Purpose: Low-density polyethylene microplastics are ingested into the bloodstream and distributed to all the organ tissue, including the hippocampus, causing toxic effects. This research aimed to elucidate the responses of hippocampal neurons to microplastic in the blood based on the expressions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in hippocampal neurons, and blood serum amyloid beta 1– 42 (Aβ 42) levels using SMART PLS pathway analysis. Methods: This was a pure experimental research on Wistar rats with a post-test control group design. Five experimental groups (X1, X2, X3, X4, X5) were given 0.0375 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, and 0.6 mg of low-density polyethylene microplastics mixed in 2cc distilled water, respectively. Furthermore, except for control (C), the groups received microplastics an oral probe for 90 days. Results: The molecular response of hippocampal neurons of Wistar rats to microplastics in the blood significantly decreased SOD enzyme expression, while CAT enzyme was unaffected. It considerably increased neuronal membrane damage (expression of MDA), increased considerably neuronal deoxyribonucleic acid damage (expression of 8-OHdG), and decreased blood serum Aβ 42 levels (pathway analysis, all t-value > 1.96). Conclusion: The pathway analysis showed that hippocampal neurons were significantly affected by microplastic particles in the blood. Graphical Abstract:

Background: The primary effect of toluene on the respiratory tract following inhalation is irritation. This study was conducted to analyze the level of health risks and respiratory complaints due to toluene exposure by footwear craftsmen, in order to get scientific reference for Maximum Contaminant Level and working tenure restriction. Design and methods: A total of 51 footwear craftsmen from eight factories participated in this study. The toluene concentration in the work environment was measured according to National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health 1501. Moreover, data were collected using an American Thoracic Society standardized questionnaire to assess respiratory health effects. A characterization of risk model was to analyze the toluene exposure risk and suggest improvements. Results: The results showed toluene levels were over the Threshold Limit Value 20 ppm (138.88 ppm). The most commonly observed respiratory symptoms included coughing by 81.3% and cold by 85.7%, Symptoms of respiratory irritation by 72.7%, higher among workers who were highly exposed to toluene above the median. This is observed from the opportunity value (P-value) of toluene exposure with the characteristics the workers of each variable which was less than 0.05 work station and working tenure. Maximum Contaminant Level of toluene is 4.59 ppm, a safe working tenure restriction for toluene exposure is maximum 25 years. Conclusions: The recommended risk control measures include ventilation improvements, personal hygiene and protection of workers through periodic physical examinations.

Microplastics are the result of degradation of plastic waste in nature and contain various toxicological effects. It is estimated that humans inhale around 100,000 fine particles of plastic every day. The aim of this research is to determine whether exposure to microplastics in the air has an impact on human lungs. Data search in this study used four electronic databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and PubMed. 15 articles were included for analysis in this systematic review following a screening process of titles, abstract, and full texts that was based on clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Risk assessment to reduce data bias using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. Our findings from this systematic review show that airborne microplastic contamination has a negative effect on human lungs. It is recommended that government policies should be formed regarding the use of plastics so as to reduce airborne contamination.

Microplastic particles in the blood can cause damage to organs such as the brain. This study aimed to analyze the effect of microplastic particles in the blood on membrane damage (expression of malondialdehyde metabolites) and deoxyribonucleic acid damage (expression of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine metabolites) in hippocampus neurons of Wistar rats. Methods: Forty-two Wistar rats were used and equally divided into six groups. The study groups X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 was given 0.0375mg, 0.075mg, 0.15mg, 0.3mg, and 0.6mg of low-density polyethylene microplastic powder mixed with 2cc distilled water respectively, while the control group only given distilled water. Microplastic administration was carried out for 90 days. Results: Microplastic particles were found in the blood of Wistar rats. The level of microplastics particle was higher along with the higher exposure dose. The mean expression of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine metabolites in the hippocampal neurons in CA1 and CA3 areas were significantly increased with higher exposure doses (Kruskal-Wallis test p <0.01). The Spearmen’s correlation showed a strong relationship between the levels of microplastic particles in blood and the expression of metabolites malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (all p <0.01). Microplastic in the blood of Wistar rats has increased expression of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine metabolites in hippocampal neurons.

The lungs function as the organs responsible for the respiratory system and they are essential for breathing, where any dysfunction can impair the respiratory processes. Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that progresses slowly and is not contagious. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of airborne microplastic exposure on the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines, and on fibroblast cell formation in Rattus norvegicus Wistar strain rats. This research was a quantitative analytical study with a laboratory experimental approach that used experimental animals as research subjects. The research design was a true experimental design with a randomized posttest-only group design. The research was conducted at the molecular level, and the indicators measured were molecular biomarkers. This design involved dividing the experimental animals into six groups: a control group (X0) and five treatment groups (X1, X2, X3, X4, and X5), which received doses of 0.025, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/L, respectively. Biomarkers and microscopic changes were then measured after 90 days of treatment. In Wistar rats, microplastic exposure significantly increased the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines, which play an important role in the early phase of the inflammatory response in the lungs, as well as the formation of fibroblast cells as indicators of pulmonary fibrosis. Subchronic inhalation exposure to polyethylene microplastics significantly increased the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines, and the formation of fibroblast cells, leading to pulmonary fibrosis.

Background: Plasmodium vivax is transmitted most across the country of Indonesia. The country has set out a malaria elimination program by 2030. The information on genetic diversity of malarial parasites relates to malaria transmission in an endemic area may provide the information that can help the malaria control program to achieve the target. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of the Pvmsp-1 gene in Central Kalimantan Province. Materials and Methods: Samples were 140 of archived Giemsa-stained blood smear and rapid detection test. Samples were divided into the indigenous and migrant populations. After confirmation by single-step PCR, only P. vivax and mixed infection samples were amplified to nested PCR for genotyping of Pvmsp-1 allelic variation in segments F1, F2, and F3. Results: Genotyping of 23 PCR positive samples resulted in 13 genotypes. In segment F1, three allelic variants type A containing subtype A1 (1,050 bp), A2 (350 bp), A3 (150 bp), and type B (100 bp). In segment F2, mono genotypes were detected as variant type A (1,050 bp) and type B3 (150 bp), multiple genotypes were detected as type B containing subtype B1 (250 bp), B2 (200 bp), and B3 (150bp). In segment F3, three allelic variants generated from four mono genotypes were type A (350 bp), type B (300 bp), and two type C (250 bp). Conclusion: The low allelic variation of Pvmsp-1 gene may reflect the actual situation of the low malaria endemic status of the study sites.