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Nanoplastics as Gene and Epigenetic Modulators of Endocrine Functions: A Perspective
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This review summarizes how nanoplastics act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with thyroid and sex hormones in animal studies and causing DNA and epigenetic changes that could be passed to future generations. With nanoplastics already detected in human breast milk and placenta, the research underscores the need for more studies on how chronic exposure may affect human hormone function and reproductive health.
Nanoplastics (NPs) represent a major challenge in environmental contamination resulting from the physical, chemical, and biological degradation of plastics. Their characterization requires advanced and expensive methods, which limit routine analyses. The biological effects of NPs depend on their chemical and physical properties, which influence toxicity and interactions with biological systems. Studies in animal models, such as Daphnia magna and Danio rerio, show that NPs induce oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and metabolic alterations, often related to charge and particle size. NPs affect endocrine functions by acting as endocrine disruptors, interfering with thyroid and sex hormones and showing potential transgenerational effects through epigenetic modifications, including DNA hyper- and hypomethylation. Behavioral and neurofunctional alterations have been observed in Danio rerio and mouse models, suggesting a link between NP exposure and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Despite limited human studies, the presence of NPs in breast milk and placenta underscores the need for further investigation of health effects. Research focusing on genetic and epigenetic markers is encouraged to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and potential risks associated with chronic exposure.
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This review summarizes existing research showing that micro- and nanoplastics can disrupt the endocrine (hormone) system, altering reproductive hormones, thyroid function, and gene expression in lab and animal studies. Exposure to these particles triggered inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hormone-producing organs, suggesting that widespread plastic pollution may be contributing to rising rates of hormonal and reproductive health problems.
A review of the endocrine disrupting effects of micro and nano plastic and their associated chemicals in mammals
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This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics carry hormone-disrupting chemicals that can interfere with the thyroid, reproductive organs, and other parts of the endocrine system in mammals. Because these chemicals are not tightly bound to the plastic, they can leach into milk, water, and food, potentially disrupting hormone function in humans who consume them.
Micro- and Nanoplastics as Disruptors of the Endocrine System—A Review of the Threats and Consequences Associated with Plastic Exposure
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This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics carry endocrine-disrupting chemicals that interfere with hormones controlling reproduction, thyroid function, metabolism, and brain development. The reproductive system is especially vulnerable, with studies showing that plastic particle exposure can cause oxidative stress, cell death, and infertility, raising serious concerns given how widespread these particles are in food and the environment.
The endocrine disrupting effects of nanoplastic exposure: A systematic review
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This systematic review summarizes research on how nanoplastics, the smallest plastic particles, can disrupt the hormonal system. The evidence from lab studies suggests nanoplastics may interfere with thyroid function, reproductive hormones, and stress responses. These findings raise concerns because endocrine disruption can lead to fertility problems, metabolic issues, and developmental effects in humans.
Micro- and nanoplastics: Emerging environmental threats to the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastic exposure may contribute to chronic health conditions through the lens of developmental origins of health and disease. Evidence suggests that microplastics accumulate in human metabolic and reproductive tissues and may induce physiological and epigenetic changes that could potentially be inherited by future generations, though research into these mechanisms is still in early stages.
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