Repeated-oral dose toxicity of polyethylene microplastics and the possible implications on reproduction and development of the next generation

Park, Eun Jung; Han, Ji Seok; Seong, Eunsol; Lee, Gwang Hee; Kim, Dong Wan; Son, Hwa Young; Han, Hyoung-Yun; Lee, Byoung‐Seok

doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.01.008

Cited by 165 publications

(89 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Little, if anything, is known about how exposure to NMPs affects the developing human immune system. However, mouse dams fed NMPs in drinking water displayed a dose-dependent increase in immunoglobulin A levels, fewer mature dendritic cells, and an increased ratio of helper/cytotoxic T-cells (Park et al 2020). The dendritic cell phenotype was recapitulated in male, but not female, pups, whereas the T-cell population in pups of both sexes was skewed toward helper T-cells.…”

Section: Toxicologymentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Children’s Health Perspective on Nano- and Microplastics

Sripada

Wierzbicka

Abass

et al. 2022

Environ Health Perspect

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Background: Pregnancy, infancy, and childhood are sensitive windows for environmental exposures. Yet the health effects of exposure to nano- and microplastics (NMPs) remain largely uninvestigated or unknown. Although plastic chemicals are a well-established research topic, the impacts of plastic particles are unexplored, especially with regard to early life exposures. Objectives: This commentary aims to summarize the knowns and unknowns around child- and pregnancy-relevant exposures to NMPs via inhalation, placental transfer, ingestion and breastmilk, and dermal absorption. Methods: A comprehensive literature search to map the state of the science on NMPs found 37 primary research articles on the health relevance of NMPs during early life and revealed major knowledge gaps in the field. We discuss opportunities and challenges for quantifying child-specific exposures (e.g., NMPs in breastmilk or infant formula) and health effects, in light of global inequalities in baby bottle use, consumption of packaged foods, air pollution, hazardous plastic disposal, and regulatory safeguards. We also summarize research needs for linking child health and NMP exposures and address the unknowns in the context of public health action. Discussion: Few studies have addressed child-specific sources of exposure, and exposure estimates currently rely on generic assumptions rather than empirical measurements. Furthermore, toxicological research on NMPs has not specifically focused on child health, yet children’s immature defense mechanisms make them particularly vulnerable. Apart from few studies investigating the placental transfer of NMPs, the physicochemical properties (e.g., polymer, size, shape, charge) driving the absorption, biodistribution, and elimination in early life have yet to be benchmarked. Accordingly, the evidence base regarding the potential health impacts of NMPs in early life remains sparse. Based on the evidence to date, we provide recommendations to fill research gaps, stimulate policymakers and industry to address the safety of NMPs, and point to opportunities for families to reduce early life exposures to plastic. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9086

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Toxicologymentioning

confidence: 99%

A Children’s Health Perspective on Nano- and Microplastics

Sripada

Wierzbicka

Abass

et al. 2022

Environ Health Perspect

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“…In mice, exposure to PE microplastics (10-150 μm, 20 and 200 μg/g, for 5 weeks) modified the serum levels of IL1α and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor G-CSF, decreased the regulatory T cell count, and increased the proportion of Th17 cells in splenocytes [93]. The crossgenerational effects of PE exposure (7 μm, 0.125 to 2 mg/day/mouse, for 90 days) have been also studied in the mouse: blood neutrophil counts and IgA levels were elevated in dams, and spleen lymphocytes were altered in both dams and offspring [116].…”

Section: In Vivo Immunotoxicity Of Nano-and Microplastics In Vertebratesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immunotoxicity and intestinal effects of nano- and microplastics: a review of the literature

