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Published on: January 27, 2015
Polystyrene Microplastics Exacerbate Candida albicans Infection Ability In Vitro and In Vivo
Angela Maione1, Mariangela Norcia1, Marica Sinoca1
1Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Plastic pollution is an important environmental problem, and microplastics have been shown to have harmful effects on human and animal health, affecting immune and metabolic physiological functions. Further, microplastics can interfere with commensal microorganisms and exert deleterious effects on exposure to pathogens. Here, we compared the effects of 1 µm diameter polystyrene microplastic (PSMPs) on Candida albicans infection in both in vitro and in vivo models by using HT29 cells and Galleria mellonella larvae, respectively. The results demonstrated that PSMPs could promote Candida infection in HT29 cells and larvae of G. mellonella, which show immune responses similar to vertebrates. In this study, we provide new experimental evidence for the risk to human health posed by PSMPs in conjunction with Candida infections.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) worsen Candida infections in human cells and insect models. This study highlights the health risks of microplastic exposure alongside fungal pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Plastic pollution, particularly microplastics, poses significant environmental and health risks.
- Microplastics can negatively impact human and animal health, affecting immune and metabolic functions.
- Microplastics may disrupt microbial communities and increase susceptibility to pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) on Candida albicans infection.
- To compare the effects of PSMPs in both in vitro and in vivo models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized HT29 human intestinal cells for in vitro experiments.
- Employed Galleria mellonella larvae as an in vivo model, known for vertebrate-like immune responses.
- Exposed models to 1 µm diameter polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) and Candida albicans.
Main Results:
- PSMPs were found to promote Candida infection in HT29 cells.
- PSMPs also exacerbated Candida infection in Galleria mellonella larvae.
- The study provides experimental evidence linking PSMPs to increased risk during Candida infections.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene microplastics can enhance the severity of Candida albicans infections.
- This interaction poses a potential risk to human health.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and broader implications of microplastic-pathogen interactions.
