nanoplastics are emerging contaminants that may co-exist with organochlorine pesticides and adversely affect invertebrates in the environment.However,the impact of environmental aging on the combined toxicity of nanoplastics and organochlorine pesticides remains unclear.This study investigated the effects of aging on the combined toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics(PS NPs)and chlordane against Caenorhabditis elegans.The results showed that photo-aging altered the physicochemical properties of PS NPs and promoted the combined toxicity of PS NPs and chlordane to nematodes by reducing survival rate,body length and enhancing germline apoptosis.Additionally,combined exposure of nematodes to aged PS NPs and chlordane significantly increased reactive oxygen species production and intestinal permeability,suggesting that aging enhances combined toxicity through oxidative stress and intestinal damage.Moreover,aging increased chlordane contents in nematodes without promoting PS NPs accumulation,potentially leading to increased combined toxicity of PS NPs and chlordane.Notably,aging significantly increased the accumulation of PS NPs in the posterior intestine of the nematode during co-exposure,which may be responsible for the most sensitive and highest degree of change in germline apoptosis.These observations emphasize the significance of accounting for environmental aging as well as the accumulation and distribution of nanoplastics in organisms when assessing the combined effects of nanoplastics and coexisting pollutants.
基金supported by the Natural Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41706142)the Earmarked Fund for CARS-49(No.CARS-49).
文摘Nanoplastic(NP)contaminants are receiving increasing attention due to the harm they can cause to aquatic organisms and their accumulation in the human body through the food web.The goal of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress caused by NPs on the clams Meretrix meretrix and Sinonovacula constricta.Specimens were exposed to three concentrations of fluorescently labeled polystyrene NPs(PS-NPs;0,0.1,and 1 mg L^(-1))for 7 d followed by a 3 d recovery period.The activities of antioxidant enzymes,such as catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GPx)and the content of malonaldehyde(MDA)were measured in the digestive gland,gills,and mantle tissues.Results showed that the SOD activity in the gills of M.meretrix was significantly higher than that of the control at day 1,and PS-NPs exposure inhibited the CAT activity in the gills and SOD and GPx activities in the mantle.Exposure to low or high concentrations of PS-NPs increased the activities of both CAT and GPx in the gills of S.constricta at day 3.The oxidative damage was more severe in the digestive gland of M.meretrix and in the mantle of S.constricta based on MDA level,and it returned to normal after recovery.Integrated biomarker response,index version 2(IBRv2)values showed that the gills were more sensitive to PS-NPs than mantle and digestive gland.Therefore,the oxidative stress by PS-NPs depended on exposure time,dose,organ,and species.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2023YFD1801100)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)+1 种基金the 111 Project D18007Postgraduate Research and Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(Yangzhou University)(No.SJCX23-2006).
文摘As an emerging and potentially threatening pollutant,nanoplastics(NPs)have received considerable global attention.Due to their physical properties and diminutive size,NPs ingestion can more easily cross biological barriers and enter the human and animal body.Despite reports of hepatotoxicity associated with NPs,their impact and potential underlying mechanisms remain elusive.In this study,we investigated the impact of NPs at concentrations found in the environment on the gut flora,intestinal barrier function,liver pyroptosis,and inflammation in mice following 12 weeks of exposure.To further validate the involvement of gut flora in inflammatory liver damage caused by NPs,we utilized antibiotics to remove the intestinal flora and performed fecal microbiota transplantation.We confirmed that NPs exposure altered the gut microbiota composition,with a notable rise in the proportions of Alloprevotella and Ileibacterium while causing a decrease in the relative proportions of Dubosiella.This disruption also affected the gut barrier,increasing lipopolysaccharides in circulation and promoting liver pyroptosis.Importantly,mice receiving fecal transplants from NPs-treated mice showed intestinal barrier damage,liver pyroptosis,and inflammation.However,NPs effects on the intestinal barrier and liver pyroptosis were attenuated by antibiotics depletion of the commensal microbiota.In summary,our current research revealed that extended exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of NPs resulted in inflammatory damage to the liver.Additionally,we have identified for the first time that imbalances in intestinal flora are crucial in liver pyroptosis induced by NPs.
基金supported by Science&Technology Department of Sichuan Province(No.2023YFS0389)Chengdu Technology Innovation Research and Development Project of Chengdu Science and Technology Bureau(No.2022-YF05-00307-SN).
