American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Feb 2024
Inhalable Textile Microplastic Fibers Impair Airway Epithelial Differentiation.
Rationale: Microplastics are a pressing global concern, and inhalation of microplastic fibers has been associated with interstitial and bronchial inflammation in flock workers. However, how microplastic fibers affect the lungs is unknown. Objectives: Our aim was to assess the effects of 12 × 31 μm nylon 6,6 (nylon) and 15 × 52 μm polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) textile microplastic fibers on lung epithelial growth and differentiation. ⋯ Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of Hoxa5 after exposure to nylon fibers. Inhibiting Hoxa5 during nylon exposure restored airway organoid formation, confirming Hoxa5's pivotal role in the effects of nylon. Conclusions: These results suggest that components leaching from nylon 6,6 may especially harm developing airways and/or airways undergoing repair, and we strongly encourage characterization in more detail of both the hazard of and the exposure to microplastic fibers.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Feb 2024
Editorial CommentLymphangioleiomyomatosis: No Longer Ultra-Rare.