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Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the kidney and cardiovascular system
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This review summarizes evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics found in human hearts, kidneys, blood, and urine can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and metabolic disruption. Kidney dialysis patients may face especially high exposure, and clinical evidence suggests particulate plastic exposure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that contaminate air, food and water supplies, resulting in widespread human exposure and potential health risks. Varying concentrations of particulate plastics have been identified in human tissues and body fluids, including the heart, kidney, liver, brain, blood and urine. Studies in animal models and human cells have reported that particulate plastics can induce oxidative stress, cell death and inflammation as well as disrupt metabolism and immune function. They have also been shown to have toxic effects on kidney and cardiovascular cells, which are exacerbated by the presence of other environmental contaminants such as heavy metals. Patients with kidney failure might be at risk of increased exposure to particulate plastics during dialysis. Furthermore, clinical evidence suggests that particulate plastic exposure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Approaches to mitigating such exposure include degradation via abiotic and biotic processes, improved waste management and water filtration approaches and use of alternative materials. Further research into the fate, toxicity and health consequences of particulate plastics is imperative to inform strategies to address this escalating environmental and health concern.
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Micro- and nanoplastics and the kidney: human evidence, clinical vulnerabilities, dialysis-related exposure, and CKD
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Tiny plastic particles have been found in human kidneys, blood, and urine, and this review pulls together existing research suggesting these particles—along with chemicals like BPA and PFAS often found in plastics—may be linked to kidney damage, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease. People on dialysis may face extra exposure because their blood repeatedly contacts plastic tubing and filters during treatment, making them an important group to study further. While the science is still developing, this research highlights why reducing plastic exposure and rethinking medical device materials could matter for protecting kidney health, especially in vulnerable patients.
Micro- and Nanoplastic Pollution and Renal Health: Human Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications
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Tiny plastic particles have been found in human blood, urine, and even kidney tissue, and lab studies show they can stress kidney cells and potentially contribute to inflammation and scarring. This review pulls together what scientists currently know, but it's clear we still don't have solid proof that microplastics actually cause kidney disease in people, more research is needed, especially for those already dealing with kidney problems or dialysis, before we can say how worried to be.
Micro- and nanoplastics and the kidney: exposure pathways, toxicokinetics, and pathophysiological insights
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Tiny plastic particles from our air, water, and food—called micro- and nanoplastics—can enter our bodies and travel to the kidneys, where studies show they may cause cell damage, inflammation, and scarring over time. This review pulls together existing research on how these plastics get into our system and harm kidney tissue, suggesting that everyday plastic exposure could be an overlooked risk factor for kidney disease. More research is needed, but this is an early signal that reducing plastic exposure might matter for long-term kidney health.
Microplastics and Kidneys: An Update on the Evidence for Deposition of Plastic Microparticles in Human Organs, Tissues and Fluids and Renal Toxicity Concern
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This review summarizes the growing evidence that microplastics are found throughout the human body, including in the placenta, lungs, liver, heart, blood, and breast milk. While direct evidence for kidney damage in humans is still lacking, animal studies show that microplastics can cause kidney inflammation, cell death, and oxidative stress. The findings highlight that microplastics are accumulating in virtually every human organ, though the long-term health consequences remain unclear.
Micro and Nano-plastic particles: What are they and do they effect cardiovascular health?
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This review examines the cardiovascular health effects of micro- and nanoplastics, summarizing evidence that these particles have been detected in human tissues including arterial plaques and may promote endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. The authors call for further clinical and epidemiological research into cardiac risk.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.