Research

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13 pages, 2912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Sublethal Concentrations of Metal Nanomaterials on Cell Energy Metabolism

by Chaoshuai Liang, Qiuyao Jiang, Zhenzhen Liu, Jian Yang, Jie Zhang, Shuping Zhang and Wei Xin

Toxics 2023, 11(5), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11050453 - 11 May 2023

Viewed by 1166

Abstract

Metallic nanomaterials (MNMs) are widely used in the medical field because of their photocatalytic, optical, electrical, electronic, antibacterial, and bactericidal properties. Despite the advantages of MNMs, there is a lack of complete understanding of their toxicological behavior and their interactions with cellular mechanisms [...] Read more.

Metallic nanomaterials (MNMs) are widely used in the medical field because of their photocatalytic, optical, electrical, electronic, antibacterial, and bactericidal properties. Despite the advantages of MNMs, there is a lack of complete understanding of their toxicological behavior and their interactions with cellular mechanisms that determine cell fate. Most of the existing studies are acute toxicity studies with high doses, which is not conducive to understanding the toxic effects and mechanisms of homeostasis-dependent organelles, such as mitochondria, which are involved in many cellular functions. In this study, four types of MNMs were used to investigate the effects of metallic nanomaterials on mitochondrial function and structure. We first characterized the four MNMs and selected the appropriate sublethal concentration for application in cells. Mitochondrial characterization, energy metabolism, mitochondrial damage, mitochondrial complex activity, and expression levels were evaluated using various biological methods. The results showed that the four types of MNMs greatly inhibited mitochondrial function and cell energy metabolism and that the material entering the mitochondria damaged the mitochondrial structure. Additionally, the complex activity of mitochondrial electron transport chains is critical for assessing the mitochondrial toxicity of MNMs, which may serve as an early warning of MNM-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity and Health Effects of Environmental Nano-/Microparticle Exposure)

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17 pages, 3429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Role of Kelulut Honey against Toxicity Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Morphology, Hormones, and Sex Steroid Receptor Expression in the Uterus of Rats

by Nur Hanisah Amran, Siti Sarah Mohamad Zaid, Goh Yong Meng, Annas Salleh and Mohd Helmy Mokhtar

Toxics 2023, 11(4), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040324 - 29 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1577

Abstract

Background: Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging global pollutant. Previous studies have revealed that chronic exposure to MPs can affect animal and human reproductive health, particularly by impairing the reproductive system’s normal functions, which may increase the risk of infertility in both males and [...] Read more.

Background: Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging global pollutant. Previous studies have revealed that chronic exposure to MPs can affect animal and human reproductive health, particularly by impairing the reproductive system’s normal functions, which may increase the risk of infertility in both males and females. Kelulut honey (KH), an excellent source of antioxidants, has been used to counteract the disruptive effects of Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in the rat uterus. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Kelulut honey against PS-MPs-induced uterine toxicity in pubertal rats. Methods: Prepubertal female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): (i) normal control group (NC: treated with deionized water), MPs-exposed group (M: exposed to PS-MPs at 2.5 mg/kg), (iii) Kelulut honey group (DM: pretreated with 1200 mg/kg of KH 30 minutes before they were administered with PS-MPs at 2.5 mg/kg), and (iv) Kelulut honey control group (DC: only treated with KH at 2.5 mg/kg). The rats were treated orally once daily for six consecutive weeks. Results: Uterine abnormalities in PS-MPs-exposed rats were significantly improved after concurrent treatment with Kelulut honey. Morphology improvement was observed and luminal epithelial cells seemed thicker with more goblet cells, glandular cells had a more regular and circular shape, stromal cell increased in size, interstitial gaps between stromal cells expanded, and the myometrium layer was thicker. Kelulut honey treatment also effectively normalized the suppressive effect of PS-MPs on the expression and distribution of sex steroid receptors (ERα and ERβ), as well as the level of serum gonadotropin (LH and FSH) and sex steroid (estradiol and progesterone) hormones. Conclusion: Kelulut honey can protect the female reproductive system against the disruptive effects of PS-MPs. The phytochemical properties of Kelulut honey might be responsible for these beneficial benefits. However, future studies are warranted to identify the mechanisms involved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity and Health Effects of Environmental Nano-/Microparticle Exposure)

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13 pages, 2665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Microplastics (≥10 μm) in Meconium by Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy

by Zhiming Li, Jiamin Wang, Xia Gao, Jiaxin Du, Haixia Sui, Jieling Wu, Yizhou Zhong, Boxuan Liang, Yuji Huang, Rongyi Ye, Yanhong Deng, Xingfen Yang and Zhenlie Huang

Toxics 2023, 11(4), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040310 - 27 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1464

Abstract

Microplastics are prevalent emerging pollutants with widespread distribution in air, land and water. They have been detected in human stool, blood, lungs, and placentas. However, human fetal microplastic exposure remains largely under-studied. To assess fetal microplastic exposure, we investigated microplastics using 16 meconium [...] Read more.