文摘Nanoplastics exhibit greater environmental biotoxicity than microplastics and can be ingested by humans through major routes such as tap water,bottled water and other drinking water.Nanoplastics present a challenge for air flotation due to their minute particle size,negative surface potential,and similar density to water.This study employed dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride(DTAC)as a modifier to improve conventional air flotation,which significantly enhanced the removal of polystyrene nanoplastics(PSNPs).Conventional air flotation removed only 3.09%of PSNPs,while air flotation modified by dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride(DTAC-modified air flotation)increased the removal of PSNPs to 98.05%.The analysis of the DTAC-modified air flotation mechanism was conducted using a combination of instruments,including a zeta potential analyzer,contact angle meter,laser particle size meter,high definition camera,scanning electron microscope(SEM),energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS)and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR).The results indicated that the incorporation of DTAC reversed the electrostatic repulsion between bubbles and PSNPs to electrostatic attraction,significantly enhancing the hydrophobic force in the system.This,in turn,improved the collision adhesion effect between bubbles and PSNPs.The experimental results indicated that even when the flotation time was reduced to 7min,the DTACmodified air flotation still achieved a high removal rate of 96.26%.Furthermore,changes in aeration,pH,and ionic strength did not significantly affect the performance of the modified air flotation for the removal of PSNPs.The removal rate of PSNPs in all three water bodies exceeded 95%.The DTAC-modified air flotation has excellent resistance to interference from complex conditions and shows great potential for practical application.
基金supported by two grants:the Ministry of Education and Culture,Finland Seed Funding–Finland-China Food and Health Network(FCFH)2023,University of Eastern Finlandand the Scientific Research Foundation of Zhejiang A&F University,China(Grant No.:2023CFR008).
文摘Microplastics and nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals(EDCs),raising significant concerns about their impact on human health.Research highlights the hazardous effects of MPs/NPs on both male and female reproductive systems,influencing germ cells,embryo development,and progeny.Additionally,studies show that MPs/NPs affect the gene expression of anabolic steroid hormones in vitro and in vivo,inducing reproductive toxicity through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation.Considering these adverse effects,identifying natural compounds that can mitigate the toxicity of MPs/NPs is increasingly important.Plants offer a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can counteract these harmful effects.Among these,anthocyanins,natural colorants responsible for the vibrant hues of fruits and flowers,exhibit a wide range of biological activities,including antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-neoplastic properties.Moreover,anthocyanins can modulate sex hormone levels and alleviate reproductive toxicity.Cyanidin-3-glucoside(C3G),one of the most extensively studied anthocyanins,shows promise in reducing reproductive toxicity,particularly in females,and in protecting male reproductive organs,including the testis and epididymis.This protective effect is believed to result from its interaction with steroid receptors,specifically the androgen and estrogen receptors(ERs).These findings highlight the need to explore the mechanisms by which anthocyanins mitigate the reproductive toxicity caused by MPs/NPs.This review provides novel insights into how natural compounds can be leveraged to lessen the impact of environmental contaminants on human health,especially concerning reproductive health.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12074229).
