Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO788

Effects of Nanoplastic Particles on the Kidney

Session Information

• Glomerular Diseases: Mechanisms and Podocyte Biology
  October 25, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Glomerular Diseases

• 1401 Glomerular Diseases: Mechanisms, including Podocyte Biology

Authors

• Yarbakht, Melina, Universitatsklinikum Erlangen Medizinische Klinik 4 Nephrologie und Hypertensiologie, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany

Melina Yarbakht, PhD

• Hinrichs, Michelle, Universitatsklinikum Erlangen Medizinische Klinik 4 Nephrologie und Hypertensiologie, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany

Michelle Hinrichs, MSc

• Hecker, Marie, Universitatsklinikum Erlangen Medizinische Klinik 4 Nephrologie und Hypertensiologie, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany

Marie Hecker

• Kocademir, Mustafa, Fraunhofer-Institut fur Keramische Technologien und Systeme IKTS - Standort Forchheim, Forchheim, Bayern, Germany

Mustafa Kocademir, MSc, PhD

• Mirzaei, Zeynab, Innovative Institute for Nanotechnology and Correlative Microscopy e.v. INAM, Forcheim, Germany

Zeynab Mirzaei

• Schiffer, Mario, Universitatsklinikum Erlangen Medizinische Klinik 4 Nephrologie und Hypertensiologie, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany

Mario Schiffer, MD, DrMed, MBA

• Müller-Deile, Janina, Universitatsklinikum Erlangen Medizinische Klinik 4 Nephrologie und Hypertensiologie, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany

Janina Müller-Deile, MD, DrMed

Background

Nanoplastic particles as a new type of emerging pollutant have become a huge scientific concern. Due to the common existence of plastic particles, they have a potential effect on human health. However, it is not known if these particles can reach the kidney or have disease causing potential.

Methods

Fluorescence-labelled carboxylated polystyrene nanoplastic particles with a size of 0.05 μm were used to scan their potential effect on kidney cells. Cultured immortalized human podocytes and human glomerular endothelial cells as well as zebrafish larvae were exposed to the particles. Quantitative PCR, cell viability tests and phalloidin staining were performed after particle exposure. 3D construction models visualized the location of particles. Furthermore, tracking of particle uptake in both cultured glomerular cells and zebrafish was done by immunofluorescent microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.

Results

Both, podocytes and glomerular endothelial cells were able to take up polystyrene nanoplastic particles although expression of cell specific markers did not seem to be affected. However, morphology and cytoskeleton of cells were altered due to the particle showing their general effect on glomerular cells. Nanoplastic particles were incorporated in the zebrafish larvae through the digestive system and they could also be detected in the glomerular region of larvae. Electron microscopy revealed the ultrastructural localization of the particles. In zebrafish with glomerular damage nanoparticle were more likely to pass the glomerular basement membrane to reach the podocytes.

Conclusion

Polystyrene nanoplastic particles can be incorporated via the digestive system, reach the kidney and be taken up by glomerular cells which is facilitated in glomerular diseased state with impaired glomerular filtration barrier.

Funding

• Government Support – Non-U.S.