Polystyrene Microplastics Exacerbate Systemic Inflammation in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity.

ABSTRACT: Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as environmental pollutants with potential implications for human health. Considering the rapid increase in obesity rates despite stable caloric intake, there is a growing concern about the link between obesity and exposure to environmental pollutants, including MPs. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation utilizing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches to explore the brain distribution and physiological effects of MPs. Molecular docking simulations were performed to assess the binding affinity of three plastic polymers (ethylene, propylene, and styrene) to immune cells (macrophages, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ lymphocytes). The results revealed that styrene exhibited the highest binding affinity for macrophages. Furthermo

SUBMITTER: Lee AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10419071 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature