Adverse effect of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on tube formation and viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Abstract

Environmental contamination by microplastics (MPs) is an emerging concern in recent years due to associated adverse impacts of MPs on potential human health problems. Endothelial dysfunction is a condition in which the endothelial layer fails to form normally, and is associated with impaired vascular function. Despite the fact that MPs are known to enter the circulation system through intestinal epithelium, little has been known whether MPs impact the normal function of endothelial cells and the formation of vasculature. In the current study, we investigated the effect of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on tube formation and cytotoxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our study showed that the treatment of HUVECs with PS-MPs significantly decreased cell viability, with intracellular accumulation occurring in a dose- and size-dependent manner. Moreover, significant dose-dependent inhibition of angiogenic tube formation was observed in HUVECs treated with 0.5 μm PS-MPs; this effect was accompanied by suppression of angiogenic signaling pathways and inhibitory activity against wound healing and cell migration. Regarding the mechanism of decreased viability, we observed increased autophagic and necrotic cell death. These results indicate that 6-h exposure of endothelial cells to PS-MPs represses tube-forming capacity, while 48-h exposure leads to autophagy and necrosis-mediated cytotoxicity.