Aged polystyrene microplastics exacerbate alopecia associated with tight junction injuries and apoptosis via
Qian Li1, Lehua Jiang2, Jianhai Feng1
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants in the natural environment and contribute to increased levels of illness in both animals and humans. However, thespecific impacts of MPs on skin damage and alopeciaare not yet well understood. In this study, we have examined the effects of two types of polystyrene MPs (pristine and aged) on skin and hair follicle damage in mice. UV irradiation changed the chemical and physical properties of the aged MPs, including functional groups, surface roughness, and contact angles. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, skin and cell injuries related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, tight junctions (TJs), alopecia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other damages were observed. Mechanistically, MPs and aged MPs can induce TJs damage via the oxidative stress pathway and inhibition of antioxidant-related proteins, and this can lead to alopecia. The regulation of cell apoptosis was also observed, and this is involved in the ROS-mediated mitochondrial signaling pathway. Importantly, aged MPs showed exacerbated toxicity, which may be due to their elevated surface irregularities and altered chemical compositions. Collectively, this study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for alopecia and hair follicle damage caused by MPs pollution.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) cause skin and hair follicle damage, including alopecia, through oxidative stress and apoptosis. Aged MPs exhibit greater toxicity, highlighting environmental health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are widespread environmental pollutants with known health implications.
- The specific effects of MPs on skin integrity and hair loss (alopecia) remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pristine and aged polystyrene MPs on skin and hair follicle damage in a mouse model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of MP-induced skin and hair damage.
Main Methods:
- In vivo and in vitro experiments using mice exposed to pristine and aged MPs.
- Analysis of skin and cell damage markers, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, tight junction integrity, and mitochondrial function.
- Characterization of aged MPs' altered physical and chemical properties due to UV irradiation.
Main Results:
- Both pristine and aged MPs induced skin and cell injuries, characterized by oxidative stress, apoptosis, and tight junction disruption.
- MP exposure led to alopecia and mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Aged MPs demonstrated exacerbated toxicity compared to pristine MPs, linked to surface irregularities and chemical changes.
- The mechanism involves oxidative stress, inhibition of antioxidant proteins, and ROS-mediated mitochondrial signaling pathway affecting apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene microplastics can cause significant skin and hair follicle damage, potentially leading to alopecia.
- Aged microplastics pose a greater toxicological risk due to environmental degradation.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers potential therapeutic strategies for MP-induced hair loss.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
01:12Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells