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Microplastics in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: An emerging threat to liver health
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This review examined emerging evidence linking microplastic exposure to the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly NAFLD). The authors found that microplastics detected in liver tissue can exacerbate hepatic inflammation, lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress through multiple mechanisms, adding a novel environmental risk factor to MASLD pathogenesis.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a major cause of end-stage liver disease worldwide. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the liver is predominantly influenced by environmental and lifestyle risk factors that lead to obesity and diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental pollutants. Microplastics (MPs) are a significant global concern, having been detected in human blood, lungs, kidneys, and liver, and may have deleterious effects on these tissues. Although the effects of MP exposure on the liver have only been partially elucidated, further research is necessary to integrate the direct and extrahepatic effects of MPs on the pathogenesis of MASLD. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of MPs on hepatic metabolism, including their effects on mitochondrial homeostasis and the endocrine system, with potential implications for the progression of MASLD.
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Chronic Nanoplastic Exposure as a Novel Risk Amplifier for MASLD Progression
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This study examines the potential for chronic nanoplastic exposure to amplify the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. The research explores how persistent nanoplastic exposure may act as a novel risk factor that worsens liver disease outcomes. The findings highlight growing concern about the intersection of plastic pollution and metabolic health conditions.
Nanoplastics and MASLD : Unveiling Interorgan Crosstalk and Environmental Modulators
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This brief editorial discusses the emerging connection between nanoplastic exposure and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition involving fat buildup in the liver. It highlights how nanoplastics may act as environmental triggers that affect the liver through interactions with the gut and other organs. As MASLD rates rise globally, understanding whether plastic pollution contributes to liver disease is an important emerging area of research.
Exploring the Classic and Novel Pathogenetic Insights of Plastic Exposure in the Genesis and Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
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This review examined how micro/nanoplastic (MNP) exposure contributes to the genesis and progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), the predominant liver disease in industrialized countries. Oral MNP exposure impacts the gut-liver axis, promotes steatosis through metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, and plastic additives like BPA act as exogenous factors that may trigger trained immunity pathways worsening MASLD.
Microplastics and nanoplastics: Emerging drivers of hepatic pathogenesis and metabolic dysfunction
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This review examines emerging evidence linking micro- and nanoplastic exposure to liver disease, including metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Researchers found that these particles may contribute to liver damage through oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of metabolic pathways. The study highlights the need for further research into how environmental plastic contamination may be influencing the rising rates of liver disease worldwide.
Links between fecal microplastics and parameters related to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in humans: An exploratory study
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In this exploratory human study, researchers found links between microplastics in people's stool samples and markers of metabolic liver disease (MASLD). Participants with liver disease had different types and amounts of fecal microplastics compared to healthy individuals, along with changes in gut bacteria and liver gene expression. While the study is small, it provides early evidence that microplastic exposure in humans may be connected to liver health problems.
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