P1.30. OXIDATIVE STRESS IN PRIMARY MICROGLIAL CELLS DUE TO EXPOSURE TO PLASTIC NANOPARTICLES
Kamil Adamiak1,2, Lidia Strużyńska1
1 Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences (5 Adolfa Pawińskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland)
2 Doctoral School of Translational Medicine, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education (99/103 Marymoncka Street, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland)
INTRODUCTION: Plastic is a material with a wide range of applications across various industries, with polystyrene (PS) being most popular in commercial sectors. Its widespread use contributes to the increased occurrence of micro- (MP) and nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment, which raises concerns about their harmful impact on living organisms. Their prevalence creates a risk of increased exposure and raises questions about their long-term effects, especially on the central nervous system after crossing the blood-brain barrier.
AIM(S): Therefore, we determined the effect of PS-NPs on primary microglial cells in vitro, with particular emphasis on oxidative stress, which underlies many neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases.
METHOD(S): Commercially purchased PS-NPs were suspended in culture medium and administered at concentrations of 1, 25 and 50 µg/mL for 24-48 h to primary microglial cells that were collected from the brain of Wistar pups. Fluorescently labelled PS-NPs were visualized after staining the cells with the microglial marker (IBA-1) and the images were assessed by confocal microscopy. Reagent kits were used to analyze cell viability (MTT, LDH) and evaluate the levels of oxidative stress markers.
RESULTS: Exposure to PS-NPs led to decreased viability of primary microglial cultures in time- and concentration depended manner. The cells were characterized by morphological changes caused by excessive phagocytosis-dependent intracellular accumulation of particles. The presence of oxidative stress markers, such as increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), was observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Overproduction of ROS due to oxidative stress can induce irreversible changes in microglial proteins and lipids. Moreover, constant exposure to plastic NPs can lead to the development of neuroinflammation, potentially contributing to neurological disorders.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: The study was financed by Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences (Warsaw, Poland) grant no FBW-07/2024.