We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of Microplastics on Human Physiology: Mechanisms of Toxicity and Health Risks
Summary
This systematic review of 48 studies found that microplastics have been detected in human blood, placenta, and reproductive tissues, showing they can cross biological barriers. The most common harmful effects include oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal disruption, and DNA damage, raising serious questions about long-term health consequences.
This systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of microplastics on human physiology, emphasizing toxicity mechanisms and health risks. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and SciELO databases, covering studies published between 2000 and 2025. Forty-eight studies were included that addressed the presence of microplastics in human tissues and fluids, their pathophysiological mechanisms, and possible clinical outcomes. The results showed that microplastics are present in blood, placenta, and reproductive tissue samples, demonstrating their ability to cross biological barriers and interact with cells and organelles. The most consistent mechanisms described involve oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, endocrine dysregulation, and reproductive changes. In vitro and in vivo assays indicated increased production of reactive oxygen species, activation of inflammatory cytokines, and DNA damage. Recent evidence also suggests effects on the gut microbiota and fetal development, with a higher microplastic load observed in placentas from premature births. Despite advances in research, there are significant methodological limitations, such as a lack of standardization in detection techniques, control of environmental contamination, and a scarcity of longitudinal studies evaluating the dose-response relationship. It is concluded that microplastics represent an emerging contaminant with potential systemic and multi-organ impact, posing a growing concern for public health. More stringent environmental policies, population biomonitoring, and the development of standardized analytical methodologies are needed to more accurately assess the biological effects of these particles. Understanding of the risks associated with microplastics must be expanded through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate toxicology, cell biology, epidemiology, and environmental health.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Effects of Microplastics on Human Physiology: Mechanisms of Toxicity and Health Risks
This systematic review of 48 studies confirmed that microplastics are present in human blood, placenta, and reproductive tissues. The research consistently shows these particles cause oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial damage, and hormonal disruption, pointing to potential links with reproductive problems, cardiovascular issues, and other chronic health conditions.
Effects of Microplastics on Human Physiology: Mechanisms of Toxicity and Health Risks
This systematic review summarizes research on how microplastics affect human body systems, covering studies from 2000 to 2025. The evidence shows that microplastics have been found in blood, placenta, and reproductive tissues, and can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune responses. While more research is needed, the findings suggest microplastics may contribute to chronic health conditions through multiple biological pathways.
Impact of Microplastic Exposure on Human Health: A Systematic Review of Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Clinical Outcomes
This systematic review found that microplastics have been detected in human blood, placental tissue, and gastrointestinal samples, with proposed health mechanisms including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and gut microbiome alterations. While direct clinical evidence remains limited, the accumulating laboratory and observational data point to microplastics as a plausible contributor to multiple disease pathways.
Adverse Outcome Phenomena and Toxicity Mechanisms of Micro and Nanoplastics in Human Health
This review examines the growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can enter the human body through food, water, and air, and may contribute to harmful biological effects. Researchers found that these tiny particles can trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of hormonal and immune systems in laboratory studies. The study highlights the need for a unified research approach to better understand how microplastic exposure may affect long-term human health.
Micro- and Nanoplastics on Human Health and Diseases: Perspectives and Recent Advances
This review provides a comprehensive overview of how micro- and nanoplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption, and how they can then travel through the bloodstream to reach virtually every organ. Researchers summarize evidence that these particles can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of hormonal and immune functions. The study emphasizes that the ability of these particles to cross biological barriers and accumulate in tissues makes understanding their long-term health effects an urgent research priority.