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Microplastics in the Human Gastrointestinal System: A Comprehensive Study of Metabolic Risks and Digestive Toxicity Implications for Nanomedicine and Bioengineering Applications
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Researchers review global studies on microplastic accumulation in the human gastrointestinal tract, finding particles in 94–98% of fecal samples and at elevated concentrations in colorectal cancer tissue, and identifying tight junction disruption and NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway activation as key mechanisms — with smaller particles (20–100 nm) showing significantly higher intestinal toxicity.
Abstract The pervasive contamination of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment has emerged as a critical public health concern, with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract being the primary route of human exposure. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on the metabolic risks and toxicological mechanisms of microplastic-induced GI system damage, drawing from recent studies conducted across Spain, Germany, China, Japan, and the United States. Microplastics have been detected in 94-98% of human fecal samples and accumulate at higher concentrations in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. The review elucidates multiple molecular mechanisms underlying GI toxicity, including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, intestinal barrier disruption, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and metabolic dysfunction. Size-dependent toxicity analysis reveals that smaller particles (20-100 nm) exhibit significantly higher intestinal toxicity compared to larger counterparts. Furthermore, the disruption of tight junction proteins and activation of the NF-kappaB/NLRP3 signaling pathway have been identified as critical mechanisms mediating microplastic-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. This review highlights significant research gaps, including the need for standardized detection methods, long-term exposure studies at environmentally relevant concentrations, and therapeutic interventions. The findings underscore the urgent need for policy development and regulatory frameworks to address microplastic contamination and protect public health.
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Microplastics in the Human Gastrointestinal System: A Comprehensive Study of Metabolic Risks and Digestive Toxicity Implications for Nanomedicine and Bioengineering Applications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed global evidence on microplastic toxicity in the human gastrointestinal tract, finding MPs detectable in 94–98% of human fecal samples and at elevated concentrations in colorectal cancer tissue, with smaller particles (20–100 nm) showing significantly higher intestinal toxicity through mechanisms including tight junction disruption, oxidative stress, and activation of NF-kB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathways.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Gastrointestinal System: Mechanisms, Risks, and Therapeutic Opportunities
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Researchers synthesized evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and compromise intestinal integrity by disrupting tight junction proteins and generating reactive oxygen species, linking these mechanisms to inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and gut microbiome dysbiosis, while also reviewing emerging therapeutic strategies including probiotic approaches, enzyme-mediated plastic degradation, and polysaccharide-based binding agents.
Impact of micro- and nanoplastics on gastrointestinal diseases: Recent advances
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This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics can harm the digestive system by causing oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and disruption of gut bacteria. These connected pathways can damage the intestinal lining and may contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how everyday plastic exposure through food and water could affect gut health over time.
Effect of microplastics and nanoplastics in gastrointestinal tract on gut health: A systematic review.
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This systematic review of 30 in vitro studies found that microplastics and nanoplastics cause size- and concentration-dependent damage to human gastrointestinal cells, including increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis. Smaller particles consistently showed greater cellular uptake and biological effects, though chronic low-dose exposure generally produced minimal impacts.
A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Potential Gastrointestinal Adverse Effects From Micro(nano) Plastic Exposure
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This narrative review synthesizes evidence on gastrointestinal adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastic exposure, examining how these particles interact with gut microbiota, mucosal barriers, and immune tissue to contribute to inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and colorectal cancer risk.
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