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Plastic Chemicals Activate G Protein-Coupled Receptors

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This study investigates how chemicals from plastics may affect human cell signalling. It focuses on a group of receptors called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are important for many biological processes. The researchers tested common plastic additives, such as bisphenol A and diethyl phthalate, along with chemical mixtures extracted from plastic food packaging. They found 11 cases where these chemicals interacted with GPCRs. These receptors are involved in important functions like the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) and metabolism. The findings suggest that chemicals from plastics could influence these biological processes in ways that are not yet fully understood.

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