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Overview of the hazardous impacts of metabolism-disrupting chemicals on the progression of fatty liver diseases.
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This review examined how metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs)—including bisphenol A and phthalates from plastics—promote the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly NAFLD). MDC exposure was found to impair liver lipid homeostasis and contribute to the global rise in fatty liver disease.
BACKGROUND: Given the global increase in obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major health concern. Because the liver is the primary organ for xenobiotic metabolism, the impact of environmental stressors on liver homeostasis and MASLD has garnered significant interest over the past few decades. The concept of metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs) has been introduced to underscore the importance of environmental factors in metabolic homeostasis. Recent epidemiological and biological studies suggest a causal link between exposure to MDCs and prevalence and progression of MASLD. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to introduce the emerging concept of MDCs and their representative toxic mechanisms. In particular, this review focuses on broadening the understanding of their impacts on MASLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) progression. RESULT: Recent research has highlighted the environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides, have the potential to influence hepatic metabolism and aggravate MASLD/MASH progression. These MDCs not only directly affect lipid metabolism in hepatocytes but also affect other cell types, such as immune cells and stellate cells, as well as the gut-liver axis. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings contribute to establishing a well-defined adverse outcome pathway and identify novel therapeutic options for liver diseases associated with pollutants.
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This review examines evidence that chronic low-dose exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including micro- and nanoplastics, may be an underappreciated factor driving the global rise of metabolic liver disease. Researchers found that these pollutants can promote liver fat accumulation, inflammation, and scarring by disrupting hormone signaling, gut health, and mitochondrial function. The study suggests that environmental chemical exposures should be considered alongside diet and lifestyle when assessing liver disease risk.
Microplastics in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: An emerging threat to liver health
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This review examined emerging evidence linking microplastic exposure to the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly NAFLD). The authors found that microplastics detected in liver tissue can exacerbate hepatic inflammation, lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress through multiple mechanisms, adding a novel environmental risk factor to MASLD pathogenesis.
Exploring the Classic and Novel Pathogenetic Insights of Plastic Exposure in the Genesis and Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
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This review examined how micro/nanoplastic (MNP) exposure contributes to the genesis and progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), the predominant liver disease in industrialized countries. Oral MNP exposure impacts the gut-liver axis, promotes steatosis through metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, and plastic additives like BPA act as exogenous factors that may trigger trained immunity pathways worsening MASLD.
Chronic Nanoplastic Exposure Promotes the Development and Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
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This study found that chronic exposure to nanoplastics promotes the development and worsening of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (formerly known as fatty liver disease). Nanoplastics appear to increase vulnerability to liver disease progression. The finding is concerning because fatty liver disease is already widespread, and everyday nanoplastic exposure through food and water could be making it worse.
Plastic compounds and liver diseases: Whether bisphenol A is the only culprit
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This review looks at how plastic-derived chemicals beyond just bisphenol A (BPA) can damage the liver, particularly by contributing to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The authors find that microplastics, nanoplastics, and various bisphenol alternatives all show links to liver problems, suggesting that the full range of plastic pollutants -- not just BPA -- may pose a greater threat to liver health than previously understood.
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