Metabolomics Reveal Nanoplastic-Induced Mitochondrial Damage in Human Liver and Lung Cells

Lin, Siyi1,2; Zhang, Hongna1; Wang, Chen3; Su, Xiu-Li1; Song, Yuanyuan1; Wu, Pengfei1; Yang, Zhu1; Wong, Ming-Hung4; Cai, Zongwei1; Zheng, Chunmiao2

2022-08-01

10.1021/acs.est.2c03980

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY   Impact Factor & Quartile

0013-936X

1520-5851

Plastic debris in the global biosphere is an increasing concern, and nanoplastic (NPs) toxicity in humans is far from being understood. Studies have indicated that NPs can affect mitochondria, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The liver and lungs have important metabolic functions and are vulnerable to NP exposure. In this study, we investigated the effects of 80 nm NPs on mitochondrial functions and metabolic pathways in normal human hepatic (L02) cells and lung (BEAS-2B) cells. NP exposure did not induce mass cell death; however, transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the NPs could enter the cells and cause mitochondrial damage, as evidenced by overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, alterations in the mitochondrial membrane potential, and suppression of mitochondrial respiration. These alterations were observed at NP concentrations as low as 0.0125 mg/mL, which might be comparable to the environmental levels. Nontarget metabolomics confirmed that the most significantly impacted processes were mitochondrial-related. The metabolic function of L02 cells was more vulnerable to NP exposure than that of BEAS-2B cells, especially at low NP concentrations. This study identifies NP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic toxicity pathways in target human cells, providing insight into the possibility of adverse outcomes in human health.

plastic particles cytotoxicity mitochondria electron transport chain energy metabolism

SCI ; EI

English

NI Journal Papers

Corresponding

Hong Kong General Research Fund[12303321] ; National Science Foundation of China[41890852]

Engineering ; Environmental Sciences & Ecology

Engineering, Environmental ; Environmental Sciences

WOS:000848402100001

AMER CHEMICAL SOC

20223712702976

Biological organs ; Cell death ; Electron transport properties ; High resolution transmission electron microscopy ; Metabolism ; Toxicity

Biological Materials and Tissue Engineering:461.2 ; Health Care:461.7 ; Biology:461.9 ; Optical Devices and Systems:741.3

ENVIRONMENT/ECOLOGY

Web of Science

1.Hong Kong Baptist Univ, Dept Chem, State Key Lab Environm & Biol Anal, Hong Kong, Peoples R China
2.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Sch Environm Sci & Engn, State Environm Protect Key Lab Integrated Surface, Shenzhen, Peoples R China
3.Chinese Res Inst Environm Sci, State Key Lab Environm Criteria & Risk Assessment, Beijing, Peoples R China
4.Educ Univ Hong Kong, Dept Sci & Environm Studies, Consortium Hlth Environment Educ & Res CHEER, Hong Kong 999077, Peoples R China

Lin, Siyi,Zhang, Hongna,Wang, Chen,et al. Metabolomics Reveal Nanoplastic-Induced Mitochondrial Damage in Human Liver and Lung Cells[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY,2022.

Lin, Siyi.,Zhang, Hongna.,Wang, Chen.,Su, Xiu-Li.,Song, Yuanyuan.,...&Zheng, Chunmiao.(2022).Metabolomics Reveal Nanoplastic-Induced Mitochondrial Damage in Human Liver and Lung Cells.ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY.

Lin, Siyi,et al."Metabolomics Reveal Nanoplastic-Induced Mitochondrial Damage in Human Liver and Lung Cells".ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (2022).