Microplastic-induced NAFLD: Hepatoprotective effects of nanosized selenium

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety Vol. 272; p. 115850
• Main Authors: Shen, Qi, Liu, Yun Jie, Qiu, Tian Tian, Loon k, San, Zhou, DongHai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01.03.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Liver lipid accumulation; NAFLD; Nanoparticle; Polystyrene; SeNPs; Transcriptome and metabolome; NAFLD; Liver lipid accumulation; Polystyrene; Transcriptome and metabolome; Nanoparticle; SeNPs
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115850

Polystyrene microplastics (MPs) are persistent environmental pollutants commonly encountered in daily human life. Numerous studies have demonstrated their ability to induce liver damage, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid accumulation. However, limited information exists regarding preventive measures against this issue. In our study, we investigated the potential preventive role of selenium nanoparticles (YC-3-SeNPs) derived from Yak-derived Bacillus cereus, a novel nanobiomaterial known for its antioxidant properties and lipid metabolism regulation. Using transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we identified key genes and metabolites associated with oxidative stress and lipid metabolism imbalance induced by MPs. Upregulated genes (Scd1, Fasn, Irs2, and Lpin) and elevated levels of arachidonic and palmitic acid accumulation were observed in MP-exposed mice, but not in those exposed to SeNPs. Further experiments confirmed that SeNPs significantly attenuated liver lipid accumulation and degeneration caused by MPs. Histological results and pathway screening validated our findings, revealing that MPs suppressed the Pparα pathway and Nrf2 pathway, whereas SeNPs activated both pathways. These findings suggest that MPs may contribute to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while SeNPs hold promise as a future nanobio-product for its prevention. [Display omitted] •Microplastics are novel factors inducing the development of NAFLD.•2. Combined transcriptome and metabolome reveal the effects of Microplastics and Nano Selenium on the liver.•Microplastics inhibit hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation capacity and oxidative stress.•Nano Selenium alleviate hepatic lipid accumulation and lipid peroxidation caused by Microplastics.