Nanoplastics and Arsenic Co-Exposures Exacerbate Oncogenic Biomarkers under an In Vitro Long-Term Exposure Scenario

Abstract

The increasing accumulation of plastic waste and the widespread presence of its derivatives, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs), call for an urgent evaluation of their potential health risks. In the environment, MNPLs coexist with other known hazardous contaminants and, thus, an interesting question arises as to whether MNPLs can act as carriers of such pollutants, modulating their uptake and their harmful effects. In this context, we have examined the interaction and joint effects of two relevant water contaminants: arsenic and polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPLs), the latter being a model of nanoplastics. Since both agents are persistent pollutants, their potential effects have been evaluated under a chronic exposure scenario and measuring different effect biomarkers involved in the cell transformation process. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts deficient for oxidative DNA damage repair mechanisms, and showing a cell transformation status, were used as a sensitive cell model. Such cells were exposed to PSNPLs, arsenic, and a combination PSNPLs/arsenic for 12 weeks. Interestingly, a physical interaction between both pollutants was demonstrated by using TEM/EDX methodologies. Results also indicate that the continuous co-exposure enhances the DNA damage and the aggressive features of the initially transformed phenotype. Remarkably, co-exposed cells present a higher proportion of spindle-like cells within the population, an increased capacity to grow independently of anchorage, as well as enhanced migrating and invading potential when compared to cells exposed to arsenic or PSNPLs alone. This study highlights the need for further studies exploring the long-term effects of contaminants of emerging concern, such as MNPLs, and the importance of considering the behavior of mixtures as part of the hazard and human risk assessment approaches.

Interactions of Ingested Polystyrene Microplastics with Heavy Metals (Cadmium or Silver) as Environmental Pollutants: A Comprehensive In Vivo Study Using Drosophila melanogaster

“…In view of such complications, this fruit fly species stands out as the most convenient model among all alternative testing models [ 7 , 53 , 54 ]. Moreover, pressure from the public and animal rights institutions has forced researchers to conduct in vitro studies instead of experimenting on mammals [ 8 , 55 , 56 ]. Therefore, they have recently resorted to using lower eukaryotic models such as fruit flies ( D. melanogaster) [ 7 , 57 , 58 ], zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) [ 59 , 60 ], and roundworms ( Caenorhabditis elegans ) [ 61 ].…”

Microplastics Affect the Inflammation Pathway in Human Gingival Fibroblasts: A Study in the Adriatic Sea

“…As reported in the recent literature, MPs can also cause harm to the respiratory tract and reproductive system of animals [45][46][47]. Some studies have summarized the possible mechanisms that contribute to negative effects on human health as cell internalization of MPs particles producing cytotoxic effects [42,48,49], increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), the induction of DNA damage and the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine release [50].…”

Drosophila melanogaster as a dynamic in vivo model organism reveals the hidden effects of interactions between microplastic/nanoplastic and heavy metals

“…After all, metal pollution is known to pervade in the soil, water, and air across the globe (Islam et al, 2018), so MNPLs mingle with heavy metal particles in the same environments and accommodate the generation of MNPLs/metal complexes that may escape into a wide range of aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial environments, which inevitably come into contact with all the food chains in a unique ecosystem. However, the current literature contains only a handful of studies to study their impact on microorganisms or terrestrial and marine animals (Barguilla et al, 2022;Domenech et al, 2021;Hodson et al, 2017;Imran et al, 2019). On that note, it appears that we need an urgent hazard assessment for the effects of MNPLs in combination with adsorbed metals.…”

“…Considering these issues, D. melanogaster appears to be the best candidate among many alternative in vivo experimental organisms (Alaraby et al, 2016;Demir et al, 2022). Although in vivo mammalian models such as rats and mice are important model organisms for risk assessment, there is strong pressure to replace the use of laboratory animals with in vitro studies (Barguilla et al, 2022;Domenech et al, 2021;Hartung & Sabbioni, 2011). There is an increasing trend for researchers to use lower eukaryotic in vivo models, such as D. melanogaster (Alaraby et al, 2016(Alaraby et al, , 2022Demir et al, 2022), the zebra fish (Danio rerio) (Pedersen et al, 2020;Teng et al, 2022), and/or the roundworm (Caenorhabditis elegans) (Jewett et al, 2022), as in vitro cultured cells do not completely mimic processes occurring in the whole organism.…”