Nanoplastics can affect human colon and brain cells

12-01-2024

Exposure to nanoplastics can lead to changes in the permeability of the intestinal barrier, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and behavioural disorders. They can alter the permeability of the intestinal barrier, induce oxidative stress, trigger neurotoxicity, and lead to behavioral disorders. This discovery stems from a recent study conducted by Joana Antunes, a PhD student at the NOVA School of Science and Technology (NOVA FCT) and a researcher at MARE, as part of the Nanoplastox project coordinated by the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon (FFUL).

These tiny particles possess the ability to traverse cell membranes in the human body, making them more readily ingested and absorbed. The study underscores their capacity to interfere with receptor membranes in intestinal cells, consequently activating inflammatory processes. The implications for human health are concerning, as this increases the risk of developing allergies, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer.

Upon confirming that nanoplastics' presence in human intestinal and brain cells can induce inflammation, researchers are now entering a new phase of the study. This phase involves analyzing mixtures of these particles with other environmental contaminants, such as benzopyrene, a hydrocarbon found in tobacco smoke.

The team from MARE and FFUL aims to gain insights by exposing a variety of cells (human and fish) in the intestine, brain, and liver to these mixtures. The liver, being the site of vital detoxification processes, will offer valuable information on our body's defense mechanisms against these particles.

The study, titled "Nanoplastics activate a TLR4/p38-mediated pro-inflammatory response in human intestinal and mouse microglia cells," can be found published here.

Press

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