We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and Kidneys: An Update on the Evidence for Deposition of Plastic Microparticles in Human Organs, Tissues and Fluids and Renal Toxicity Concern
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes the growing evidence that microplastics are found throughout the human body, including in the placenta, lungs, liver, heart, blood, and breast milk. While direct evidence for kidney damage in humans is still lacking, animal studies show that microplastics can cause kidney inflammation, cell death, and oxidative stress. The findings highlight that microplastics are accumulating in virtually every human organ, though the long-term health consequences remain unclear.
Plastic pollution became a main challenge for human beings as demonstrated by the increasing dispersion of plastic waste into the environment. Microplastics (MPs) have become ubiquitous and humans are exposed daily to inhalation or ingestion of plastic microparticles. Recent studies performed using mainly spectroscopy or spectrometry-based techniques have shown astounding evidence for the presence of MPs in human tissues, organs and fluids. The placenta, meconium, breast milk, lung, intestine, liver, heart and cardiovascular system, blood, urine and cerebrovascular liquid are afflicted by MPs' presence and deposition. On the whole, obtained data underline a great heterogeneity among different tissue and organs of the polymers characterized and the microparticles' dimension, even if most of them seem to be below 50-100 µm. Evidence for the possible contribution of MPs in human diseases is still limited and this field of study in medicine is in an initial state. However, increasing studies on their toxicity in vitro and in vivo suggest worrying effects on human cells mainly mediated by oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Nephrological studies are insufficient and evidence for the presence of MPs in human kidneys is still lacking, but the little evidence present in the literature has demonstrated histological and functional alteration of kidneys in animal models and cytotoxicity through apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress and inflammation in kidney cells. Overall, the manuscript we report in this review recommends urgent further study to analyze potential correlations between kidney disease and MPs' exposure in human.
More Papers Like This
Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Human Exposome: Environmental Pathways, Kidney Toxicity, and Implications for Public Health Risk Assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing research on tiny plastic particles that enter our bodies through food, water, and air, showing they can build up in organs, especially the kidneys, and potentially cause cell damage and inflammation in lab studies. While these particles have been found in human blood, tissue, and urine, scientists still don't know exactly how much risk this poses to human health, so more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
Micro- and Nanoplastic Pollution and Renal Health: Human Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles have been found in human blood, urine, and even kidney tissue, and lab studies show they can stress kidney cells and potentially contribute to inflammation and scarring. This review pulls together what scientists currently know, but it's clear we still don't have solid proof that microplastics actually cause kidney disease in people, more research is needed, especially for those already dealing with kidney problems or dialysis, before we can say how worried to be.
Microplastic exposure and its consequences for renal and urinary health: systematic review of in vivo studies
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examines animal studies on how microplastic exposure affects the kidneys and urinary system. The evidence suggests that microplastics can accumulate in kidney tissue and may cause inflammation and oxidative stress, raising concerns about potential long-term effects on human kidney health as our exposure to these particles continues to grow.
Microplastics and the Kidney: A Narrative Review of Human Evidence, Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Injury, and Future Directions
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles might affect kidney health. It describes how plastics entering cells can trigger stress and damage in lab studies, and notes that human studies have found microplastics in urine and kidney tissue, linked to early signs of kidney damage, though evidence remains limited.
Effects of microplastics on the kidneys: a narrative review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes growing evidence that microplastics can accumulate in the kidneys, where they may trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage that could worsen kidney function. People with chronic kidney disease may be especially vulnerable because impaired kidney filtration could allow microplastics to build up more readily in their bodies.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.