We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Environmental Microplastics Exposure and Its Biochemical Impacts on Human Oxidative Stress Markers: A Clinical Chemistry Perspective
Summary
This clinical chemistry review examined how environmental microplastic exposure affects oxidative stress markers in humans, synthesizing evidence on circulating reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzyme changes, and inflammatory biomarkers. The authors found consistent evidence that MNP exposure elevates markers of oxidative damage across multiple tissue types.
Since the polymerization of the first synthetic resin (Bakelite) in 1907, industrial plastics have found considerable utility due to their diverse features. Over the years, the notable development of polymers and related products has turned plastic into one of the most abundant materials in modern society. Every year, various particle composites are released into the environment, generating debris with sizes down to microns or even lower. Microplastics (MPs) are solid polymer particles smaller than 5 mm. More than 150 million tons of MPs exist in the oceans. MPs can potentially cause biological effects in organisms. MPs possess diverse properties that may lead to volumetric and surface changes. MP exposure raises the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to oxidative stress in microbes. ROS generation leads to mitochondrial damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine release, causing biological effects such as cell damage. Therefore, oxidative stress has been investigated as a potential mechanism linking MPs to harmful effects. The definition of oxidative stress, its biomarkers, and the impact of MPs on these biomarkers remain important and attractive issues to survey among many topics related to MPs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and genotoxicity to assess exposure to micro- and nanoplastics. A literature review
This systematic review summarizes research on biomarkers that can measure oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage caused by micro and nanoplastic exposure. Identifying reliable biomarkers is a crucial step toward understanding exactly how microplastics affect human health and developing tools to monitor exposure in people.
Do microplastics induce oxidative stress in marine invertebrates?
This review examined whether marine invertebrates exposed to microplastics show evidence of oxidative stress — a common cellular response to toxic injury — finding support for this effect across multiple species and polymer types. Oxidative stress is a key mechanism by which microplastics may harm marine organisms.
Micro- and nano-plastics activation of oxidative and inflammatory adverse outcome pathways
This review maps the biological harm caused by micro- and nanoplastics to formal toxicity pathways, finding that oxidative stress is a common starting point for damage at every level from cells to whole organisms. Researchers found that in ecological settings, this oxidative damage cascades into growth inhibition and behavioral changes, while in human health contexts it may trigger inflammatory responses. The study highlights that more mammalian research is needed to fully define the health risks of plastic particle exposure.
The Impact of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Aquatic Organisms: Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress and Implications for Human Health—A Review
This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics cause oxidative stress, a harmful chemical imbalance, in aquatic organisms from plankton to fish. These tiny plastics accumulate in the food chain and may reach humans through seafood consumption. While the evidence of harm in aquatic species is growing, more research is needed to fully understand the implications for human health.
Oxidative and Inflammatory Potential of Nano/Microplastics in Living Organisms
This review examines the growing body of evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics trigger oxidative stress and inflammatory responses across a wide range of animals, though the findings are often inconsistent and sometimes contradictory. The authors conclude that plastic particle weathering can alter these effects in complex ways, and call for standardized, systematic research to establish clearer dose-response relationships before firm regulatory conclusions can be drawn.