Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Collection of Alfalfa Root Exudates to Study the Impact of Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Metabolite Production
06:46

Collection of Alfalfa Root Exudates to Study the Impact of Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Metabolite Production

Published on: June 2, 2023

Phenylalanine metabolism as a key pathway in polystyrene microplastics-induced abnormal macrophage polarization:

Meihong Guo1, Songci Yan2, Yu Tang2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; Department of Environment Health, Nanjing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210003, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.

Chemico-Biological Interactions
|June 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) trigger inflammation in pregnancy by altering macrophage function, leading to fetal growth restriction. A phenylalanine-restricted diet can mitigate these adverse effects.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive immunology
  • Environmental toxicology
  • Metabolomics

Background:

  • Microplastics are linked to reproductive toxicity and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • The impact of microplastics on the maternal-fetal immune microenvironment is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on maternal-fetal immune cells.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of microplastic-induced fetal growth restriction.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of macrophage polarization at the maternal-fetal interface.
  • Proteomic analysis to identify affected metabolic pathways.
  • Investigation of the phenylpyruvic acid-ceramide-MAPK signaling axis.
  • Assessment of dietary interventions (phenylalanine restriction).

Main Results:

  • PS-MPs accumulate in macrophages, promoting a pro-inflammatory phenotype and fetal growth restriction.
  • Microplastic exposure alters phenylalanine metabolism, increasing intracellular phenylpyruvic acid.
  • Phenylpyruvic acid disrupts macrophage function by targeting acid ceramidase-1, increasing ceramide and activating the MAPK/ATF2/COX2 pathway.
  • A phenylalanine-restricted diet reversed these effects.

Conclusions:

  • PS-MPs induce adverse pregnancy outcomes by dysregulating maternal-fetal interface macrophages via a metabolic-immune pathway.
  • Phenylpyruvic acid is a key mediator of microplastic-induced inflammation and fetal growth restriction.
  • Targeting metabolic pathways offers a novel approach to mitigate microplastic-associated pregnancy complications.
Keywords:
Acid ceramidase-1Fetal growth restrictionPhenylpyruvic acidPolystyrene microplastics

More Related Videos

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants07:08

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants

Published on: March 6, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Inborn Errors of Metabolism01:20

Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a protein metabolism disorder characterized by high blood levels of the amino acid phenylalanine. This results from a mutation in the gene responsible for phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. When this enzyme is deficient, phenylalanine builds up in the blood, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, seizures, growth deficiency, and severe mental retardation. An early diagnosis and a diet restricting phenylalanine intake...
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics01:28

Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic polymer widely utilized in the packaging industry, particularly for bottles and containers. Due to its chemical stability and durability, PET accumulates in the environment, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. It comprises repeating units of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure that is resistant to natural degradation processes.A notable breakthrough in plastic biodegradation came with the...
Bioplastics01:27

Bioplastics

Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...