Zellbiologische und systemische inflammatorische Effekte von Polystyrol-Partikeln
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Abstract
This study investigates the biological effects of PS particles at the cellular level and across
various organ systems using an experimental mouse model. The pervasiveness of
microplastics in the environment has been well-documented, with detection in human
biological samples including blood, stool, and tissues. However, the precise accumulation
patterns, mechanisms of translocation within the circulatory system, and potential health
risks remain to be fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to examine the effects
of PS particles on epithelial cells, the gastrointestinal tract, atherosclerosis development,
as well as the liver, spleen, and kidneys in greater detail.
Experiments on epithelial cells were performed using the HEK-293 cell line. While no
evidence of cellular toxicity was observed, a significant induction of pro-inflammatory
genes, including TNF, IL6, and CXCL8, was detected. Furthermore, PS particle exposure led
to a reduction in F11R, suggesting a potential impairment of the epithelial barrier.
Analysis of intestinal gene expression after PS particle exposure revealed time-dependent
changes, including upregulation of Il1b in the stomach and Muc2 in the ileum, while no
alterations were detected in the colon. Additionally, the intestinal microbiota was
assessed. The results showed altered bacterial diversity, with an increase in
Flavonifractor, Drancourtella, Hydrogenaerobacterium and a decrease in Luteimonas
and Dehalobacter, which may indicate modulation of the gut microbiome by PS particles.
Another aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PS particles on atherosclerosis
progression. In vitro experiments revealed no increase in foam cell formation, and Apoe-
deficient mice did not exhibit a significant rise in atherosclerotic plaque development or
vascular inflammation following PS particle exposure.
In the liver, a significant upregulation of Saa1 was observed after six weeks of PS particle
exposure, while inflammatory markers and fibrosis-associated genes remained
unchanged. Histological analyses showed no notable lipid accumulation.
In the spleen, Il6 expression was significantly elevated 24 hours after a single PS particle
exposure. However, no sustained inflammatory activation was observed after six weeks
of repeated exposure. In the kidneys, no significant changes in pro-inflammatory markers
were detected at either time point.
This study provides new insights into the biological effects of microplastics, particularly
polystyrene, on multiple organ systems. While no pronounced inflammatory or toxic
effects were observed, some findings suggest a potential for long-term risks. To better
understand the health implications of microplastic exposure, further research is needed using more realistic exposure models that incorporate a broader range of particle sizes,
polymer types, and chemical additives.
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Dates
Issued: 2026-02-09
Faculty
FB20:Medizin
Language
de
Data types
DoctoralThesis
Keywords
MikroplastikNanoplastikPolystyrolAtheroskleroseInflammationMikrobiomEndothelEpithel
DFG-subjects
2.22-12 - Kardiologie, Angiologie
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Trippel, Nicole: Zellbiologische und systemische inflammatorische Effekte von Polystyrol-Partikeln. : 2026-02-09.
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Except where otherwised noted, this item's license is described as Attribution 4.0 International