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A review of potential human health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics exposure
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This systematic review summarized 133 studies on how micro- and nanoplastics affect human health based on mammalian research. The evidence points to cell damage, inflammation, gut disruption, and reproductive harm, though most studies focused on polystyrene particles and more research is needed on other common plastic types.
This systematic review aims to summarize the current knowledge on biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on human health based on mammalian systems. An extensive search of the literature led to a total of 133 primary research articles on the health relevance of MNPs. Our findings revealed that although the study of MNP cytotoxicity and inflammatory response represents a major research theme, most studies (105 articles) focused on the effects of polystyrene MNPs due to their wide availability as a well characterised research material that can be manufactured with a large range of particle sizes, fluorescence labelling as well as various surface modifications. Among the 133 studies covered in this review, 117 articles reported adverse health effects after being exposed to MNPs. Mammalian in vitro studies identified multiple biological effects including cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, genotoxicity, embryotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, renal toxicity and even carcinogenicity, while rodent in vivo models confirmed the bioaccumulation of MNPs in the liver, spleen, kidney, brain, lung and gut, presenting adverse effects at different levels including reproductive toxic effects and trans-generational toxicity. In contrast, the remaining 16 studies indicated an insignificant impact of MNPs on humans. A few studies attempted to investigate the mechanisms or factors driving the toxicity of MNPs and identified several determining factors including size, concentration, shape, surface charge, attached pollutants and weathering process, which, however, were not benchmarked or considered by most studies. This review demonstrates that there are still many inconsistencies in the evaluation of the potential health effects of MNPs due to the lack of comparability between studies. Current limitations hindering the attainment of reproducible conclusions as well as recommendations for future research directions are also presented.
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This review summarizes 90 studies on how tiny plastic particles affect gut health, mostly using lab-grown human intestinal cells rather than live animals. Most research used one plastic type (polystyrene) and nanosized particles, finding effects like cell stress, inflammation, and disruption of the gut's protective barrier.
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This meta-analysis pools data from mouse and rat studies to assess the toxic effects of micro and nanoplastics on mammalian health. The findings show that these particles can cause damage across multiple organ systems in lab animals, providing important evidence about the potential health risks that microplastic exposure may pose to humans.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and their potential toxicological outcomes: State of science, knowledge gaps and research needs
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This review summarizes what is known about the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics in mammals, drawing from both cell studies and animal experiments. Evidence suggests these particles can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, gut disruption, and reproductive harm, with effects depending on particle size, shape, and chemical composition. However, most studies use uniform lab-made particles rather than the irregular plastics humans actually encounter, making real-world risk assessment challenging.
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This review summarized known cellular and systemic effects of micro- and nanoplastics in mammals, finding that while ingestion is common, knowledge of health impacts remains limited, with oxidative stress and inflammation as the most reported biological responses.
Can Mammalian Reproductive Health Withstand Massive Exposure to Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastic Derivatives? A Systematic Review
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This systematic review examined how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics affect reproductive health in mammals. The evidence from animal studies shows these particles can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances in reproductive organs, raising concerns about potential effects on human fertility.
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