Effect of micro- and nanoplastic particles on human macrophages

In this podcast, our AI podcasters discuss a study exploring how tiny plastic particles, called micro- and nanoplastics, affect certain immune cells in the human body. These particles can enter immune cells from both a lab-grown cell line and directly from human blood cells. The researchers used advanced imaging techniques to see how these plastic particles are taken up by the cells. They also looked at how exposure to these plastics changes the cells' energy use, whether they cause damage, how they behave, and if they produce more harmful molecules. The study found that higher amounts of these plastics can lead to cell damage and trigger the production of chemicals that might be harmful. This highlights the need for more research to understand how plastic pollution could impact human health.

Summary:
In this podcast, our AI podcasters discuss a research article investigating the impact of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on human macrophages, focusing on their uptake, localization, and potential effects on macrophage function. The study uses two models: the human monocytic cell line THP-1 and primary human macrophages differentiated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and live cell imaging, the researchers demonstrate that both THP-1 cells and primary human macrophages actively engulf polystyrene micro- and nanobeads (MNBs). They further observe that the uptake of MNBs is concentration-dependent and that higher concentrations of MNBs are associated with increased cell death, specifically necrosis, in primary human macrophages. While no significant effect on macrophage polarization is observed, the study reveals a notable increase in nitric oxide (NO) production in primary human macrophages exposed to MNBs, highlighting the potential for MNP-induced changes in macrophage function and the importance of further research on the precise effects of MNPs on human health.

Read the full paper here:
Effect of micro- and nanoplastic particles on human macrophages
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030438942400832X

Maike Y Adler, Insaf Issoual, Michael Rückert, Lisa Deloch, Carola Meier, Thomas Tschernig, Christoph Alexiou, Felix Pfister, Anja Frm Ramsperger, Christian Laforsch, Udo S Gaipl, Katharina Jüngert, Friedrich Paulsen J Hazard Mater. 2024 Jun 5:471:134253.doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134253. Epub 2024 Apr 11.

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