Microplastics and Oxidative Stress—Current Problems and Prospects

Microplastics and Oxidative Stress—Current Problems and Prospects

8 May 2024 | Kornelia Kadac-Czapska, Justyna Ośko, Eliza Knez and Małgorzata Grembecka
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles ranging from 0.1 to 5000 µm in size that have become a major environmental concern due to their widespread presence and potential health risks. MPs can cause oxidative stress (OS), a condition linked to aging and various diseases. This review examines the relationship between MPs and OS, focusing on the mechanisms by which MPs induce OS, the effects of OS on cells and tissues, and the analytical methods used to study these effects. MPs can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact and have been found in blood samples. They are classified into primary and secondary MPs based on their origin. Primary MPs are intentionally manufactured, while secondary MPs result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. MPs can cause OS through various mechanisms, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the disruption of cellular processes. OS is characterized by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, leading to cellular damage. ROS are produced through various pathways, including the electron transport chain, oxidation of cellular components, and the action of respiratory proteins. The body has defense mechanisms, such as enzymes like SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST, to manage ROS. However, environmental factors and exposure to MPs can overwhelm these defenses, leading to OS. MPs can cause OS by increasing ROS levels, disrupting antioxidant enzyme activity, and damaging cellular structures. This can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and cell death. Studies have shown that MPs of different sizes and concentrations can induce varying degrees of OS, with smaller particles having greater effects. MPs can also interact with other harmful substances, such as bisphenols and phthalates, to increase toxicity. The review highlights the need for further research to understand the full extent of MPs' impact on health and the environment. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and mitigation strategies to address the growing environmental crisis caused by MPs. The study also discusses the analytical methods used to assess OS, including the measurement of ROS, oxidative damage markers like LPO and DNA damage, and the evaluation of antioxidant enzyme activity. These methods are crucial for understanding the mechanisms by which MPs induce OS and for developing effective strategies to mitigate their harmful effects.Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles ranging from 0.1 to 5000 µm in size that have become a major environmental concern due to their widespread presence and potential health risks. MPs can cause oxidative stress (OS), a condition linked to aging and various diseases. This review examines the relationship between MPs and OS, focusing on the mechanisms by which MPs induce OS, the effects of OS on cells and tissues, and the analytical methods used to study these effects. MPs can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact and have been found in blood samples. They are classified into primary and secondary MPs based on their origin. Primary MPs are intentionally manufactured, while secondary MPs result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. MPs can cause OS through various mechanisms, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the disruption of cellular processes. OS is characterized by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, leading to cellular damage. ROS are produced through various pathways, including the electron transport chain, oxidation of cellular components, and the action of respiratory proteins. The body has defense mechanisms, such as enzymes like SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST, to manage ROS. However, environmental factors and exposure to MPs can overwhelm these defenses, leading to OS. MPs can cause OS by increasing ROS levels, disrupting antioxidant enzyme activity, and damaging cellular structures. This can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and cell death. Studies have shown that MPs of different sizes and concentrations can induce varying degrees of OS, with smaller particles having greater effects. MPs can also interact with other harmful substances, such as bisphenols and phthalates, to increase toxicity. The review highlights the need for further research to understand the full extent of MPs' impact on health and the environment. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and mitigation strategies to address the growing environmental crisis caused by MPs. The study also discusses the analytical methods used to assess OS, including the measurement of ROS, oxidative damage markers like LPO and DNA damage, and the evaluation of antioxidant enzyme activity. These methods are crucial for understanding the mechanisms by which MPs induce OS and for developing effective strategies to mitigate their harmful effects.
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Understanding Microplastics and Oxidative Stress%E2%80%94Current Problems and Prospects