Polystyrene microplastics induce an immunometabolic active state in macrophages

Abstract

Anti-and pro-in ammatory responses in macrophages are in uenced by cellular metabolism.Macrophages are the primary phagocyte in mucosal environments (i.e., intestinal tract and lungs) acting as rst-line defense against microorganisms and environmental pollutants. Given we now face extensive microplastic contamination of our food and water sources, we aimed to examine the metabolic response in macrophages to microplastic particles (MP). Utilizing murine macrophages, we assessed the metabolic response of macrophages after polystyrene MP phagocytosis. The phagocytosis of MP by macrophages induced a metabolic shift toward glycolysis and a reduction in mitochondrial respiration that was associated with an increase of cell surface markers CD80 and CD86 and cytokine gene expression associated with glycolysis. The gastrointestinal consequences of this metabolic switch in the context of an immune response remains uncertain but the global rise of plastic pollution and MP ingestion potentially pose an unappreciated health risk.

Impact of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Mitochondria

“…MNP-exposed macrophages revealed a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, which suggests that phagocytosis of MNPs by murine macrophages can induce an immunometabolic active state [ 70 ]. These findings suggest a significant impact of alterations in macrophage metabolism caused by MNP exposure on immunity and inflammation.…”

Defining the Chemical Additives Driving In Vitro Toxicities of Plastics

“…Plastics can cause adverse health effects through both physical- and chemical-mediated pathways. Notably, the large surface areas of nano- and microplastics can interrupt local biomolecular complexes and invoke downstream effects including inflammation, oxidative stress, , and apoptosis . Chemical-mediated toxicity is a more significant concern for larger plastics that cannot directly enter the human body ( e.g., food contact materials) through potential leaching or desorption of additives.…”

The geno-toxicological impacts of microplastic (MP) exposure on health: mechanistic pathways and research trends from a Chinese perspective

“…Studies have shown that macrophages do not degrade MPs, and this also leads to increased intracellular glycolysis and reduced mitochondrial respiration. 73 In conclusion, exposure to MPs can cause inflammatory responses in animals such as fish, mice, and humans, and MPs can provide a good growth environment for microorganisms to enhance their damage to the body. In addition, the inflammatory response caused by MPs is inextricably linked to its diameter, shape, and surface roughness.…”