The effect of polystyrene nanoplastics on arsenic-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells

Lei He; Zifan Lu; Yuanyuan Zhang; Linhong Yan; Lihua Ma; Xiaoling Dong; Zijie Wu; Zhenqing Dai; Baoyi Tan; Ruikun Sun; Shengli Sun; Chengyong Li

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (Jan 2024)

The effect of polystyrene nanoplastics on arsenic-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells

Lei He,
Zifan Lu,
Yuanyuan Zhang,
Linhong Yan,
Lihua Ma,
Xiaoling Dong,
Zijie Wu,
Zhenqing Dai,
Baoyi Tan,
Ruikun Sun,
Shengli Sun,
Chengyong Li

Affiliations

Lei He: School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
Zifan Lu: School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China; Corresponding author.
Yuanyuan Zhang: Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China
Linhong Yan: Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China
Lihua Ma: Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China
Xiaoling Dong: Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China
Zijie Wu: School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
Zhenqing Dai: School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
Baoyi Tan: School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
Ruikun Sun: School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
Shengli Sun: School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
Chengyong Li: School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China; Corresponding author at: School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 269
p. 115814

Abstract

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Microplastics are detrimental to the environment. However, the combined effects of microplastics and arsenic (As) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of polystyrene (PS) microplastics and As on HepG2 cells. The results showed that PS microplastics 20, 50, 200, and 500 nm in size were taken up by HepG2 cells, causing a decrease in cellular mitochondrial membrane potential. The results of lactate dehydrogenase release and flow cytometry showed that PS microplastics, especially those of 50 nm, enhanced As-induced apoptosis. In addition, transcriptome analysis revealed that TP53, AKT1, CASP3, ACTB, BCL2L1, CASP8, XIAP, MCL1, NFKBIA, and CASP7 were the top 10 hub genes for PS that enhanced the role of As in HepG2 cell apoptosis. Our results suggest that nano-PS enhances As-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, this study is important for a better understanding of the role of microplastics in As-induced hepatotoxicity.

Published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

ISSN: 0147-6513 (Print); 1090-2414 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Technology: Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering: Environmental pollution; Geography. Anthropology. Recreation: Environmental sciences
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/ecotoxicology-and-environmental-safety

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