What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate the effects of polyethylene microplastics on oxidative stress and inflammation in Caco-2 cells and evaluate the protective role of limoncella apple extract.

March 1, 2026Open Access

Oxidative and Inflammatory Damage by Environmental Polyethylene Microplastics in Caco-2 Cells Is Prevented by Polyphenol-Rich Limoncella Apple Extract.

Key Points

To investigate the effects of polyethylene microplastics on oxidative stress and inflammation in Caco-2 cells and evaluate the protective role of limoncella apple extract.
In vitro experiments using Caco-2 cells
Exposure to polyethylene microplastics (PE)
Treatment with limoncella apple extract (LAPE)
Assessment of oxidative stress and epithelial-mesenchymal transition
PE increases oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells
PE triggers epithelial-mesenchymal transition and dedifferentiation
LAPE counteracts the harmful effects of PE
LAPE shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Abstract

Our findings show that PE increases oxidative stress, triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition and dedifferentiation in Caco-2 cells. Interestingly, LAPE, owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, counteracted the harmful effects of PE, suggesting its potential as a nutraceutical strategy to prevent MP-induced damage in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

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Cite This Study

Lama et al. (Thu,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a3d747ec16d51705d2dbaf https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1155/omcl/3136395

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