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Hematological consequences of polyethylene microplastics toxicity in male rats: Oxidative stress, genetic, and epigenetic links
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Researchers gave male rats different doses of polyethylene microplastics orally for 35 days and found significant damage to blood cells and the blood-forming system. Higher doses caused oxidative stress, DNA damage, and changes in gene expression patterns related to blood cell production. The study suggests that chronic microplastic ingestion could harm the blood system through both genetic and epigenetic pathways.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a newly emerging environmental issue. MPs can accumulate within animals and humans, which can pose a serious health threat. Petroleum-based polyethylene (PE) is one of the most popular plastics. Accordingly, its exposure rates have steadily increased over the years. This study aimed to analyze the effects of PE-MPs on the hematological system of albino rats and the epigenetic effect. Five groups of adult male eight-weeks-old rats received either distilled water, corn oil, 3.75 mg/kg PE-MPs, 15 mg/kg PE-MPs, or 60 mg/kg of PE-MPs, daily by oral gavage for 35 days. PE-MPs significantly increased the body weights of the rats and lipid peroxidation, with concomitant reduction of superoxide dismutase activity and depletion of reduced glutathione, thus adversely affecting oxidants/antioxidants balance. Moreover, PE-MPs increased the % of abnormal RBCs, irregular cells, tear drop cells, Schistocyte cells, and folded cells. The genotoxic effects on DNA were evident by increased DNA damage, confirmed by the comet assay, in addition to increased DNA methylation. The effects of PE-MPs have been shown to be dose correlated. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of dose-related PE-MPs-induced hematological, genotoxic, and epigenetic effects in mammals, and thus emphasizes the potentially hazardous health effects of environmental PE-MPs.
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Microplastics in motion: Genotoxic and redox imbalance impacts of systemic exposure in a murine model
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Researchers injected polyethylene microplastics into mice and found the particles accumulated in the blood, liver, and kidneys, with DNA damage detected in peripheral blood. The study revealed complex organ-specific oxidative and nitrosative stress responses, suggesting that systemic microplastic exposure can trigger genotoxicity and disrupt redox balance in multiple tissues.
The Impact of Micro/Nanoplastics on Human Hematopoietic Function: Exposure, Deposition, Toxicity, and Mitigation Strategies
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Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics enter the body via diet and inhalation and accumulate in blood cells and hematopoietic organs, synthesizing animal and in vitro evidence that these particles disrupt red and white blood cell production through oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling while also exploring biodegradation and dietary mitigation strategies.
Microplastics exposure altered hematological and lipid profiles as well as liver and kidney function parameters in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)
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Researchers fed albino rats different concentrations of microplastics for 28 days and measured changes in blood, liver, kidney, and lipid profiles. They found dose-dependent effects including reduced immune cell counts suggesting immunosuppression, lower red blood cell levels indicating anemia, and altered liver and kidney function markers. The study provides evidence that microplastic ingestion may affect multiple organ systems and blood health in a way that worsens with higher exposure levels.
Hemotoxic effects of polyethylene microplastics on mice
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Researchers exposed mice to different concentrations of polyethylene microplastics for 15 days and studied the effects on their blood. The highest dose caused significant damage to red blood cells, leading to abnormal shapes and reduced blood cell counts, along with impaired liver and kidney function. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may have harmful effects on blood health in mammals, including patterns consistent with anemia.
Polystyrene micro-/nanoplastics induced hematopoietic damages via the crosstalk of gut microbiota, metabolites, and cytokines
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Researchers exposed mice to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics and found that the particles caused damage to the blood-forming system through disruption of gut bacteria, metabolic changes, and inflammatory signaling. Smaller nanoplastics caused more severe effects than larger microplastics, altering gut microbial communities and triggering systemic inflammation. The study reveals a previously unknown pathway by which ingested plastic particles may harm the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells.
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