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Review: Microplastics: A threat for developing and repairing organs? — R0/PR2
Summary
This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence showing that micro- and nanoplastics have been detected in virtually every human organ, including the placenta, raising serious concerns about their effects during fetal development and organ repair in adults. The authors find that microplastic particles and their associated chemical additives can disrupt hormones, trigger inflammation, and interfere with genetic programming during critical developmental windows. The review concludes that human exposure to microplastics likely increases the risk of developmental disorders and impairs the body's ability to heal damaged tissue, making this an urgent medical research priority.
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.