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The infiltration of microplastics in human systems: Gastrointestinal accumulation and pathogenic impacts
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This review focuses on how microplastics accumulate in the human digestive system and what health problems they might cause. The authors explain that people ingest microplastics through food, water, and air, and these particles may trigger inflammation, disrupt gut bacteria, and potentially contribute to gastrointestinal diseases.
Microplastic particles have become ubiquitous in various ecosystems due to a drastic increase in plastic use and its consequent litter. The biological effects of these plastic particles on aquatic fauna are well-documented. However, the study of their accumulation and subsequent impact on terrestrial flora and fauna is in its initial stages. Furthermore, the favorable surface provided by plastics lodges various harmful substances and pathogens known to cause varied effects on human physiology. Notably, the entry of plastics into the gastrointestinal tract can result in various ailments, including dysbiosis of gut microflora and microbial biodiversity. Moreover, similar physiological ailments have been observed in humans due to the action of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, in this review, we aim to explore the relationship and possible amplification of pathogenesis due to the ability of plastic particles to provide favorable surfaces for the absorption and biofilm formation of such microorganisms. Additionally, there exists a possibility of carcinogenesis due to the coexistence of pathogenic microbes and micro-and nanoplastics due to their synergistic effects leading to severe human ailments.
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Microplastics in the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Systematic Review
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This systematic review summarizes research on microplastics found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It highlights that microplastics are accumulating in our digestive systems through food and water, and calls for urgent research to understand how these particles may affect gut health and overall well-being.
Effect of microplastics and nanoplastics in gastrointestinal tract on gut health: A systematic review.
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This systematic review provides the first comprehensive look at how microplastics and nanoplastics affect the human gut using laboratory models. The findings help explain how these tiny particles may damage the digestive tract lining and trigger inflammation, which is important for understanding the health risks of swallowing microplastics in food and water.
Micro‐ and nanoplastics in gastrointestinal disorders: Mapping the translational gap between exposure, biomonitoring, and pathogenic mechanisms
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Tiny plastic particles from our food, air, and water may be doing more than just passing through our bodies, this review of existing research suggests they can irritate the gut lining, trigger inflammation, and throw off the balance of healthy gut bacteria. While scientists haven't yet nailed down exactly how much exposure causes harm or the precise mechanisms involved, the evidence so far suggests these ever-present plastic particles could be a hidden contributor to digestive health problems, making it a research area worth watching.
Impact of microplastics on human health: exposure mechanisms and potential health implications
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This review examines how microplastics enter the human body through food, drinking water, and inhaled air, and summarizes what is known about their potential health effects. Researchers found that microplastics have been detected in human stool samples, blood, and lung tissue, and may carry harmful chemicals and pathogens. The study highlights that while evidence of direct health impacts is still emerging, the widespread presence of microplastics in everyday exposure pathways warrants serious attention.
Microplastics and health hazards: gastrointestinal risk assessment across a multi-species perspective
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This review assesses the gastrointestinal health risks of micro- and nanoplastics across multiple species, from aquatic organisms to mammals, examining how these particles interact with the digestive system. Researchers found that microplastics can cause gut inflammation, alter the microbiome, and potentially cross the intestinal barrier into other tissues. The study highlights that understanding effects across species can help predict potential risks to human digestive health.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.