Microplastics exposure during perinatal period: Impacts on neonatal immune and metabolic programming - a scoping review

This scoping review synthesizes research on "Microplastics Exposure During Perinatal Period: Impacts on Neonatal Immune and Metabolic Programming " to address gaps in understanding how micro- and nano plastics affect neonatal physiological systems and health trajectories. This scoping review aims to evaluate mechanisms of immune and metabolic disruption, benchmark experimental models, characterize size- and dose-dependent effects, and elucidate exposure pathways influencing neonatal outcomes. This also analyses the experimental animal studies, human clinical data, and in vitro models, focusing on biodistribution, molecular effects, and long-term consequences. Findings reveal that micro- and nano plastics cross placental and lactational barriers, accumulating in fetal and neonatal tissues, with smaller particles exhibiting greater translocation and toxicity. Immune programming is disrupted via inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, while metabolic disturbances include lipid dysregulation, hepatic inflammation, and persistent obesity risk. Neurodevelopmental impairments and reproductive toxicity with transgenerational effects were documented predominantly in animal models. Methodological heterogeneity and limited human longitudinal data constrain translational relevance. Integrating these findings underscores the critical impact of early-life microplastic exposure on immune and metabolic programming with potential lifelong health consequences. These insights highlight the need for standardized exposure assessment, multidisciplinary research, and targeted public health interventions to mitigate risks during sensitive developmental windows.