文摘The detection of nanoplastics(NPs)and their interactions with antibiotics is critical due to their potential environmental and health risks.Traditional detection methods are challenged by the small size and chemical similarity of NPs to microplastics.Current surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS)substrates for NP detection are limited by high cost,reliance on single enhancement modes,and insufficient sensitivity and selectivity,especially for NP-antibiotic complexes.In this study,the F/M-AAO substrate,which integrates 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane(F_(4)TCNQ)and molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))with anodic aluminum oxide(AAO)templates,is used to enhance the detection of NPs and NP-antibiotic complexes.The conical cavity structure of the substrate facilitates the enrichment and direct detection of NPs with diameters smaller than 450 nm.The three-dimensional(3D)F/M-AAO substrate achieved a limit of detection(LOD)of 1.73×10^(6)ng/L for 100-nm NPs and a minimum detection concentration of 10^(-10)M for ciprofloxacin adsorbed on NPs(NPs-CIP).It demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and selectivity in the detection of both individual NPs and NPantibiotic complexes.This work highlights the innovative application of the F/M-AAO substrate in the SERS detection of NPs and NP-antibiotic complexes,providing a low-cost and effective platform for monitoring emerging environmental contaminants.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82173569,81872667)。
文摘The environmental behavior of and risks associated with nanoplastics(NPs)have attracted considerable attention.However,compared to pristine NPs,environmental factors such as ultraviolet(UV)irradiation that lead to changes in the toxicity of NPs have rarely been studied.We evaluated the changes in morphology and physicochemical properties of polystyrene(PS)NPs before and after UV irradiation,and compared their hepatotoxicity in mice.The results showed that UV irradiation caused particle size reduction and increased the carbonyl index(CI)and negative charge on the particle surface.UV-aged PS NPs(aPS NPs)could induce the generation of hydroxyl radicals(·OH),but also further promoted the generation of·OH in the Fenton reaction system.Hepatic pathological damage was more severe in mice exposed to aPS NPs,accompanied by a large number of vacuoles and hepatocyte balloon-like changes and more marked perturbations in blood glucose and serum lipoprotein,alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels.In addition,exposure to PS NPs and aPS NPs,especially aPS NPs,triggered oxidative stress and significantly damaged the antioxidant capacity of mice liver.Compared with PS NPs,exposure to aPS NPs increased the number of altered metabolites in hepatic and corresponding metabolic pathways,especially glutathione metabolism.Our research suggests that UV irradiation can disrupt the redox balance in organisms by promoting the production of·OH,enhancing PS NPs-induced liver damage and metabolic disorders.This study will help us understand the health risks of NPs and to avoid underestimation of the risks of NPs in nature.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.21827815,21620102008)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2016YFA0203102).
文摘The degradation of plastic debris may result in the generation of nanoplastics(NPs).Their high specific surface area for the sorption of organic pollutions and toxic heavy metals and possible transfer between organisms at different nutrient levels make the study of NPs an urgent priority.However,there is very limited understanding on the occurrence,distribution,abundant,and fate of NPs in the environment,partially due to the lack of suitable techniques for the separation and identification of NPs from complex environmental matrices.In this review,we first overviewed the state-of-the-art methods for the extraction,separation,identification and quantification of NPs in the environment.Some of them have been successfully applied for the field determination of NPs,while some are borrowed from the detection of microplastics or engineered nanomaterials.Then the possible fate and transport of NPs in the environment are thoroughly described.Although great efforts have been made during the recent years,large knowledge gaps still exist,such as the relatively high detection limit of existing method failing to detect ultralow masses of NPs in the environment,and spherical polystyrene NP models failing to represent the various compositions of NPs with different irregular shapes,which needs further investigation.
基金supported by the State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (Harbin Institute of Technology) (No.2022TS28)the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province (No.LH2021B012)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No.HIT.NSRIF202209)。
文摘Nanoplastics-induced developmental and reproductive toxicity,neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity are a focus of widespread attention.However,the effects of nanoplastics(NPs)on glycolipid metabolism and the precise underlying mechanisms are unclear at present.Here,we showed that oral administration of polystyrene nanoparticles(PS-NPs)disrupts glycolipid metabolism,with reactive oxygen species(ROS)identified as a potential key signaling molecule.After PS-NPs treatment,excessive production of ROS induced the infammatory response and activated the antioxidant pathway through nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2.The activation of nuclear factor-κB(NFκB)signaling pathway induced the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway,which induced the activation of extracellular regulated kinases(ERK)and p38.Constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling proteins induced high continued phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1,in turn,leading to decreased protein kinase B(Akt)activity,which weakened the sensitivity of liver cells to insulin signals and induced insulin resistance.In parallel,phosphorylation of Akt led to loss of control of Fo XO1,a key gene of gluconeogenesis,activating transcription of glucose-6-phosphatase(G6PC)and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase(PEPCK)in a manner dependent on PGC1α.Moreover,the activated ERK promoted lipid accumulation through ERK-PPARγcascades.Therefore,sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 and levels of its downstream lipogenic enzymes,ACC-1,were up-regulated.Upon treatment with the antioxidant resveratrol,PS-NPs-induced glucose and lipid metabolic disorders were improved by inhibiting ROS-induced activation of NFκB and MAPK signaling pathway in mice.Based on above,PS-NPs exposure disrupts glycolipid metabolism in mice,with ROS identified as a potential key signaling molecule.