What are the associations of different types of microplastics with DNA methylation?5 answersDifferent types of microplastics exhibit varying associations with DNA methylation. Studies have shown that microplastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) have high efficiency in adsorbing DNA, with interactions facilitated by aromatic rings. Additionally, metal ions like Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+ can promote DNA adsorption onto microplastics, with transition metals inducing higher adsorption capacities compared to Mg2+. Furthermore, exposure to plastic-derived compounds like bisphenol A and phthalates has been linked to DNA methylation changes, potentially leading to transgenerational disease susceptibilities. These findings highlight the complex interactions between different microplastics, metal ions, and plastic-derived compounds in influencing DNA methylation patterns and their implications for health.
Distribution of nanoplastic particles in tissues in mice?4 answersNanoplastic particles (NP) distribution in tissues of mice has been extensively studied. Research indicates that orally administered NP accumulate in the intestine, kidneys, and liver, with higher levels in the intestine, inducing severe inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in these organs. Studies on rodent models exposed to micro- and nanoplastics show particle accumulation in various tissues, leading to local inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disruptions, affecting gastrointestinal, hepatic, and reproductive functions. Furthermore, molecular imaging techniques have been employed to track polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in mammals, revealing that the majority of these particles remain in the gastrointestinal tract and are eliminated through feces, highlighting the importance of studying the in vivo behavior and potential toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics.
Deposition of nanoplastic particles in tissues and organs?5 answersNanoplastic particles have been shown to deposit in various tissues and organs following exposure. Studies have demonstrated that nanopolystyrene particles can cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal tissues after maternal pulmonary exposure, affecting fetal and placental weights significantly. A method for detecting nanoscale plastic particles in animal biological samples has been developed, allowing for the extraction and detection of these particles in tissues and organs, providing insights into exposure risks and health impacts. Nanoplastics have been found to enter organisms through respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, accumulating in the liver and potentially causing multi-organ dysfunction, highlighting the deleterious effects on physiological functions. Additionally, a fluorescence-based methodology has been proposed for the detection of polystyrene nanoparticles in biological tissues, offering a simple and rapid detection method with a high sensitivity for nanoplastics.
Are nanoplastic particles accumulating in tissues or organs in mouse experiments?4 answersNanoplastic particles have been shown to accumulate in various tissues and organs in mouse experiments. Studies have demonstrated that rodents exposed to micro- and nanoplastics exhibit particle accumulation in tissues such as the intestine, kidneys, and liver. Specifically, in vivo experiments with ICR mice revealed that orally administered nanoplastics were detected in the intestine, kidneys, and liver, with higher accumulation in the intestine. Additionally, the presence of nanoplastics in tissues induced severe inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, as evidenced by increased expression of inflammatory response proteins and cytokines, along with elevated oxidative stress markers in the liver, kidneys, and intestine of exposed mice. These findings highlight the potential for nanoplastic accumulation and associated biological responses in mammalian tissues following exposure.
What are the environmental and biological impacts of nanoplastics?5 answersNanoplastics have environmental and biological impacts. They can act as vectors for the transfer of co-contaminants and pathogenic microbial communities, and can release plastic additives and monomers, which can have adverse effects on the environment and biota. Nanoplastics can also absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from the environment, increasing their bioavailability in living organisms. Studies have shown that nanoplastics can have toxic effects on freshwater organisms, affecting their behaviour and potentially impacting populations. Additionally, the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) can exacerbate the adverse effects of nanoplastics on microbial communities, such as delaying denitrification processes in bacteria. Overall, the environmental and biological impacts of nanoplastics include the transfer of contaminants, release of additives and monomers, increased bioavailability of POPs, behavioural effects on organisms, and disruption of microbial processes.
What are nanoplastics made of?5 answersNanoplastics are pieces of plastic debris that can be found in various environments such as air, soil, freshwater bodies, seas, biota, and our diet. They are made of mixed shapes and chemical compositions, and their prevalence and risks to living organisms are still not well understood. Nanoplastics are considered colloids and their fate is influenced by interfacial properties, Trojan horse properties, and stability in aqueous media. They can be present in significant quantities in nature due to the production, use, and disposal of synthetic plastic products. Nanoplastics can also be ingested by organisms and have the potential to cross cellular boundaries, leading to adverse toxic effects. However, the hazards associated with nanoplastics are still unknown.