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Recommendation: Microplastics: A threat for developing and repairing organs? — R0/PR4
Summary
This peer review recommendation evaluates a paper documenting that micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) have been detected throughout the human body, including in the placenta, and summarizes evidence that MNP and their chemical additives can disrupt developmental and organ-repair processes in humans and rodent models. Early life stages and organ regeneration appear particularly vulnerable because developmental pathways are especially sensitive to environmental disruptors. The findings underscore concern that widespread MNP exposure could impair fetal development and healing across multiple organ systems.
Plastic production has greatly increased in the past decades and has become central to modern human life. Realization is dawning that plastics break down into smaller pieces resulting in micro- or nanoplastics (MNP) that can enter humans directly via the environment. Indeed, MNP have been detected in every part of the human body, including the placenta, which is concerning for development. Early developmental stages are crucial for proper growth and genome programming. Environmental disruptors in MNP can have detrimental effects during this critical window as well and can increase the risk of developing disease and dysfunction. In addition, MNP may impact situations in which developmental pathways are reactivated after birth such as during organ repair. Currently, there is no overview of how MNP can impair (human) development and repair. Therefore, we provide an extensive overview of available evidence on MNP impacting developmental and regenerative processes in various organs in humans and rodent models. In addition, we have included the impact of some additives that can leach from these MNP. We conclude that MNP and their additives can have modulating effects on developing and regenerating organs.