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China[grand number U21A20399]Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program[grant number XLYC1802059]+1 种基金the Key R&D Program of Liaoning Province[grant number 2019JH2/10300044]Key Laboratory Program of Liaoning Province[grant number 2018225113]。
文摘Objective This study was designed to provide the evidences on the toxicokinetics of microplastics(MPs)and nanoplastics(NPs)in the bodies of mammals.Methods 100 nm,3μm,and 10μm fluorescent polystyrene(PS)beads were administered to mice once by gavage at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight.The levels and change of fluorescence intensity in samples of blood,subcutaneous fat,perirenal fat,peritesticular fat,cerebrum,cerebellum,testis,and epididymis were measured at 0.5,1,2,and 4 h after administration using an IVIS Spectrum small-animal imaging system.Histological examination,confocal laser scanning,and transmission electron microscope were performed to corroborate the findings.Results After confirming fluorescent dye leaching and impact of pH value,increased levels of fluorescence intensity in blood,all adipose tissues examined,cerebrum,cerebellum,and testis were measured in the 100 nm group,but not in the 3 and 10μm groups except in the cerebellum and testis at 4 h for the 3μm PS beads.The presence of PS beads was further corroborated.Conclusion After a single oral exposure,NPs are absorbed rapidly in the blood,accumulate in adipose tissues,and penetrate the blood-brain/testis barriers.As expected,the toxicokinetics of MPs is significantly size-dependent in mammals.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82204094)the Key Research and Development Program of Ningxia(No.2022BEG03084)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2018YFC1004202)。
文摘Microplastics(MPs)and nanoplastics(NPs)have become hazardous materials due to the massive amount of plastic waste and disposable masks,but their specific health effects remain uncertain.In this study,fluorescence-labeled polystyrene NPs(PS-NPs)were injected into the circulatory systems of mice to determine the distribution and potential toxic effects of NPs in vivo.Interestingly,whole-body imaging found that PS-NPs accumulated in the testes of mice.Therefore,the toxic effects of PS-NPs on the reproduction systems and the spermatocytes cell line of male mice,and their mechanisms,were investigated.After oral exposure to PS-NPs,their spermatogenesis was affected and the spermatogenic cells were damaged.The spermatocyte cell line GC-2 was exposed to PS-NPs and analyzed using RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)to determine the toxic mechanisms;a ferroptosis pathway was found after PS-NP exposure.The phenomena and indicators of ferroptosis were then determined and verified by ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1),and it was also found that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)played an important role in spermatogenic cell ferroptosis induced by PS-NPs.Finally,it was confirmed in vivo that this mechanism of Nrf2 played a protective role in PS-NPs-induced male reproductive toxicity.This study demonstrated that PS-NPs induce male reproductive dysfunction in mice by causing spermatogenic cell ferroptosis dependent on Nrf2.
基金supported by the Basic Study and Interdisciplinary R&D Foundation of the University of Seoul(2019)grants,Nos.201910021035202006251003(both to KYR and JC)。
文摘Many types of plastic products,including polystyrene,have long been used in commercial and industrial applications.Microplastics and nanoplastics,plastic particles derived from these plastic products,are emerging as environmental pollutants that can pose health risks to a wide variety of living organisms,including humans.However,it is not well understood how microplastics and nanoplastics affect cellular functions and induce stress responses.Humans can be exposed to polystyrene-microplastics and polystyrene-nanoplastics through ingestion,inhalation,or skin contact.Most ingested plastics are excreted from the body,but inhaled plastics may accumulate in the lungs and can even reach the brain via the nose-to-brain route.Small-sized polystyrene-nanoplastics can enter cells by endocytosis,accumulate in the cytoplasm,and cause various cellular stresses,such as inflammation with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production,oxidative stress with generation of reactive oxygen species,and mitochondrial dysfunction.They induce autophagy activation and autophagosome formation,but autophagic flux may be impaired due to lysosomal dysfunction.Unless permanently exposed to polystyrene-nanoplastics,they can be removed from cells by exocytosis and subsequently restore cellular function.However,neurons are very susceptible to this type of stress,thus even acute exposure can lead to neurodegeneration without recovery.This review focuses specifically on recent advances in research on polystyrene-nanoplastic-induced cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity.Furthermore,in this review,based on mechanistic studies of polystyrene-nanoplastics at the cellular level other than neurons,future directions for overcoming the negative effects of polystyrene-nanoplastics on neurons were suggested.
