Polystyrene Exposure Research Articles

Changes in Cardiovascular Structure and Physiology Following Polystyrene Nanoparticle Exposure

Background 
 Microplastic (MP) pollution has been a growing concern in recent decades due to the proliferation and ease of manufacturing regarding plastics products. Polystyrene (PS), being one the most abundant plastic polymers, is the subject of frequent studies due to its ubiquitous nature. Trophic transfer, inhalation, and dermal exposure are all routes by which humans may be exposed to MPs every day. There are undoubtedly more physiological consequences than we are currently aware of; however, many of these concerns are beginning to be better understood. Their distribution throughout the body dictates the potential threats to human health. The cardiovascular system is potentially the most susceptible, as it is the first medium the MPs are exposed to after entering the body. Consequently, the cardiovascular system and thrombus generation is one such area where much recent attention has been allocated. 
 Project Methods 
 Data was gathered from a variety of well-established research articles to review the relationship between PS exposure and thrombus formation in vivo. Additionally, this review looks at documented effects of MPs on platelet aggregation and discusses mechanisms through which these pathologies take place. 
 Results 
 PS plastics have varying impact on thrombus formation contingent upon both surface modifications and particle size. Aminated PS appears to be the most potent regarding the generation of thrombi in vivo. Literature on platelet aggregation is more consistent, with most studies revealing that carboxylated and aminated forms enhance aggregation while unmodified PS had insignificant effects. 
 Conclusion/Potential Impact 
 There is substantial ambiguity surrounding this field and more studies need to be conducted to reveal the full extent of pathologies caused by PS microplastics. Most studies have been done with marine life, which may not accurately reflect MPs effects in humans. Further research will allow us to begin developing viable solutions for those most susceptible to cardiovascular diseases.

Investigations of acute effects of polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride micro- and nanoplastics in an advanced in vitro triple culture model of the healthy and inflamed intestine

The continuous degradation of plastic waste in the environment leads to the generation of micro- and nanoplastic fragments and particles. Due to the ubiquitous presence of plastic particles in natural habitats as well as in food, beverages and tap water, oral exposure of the human population with plastic particles occurs worldwide. We investigated acute toxicological effects of polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) micro- and nanoparticles in an advanced in vitro triple culture model (Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12/THP-1) mimicking the healthy and inflamed human intestine to study the effect of inflammatory processes on plastic particle toxicity. We monitored barrier integrity, cytotoxicity, cell layer integrity, DNA damage, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) and mucus distribution after 24 h of particle exposure. In addition, we investigated cytotoxicity, DNA damage and IL-1β release in monocultures of the three cell lines. Amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (PS–NH2) served as a positive control for particle-induced toxicity. No acute effects in the investigated endpoints were observed in the model of the healthy intestine after PS or PVC exposure. However, during active inflammatory processes, exposure to PVC particles was found to augment the release of IL-1β and to cause a loss of epithelial cells. Our results suggest that prevalent intestinal inflammation might be an important factor to consider when assessing the hazard of ingested micro- and nanoplastic particles.

Impacts of polystyrene microplastics on the behavior and metabolism in a marine demersal teleost, black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii).

After nano- (0.5 μm) or micro- (15 μm) polystyrene (PS) microplastics exposure, the behavior, metabolism and energy reserve in marine demersal fish (Sebastes schlegelii) were evaluated. The behavior of fish was accurately recorded by video behavior tracking technology. Results showed that changes in behavior (e.g. cluster, the reduction of swimming speed and range of movement) were significantly greater in 15-μm PS-exposed fish, which may affect hunting behavior and exploration competence. Oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion of fish was significantly greater in 15-μm PS treatment than in 0.5-μm PS treatment, suggesting respiration and metabolism stress. Moreover, the abnormal behavior, respiration and ammonia excretion of PS-exposed fish had recovered modestly. In addition, abnormal symptoms of bile, liver and lumen of intestine were detected in 15-μm PS exposure. Importantly, the growth and gross energy of fish were reduced in 15-μm PS exposure than 0.5-μm PS exposure. Both 0.5-μm and 15-μm PS exposures led to significantly lower protein and lipid contents, suggesting energy reserve and nutrition quality reduction of fish. Overall, microplastics had the negative impact at greater levels than nanoplastics. Altered behavior, energy reserve and nutritional quality of fish indicated the potential risk on biological functions, the development of fishery and food safety.