Effects of true-to-life PET nanoplastics using primary human nasal epithelial cells

Since inhalation is a relevant exposure route, studies using appropriate micro/nanoplastic (MNPLs) models, representative targeted cells, and relevant biomarkers of effect are required. We have used lab-made polyethylene terephthalate (PET)NPLs obtained from PET plastic water bottles. Human primary...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Annangi, Balasubramanyam|||0000-0002-1479-138X, Villacorta, Aliro|||0000-0003-2737-4232, Vela, Lourdes|||0000-0002-5785-8441, Tavakolpournegari, Alireza|||0000-0002-1555-7149, Marcos Dauder, Ricardo|||0000-0001-7891-357X, Hernández Bonilla, Alba|||0000-0001-6938-1233
Format: article
Publication Date:2023
Country:España
Institution:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repository:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:275143
Online Access:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/275143
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.1016/j.etap.2023.104140
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Nanoplastics
PET
HNEpCs
Uptake
Oxidative stress
Mitochondrial membrane potential
Autophagy
Description
Summary:Since inhalation is a relevant exposure route, studies using appropriate micro/nanoplastic (MNPLs) models, representative targeted cells, and relevant biomarkers of effect are required. We have used lab-made polyethylene terephthalate (PET)NPLs obtained from PET plastic water bottles. Human primary nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) were used as a model of the first barrier of the respiratory system. Cell internalization and intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) induction, as well as the effects on mitochondria functionality and in the modulation of the autophagy pathway, were evaluated. The data indicated significant cellular uptake and increased levels of iROS. Furthermore, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed in the exposed cells. Regarding the effects on the autophagy pathway, PETNPLs exposure significantly increases LC3-II protein expression levels. PETNPLs exposure also induced significant increases in the expression of p62. This is the first study showing that true-to-life PETNPLs can alter the autophagy pathway in HNEpCs.