Mitochondrial bioenergetic function in bone cells exposed to polystyrene microplastic.

• Grant number: 24/08138-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Bueno de Oliveira
• Grantee: Daniela Annunziata Masaro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Environmental contamination by microplastics (MP), plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm, is a growing concern due to their ubiquity, particularly polystyrene, a common type of MP found in the environment. Several studies have documented the adverse effects of PS on mitochondrial dysfunction in different cells, including cells from the cardiovascular, renal and neurological systems, among others. However, there are still gaps in understanding how polystyrene can affect bone cell mitochondria. Objectives: This study aims to understand mitochondrial bioenergetic function in bone cells exposed to polystyrene, specifically cells of the MG-63 lineage. Intend to evaluate whether exposure to polystyrene changes the rate of oxygen consumption in different respiratory states (basal, maximum and in the absence of oxidative phosphorylation) and the rate of glucose consumption and lactate production of these cells. The aim is to understand the relationship between the rate of mitochondrial incorporation of polystyrene and the effects observed in cells. Materials and methods: Non-carboxylated polystyrene, composed of microspheres measuring 0.47µm in diameter, will be used in this study. Bone cells of the MG-63 line will be cultivated in DMEM medium with fetal bovine serum and penicillin/streptomycin, with different concentrations of polystyrene or vehicle (PBS). Subsequently, cells will be analyzed for mitochondrial bioenergetic function using an Oroboros O2k high-resolution oxygen flow analyzer. Specific protocols will be established to analyze mitochondrial respiration and glucose consumption and lactate production in cells treated with polystyrene. Furthermore, mitochondrial incorporation of polystyrene will be estimated through fluorescence determination of isolated mitochondria. Expected results: Exposure to polystyrene is expected to cause disturbances in mitochondrial bioenergetic function in bone cells.