Examining the cause and cellular physiology of apoptosis caused by microplastics introduced into the brain

Successful identification of the cause and cellular physiology of apoptosis caused by microplastics introduced into the brain
Cellular changes during oral administration of microplastics. Credit: DGIST

Plastic waste, amounting to 8 million tons annually, turns into microplastics (MPs) through constant exposure to UV rays and sea waves. These MPs are consumed by lower-level organisms such as plankton, posing a threat to humans at the top of the food chain.

The research team conducted an experiment in which MPs of 2㎛ or less in size were administered orally to mice for 7 days in order to elucidate the hazards of MPs. The team discovered that nano-plastics with the size of 2㎛ or less even passed through the 'blood-brain barrier' that prevents the brain uptake of hazardous substances. It was highly unusual to observe solids such as MPs, passed through the brain-.

Additionally, the team also revealed that MPs accumulate in in the brain by applying immunohistochemistry. Through the experiments conducted on the MPs of different sizes(0.2㎛, 2㎛, 10㎛), the team was able to confirm that MPs of less than 2㎛ accumulated in the cytoplasm of microglial and significantly decreased the cell proliferation ability after several tens of hours. The team explained that microglial cells recognize MPs as an external threat, leading to microglial phagocytosis, which causes apoptosis following changes in cellular morphology.

The also confirmed the effect of MPs on the murine brain, along with changes in immune responses at the level of molecular biology. From the early stage of MPS administration, M1 marker and M2 macrophage marker which are specifically expressed in microglial cells, were decreased. After 7 days, both markers decreased sharply and apoptosis rapidly increased. Such decrease indicates that when MPs accumulate over a certain period of time, they can act as neurotoxic substances inducing apoptosis in the brain.

Dr. Choi, a senior researcher at Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, commented, "The study shows that MPs, especially MPs with the size of 2㎛ or less, start to be deposited in the brain even after short-term ingestion within 7 days, resulting in apoptosis, and alterations in immune responses, and inflammatory responses. He further mentioned, "Based on the findings of this research, we plan to conduct additional research that can further reveal the accumulation of MPs and the mechanism of neurotoxicity."

The research was conducted owing to the support of a research grant from the 'Risk Assessment of MPs' project, one of the key projects of DGIST Convergence Research Institute. The research was carried out in collaboration with the research teams of Prof. Jin-Kyu Park and Jee Eun Han at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University. The results were published online in Science of the Total Environment.

More information: Wookbong Kwon et al, Microglial phagocytosis of polystyrene microplastics results in immune alteration and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, Science of The Total Environment (2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150817

Journal information: Science of the Total Environment
Provided by DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)
Citation: Examining the cause and cellular physiology of apoptosis caused by microplastics introduced into the brain (2021, November 23) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-11-cellular-physiology-apoptosis-microplastics-brain.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Physical activity may improve Alzheimer's disease outcomes by lowering brain inflammation

8 shares

Feedback to editors