Impact of Environmental Microplastic Exposure on Caco-2 Cells: Unraveling Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy Activation

Hana Najahi (), Nicola Alessio, Massimo Venditti, Gea Oliveri Conti, Margherita Ferrante, Giovanni Di Bernardo, Umberto Galderisi, Sergio Minucci and Mohamed Banni
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Hana Najahi: Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology LR21AGR02, Sousse University, Chott-Mariem, Sousse 4042, Tunisia
Nicola Alessio: Department of Experimental Medicine, “Luigi Vanvitelli” Campania University, 81038 Napoli, Italy
Massimo Venditti: Department of Experimental Medicine, “Luigi Vanvitelli” Campania University, 81038 Napoli, Italy
Gea Oliveri Conti: Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA), Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G. F. Ingrassia, Catania University, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
Margherita Ferrante: Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA), Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G. F. Ingrassia, Catania University, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
Giovanni Di Bernardo: Department of Experimental Medicine, “Luigi Vanvitelli” Campania University, 81038 Napoli, Italy
Umberto Galderisi: Department of Experimental Medicine, “Luigi Vanvitelli” Campania University, 81038 Napoli, Italy
Sergio Minucci: Department of Experimental Medicine, “Luigi Vanvitelli” Campania University, 81038 Napoli, Italy
Mohamed Banni: Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology LR21AGR02, Sousse University, Chott-Mariem, Sousse 4042, Tunisia

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants that have raised concerns due to their potential toxic impacts on human health. This study investigates the impact of polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on Caco-2 cells, a commonly used in vitro model for the intestinal barrier. Caco-2 cells were exposed to MPs of different sizes (1 µm and 2.6 µm) for 72 h. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in cell viability, accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, suggesting oxidative-stress-induced cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry and Western blot analyses revealed that the MPs induced apoptosis, as evidenced by an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 activation. Additionally, MPs triggered autophagy, indicated by elevated LC3-II levels and decreased p62 expression. The use of bafilomycin A1 further confirmed the enhancement of autophagic flux. These findings highlight the potential cytotoxic effects of MPs on intestinal epithelial cells, raising concerns about their impact on human health.

Keywords: microplastics; Caco-2 cells; oxidative stress; apoptosis; autophagy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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