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Forever particles: histochemistry in the plasticene age
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This histochemistry commentary reviewed the growing evidence for micro- and nanoplastics in human organs (gonads, placenta, blood, arteries, lungs, liver, kidneys, brain) and discussed implications for tissue analysis and pathology. The authors called for updated histochemical methods capable of detecting plastic particles in tissue sections.
The statement "Plastics define the way we live today" summarizes the findings of the Plastic Europe 2020 final document (https://plasticseurope.org/knowledge-hub/plastics-the-facts-2020/). Sadly, this also means that the plastic waste generated over the next decade is likely to become unmanageable. By 2050, plastic usage is expected to triple, resulting in a similar increase in plastic waste, with approximately half of it ending up in landfills. Emerging research indicates that micro and nanoplastics have been found in various human organs, including the gonads, placenta, blood, arteries, lungs, liver, kidney, and even the brain. This raises significant questions about their pervasive presence within our bodies and their potential threat to health. In addition to their harmful effects, these "forever particles" (micro/nanoplastics) can serve as Trojan horses, transporting additional pollutants such as bacteria and heavy metals into our bodies. In this review, we explore key aspects of the plastics crisis and urge the scientific community -especially those in the fields of cytochemistry and histochemistry, which adeptly connect morphology with function- to investigate the harmful effects of micro and nanoplastics that we encounter daily through ingestion or inhalation. This research should focus on various physiological levels, including DNA, cells, and tissues.
More Papers Like This
Systemic translocation of micro- and nanoplastics in humans: Evidence, mechanisms and future perspectives
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles found in human tissues like the placenta, lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. It examines how these particles might move through the body, based mainly on lab and animal studies, and notes that detection methods and human evidence still have major limitations.
Morphological and chemical characterization of nanoplastics in human tissue
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Researchers developed methods to visualize and chemically characterize nanoplastics that have accumulated in human tissue samples. They were able to identify plastic particles smaller than one micrometer within tissue using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The study provides some of the first direct evidence of nanoscale plastic accumulation in the human body, which is essential for designing future health effects research.
Methods for detecting microplastics in human tissues, with a focus on vascular and intravascular specimens
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This review summarizes existing research on methods for detecting tiny plastic particles in human tissues, including blood, blood vessels, liver, placenta and heart tissue. It describes the strengths, weaknesses and challenges of different detection techniques, noting that no standard method currently exists for this testing.
Post-mortem evidence of microplastic bioaccumulation in human organs: insights from advanced imaging and spectroscopic analysis
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Researchers examined tissue samples from deceased individuals and found microplastics in the brain, liver, thyroid, kidney, heart, muscle, and lungs, with the thyroid, kidney, and brain showing the highest contamination at up to 40 particles per gram of tissue. Nanoscale plastic particles smaller than 0.02 micrometers were also detected, indicating that the tiniest plastics can cross biological barriers and accumulate deep in human organs.
Diagnosis of micro- and nanoplastic exposure in humans: current status and prospects, technological advances, and clinical implications
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This review paper summarizes current research on detecting tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) in the human body, including in blood, tissue, and placenta samples. It notes that detecting the smallest particles remains difficult, and discusses studies linking plastic exposure to inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as possible connections to heart, brain, and immune diseases.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.