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Organ Translocation and Toxicological Mechanisms of MPs in Humans and Rodents
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This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles called microplastics can build up in organs like your liver, brain, and reproductive system, potentially triggering inflammation, hormone disruption, and even fertility problems. The findings suggest links between microplastic exposure and conditions like fatty liver disease, gut microbiome imbalances, and respiratory or heart issues, though scientists still need more research to fully understand how serious and permanent these effects are. Since microplastics are now found throughout our environment—in food, water, and air—this matters because avoiding exposure entirely is nearly impossible, making it important to understand the
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm. These unregulated substances have recently been recognized as a pollutant that poses a serious risk to human health, as they have penetrated ecosystems all over the world. This study has critically discussed the toxicological impacts of MPs on rodents and human health, ranging from cellular disruptions to dysfunction at the organism level. The study is further expanded to investigate the exposure pathways of humans and rodents to MP pollution. The induced toxicity in diverse human cell types includes oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genotoxicity. In addition to that, instances showing evidence from studies conducted on rodent and in vivo research showing that the MPs accumulate in body parts such as liver, brain, and reproductive could potentially cause metabolic disorder, neurotoxicity, and infertility issues. The study also highlights the relationship between MP exposure and the pathophysiology of several ailments including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, disorders of the respiratory system, and other cardiovascular diseases. Studies’ findings show that exposure to MPs causes imbalance in gut microbiota, resulting in immune dysregulation, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Several instances from studies show that microbiome-mediated inflammatory signaling is the significant mechanism for gut diseases. The study has also highlighted the research gaps in the MP research. The study will provide a base for further research to be conducted in this area to completely understand the chronic and acute effects of MPs exposure and the associated mechanisms.
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A review of adverse health effects caused by microplastics and the potential toxicity mechanisms
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics are everywhere—in our water, soil, and air—and this review pulls together existing research showing they can enter our bodies, travel beyond the gut or lungs where they first land, and potentially damage organs like the intestines, liver, brain, and reproductive system. Scientists still don't fully understand exactly how this damage happens or how much exposure is truly risky, but the existing evidence is concerning enough that researchers are calling for more study and stronger strategies to limit our exposure.
Gut-Mediated Systemic Toxicity of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Nanoscale Biointerface Properties, Microbiota-Metabolite Crosstalk, and Evidence Across Gut-Organ Axes
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This review pulls together existing research to show how tiny plastic particles we accidentally eat can disrupt our gut—damaging its protective lining, throwing off our gut bacteria, and triggering inflammation—and then send harmful ripple effects to the liver, brain, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive organs. In other words, the health risks of microplastics may not stay confined to your digestive system; they could potentially affect your whole body. This is a summary of current science rather than new experiments, and it highlights that smaller, more weathered plastic particles appear to pose greater risks, an important insight given how widespread these particles are in our
The Reproductive Toxicity of Microplastics: From Environmental Contamination to Organ Distribution and Reproductive Hazards.
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This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles from our environment—found in water, food, and air—are turning up in reproductive organs like ovaries, testicles, and semen. Scientists believe these particles may disrupt hormone signaling, trigger inflammation, and even damage reproductive cells, potentially affecting fertility in both men and women. While the science is still developing and more long-term studies are needed, this is an early warning sign that everyday plastic exposure could have hidden costs for reproductive health.
Micro- and nanoplastics disrupt the gut–liver–brain axis: mechanisms of multi-organ toxicity in animal models
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This review pulls together animal research showing that tiny plastic particles (micro- and nanoplastics) don't just pass through your body harmlessly—they can damage the gut lining, throw off gut bacteria, and trigger inflammation that spreads to the liver and even the brain. The smallest particles (nanoplastics) seem especially good at slipping past the body's protective barriers, raising concern about their effects on human health. Since this is based on animal studies so far, more research is needed to confirm how directly these findings apply to people, but it strengthens the case that everyday plastic exposure deserves closer attention.
Pathogenesis of Micro/Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems: Gut to Systemic Multi-Organ Dysfunction
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This review paper summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles, swallowed through food or water, affect the gut and then other organs like the liver, brain, lungs and hormone system. It looks at how particle size, shape and chemical makeup influence gut damage, and discusses different lab models used to study these effects.
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