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  11. In Vitro Effects Of Aged Low-density Polyethylene Micro(nano)plastic Particles On Human Airway Epithelial Cells

In vitro effects of aged low-density polyethylene micro(nano)plastic particles on human airway epithelial cells

Agnė Vailionytė1, Ieva Uogintė2, Justina Pajarskienė3

  • 1Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, 08406, Lithuania; Department of Nanoengineering, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, 02300, Lithuania.

Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|April 4, 2025

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View abstract on PubMed

Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Airborne micro(nano)plastic (MNP) pollution from aged low-density polyethylene (LDPE) impacts human airway cells. Exposure induced cellular damage, inflammation, and impaired respiratory function, highlighting risks of MNP inhalation.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Airborne micro(nano)plastic (MNP) pollution is a growing health concern.
  • Environmental weathering and tire wear generate diverse MNPs, with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) being prevalent.
  • Limited toxicological data exists for environmentally relevant MNPs, with most studies using polystyrene beads.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the toxicological effects of aged LDPE MNPs on human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B).
  • To assess MNP internalization, cellular pathway activation, and functional impacts on airway epithelium.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of BEAS-2B cells to UV-aged LDPE MNPs (10-1000 μg/cm²).
  • Analysis of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NRF2 pathway, autophagy, inflammatory mediator secretion, and mitochondrial function.

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Main Results:

  • LDPE MNPs were internalized, promoting EMT, increased motility, and cell cycle disturbance.
  • Increased intracellular ROS, oxidative stress via NRF2 activation, and impaired autophagic flux were observed.
  • Elevated pro-inflammatory mediators and suppressed mitochondrial/glycolytic function occurred at higher doses.

Conclusions:

  • Inhalation of aged LDPE MNPs adversely affects human airway epithelial cell morphology and function.
  • These findings indicate potential risks to respiratory health from airborne MNP exposure.
  • Further research is needed to understand the full impact of MNP pollution on human health.