We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Micro- and nanoplastic toxicity in humans: Exposure pathways, cellular effects, and mitigation strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics enter the body through food, air, and skin, then accumulate in organs where they trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and genetic damage. These effects have been linked to chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, immune dysfunction, and brain diseases, and the review highlights promising countermeasures including advanced filtration, bioremediation, and protective compounds like melatonin and probiotics.
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental contaminants with increasing scientific evidence suggesting their potential risks to human health. The present review systematically explores the pathways through which these particles enter the human body, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of their toxicity, and current strategies to mitigate their effects. A structured literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies published between 2019 and 2024 across major scientific databases. MNPs primarily enter the human system via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Once internalized, they can accumulate in various organs and trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and genotoxic effects. These toxic responses have been linked to chronic conditions such as metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, obesity), immune dysfunction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, this review highlights emerging attenuation strategies, including advanced filtration technologies, bioremediation approaches, and bioactive compounds such as melatonin, astaxanthin, and probiotics. By identifying exposure pathways, toxic effects, and current research gaps, this review provides a comprehensive foundation for developing effective interventions to reduce MNP-related health risks and inform future toxicological studies.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Health Concerning Cellular Toxicity Mechanisms, Exposure Pathways, and Global Mitigation Strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes current knowledge on how micro- and nanoplastics cause cellular damage in the human body, covering mechanisms like oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and disruption of cell signaling pathways. Researchers note that exposure occurs through multiple routes including ingestion and inhalation, allowing particles to reach organs throughout the body. The study highlights significant gaps in understanding long-term and low-dose exposure effects that are most relevant to everyday human contact with these particles.
Micro- and Nanoplastics on Human Health and Diseases: Perspectives and Recent Advances
AI summary Read the abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of how micro- and nanoplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption, and how they can then travel through the bloodstream to reach virtually every organ. Researchers summarize evidence that these particles can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of hormonal and immune functions. The study emphasizes that the ability of these particles to cross biological barriers and accumulate in tissues makes understanding their long-term health effects an urgent research priority.
A review on microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment: Their occurrence, exposure routes, toxic studies, and potential effects on human health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes what is known about how microplastics and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, air, and skin contact, and what they do once inside. Studies on cells and animals show these tiny particles can cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and harm to the immune, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems. The research makes clear that microplastics are not just an environmental problem but a direct concern for human health.
Micro- and nanoplastics: origin, sources of intake and impact on human health (literature review)
AI summary Read the abstract
This literature review synthesizes mechanisms by which micro- and nanoplastics interact with living organisms, examining their physicochemical properties, routes of human exposure, and documented health effects across multiple organ systems.
Uncovering the impact of nano- and microplastics on neurodegenerative diseases and strategies to mitigate their damage
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases by triggering brain inflammation, disrupting mitochondria (the cell's power source), and damaging the blood-brain barrier. The review also found that natural compounds like melatonin and probiotics show early promise in reducing some of these harmful effects.
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.