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The detrimental effects of microplastic exposure on kidney function

Frontiers in Medicine 2025 Score: 48 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Na Jiang, Xi Yin Zheng, Nan Zhang, Yingjie Cao

Summary

This review explores the two-way relationship between kidney function and microplastic exposure, asking whether MPs can be cleared renally and whether kidney disease impairs their clearance. Evidence suggests MPs accumulate in kidney tissue and may contribute to disease progression, though clinical data remain limited.

Body Systems

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters, primarily originating from the degradation of plastic products (11). In recent years, increasing attention has also been given to the impact of MPs on the health. Important questions have surfaced, including whether MPs can be cleared by the kidneys, whether reduced kidney function affects their clearance, and whether MP accumulation contributes to the progression of kidney diseases. This review explores the effects of MPs on the kidneys and focuses on their accumulation, toxic effects, and potential molecular mechanisms.

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