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Toxicological profiling of polystyrene microplastics in raw 264.7 macrophages: Linking microplastic exposure to
Shramana Koner1, Seenivasan Ramasubbu1, Natarajan Chandrasekaran1
1Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
Abstract:
The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs), particularly polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs), has raised urgent concerns regarding their effects on human health. This study investigates the toxicological effects of spherical PSMPs (<0.50 µm) on Raw 264.7 murine macrophages, critical immune cells that actively internalize foreign materials. At exposure concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 µg/mL, PSMPs were rapidly internalized within 2 h, with accumulation increasing over time. Notably, high-dose exposure (500 µg/mL) resulted in significant mitochondrial membrane damage, lysosomal dysfunction, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and lipid peroxidation. These cellular stress responses were accompanied by increased levels of LDH and SOD, as well as the induction of apoptosis and cellular senescence. The findings show that PSMPs disrupt mitochondrial function and contribute to senescence responses, ultimately compromising immune cell viability and function. This study provides new insight into the intracellular fate and toxicity of environmentally relevant PSMPs and emphasizes the need for urgent evaluation of plastic pollution's impact on human health.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) damage immune cells by disrupting mitochondria and causing oxidative stress. This study reveals how these tiny plastic particles harm macrophage function and viability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs), especially polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs), are widespread environmental contaminants.
- Concerns are growing about the potential human health impacts of MP exposure.
- Murine macrophages (Raw 264.7 cells) are key immune cells involved in clearing foreign particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicological effects of small spherical PSMPs (<0.50 µm) on Raw 264.7 murine macrophages.
- To understand the cellular uptake, intracellular fate, and stress responses induced by PSMPs.
- To assess the impact of PSMPs on immune cell viability and function.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Raw 264.7 macrophages to varying concentrations of PSMPs (50–500 µg/mL).
- Assessment of PSMP internalization over time (up to 2 hours).
- Analysis of cellular damage markers including mitochondrial membrane potential, lysosomal function, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, LDH, and SOD levels.
- Evaluation of apoptosis and cellular senescence induction.
Main Results:
- PSMPs were rapidly internalized by macrophages, with accumulation increasing over time.
- High-dose PSMP exposure (500 µg/mL) caused significant mitochondrial damage and lysosomal dysfunction.
- Elevated ROS levels, lipid peroxidation, LDH, and SOD were observed, indicating cellular stress.
- PSMP exposure induced apoptosis and cellular senescence, compromising macrophage viability and function.
Conclusions:
- PSMPs (<0.50 µm) induce significant cellular stress and damage in murine macrophages.
- Disruption of mitochondrial function and induction of senescence are key mechanisms of PSMP toxicity.
- These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with microplastic pollution and underscore the need for further research into their impact on human health.
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