Nanoplastics cause mitochondrial damage to liver and lung cells when ingested, finds study

22 Sep 2022 --- A study conducted by researchers in Hong Kong reveals the harmful effects of ingested microplastics on liver and lung cell function from mitochondrial impairment. With increasing awareness and concern surrounding nanoplastic (NP) ingestion, the research reveals the damage it causes.  

The liver and lung cells underwent metabolic changes when exposed to plastics. The NPs caused several metabolic processes within the cell to be disrupted and altered and some of the mitochondria pathways became dysfunctional.

Microplastics, including NP,  are increasingly found in the environment, particularly in oceans and waterways. Plastic debris has been proven to end up in food sources; therefore, discovering its effects on the human body is essential for potential legislation to be put in place to prevent it. 

Study findings 
A research team subjected human liver and lung cells to microplastics 80 nanometers across. They observed as the particles entered the cells within two days. 

Nanoplastics pose a health threat to liver and lung cells when ingested, shows a recent study. The more the cells were subjected to NPs, the more they released reactive oxygen species, amino acids, peptides and other compounds, which caused metabolic changes. 

It was clear that the plastics negatively impacted the mitochondria, causing damage through overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, alterations in the mitochondrial membrane potential and suppression of mitochondrial respiration. 

According to the researchers, the evidence shows that ingesting microplastics could cause fundamental cell alterations that threaten organs.

Where the plastics come from
Microplastics have been reported in broad and dangerous areas, from the Antarctic snow to human blood cells.

“Humans routinely ingest NPs from plastic-contaminated food, which is one of the primary routes of NP exposure,” says the study. 

Meanwhile, researchers found that sub-micron plastics are absorbed by plants, allowing them to enter the food chain. Even if not through plants, microplastics have been found in variable concentrations of blue mussels on some southern Australian beaches. 

To counteract the rising number of microplastics discovered in concerning areas, The European Commission released a draft proposal on restricting intentionally-added microplastics from various packaging, cosmetics, sports pitches and other general materials. 

EU proposal targets microplastic health hazards but scientist highlights “no credible evidence” (packaginginsights.com).

However, much more legislation is needed to combat the rising issue of NPs properly. They have been proven to not only pose a threat to the environment but people as well. 

Edited By Sabine Waldeck 

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