| Title: |
Virgin and photo-degraded microplastics induce the activation of human vascular smooth muscle cells |
| Authors: |
Elisa Persiani, Antonella Cecchettini, Sofia Amato, Elisa Ceccherini, Ilaria Gisone, Agnese Sgalippa, Chiara Ippolito, Valter Castelvetro, Tommaso Lomonaco, Federico Vozzi |
| Source: |
Scientific Reports, Vol 15, Iss 1, Pp 1-13 (2025) |
| Publisher Information: |
Nature Portfolio, 2025. |
| Publication Year: |
2025 |
| Collection: |
LCC:Medicine
LCC:Science |
| Subject Terms: |
Microplastics, Vascular smooth muscle cells, Phenotypic switch, Polyethylene, Polystyrene, Medicine, Science |
| More Details: |
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environmental issue due to their accumulation in ecosystems and living organisms. Increasing evidence shows that MPs impact vascular function, with recent studies finding MPs in atheromas linked to cardiovascular events. Since vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are crucial to maintaining vascular function, this study examined how MPs activate VSMCs, leading to cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. The study used polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS), common in food packaging, as “virgin” or photo-degraded to simulate environmental conditions. VSMC viability, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, inflammation, and activation markers were evaluated. PE and PS affected VSMC viability, induced apoptosis, and triggered pathological changes such as altered migration and proliferation. Key markers like RUNX-2 and galectin-3, which regulate cardiovascular pathology, were activated, alongside the inflammasome complex. In conclusion, MPs can induce harmful activation of VSMCs, posing potential health risks through inflammation, cell damage, and phenotypic changes. Understanding these toxic mechanisms may reveal critical pathways for intervention and prevention. |
| Document Type: |
article |
| File Description: |
electronic resource |
| Language: |
English |
| ISSN: |
2045-2322 |
| Relation: |
https://doaj.org/toc/2045-2322 |
| DOI: |
10.1038/s41598-025-89006-z |
| Access URL: |
https://doaj.org/article/87733bc425b04576beaa604bd9bf15a0 |
| Accession Number: |
edsdoj.87733bc425b04576beaa604bd9bf15a0 |
| Database: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |
