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Beyond genetics: can micro and nanoplastics induce epigenetic and gene-expression modifications?
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This review gathers existing research on whether micro and nanoplastics can cause epigenetic changes, which are modifications that alter how genes work without changing the DNA itself. Although studies are still limited, the evidence so far shows that both short-term and long-term plastic particle exposure can trigger these gene-level changes in various organisms. This is concerning because epigenetic changes can potentially be passed to future generations and may contribute to disease.
Plastic pollution is becoming a worldwide crisis. It can be found in all environmental matrices, from the seas to the oceans, from dry land to the air we breathe. Because of the various types of plastic polymers and waste degradation methods, the types of plastic particles we are exposed to are quite diverse. Plants and animals are continuously exposed to them, and as the top of the food chain, humans are as well. There are numerous studies that confirm the toxicity of these contaminants, yet there is still a significant vacuum in their epigenetics effects and gene expression modifications. Here we collect studies published to date on the epigenetics effects and gene expression modulation induced by micro and nanoplastics. Although published data are still scarce, it is becoming evident that micro- and nanoplastics, whether acutely or chronically administered, do indeed cause such changes in various model organisms. A future challenge is represented by continuing and deepening these studies to better define the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed toxic effects and above all to translate these results to humans to understand their impact on health.
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This review examines how environmental pollutants, including microplastics, can change gene activity through epigenetic modifications without altering DNA itself. These changes to how genes are turned on and off can contribute to cancer, brain diseases, and developmental problems, and may even be passed down to future generations. The research highlights that microplastics and other common pollutants could have long-lasting health effects that go beyond direct chemical toxicity.
Untoward Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics: An Expert Review of Their Biological Impact and Epigenetic Effects
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This expert review examined the biological and epigenetic effects of micro- and nanoplastics on living organisms. The study suggests that while intestinal uptake of plastic particles appears relatively low and size-dependent, nanoplastics may dysregulate molecular signaling pathways, alter gut microbiota composition, and induce transgenerational epigenetic changes potentially linked to metabolic disorders.
Nanoplastics as Epigenetic Disruptors: A Biochemical Review of Environmental Pollutants and Gene Regulation
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This biochemical review examined how nanoplastics disrupt epigenetic regulation, focusing on their ability to alter DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression. The authors argued that nanoplastic-induced epigenetic changes could have lasting developmental and health consequences, especially during vulnerable life stages.
Reproductive toxicity and transgenerational effects of microplastics: Evidence from experimental models and underlying epigenetic mechanisms
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Tiny plastic particles have been found in human reproductive fluids, and this review of animal research shows they can harm fertility in both sexes and may even affect the health of future children and grandchildren—not just people directly exposed. Scientists think microplastics may cause these lasting effects by altering "chemical switches" on DNA that get passed down through generations, changing how genes turn on and off without changing the DNA itself. While the animal evidence is concerning, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects happen the same way in people.
Micro- and nanoplastics: Emerging environmental threats to the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastic exposure may contribute to chronic health conditions through the lens of developmental origins of health and disease. Evidence suggests that microplastics accumulate in human metabolic and reproductive tissues and may induce physiological and epigenetic changes that could potentially be inherited by future generations, though research into these mechanisms is still in early stages.
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