Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in iPSCs and Genetic Disease Research
Published on: October 20, 2023
Environmental microplastics (EMPs) exposure alter the differentiation potential of mesenchymal stromal cells
Hana Najahi1, Nicola Alessio2, Tiziana Squillaro2
1Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology LR21AGR02, Sousse University, Chott-Mariem, 4042, Sousse, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, Monastir University, Tunisia.
Abstract:
Humans are exposed to environmental microplastic (MPs) that can be frequent in surrounding environment. The mesenchymal stromal cells are a heterogeneous population, which contain fibroblasts and stromal cells, progenitor cells and stem cells. They are part of the stromal component of most tissue and organs in our organisms. Any injury to their functions may impair tissue renewal and homeostasis. We evaluated the effects of different size MPs that could be present in water bottles on human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) and adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs). MPs of polyethylene terephthalate (MPs-PET) (<1 μm and <2.6 μm) were tested in this study. PET treatments induced a reduction in proliferating cells (around 30%) associated either with the onset of senescence or increase in apoptosis. The AMSCs and BMMSCs exposed to PET showed an alteration of differentiation potential. AMSCs remained in an early stage of adipocyte differentiation as shown by high levels of mRNA for Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) (7.51 vs 1.00) and reduction in Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) mRNA levels (0.5 vs 1.0). A loss of differentiation capacity was also observed for the osteocyte phenotype in BMMSCs. In particular, we observed a reduction in Bone Gamma-Carboxy glutamate Protein (BGLAP) (0.4 for PET1 and 0.6 for PET2.6 vs 0.1 CTRL) and reduction in Osteopontin (SPP1) (0.3 for PET 1 and 0.64 for PET 2.6 vs 0.1 CTRL). This pioneering mesenchymal cell response study demonstrated that environmental microplastic could be bioavailable for cell uptake and may further lead to irreversible diseases.
Insights
Environmental microplastics (MPs) from water bottles harm human mesenchymal stromal cells. Exposure to polyethylene terephthalate MPs reduces cell proliferation and impairs differentiation, potentially leading to irreversible diseases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are vital for tissue renewal and homeostasis.
- Environmental microplastics (MPs) pose a growing health concern due to widespread human exposure.
- The impact of MPs on human MSCs, particularly those from water bottles, requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) and adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs).
- To assess the impact of different microplastic sizes (<1 μm and <2.6 μm) on MSC proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, and differentiation potential.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of human BMMSCs and AMSCs to varying sizes of PET microplastics.
- Assessment of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence.
- Analysis of gene expression related to adipogenesis (PPARG, LPL) and osteogenesis (BGLAP, SPP1) to evaluate differentiation capacity.
Main Results:
- PET microplastic exposure significantly reduced MSC proliferation by approximately 30%.
- Observed increases in cellular senescence and apoptosis following PET exposure.
- Impaired differentiation potential in both AMSCs (adipogenesis) and BMMSCs (osteogenesis) was noted, with altered key gene expression levels.
Conclusions:
- Environmental microplastics, specifically PET from water bottles, are bioavailable for human MSC uptake.
- Microplastic exposure can disrupt MSC function, leading to reduced proliferation and impaired differentiation.
- These cellular dysfunctions may contribute to irreversible diseases and compromised tissue homeostasis.
