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Polystyrene Nanoplastics Induce Inflammasome Activation in Nasal Epithelial Cells via ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial
Ji-Sun Kim1, Jeong-Min Oh2, Hyunsu Choi2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
Environmental Toxicology
|April 7, 2026
Summary
Inhaled polystyrene nanoplastics harm nasal cells by causing oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, activating inflammatory pathways. Antioxidant treatment may offer protection against these airborne pollutant effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Nanoplastics are increasingly recognized as airborne pollutants with potential to reach the nasal cavity.
- The impact of nanoplastics on nasal epithelial health, particularly inflammasome activation and cellular stress, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics on human nasal epithelial cells.
- To examine PS nanoplastics' role in NLRP3 inflammasome activation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial injury.
Main Methods:
- Human RPMI 2650 nasal epithelial cells were exposed to PS nanoplastics.
- Assessed cell viability, inflammasome proteins (NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1), reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels.
- Investigated mitochondrial ROS, SIRT1, AMPK, and the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
Main Results:
- PS nanoplastics reduced cell viability and increased inflammasome protein expression, peaking at moderate concentrations.
- Observed increased intracellular and mitochondrial ROS, decreased ATP levels, and mitochondrial depolarization.
- Downregulation of SIRT1 and AMPK was noted, with NAC mitigating these effects.
Conclusions:
- PS nanoplastics induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, and SIRT1-AMPK signaling dysregulation in nasal epithelial cells.
- These cellular changes promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation, potentially leading to pyroptosis.
- Findings highlight health risks of inhaled nanoplastics and suggest antioxidant strategies for protection.