2020

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Background Together with poor biodegradability and insufficient recycling, the massive production and use of plastics have led to widespread environmental contamination by nano- and microplastics. These particles accumulate across ecosystems - even in the most remote habitats - and are transferred through food chains, leading to inevitable human ingestion, that adds to the highest one due to food processes and packaging. Objective The present review aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding the effects of nano- and microplastics on intestinal homeostasis. Methods We conducted a literature search focused on the in vivo effects of nano- and microplastics on gut epithelium and microbiota, as well as on immune response. Results Numerous animal studies have shown that exposure to nano- and microplastics leads to impairments in oxidative and inflammatory intestinal balance, and disruption of the gut’s epithelial permeability. Other notable effects of nano- and microplastic exposure include dysbiosis (changes in the gut microbiota) and immune cell toxicity. Moreover, microplastics contain additives, adsorb contaminants, and may promote the growth of bacterial pathogens on their surfaces: they are potential carriers of intestinal toxicants and pathogens that can potentially lead to further adverse effects. Conclusion Despite the scarcity of reports directly relevant to human, this review brings together a growing body of evidence showing that nano- and microplastic exposure disturbs the gut microbiota and critical intestinal functions. Such effects may promote the development of chronic immune disorders. Further investigation of this threat to human health is warranted.

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“…Similar observations were made by Hou et al (44), who observed a reduction in viable sperm count, higher sperm deformity, and increased expression of proinflammatory factors such as nuclear factor kappa B, IL-1β, and IL-6, along with decrease in anti-inflammatory molecules in ICR mice treated orally with water containing 60 to 70 μg/day of 5-μm PS particles for 35 days. In a different study, the number of live births per dam was decreased upon treatment of ICR male and female mice with PE (~17 μm; 0.125 or 2 mg/kg) orally for 90 days (84). Weight of pups at 6 h after birth was also significantly lower in the 2-mg/kg parental treatment group.…”

Section: Toxicological Consequences Of Mp and Np Exposure In Rodentsmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…The T helper 17 and T regulatory cells are required for immune homeostasis and have opposite actions: T helper 17 cells cause inflammation and autoimmunity and T regulatory cells impede these processes (62). In a different study, the ratio of T helper cells to cytotoxic T cells in spleen demonstrated a dosedependent increase in ICR mice treated with~17 μm PE (0.125 to 2 mg/day) for 90 days (84). Serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were also significantly increased in female mice, but IgE, IgG, and IgM levels were not affected.…”

Section: Toxicological Consequences Of Mp and Np Exposure In Rodentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Micro- and Nanoplastic-Mediated Pathophysiological Changes in Rodents, Rabbits, and Chickens: A Review

Banerjee

Shelver

2021

Journal of Food Protection

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Plastics provide tremendous societal benefits and are an indispensable part of our lives. However, fragmented plastics or those intentionally manufactured in small sizes (microplastics or nanoplastics) are of concern because they can infiltrate soils and enter the human food chain through trophic transfer. The pathophysiological impacts of micro/nanoplastics in humans are not characterized but their effects in terrestrial mammals may help elucidate their potential effects in human beings. Rodent studies have demonstrated that micro/nanoplastics can breach the intestinal barrier, accumulate in various organs, cause gut dysbosis, decrease mucus secretion, induce metabolic alterations, and cause neurotoxicity, amongst other pathophysiologic effects. Larger mammals such as rabbits can also absorb microplastics orally. In farm animals such as chicken, microplastics have been detected in the gut, thereby raising food safety concerns. This review mostly focuses on studies conducted to assess effects of micro/nanoplastic exposure through food and water in terrestrial mammals and farm animals including rodents, rabbit and chicken, identifies main knowledge gaps, and provides recommendations for further research to understand food-borne MP/NP toxicity in humans.

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Repeated-oral dose toxicity of polyethylene microplastics and the possible implications on reproduction and development of the next generation

Cited by 165 publications

References 52 publications

A Children’s Health Perspective on Nano- and Microplastics

A Children’s Health Perspective on Nano- and Microplastics

Immunotoxicity and intestinal effects of nano- and microplastics: a review of the literature

Micro- and Nanoplastic-Mediated Pathophysiological Changes in Rodents, Rabbits, and Chickens: A Review

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