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Microplastics as Emerging Contaminants and Human Health: Exploring Functional Nutrition in Gastric–Colon–Brain Axis Cancer
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This review explores how microplastics may increase cancer risk along the stomach-colon-brain pathway by triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupting cell signaling. The paper also highlights that certain plant-based nutrients and flavonoids may help protect cells from microplastic damage by activating the body's detoxification pathways, suggesting functional nutrition could be a strategy to reduce harm from plastic exposure.
Microplastics (MPs), emerging contaminants of significant global concern, have a substantially increased environmental impact due to their biological persistence and accumulation in the body. Exposure to MPs has been associated with oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and cellular dysfunction, notably affecting critical tissues such as the stomach, colon, and brain. This review explores the correlation between MPs and cancer risk along the gastric-colon-brain axis, identifying the signaling pathways altered by MP exposure. Furthermore, it highlights the role of functional nutrition and bioactive flavonoids-including chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, and naringin-as well as the use of highly bioavailable combined polyphenol nanoparticles as potential detoxifying agents. Functional nutrients are effective in enhancing cellular resilience against reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and MP-induced toxicity, offering protective effects at the gastric, intestinal, and brain barriers. Activation of the Nrf2 pathway by bioactive compounds promotes the expression of detoxifying enzymes, suggesting a promising nutritional strategy to mitigate MP-related damage. This review underscores how functional nutrition may represent a viable therapeutic approach to reduce the harmful effects of MP exposure. The integration of advanced technologies-such as microfluidic systems, organ-on-a-chip platforms, and machine learning-and the identification of key molecular targets lay the foundation for developing preventive and personalized medicine strategies aimed at lowering the risk of environmentally induced carcinogenesis.
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Micro- and Nanoplastics and Functional Nutrients in Human Health: Epigenetic Mechanisms and Cellular Resilience Signaling in Brain Insulin Resistance and the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
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This review explores how functional nutrients like polyphenols and flavonoids may help counteract damage caused by micro- and nanoplastic exposure, particularly regarding brain health. The study suggests these nutrients can activate protective cellular pathways at low doses to help maintain blood-brain barrier integrity, though chronic pollutant exposure may disrupt antioxidant signaling and contribute to brain insulin resistance.
Microplastics and the gut-brain axis: Unraveling neurotoxic mechanisms and health implications
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This review examines how microplastics interact with the gut-brain axis, a communication network linking the digestive system to the central nervous system. Researchers found that microplastics can disrupt intestinal barrier integrity, alter gut microbiota composition, and trigger systemic inflammation that may affect neurotransmitter balance and brain function. The study suggests that chronic microplastic exposure through the diet could contribute to neurological effects through inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.
Molecular insights into physiological impact of micro- and nano-plastics on the digestive system and gut-brain axis
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This review evaluates molecular-level evidence on how micro- and nanoplastics affect the digestive system and the gut-brain axis after ingestion through contaminated food and water. The study describes how these particles accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas, causing oxidative stress, gut microbiota disruption, and compromised intestinal barriers, potentially allowing particles to reach the central nervous system and contribute to neuroinflammatory conditions.
Ingested microplastics and the gut–brain axis: A systematic review of mechanistic pathways and neurobiological impacts in human and preclinical models
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles and the gut-brain connection in rodent and human cell studies. Swallowed or inhaled plastics built up in the digestive tract, altered gut bacteria, and were linked to inflammation and behavior changes in animals. In rodent studies, treatments like fecal transplants and certain probiotics were linked to reduced brain-related harm from plastic exposure.
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.
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