Oxidative and Inflammatory Damage by Environmental Polyethylene Microplastics in Caco-2 Cells Is Prevented by...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Humans face constant exposure to environmental microplastics (MPs).
• Ingested MPs can be absorbed through the gut, potentially causing adverse health effects.
• Polyethylene microplastics (PE) are common environmental contaminants.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the harmful effects of PE microplastics on differentiated Caco-2 (D-Caco-2) intestinal cells.
• Assess the protective potential of Limoncella apple polyphenol extract (LAPE) against PE-induced damage.

Main Methods:

• D-Caco-2 cells were treated with PE, LAPE, or a combination.
• Evaluated cell viability (MTT assay) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay).
• Assessed F-actin organization, occludin, and NF-κB expression via immunofluorescence and Western blot.

Main Results:

• PE exposure reduced D-Caco-2 cell viability and impaired differentiation.
• PE increased lipid peroxidation and destructured F-actin organization.
• PE altered the expression of occludin, a key tight-junction protein.

Conclusions:

• PE exposure induces oxidative stress, leading to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and dedifferentiation in intestinal cells.
• LAPE demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• LAPE counteracted PE's harmful effects, suggesting its potential as a nutraceutical strategy for gastrointestinal protection.