Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Experimental test of microbiome protection across pathogen doses reveals importance of resident microbiome composition.

FEMS microbiology ecology·2021
Same author

Understanding Mechanisms Underlying Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Mental Illness: Risperidone and Olanzapine Alter the Hepatic Proteomic Signature in Mice.

International journal of molecular sciences·2020
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 26, 2025

Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
08:21

Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies

Published on: July 27, 2022

4.5K

Polystyrene and Polyethylene Microplastics Decrease Cell Viability and Dysregulate Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress

Swetha Palaniappan1, Chakravarthy Marx Sadacharan2, Bahman Rostama3,4

  • 1Cape Elizabeth High School, Cape Elizabeth, ME USA.

Exposure and Health
|August 2, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Microplastics like polyethylene and polystyrene harm mammalian cells, reducing viability and increasing oxidative stress. These pollutants trigger complex inflammatory responses, impacting cellular health.

Keywords:
Cell viabilityCellular metabolismInflammatory cytokinesMicroplasticsOxidative stress

More Related Videos

Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics on Bird Embryo Development by Hatching without Eggshell
08:11

Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics on Bird Embryo Development by Hatching without Eggshell

Published on: August 14, 2021

4.7K
Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use
05:48

Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use

Published on: July 24, 2021

5.9K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Oct 26, 2025

Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
08:21

Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies

Published on: July 27, 2022

4.5K
Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics on Bird Embryo Development by Hatching without Eggshell
08:11

Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics on Bird Embryo Development by Hatching without Eggshell

Published on: August 14, 2021

4.7K
Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use
05:48

Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use

Published on: July 24, 2021

5.9K

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants with largely unknown effects on mammalian cells.
  • Understanding microplastic toxicity is crucial for assessing risks to ecosystems and human health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro effects of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microspheres on mammalian cell viability, metabolism, and inflammatory responses.
  • To determine dose-dependent cellular reactions to microplastic exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Murine fibroblasts (L929) and canine kidney (MDCK) cells were exposed to varying concentrations (1-20 μg/mL) of PE and PS microspheres for 6 and 24 hours.
  • Assays measured cell viability, metabolic activity, and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IFNβ) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD3).

Main Results:

  • Dose-dependent decreases in cell viability were observed with increasing microplastic concentrations.
  • Cellular metabolism per cell increased with higher doses of both PE and PS.
  • Microplastic exposure led to increased SOD3 and TNFα gene expression, but decreased IFNβ expression, indicating oxidative stress and complex inflammatory signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Microplastics induce significant cellular stress responses in mammalian cells, including reduced viability and altered inflammatory signaling.
  • The findings highlight complex, dose-dependent cellular reactions to microplastic pollutants, contributing to the understanding of their environmental health impacts.