文摘With continuous population and economic growth in the 21st century,plastic pollution is a major global issue.However,the health concern of microplastics/nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)decomposed from plastic wastes has drawn public attention only in the recent decade.This article summarizes recent works dedicated to understanding the impact of MPs/NPs on the liver-the largest digestive organ,which is one of the primary routes that MPs/NPs enter human bodies.The interrelated mechanisms including oxidative stress,hepatocyte energy re-distribution,cell death and autophagy,as well as immune responses and inflammation,were also featured.In addition,the disturbance of microbiome and gut-liver axis,and the association with clinical diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease,steatohepatitis,liver fibrosis,and cirrhosis were briefly discussed.Finally,we discussed potential directions in regard to this trending topic,highlighted current challenges in research,and proposed possible solutions.
基金supported by Scientific Research Project of Guangzhou University(No.YK2020017)the Program Foundation of Institute for Scientific Research of Karst Area of NSFC-GZGOV(No.U1612442)+2 种基金Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,China(No.UGC/IDS(R)16/19)IndustryUniversity Cooperation and Collaborative Education Project of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China(No.202101134012)Innovative training program for College Students of Guangzhou University(No.S202111078039).
文摘Once inevitably released into the aquatic environment,polystyrene nanoplastics(PS-NPs)will present complicated environmental behaviors,of which the aggregation is a key process determining their environmental fate and impact.In this study,the aggregation kinetics of different sizes(30 nm and 100 nm)of PS-NPs with metal cations(Na^(+),K^(+),Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+)and Pb^(2+))at different solution pH(3,6 and 8)were investigated.The results showed that the aggregation of PS-NPs increased with cation concentration.Taking Pb^(2+)as an example,the adsorption behavior of cations onto PS-NPs was determined by transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and energy dispersive X-ray(EDX)spectroscopy,which demonstrated Pb^(2+)could be adhered onto the surface of PS-NPs with the effect of charge neutralization.The critical coagulation concentrations(CCC)of smaller PS-NPs were higher than that of larger PS-NPs for monovalent cations,whereas a different pattern is observed for divalent cations.It was suggested that there were other factors that DLVO theory does not consider affect the stability of NPs with different particle sizes.In addition,it should be noted that PS-NPs had the capacity of adsorbing large amounts of heavy metal cations and carried them transport to a long distance,and the corresponding ecological risks need to further elucidate.
基金funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42077364)Guangdong Province Universities and Colleges Pearl River Scholar Funded Scheme 2018+2 种基金National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2018YFD0900604)Innovation Group Project of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai) (Grant No. 311021006)Key Research Projects of Universities in Guangdong Province (Grant Nos. 2019KZDXM003 and 2020KZDZX1040)
文摘In view of the accumulation of nanoplastics(NPs)in the food chain of environment and animals,and the good adsorption properties of nano-plastics to toxic substances,it is necessary to explore the influence of NPs in living organisms.In this study,single and joint toxicological effects of polystyrene nanoplastics(PS-NPs,size 80 nm)and polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs),were explored in freshwater aquatic animal model zebrafish(Danio rerio).Our study found that exposure to single PS-NPs induced mild acute toxicity,albeit the combined exposure of PS-NPs and polychlorinated biphenyls aggravated the toxicity of PCBs in a dose-dependent manner.Results from gene expression profiling showed that NPs exposure could activate detoxification process,resulting in a slight up-regulation of antioxidant genes(sod1,gstp1),bone development genes(bmp2,bmp4)and cardiac gene(tbx20);while PCBs suppressed the detoxification through down-regulation of these genes,and the addition of NPs will exacerbate the impact of PCBs on gene suppression.Importantly,the results of in vivo purification experiments found that NPs showed prolonged retention in liver,intestine and gills of zebrafish and they might have crossed biological barrier and accumulate in lipid-rich tissues and excretion does not appear as the significant pathway for their elimination.In conclusion,the toxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on chorionic protected embryos were not significant as zebrafish chorion plays an important role in resisting the invasion of pollutants;PCBs can seriously damage the bone and heart development of zebrafish,while the presence of NPs significantly enhanced the toxicity of PCBs in zebrafish,which is an alarming concern for growing NPs levels and ecological safety in aquatic environment.
