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Effects of polystyrene microplastics on mice cardiac tissue structure: Protective role of resveratrol
Somaye Zangene1, Samaneh Goorani2, Hassan Morovvati1
1Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Microplastics, as ubiquitous environmental particles, can influence cardiac function both directly and indirectly. We examined the beneficial effects of resveratrol on the cardiotoxicity induced by 2-μm polystyrene microplastics in murine models. Male NMRI mice (n = 27) Control, PS-MPs (1 mg/kg), and PS-MPs + RV (1 mg/kg PS-MPs+2.5 mg/kg RV) were randomly grouped into three. Histological and antioxidant parameters were assessed after 90 days of exposure. Our findings indicated that PS-MPs induce toxicity via oxidative stress, catalase (CAT), Total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and a reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels, while concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased relative to controls. We also found that cardiac abnormality in PS-MPs treated mice was accompanied by reduced antioxidant capacity, elevated oxidative stress, and elevated apoptotic signaling. Nevertheless, the protective effects of RV against disruptions in endoplasmic reticulum stress and antioxidant profiles resulting from PS-MPs exposure were evident, as RV normalized HSP40, HSP25, and HSP70 levels and enhanced antioxidant defenses. This implies that RV is a promising protective agent against toxicity induced by environmental contaminants such as microplastics.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics harm heart function by increasing oxidative stress. Resveratrol (RV) protects against this microplastic cardiotoxicity by improving antioxidant defenses and reducing cellular stress.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants with known impacts on biological systems.
- Cardiac function can be adversely affected by microplastic exposure through direct and indirect mechanisms.
- Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress are implicated in microplastic-induced cardiotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiotoxic effects of 2-μm polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in a murine model.
- To evaluate the protective potential of resveratrol (RV) against PS-MP-induced cardiotoxicity.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PS-MP toxicity and RV's protective action.
Main Methods:
- Male NMRI mice were exposed to PS-MPs (1 mg/kg) and PS-MPs + RV (1 mg/kg + 2.5 mg/kg) for 90 days.
- Histological examination of cardiac tissue was performed.
- Antioxidant parameters including catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured.
- Levels of heat shock proteins (HSP40, HSP25, HSP70) were assessed to evaluate endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Main Results:
- PS-MPs exposure led to increased oxidative stress, evidenced by reduced antioxidant levels (CAT, SOD, GSH) and elevated MDA concentrations.
- Cardiac abnormalities in PS-MP-treated mice were associated with diminished antioxidant capacity, heightened oxidative stress, and increased apoptotic signaling.
- Resveratrol administration significantly mitigated PS-MP-induced cardiotoxicity, normalizing HSP levels and bolstering antioxidant defenses.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene microplastics induce cardiotoxicity primarily through oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways.
- Resveratrol demonstrates significant protective effects against microplastic-induced cardiac damage.
- Resveratrol is a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating the adverse cardiovascular effects of environmental contaminants like microplastics.
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