Microplastics are prevalent emerging pollutants with widespread distribution in air, land and water. They have been detected in human stool, blood, lungs, and placentas. However, human fetal microplastic exposure remains largely under-studied. To assess fetal microplastic exposure, we investigated microplastics using 16 meconium samples. We used hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), nitric acid (HNO₃) and a combination of Fenton’s reagent and HNO₃ pretreatment methods respectively to digest the meconium sample. We analyzed 16 pretreated meconium samples with an ultra-depth three-dimensional microscope and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. The result showed that H₂O₂, HNO₃ and Fenton’s reagent combined with HNO₃ pretreatment methods could not digest our meconium samples completely. Alternatively, we developed a novel approach with high digestion efficiency using petroleum ether and alcohol (4:1, v/v), HNO₃ and H₂O₂. This pretreatment method had good recovery and non-destructive advantages. We found no microplastics (≥10 μm) in our meconium samples, indicating that microplastic pollution levels in the fetal living environment are miniscule. Different results between previous studies’ and ours underscore that comprehensive and strict quality control are necessary for further studies on microplastic exposure using human bio-samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity and Health Effects of Environmental Nano-/Microparticle Exposure)

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9 pages, 4643 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

First Evidence of Microplastics in Human Urine, a Preliminary Study of Intake in the Human Body

by Concetta Pironti, Valentina Notarstefano, Maria Ricciardi, Oriana Motta, Elisabetta Giorgini and Luigi Montano

Toxics 2023, 11(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11010040 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 8664

Abstract

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) and their health effects is a recent scientific topic. However, the investigation of MPs in human/biological matrices has several limitations due to analytical methods and sample treatment protocols. In this study, the presence of MPs in the [...] Read more.

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) and their health effects is a recent scientific topic. However, the investigation of MPs in human/biological matrices has several limitations due to analytical methods and sample treatment protocols. In this study, the presence of MPs in the urine samples of six volunteers from different cities in the south of Italy (three men and three women) was investigated by Raman microspectroscopy. The analysis pinpointed four pigmented microplastic fragments (4–15 μm size), with irregular shapes, which were characterized in terms of morphology and chemical composition. Polyethylene vinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) MPs were found in four samples (PVA and PVC in one female sample and PP and PE in three male samples). This preliminary study suggests that MPs could pass through the gastrointestinal tract and are eliminated through biological processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity and Health Effects of Environmental Nano-/Microparticle Exposure)

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12 pages, 2302 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Polystyrene Microplastics Postpone APAP-Induced Liver Injury through Impeding Macrophage Polarization

by Jing Liu, Lecong Zhang, Fang Xu, Songyan Meng, Haitian Li and Yang Song

Toxics 2022, 10(12), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10120792 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1803

Abstract

Polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) are micrometer-scale items degraded from plastics and have been detected in various organisms. PS MPs have been identified as causing cognitive, cardiac, intestinal, and hepatic damage. However, their role in liver regeneration under drug-induced liver injury remains unknown. Thus, [...] Read more.

Polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) are micrometer-scale items degraded from plastics and have been detected in various organisms. PS MPs have been identified as causing cognitive, cardiac, intestinal, and hepatic damage. However, their role in liver regeneration under drug-induced liver injury remains unknown. Thus, the current study aims to evaluate the impact of PS MPs on liver repair during APAP hepatotoxicity. PS MPs pretreatment exacerbates mice mortality and hepatocyte apoptosis, suppresses hepatic cell proliferation, and disturbs the inflammatory response in the APAP-induced damage model. Further mechanism exploration uncovers that prior PS MPs administration is sufficient to recruit neutrophils and macrophages, which are necessary for tissue recovery in the acute liver injury model. However, the polarization capacity of macrophages to anti-inflammatory sub-type is significantly delayed in PS MPs plus APAP group compared to the single APAP group, which is the leading cause of tissue repair suppression. Overall, the current study supports a new insight to realize the toxicity of PS MPs in acute liver injury, which should be considered in health risk assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity and Health Effects of Environmental Nano-/Microparticle Exposure)

