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The potential of micro- and nanoplastics to exacerbate the health impacts and global burden of non-communicable diseases
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This review presents evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may worsen non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness by fueling chronic inflammation in the body. The authors also propose that people already suffering from these diseases may absorb even more microplastics due to their weakened tissue barriers, creating a harmful feedback loop.
Non-communicable diseases (NCD) constitute one of the highest burdens of disease globally and are associated with inflammatory responses in target organs. There is increasing evidence of significant human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MnPs). This review of environmental MnP exposure and health impacts indicates that MnP particles, directly and indirectly through their leachates, may exacerbate inflammation. Meanwhile, persistent inflammation associated with NCDs in gastrointestinal and respiratory systems potentially increases MnP uptake, thus influencing MnP access to distal organs. Consequently, a future increase in MnP exposure potentially augments the risk and severity of NCDs. There is a critical need for an integrated one-health approach to human health and environmental research for assessing the drivers of human MnP exposure and their bidirectional links with NCDs. Assessing these risks requires interdisciplinary efforts to identify and link drivers of environmental MnP exposure and organismal uptake to studies of impacted disease mechanisms and health outcomes.
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The Role of Chronic Microplastic Exposure in the Pathogenesis of Non-Communicable Diseases: A Narrative review
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This review summarizes existing research on how long-term exposure to tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, may relate to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and lung conditions. Studies in cells and animals suggest possible links through inflammation and other biological changes, but the review states direct cause-and-effect in humans is not yet proven.
Planetary health and non-communicable diseases—A converging global crisis
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This review examines the convergence of environmental degradation and the global rise in non-communicable diseases, identifying microplastics as one of several environmental pollutants contributing to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions. The authors argue that addressing plastic pollution is integral to a planetary health approach to disease prevention.
Micro and Nanoplastics on Human Health and Diseases: Perspectives and Recent Advances
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This review covers how micro- and nanoplastic particles enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, infusion, and skin absorption, distribute to virtually all tissues and organs via the circulatory system, and cause health impacts including inflammatory responses, cellular damage, and endocrine disruption.
Emerging cardiovascular risks of micro- and nanoplastics: toxic effects and mechanistic pathways
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Tiny plastic particles called micro- and nanoplastics are getting into our bodies through food, air, and skin contact, and researchers have found them building up in people's hearts and blood vessels. This review of existing studies shows these plastic bits may contribute to heart disease by causing inflammation and damaging cells in the cardiovascular system. While more research is needed, this suggests that plastic pollution isn't just an environmental problem—it could be directly harming our heart health.
Micro- and Nanoplastics on Human Health and Diseases: Perspectives and Recent Advances
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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.
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