Polystyrene nanoplastics mediate oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis in a human alveolar epithelial cell line

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1385387
• Publication Date: 2024-05-10T05:08:14Z
• Authors: Cristina Milillo; Eleonora Aruffo; Piero Di Carlo; Antonia Patruno; Marco Gatta; Annalisa Bruno; Melania Dovizio; Lisa Marinelli; Marilisa Pia Dimmito; Viviana Di Giacomo; Cecilia Paolini; Mirko Pesce; Patrizia Ballerini
• Keywords: SOD2; Interleukin 8

Background Nanoplastics, an emerging form of pollution, are easily consumed by organisms and pose a significant threat to biological functions due their size, expansive surface area, potent ability penetrate systems. Recent findings indicate increasing presence airborne nanoplastics in atmospheric samples, such as polystyrene (PS), raising concerns about potential risks the human respiratory system. Methods This study investigates impact 800 nm diameter-PS nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on A549, lung adenocarcinoma cell line, examining viability, redox balance, senescence, apoptosis, internalization. We also analyzed expression hallmark genes these processes. Results demonstrated that PS-NPs diameter significantly affected inducing oxidative stress, cellular apoptosis. penetrated cytoplasm A549 cells. These triggered transcription comprised antioxidant network [SOD1 (protein name: superoxide dismutase 1, soluble), SOD2 2, mitochondrial), CAT catalase), Gpx1 glutathione peroxidase 1), HMOX1 heme oxygenase 1)], senescence-associated secretory phenotype [Cdkn1a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A), IL1A interleukin 1 alpha), IL1B beta), IL6 6), CXCL8 C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8)], others involved apoptosis modulation [BAX Bcl2 associated X, regulator), CASP3 caspase 3), BCL2 Bcl2, regulator)]. Conclusion Collectively, this investigation underscores importance concentration (dose-dependent effect) exposure duration pivotal factors assessing toxic effects alveolar epithelial Greater attention needs be directed toward comprehending cancer development with air pollution ensuing environmental toxicological impacts humans other terrestrial mammals.