We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polyethylene Microplastics and Mitochondrial-Redox Dysfunction in Preclinical Rodent Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Bioenergetic and Oxidative Stress Outcomes
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulled together existing animal studies on tiny plastic particles (polyethylene microplastics, common in packaging and everyday products) and found a consistent pattern: these particles seem to damage mitochondria, the "power plants" inside our cells, and trigger harmful oxidative stress, which can wear down tissues over time. Since this research is in rodents, not humans, more studies are needed to confirm the same effects happen in people, but the findings raise real concerns about how the microplastics we're increasingly exposed to might affect long-term cellular health and energy production in our bodies.
INPLASY202650018 Polyethylene Microplastics and Mitochondrial-Redox Dysfunction in Preclinical Rodent Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Bioenergetic and Oxidative Stress Outcomes Key…
More Papers Like This
Polyethylene Microplastics and Cardiometabolic Mitochondrial-Redox Dysfunction in Preclinical Rodent Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Bioenergetic and Oxidative Stress Outcomes Across Target Organs
AI summary Read the abstract
This review combined results from 13 rodent studies on polyethylene microplastics. It found that exposure reduced energy-producing enzyme activity and antioxidant levels, while increasing markers of cell damage, across kidney, heart, lung, brain, and reproductive tissues, with the strongest effects seen in heart and lung tissue. Confidence in these findings was rated low to very low.
Assessing micro and nanoplastics toxicity using rodent models: Investigating potential mitochondrial implications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines recent rodent studies investigating how micro- and nanoplastics affect cellular health, with a focus on potential mitochondrial impacts. Researchers found that while no study has directly targeted mitochondrial effects, several reported molecular and biochemical changes consistent with disrupted mitochondrial function, including oxidative stress. The study suggests that mitochondria may be an important but understudied target of micro- and nanoplastic toxicity.
Impact of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Mitochondria
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics can damage mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside cells that are critical for metabolism and cell survival. Researchers found that plastic particle exposure can trigger oxidative stress, disrupt mitochondrial membrane function, and interfere with energy production pathways. Since mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to numerous health conditions, the study suggests this may be a key mechanism through which plastic pollution affects human health.
Mitochondria as a target of micro- and nanoplastic toxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics damage mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside our cells. Research shows these tiny plastic particles can cross biological barriers, enter cells, and disrupt mitochondrial function by triggering oxidative stress and altering energy production. Since mitochondrial damage is linked to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration, this represents a key concern for human health.
Polymer-specific nanoplastics trigger oxidative stress, inflammatory activation, and mitoepigenetic remodeling: in vitro and in silico evidence for MT-ND6-mediated mitochondrial complex I perturbation
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists exposed human cells to tiny plastic particles (from common plastics like polystyrene, polypropylene, and PVC) and found they damage the cell's "power plants" (mitochondria), triggering stress, inflammation, and even changes in how mitochondrial genes are switched on or off. Different plastic types caused different kinds of damage, but all disrupted a key energy-producing process, suggesting nanoplastics may harm cells in ways that could affect long-term health. Since this was a lab study on cells rather than in people, more research is needed to confirm what this means for real-world plastic exposure in humans.
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.