We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics: a mechanistic perspective of health risks associated with metabolic and reproductive functions
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, air, and skin contact, and the mechanisms by which they may disrupt metabolic and reproductive health. Researchers describe how these particles are absorbed through the gut, enter the bloodstream, and accumulate in organs where they can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal disruption. The evidence indicates that micro- and nanoplastics, particularly those carrying endocrine-disrupting chemicals, may pose significant risks to fertility and metabolic function.
The ever-increasing manufacture, abundance, usage, and fragmentation of plastics and their residues in foods and beverages and rapid rises in air pollution dramatically increased micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) exposure that could affect human health as these MNPs contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other harmful substances, and found their traces in almost all of the human organs. Multiple mechanisms are postulated for the biodegradation of MNPs in the human body. Once reaching the gastrointestinal tract, MNPs are translocated and enter tissue through cellular internalization via endocytosis. This process depends on the size, charge, density, and functional groups of the MNPs, which determine the rate of uptake and internalization. MNPs enter the circulatory system from the gut, where innate immune cells and macrophages engulf these MNPs via phagocytosis. Recent clinical data have identified the accumulation of MNPs as nanoscale fragments in the deceased human brain, at levels significantly higher than those found in the liver and kidneys, indicating that an in-depth understanding of their exposure, uptake, and clearance is essential. Although several reviews have been compiled in the recent past, comprehensive mechanistic consolidation on exposure assessment due to its ingestion, integration, bioaccumulation, detection, interaction on gut microbiota, and extracellular system, systemic, metabolic, and inflammatory response on pulmonary, endothelial, renal, and gonadal functions is limited. This review outlined the intricate mechanistic reactions of the target organs, whose functions could be altered due to MNPs exposure, warranting a comprehensive impact assessment of their exposure in the context of human metabolic and reproductive health and well-being.
More Papers Like This
Micro- and Nanoplastics on Human Health and Diseases: Perspectives and Recent Advances
AI summary Read the abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of how micro- and nanoplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption, and how they can then travel through the bloodstream to reach virtually every organ. Researchers summarize evidence that these particles can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of hormonal and immune functions. The study emphasizes that the ability of these particles to cross biological barriers and accumulate in tissues makes understanding their long-term health effects an urgent research priority.
Exposure Pathways, Systemic Distribution, and Health Implications of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Humans
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, air, and skin, then distribute to organs throughout the body. Research in animal and cell models shows these particles can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, brain toxicity, reproductive problems, and potentially cancer, though standardized methods for assessing real-world human health risks are still needed.
Micro- and Nanoplastics as Disruptors of the Endocrine System—A Review of the Threats and Consequences Associated with Plastic Exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics carry endocrine-disrupting chemicals that interfere with hormones controlling reproduction, thyroid function, metabolism, and brain development. The reproductive system is especially vulnerable, with studies showing that plastic particle exposure can cause oxidative stress, cell death, and infertility, raising serious concerns given how widespread these particles are in food and the environment.
Eco-toxicity of nano-plastics and its implication on human metabolism: Current and future perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the sources, bioaccumulation pathways, and potential health effects of nanoplastics on human metabolism. Researchers found that nanoplastics can enter the body primarily through ingestion of contaminated food and packaging, and evidence suggests they may interfere with metabolic pathways and contribute to organ dysfunction. The study highlights that significant knowledge gaps remain in assessing the human health risks of nanoplastic exposure.
Impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health: Mechanistic insights and exposure pathways
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, and deposit in tissues including the lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Evidence indicates these particles can cross embryonic layers and reach the placenta, and may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic disruptions, and immune system effects upon interaction with biological tissues.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.