Nanopolystyrene translocation and fetal deposition after acute lung exposure during late-stage pregnancy

Abstract

Background Plastic is everywhere. It is used in food packaging, storage containers, electronics, furniture, clothing, and common single-use disposable items. Microplastic and nanoplastic particulates are formed from bulk fragmentation and disintegration of plastic pollution. Plastic particulates have recently been detected in indoor air and remote atmospheric fallout. Due to their small size, microplastic and nanoplastic particulate in the atmosphere can be inhaled and may pose a risk for human health, specifically in susceptible populations. When inhaled, nanosized particles have been shown to translocate across pulmonary cell barriers to secondary organs, including the placenta. However, the potential for maternal-to-fetal translocation of nanosized-plastic particles and the impact of nanoplastic deposition or accumulation on fetal health remain unknown. In this study we investigated whether nanopolystyrene particles can cross the placental barrier and deposit in fetal tissues after maternal pulmonary exposure. Results Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 20 nm rhodamine-labeled nanopolystyrene beads (2.64 × 1014 particles) via intratracheal instillation on gestational day (GD) 19. Twenty-four hours later on GD 20, maternal and fetal tissues were evaluated using fluorescent optical imaging. Fetal tissues were fixed for particle visualization with hyperspectral microscopy. Using isolated placental perfusion, a known concentration of nanopolystyrene was injected into the uterine artery. Maternal and fetal effluents were collected for 180 min and assessed for polystyrene particle concentration. Twenty-four hours after maternal exposure, fetal and placental weights were significantly lower (7 and 8%, respectively) compared with controls. Nanopolystyrene particles were detected in the maternal lung, heart, and spleen. Polystyrene nanoparticles were also observed in the placenta, fetal liver, lungs, heart, kidney, and brain suggesting maternal lung-to-fetal tissue nanoparticle translocation in late stage pregnancy. Conclusion These studies confirm that maternal pulmonary exposure to nanopolystyrene results in the translocation of plastic particles to placental and fetal tissues and renders the fetoplacental unit vulnerable to adverse effects. These data are vital to the understanding of plastic particulate toxicology and the developmental origins of health and disease.

Investigating the current status of COVID-19 related plastics and their potential impact on human health

“… Type of study MP size Polymer type Exposure methods Dosage and time Findings Ref. MPs translocation from the lung to the placenta 20 nm Polypropylene Intratracheal instillation during gestation 2.64 × 10 14 MPs, 24 h The exposure resulted in the translocation of MPs to placental and fetal tissues and rendered the fetoplacental unit vulnerable to adverse effects [ 57 ] MPs in human-derived cells 25–200 μm Polypropylene Addition to cultures (media) of somatic cells, blood cells, and murine immune cells 0.1–4.5 mg per well, 24 h MPs induced and triggered pro-inflammatory cytokines that caused a local immune response [ 51 ] MPs and various phthalate esters (PAEs) on human lung epithelial cells 100 nm Polystyrene Addition to cells MPs at 10, 20, 100, 200, 500 or 1000 μg mL −1 , 24 h Cells exhibited changes in viability, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reaction. [ 52 ] MPs on human cells 1 and 10 μm Polystyrene Addition to cells 0.05–100 μg mL −1 , 24, 48, 72, and 96 h Exposure significantly retards cell proliferation and triggered morphological changes [ 53 ] MPs in human-derived cells 5−25 μm, 25–75 μm, and 75–200 μm Polystyrene Dispersed in cell culture medium 1000, 100, and 10 μg mL −1 , 1 day and 4 days MPs increased acute inflammation, cell death by chemical toxicity, and induced cell membrane damage by physical toxicity [ 54 ] MPs on human intestinal epithelial cells 0.05–0.1 μm and 0.04–0.09 μm Polystyrene Exposure in cell culture medium 1–100 μg mL −1 , 24 or 48 h Cells uptake and internalized MPs, however, no toxic effects were observed.…”

Newly Emerging Airborne Pollutants: Current Knowledge of Health Impact of Micro and Nanoplastics

“…Very recently, a study also ascertained the presence of microplastics in the placenta of pregnant women, causing concern in the scientific community and confirming what was previously only conceivable [126]. The translocation in the placental barrier can also occur after inhalation, as observed in rats after inhalation of rhodamine-labeled nanopolystyrene beads [127], highlighting the possibility of airborne MPs to determine toxicity in organs other than the respiratory system.…”

Considering Intrauterine Location in a Model of Fetal Growth Restriction After Maternal Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Inhalation

“…Other environmental exposures, such as cadmium, are known to cause changes at the transcriptional level to the glucose transport proteins (GLUTs), impairing fetal glucose transfer (Xu et al, 2016). Alternatively, physical sedimentation of particles within the placenta may be causing physical blockage of fetal nutrient transfer (D'Errico et al, 2019;Fournier et al, 2020). Additional studies are required to understand potential placental molecular mechanisms that link exposure to nano-TiO 2 to FGR outcomes.…”