We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Organ-specific apoptotic pathways induced by micro- and nanoplastics: a systematic review of in vitro toxicological evidence
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulled together 80 lab studies looking at how tiny plastic particles (micro- and nanoplastics) affect human cells from organs like the gut, liver, lungs, brain, and reproductive system. The consistent finding: these plastic particles can trigger cell death by damaging cell structures and setting off stress signals, potentially harming multiple organs at once. That said, this research is still based on cell samples in labs rather than real-world exposure in living people, so more realistic testing is needed before we know exactly how much of a risk everyday plastic exposure poses to our health.
The widespread presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in environmental matrices and consumer products has raised increasing concern about their potential effects on human health. Due to their small size, persistence, and heterogeneous physicochemical properties, MNPs may interact with biological barriers, reach different cellular compartments, and trigger organ-specific toxic responses. Among the cellular events involved, apoptosis has emerged as a recurrent mechanism linking MNP exposure to tissue injury and functional impairment. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available in vitro evidence on apoptosis-related toxicity induced by MNPs across different cell models and organoids, with particular attention to organ-specific patterns and underlying molecular pathways. Following a PECOS-based strategy and PRISMA guidance, a literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on 6 September 2024. Studies were screened using Rayyan, and 80 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Overall, the evidence indicates that MNP exposure induces cytotoxic effects in a wide range of cellular models representing the gastrointestinal tract, liver, lung, kidney, reproductive system, placenta, brain, cardiovascular system, skin, and blood-related compartments. Across these models, recurrent mechanisms included oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, endoplasmic reticulum stress, calcium imbalance, activation of MAPK and PI3K/AKT-related signaling, dysregulation of Bcl-2 family proteins, caspase activation, and crosstalk with inflammatory, autophagic, and ferroptotic pathways. Particle size, surface chemistry, concentration, exposure time, and co-exposure with other contaminants influenced the magnitude and pattern of toxic responses. In conclusion, apoptosis represents a central mechanistic node in the organ-specific toxicity of MNPs in vitro . However, the translational relevance of current evidence remains limited by heterogeneity in particle characteristics, exposure conditions, and experimental models. Future studies should prioritize standardized protocols, environmentally relevant exposure scenarios, and advanced human-based models to better define the implications of MNP exposure for human health.
More Papers Like This
Systemic histopathological responses to nanoplastic exposure: A review of cellular toxicity and organ-level pathology in mammalian systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together animal studies showing that nanoplastics — tiny plastic particles smaller than 1/100th the width of a human hair — can slip past the body's natural barriers and cause real damage to organs like the brain, lungs, gut, liver, kidneys, and reproductive system, triggering inflammation, cell death, and scarring. The concerning part is that these particles seem to affect multiple organs at once, with damage in one organ (like the gut) potentially worsening problems in another (like the liver). While this research is currently based on animal studies rather than humans, it suggests nanoplastics may pose broader health risks than previ
Assessing the Impact of Nanoplastics in Biological Systems: Systematic Review of In Vitro Animal Studies
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review of lab studies found that nanoplastics can damage cells in the gut, lungs, liver, brain, and reproductive organs of animals. These ultra-small plastic particles appear capable of crossing biological barriers and causing inflammation and oxidative stress, raising concerns about similar effects in humans.
The possible impacts of nano and microplastics on human health: lessons from experimental models across multiple organs
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes evidence from experimental studies on how micro- and nanoplastics may affect multiple human organs after entering the body through food, air, or skin contact. Research shows these particles can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, hormone disruption, and damage to cells in the gut, lungs, liver, kidneys, brain, and reproductive organs. While more research is needed to fully understand the risks, the existing evidence suggests that reducing plastic pollution and human exposure should be an urgent priority.
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.
Pathogenesis of Micro/Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems: Gut to Systemic Multi-Organ Dysfunction
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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.