Micro(nano)-plastics exposure induced programmed cell death and corresponding influence factors

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Cell Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Micro(nano)-plastics (MPs/NPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
• Their cytotoxic effects and impact on cellular fate are increasingly studied.
• Understanding MPs/NPs' interaction with programmed cell death is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review programmed cell death mechanisms induced by MPs/NPs.
• To analyze factors influencing MPs/NPs-induced cell death.
• To explore interconnections between different cell death pathways.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature synthesis of recent scientific inquiries.
• Elaboration of signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms.
• Analysis of factors influencing programmed cell death.

Main Results:

• MPs/NPs induce diverse programmed cell death modalities: apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis.
• Factors like size, surface properties, and aging influence MPs/NPs toxicity.
• Interactions between cell death pathways (interconversion, promotion, inhibition) are observed.

Conclusions:

• MPs/NPs pose multifaceted toxicological risks to cellular homeostasis.
• Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of cell death.
• Urgent need for comprehensive risk assessments and regulatory measures for MPs/NPs.