Randomized trial assesses lung toxicity from micro and nano polyethylene particles in rats, suggesting potential health risks.
Key Points
This study aims to characterize the pulmonary toxicity of micro- and nano polyethylene particles following intratracheal instillation in rats and assess the reversibility of effects.
Intratracheal instillation of PE-MPs and PE-NPs at doses of 0, 40, 80, and 120 μg per rat once a week for 13 weeks.
Examination of lung tissue alterations and inflammatory responses post-mortem after a 4-week recovery period.
Measurement of cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) and C-reactive protein levels in both male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.
Observable lung tissue alterations occurred at ≥40 μg per rat for both PE-MPs and PE-NPs.
IL-1β and TNF-α secretion was significantly higher in females while IL-6 levels increased more in males.
Lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) for both particle types is below 40 μg per rat for both sexes.