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Review

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17 pages, 1513 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in the Utilization of Zebrafish for Assessing and Understanding the Mechanisms of Nano-/Microparticles Toxicity in Water

by Pengyu Lei, Wenxia Zhang, Jiahui Ma, Yuping Xia, Haiyang Yu, Jiao Du, Yimeng Fang, Lei Wang, Kun Zhang, Libo Jin, Da Sun and Junbo Zhong

Toxics 2023, 11(4), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040380 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1910

Abstract

A large amount of nano-/microparticles (MNPs) are released into water, not only causing severe water pollution, but also negatively affecting organisms. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate MNP toxicity and mechanisms in water. There is a significant degree of similarity between the genes, [...] Read more.

A large amount of nano-/microparticles (MNPs) are released into water, not only causing severe water pollution, but also negatively affecting organisms. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate MNP toxicity and mechanisms in water. There is a significant degree of similarity between the genes, the central nervous system, the liver, the kidney, and the intestines of zebrafish and the human body. It has been shown that zebrafish are exceptionally suitable for evaluating the toxicity and action mechanisms of MNPs in water on reproduction, the central nervous system, and metabolism. Providing ideas and methods for studying MNP toxicity, this article discusses the toxicity and mechanisms of MNPs from zebrafish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity and Health Effects of Environmental Nano-/Microparticle Exposure)

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17 pages, 773 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Exposure to Microplastics during Early Developmental Stage: Review of Current Evidence

by Nur Hanisah Amran, Siti Sarah Mohamad Zaid, Mohd Helmy Mokhtar, Latifah Abd Manaf and Shatrah Othman

Toxics 2022, 10(10), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10100597 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5517

Abstract

In the last few decades, microplastics (MPs) have been among the emerging environmental pollutants that have received serious attention from scientists and the general population due to their wide range of potentially harmful effects on living organisms. MPs may originate from primary sources [...] Read more.

In the last few decades, microplastics (MPs) have been among the emerging environmental pollutants that have received serious attention from scientists and the general population due to their wide range of potentially harmful effects on living organisms. MPs may originate from primary sources (micro-sized plastics manufactured on purpose) and secondary sources (breakdown of large plastic items through physical, chemical, and biological processes). Consequently, serious concerns are escalating because MPs can be easily disseminated and contaminate environments, including terrestrial, air, groundwater, marine, and freshwater systems. Furthermore, an exposure to even low doses of MPs during the early developmental stage may induce long-term health effects, even later in life. Accordingly, this study aims to gather the current evidence regarding the effects of MPs exposure on vital body systems, including the digestive, reproductive, central nervous, immune, and circulatory systems, during the early developmental stage. In addition, this study provides essential information about the possible emergence of various diseases later in life (i.e., adulthood). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity and Health Effects of Environmental Nano-/Microparticle Exposure)

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32 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Nanoplastics and Microplastics May Be Damaging Our Livers

by Jianli Yin, Ye Ju, Honghao Qian, Jia Wang, Xiaohan Miao, Ying Zhu, Liting Zhou and Lin Ye

Toxics 2022, 10(10), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10100586 - 04 Oct 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3741

Abstract

Plastics in the environment can be degraded and even broken into pieces under the action of natural factors, and the degraded products with a particle size of less than 5 mm are called microplastics (MPs). MPs exist in a variety of environmental media [...] Read more.

Plastics in the environment can be degraded and even broken into pieces under the action of natural factors, and the degraded products with a particle size of less than 5 mm are called microplastics (MPs). MPs exist in a variety of environmental media that come into contact with the human body. It can enter the body through environmental media and food chains. At present, there are many studies investigating the damage of MPs to marine organisms and mammals. The liver is the largest metabolizing organ and plays an important role in the metabolism of MPs in the body. However, there is no available systematic review on the toxic effects of MPs on the liver. This paper summarizes the adverse effects and mechanisms of MPs on the liver, by searching the literature and highlighting the studies that have been published to date, and provides a scenario for the liver toxicity caused by MPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity and Health Effects of Environmental Nano-/Microparticle Exposure)

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