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Micro- and nanoplastics disrupt the gut–liver–brain axis: mechanisms of multi-organ toxicity in animal models
Original title: Micro- and nanoplastics disrupt the gut–liver–brain axis: mechanisms of multi-organ toxicity in animal models
Summary
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.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants increasingly recognized as potential drivers of systemic toxicity. Growing evidence indicates that MNPs may affect interconnected physiological systems, particularly the gut-liver-brain axis, which integrates metabolic, immunological, and neuroendocrine responses. This review summarizes current knowledge on the effects of MNPs on the gut-liver-brain axis based on animal studies, with emphasis on mechanisms of toxicity and inter-organ communication. Available findings indicate that the gastrointestinal tract is the primary site of interaction, where MNPs induce intestinal barrier disruption, oxidative stress, immune activation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. These alterations may promote endotoxemia and inflammatory signaling, contributing to hepatic metabolic disturbances, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hepatocellular injury. In parallel, MNPs may affect the central nervous system through neuroimmune responses, altered neurotransmission, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and gut-brain signaling disturbances. Oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and disrupted inter-organ communication appear to represent central mechanisms underlying MNPs toxicity. Nanoplastics, due to their higher bioavailability and ability to cross biological barriers, exhibit particularly strong toxic potential. Overall, current evidence supports a systems-level view of MNPs toxicity and highlights the importance of integrative approaches for improving environmental and health risk assessment.