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Acute and Sub-Chronic Effects of Microplastics (3 and 10 µm) on the Human Intestinal Cells HT-29
Giuseppa Visalli1, Alessio Facciolà1, Marianna Pruiti Ciarello1
1Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
Abstract:
Due to ingestion of contaminated foods, the human gastrointestinal tract is the most likely site of exposure to microplastics (MPs) with gut barrier dysfunction and intestinal inflammation. Aimed to assess the effects induced by MPs with different granulometry (polystyrene (PS) 3 and 10 µm), we performed an in vitro study by using the human intestinal cell line HT29. As a novelty, we assessed the sub-chronic exposure extending the treatment up to 48 days simulating the in vivo situation. In the range of 100-1600 particles mL-1, both the PS suspensions had moderate cytotoxicity after 24 h with percentages of mortality between 6.7 and 21.6 for the 10 µm and 6.1 and 29.6 for the 3 µm PS. Microscopic observation highlighted a more pronounced lysosomal membrane permeabilization in HT29 exposed to PS 3µm. Reactive oxygen species production was higher in cells exposed to PS 10 µm, but sub-chronic exposure highlighted the ability of the cells to partially neutralize this effect. Comet-assay confirmed the temporary oxidative damage that was PS-induced. Overall, considering the very fast turnover of intestinal cells, the increase in cell mortality, equal to 25% and 11% for 3 and 10 µm PS-MPs for each time point, could trigger intestinal disorders due to prolonged exposure.
Insights
Ingesting microplastics (MPs) can harm the gut. This study found that prolonged exposure to polystyrene MPs (3 and 10 µm) in human intestinal cells increased cell death and temporary oxidative damage, potentially leading to gut disorders.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The human gastrointestinal tract is a primary exposure site for microplastics (MPs) via contaminated food.
- Microplastic ingestion is linked to gut barrier dysfunction and intestinal inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different microplastic sizes (3 µm and 10 µm polystyrene) on human intestinal cells (HT29).
- To assess sub-chronic exposure effects up to 48 days, simulating in vivo conditions.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using the HT29 human intestinal cell line.
- Exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) at varying concentrations (100-1600 particles/mL).
- Assessment of cytotoxicity, lysosomal membrane permeabilization, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and oxidative DNA damage (Comet assay).
Main Results:
- Both 3 µm and 10 µm PS-MPs exhibited moderate cytotoxicity, with higher mortality rates for 3 µm MPs.
- 3 µm PS-MPs caused more significant lysosomal membrane permeabilization.
- 10 µm PS-MPs induced higher ROS production, though cells partially neutralized this effect during sub-chronic exposure.
- Oxidative damage was temporary, but increased cell mortality (25% for 3 µm, 11% for 10 µm) was observed.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged exposure to polystyrene microplastics can increase intestinal cell mortality.
- The findings suggest that microplastic exposure may trigger intestinal disorders due to cumulative cellular damage and mortality over time.
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