Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 06, 2024 5 days, 18 hours, 8 minutes ago
Medical News: Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are tiny particles that have emerged as a significant environmental threat. These plastics are not only prevalent in the oceans but have also entered the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. A recent study sheds light on how these particles affect our health, focusing on inflammation and aging. Researchers from Florida State University, including the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Institute of Molecular Biophysics, have contributed to this groundbreaking work.
The Hidden Health Threat of Microplastics and Nanoplastics
This
Medical News report explores the study’s key findings, which highlight the molecular and cellular impacts of MNP exposure, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular senescence. These processes are linked to aging and various chronic diseases, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
How Microplastics Affect the Body
Microplastics are formed when larger plastic materials break down into tiny particles, while nanoplastics are even smaller, often invisible to the naked eye. These particles can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Once inside, they interact with cells and tissues, causing damage at a microscopic level.
This study reveals that MNP exposure leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), molecules that can damage cells. The oxidative stress caused by these molecules harms DNA, proteins, and lipids, which are essential components of cells. Such damage may not only lead to immediate cellular dysfunction but also accelerate the aging process and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
Key Findings of the Study
-Oxidative Stress and Cellular Damage
One of the significant discoveries is how MNPs contribute to oxidative stress. These particles act as electron donors, triggering chemical reactions that produce ROS. The damage caused by ROS includes:
-DNA Damage: Oxidatively damaged DNA can lead to mutations, increasing cancer risks.
-Protein and Lipid Oxidation: This process impairs cell structures and functions.
-Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The cell’s energy producers are damaged, leading to energy deficits and further ROS production. Researchers observed that the smaller the particle, the more significant the damage. For instance, aged or weathered microplastics tend to produce more ROS than fresh ones, exacerbating their toxic effects.
-Inflammation: The Body’s Response to Foreign Invaders
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to harmful substances. However, prolonged inflammation can lead to chronic diseases. MNP exposure was found to activate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α. This response:
g>1)Triggers Chronic Inflammation: Linked to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.
2)Induces Cellular Senescence: The process where cells stop dividing, contributing to aging.
In laboratory experiments, cells exposed to MNPs showed increased inflammatory markers and reduced cell viability. This suggests that MNPs not only harm individual cells but also disrupt overall tissue health.
-Cellular Senescence and Aging
The study highlights how MNPs accelerate cellular aging. Senescence occurs when cells are damaged beyond repair and stop functioning properly. The researchers observed increased levels of markers like p21 and p16 in cells exposed to MNPs, which are hallmarks of aging.
Interestingly, MNP exposure also affected reproductive cells in animal studies, with evidence showing that the damage could be passed to offspring. This finding raises concerns about the potential multigenerational impacts of plastic pollution.
Broader Implications for Public Health
The health impacts of MNPs are not limited to individual cells or organs. Chronic exposure could contribute to:
-Neurodegenerative Disorders: Inflammation in the brain caused by MNP exposure may lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
-Cardiovascular Problems: Damage to blood vessels and the heart is another potential risk.
-Impaired Reproductive Health: The effects on reproductive cells suggest potential fertility issues.
Moreover, the study emphasizes that no one is immune to this exposure. Microplastics have been found in human placenta, lungs, liver, and even stool samples, indicating their pervasive presence in the body.
Conclusion
The findings from this study underscore the urgent need to address the growing threat of microplastics and nanoplastics. These particles are not just an environmental issue but a pressing public health concern. By causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular senescence, MNPs accelerate aging and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
Efforts must be made to reduce plastic pollution and find alternatives to plastic materials. Furthermore, increased research into the health impacts of MNPs is necessary to develop effective mitigation strategies.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Cells.
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/13/21/1788
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/microplastics-linked-to-colorectal-cancer-and-inflammatory-bowel-disease
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/microplastics-in-water-are-threatening-our-urinary-tract
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/microplastics-causes-innate-immunity-dysregulation-in-covid-19-infected-lungs
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/microplastics-found-in-testicular-tissue
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/microplastics-found-in-human-blood-a-new-health-threat
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-indian-researchers-warn-that-microplastics-in-waste-water-could-be-aiding-sars-cov-2-transmission
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/microplastics-found-in-human-digestive-systems-and-faeces-across-the-world,-new-study-reveals
Share
Tweet
Share
