Polystyrene microplastics induce skeletal muscle atrophy through disruption of anabolic signaling and mitochondrial function

Polystyrene microplastics: a threat to renal energy metabolism and tissue morphology in Wistar rats

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Researchers orally exposed male Wistar rats to polystyrene microplastics at three doses over four weeks and found dose-dependent disruption of renal energy metabolism, including impaired glycolysis, suppressed gluconeogenesis, and a metabolic shift toward anaerobic pathways, accompanied by progressive histopathological damage including tubular inflammation and loss of Bowman's capsular space.

Molecular mechanisms of microplastics toxicity

Biochemical Effects of Microplastics on Human Health: A Comprehensive Review

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A comprehensive review documents how microplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, then reach the lungs, liver, kidneys, brain, and reproductive organs, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and genotoxicity. These biochemical pathways link microplastic exposure to serious chronic conditions including metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disease, reproductive dysfunction, and cancer.

Polyethylene Microplastics Disrupt Cardiopulmonary Homeostasis via Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Crosstalk, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Wistar Rats

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Male Wistar rats orally dosed with polyethylene microplastics for 28 days showed elevated cardiac and pulmonary injury biomarkers, suppressed antioxidant defenses, inhibited mitochondrial TCA cycle enzymes, and disrupted respiratory chain complexes, indicating simultaneous heart and lung damage through shared oxidative and inflammatory pathways. The study suggests that routine microplastic ingestion may impose systemic cardiopulmonary stress, with organ-specific dose-response differences suggesting the lungs may be particularly sensitive.

Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Bone-Related Protein Expression, Mineralization Capacity, and Mitochondrial Function in Osteoblastlike Cells (MG-63)

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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (the kind now showing up in human bones) can get absorbed by bone-building cells and disrupt some of the proteins these cells need to properly regulate bone formation. The good news: in this lab study, the plastics didn't actually stop the cells from depositing calcium or affect their energy production, suggesting bone strength itself wasn't compromised, but the findings raise questions about long-term effects of microplastic buildup on bone health that scientists will need to investigate further.