We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Human Embryos, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, and Organoids: Models to Assess the Effects of Environmental Plastic Pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
This review evaluated human embryos, induced pluripotent stem cells, and organoids as models for studying plastic pollution health effects, arguing that these human-derived systems better capture species-specific molecular responses to micro- and nanoplastics than conventional animal models and should be prioritized in risk assessment research.
For a long time, animal models were used to mimic human biology and diseases. However, animal models are not an ideal solution due to numerous interspecies differences between humans and animals. New technologies, such as human-induced pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional (3D) cultures such as organoids, represent promising solutions for replacing, refining, and reducing animal models. The capacity of organoids to differentiate, self-organize, and form specific, complex, biologically suitable structures makes them excellent in vitro models of development and disease pathogenesis, as well as drug-screening platforms. Despite significant potential health advantages, further studies and considerable nuances are necessary before their clinical use. This article summarizes the definition of embryoids, gastruloids, and organoids and clarifies their appliance as models for early development, diseases, environmental pollution, drug screening, and bioinformatics.
More Papers Like This
Advancing Microplastic and Nanoplastic Toxicity Assessment: Insights from Human Organoid Models
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how human stem cell-derived organoids are being used to study the toxic effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on human tissues. Researchers found that organoid models of the gut, lung, brain, and other organs provide more human-relevant data than traditional animal testing for assessing plastic particle toxicity. The study suggests that organoid technology could significantly advance understanding of how microplastics affect human health at the tissue and organ level.
Human organoids to assess environmental contaminants toxicity and mode of action: towards New Approach Methodologies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores how human organoids, miniature lab-grown organ models, can be used to test the toxicity of environmental contaminants including microplastics. These 3D tissue models offer a more accurate picture of how pollutants affect human cells than traditional lab tests, though more work is needed to simulate the chronic, low-dose exposures people actually experience.
Organoid-based platforms for investigating microplastic-induced human organ toxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how lab-grown miniature organ models, called organoids, are being used to study the health effects of micro- and nanoplastic exposure on human tissues. Evidence from brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, and intestinal organoid models shows that plastic particles can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and impaired tissue development. The technology offers a more realistic way to study plastic toxicity compared to traditional cell culture or animal experiments.
Application of organoid technology in the human health risk assessment of microplastics: A review of progresses and challenges
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how organoid technology -- miniature lab-grown versions of human organs made from stem cells -- can be used to study the health effects of microplastics more accurately than traditional animal testing. Organoids of the gut, lung, brain, liver, and other organs can better predict how microplastics affect human tissues, potentially accelerating our understanding of the real health risks these particles pose.
Unveiling the effects of micro and nano plastics in embryonic development
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microplastics and nanoplastics can disrupt early embryo development, triggering inflammation, neurotoxicity, and abnormal cell differentiation in developing organisms. Because human embryos cannot be directly studied, 3D lab models called embryoid bodies — grown from stem cells — are emerging as an ethical and effective way to test plastic toxicity.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.