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Papers
411 resultsThe effects of heavy metal exposure on brain and gut microbiota: A systematic review of animal studies
This systematic review of 16 animal studies found evidence that heavy metal exposure disrupts gut microbiota composition, which may in turn affect brain function through the gut-brain axis. Lead was the most studied metal, and the findings suggest that environmental contaminant-induced gut dysbiosis could mediate neurotoxic effects, a mechanism that may also apply to microplastic exposure.
Micro-nanoplastics pollution and mammalian fertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis of 79 studies across five mammalian species found that micro- and nanoplastics cause reproductive toxicity in a concentration-dependent manner, particularly at high doses. Polystyrene was the most studied polymer, and most research focused on male fertility in mice, leaving a significant gap in knowledge about effects on food-producing animals that could serve as vectors for human exposure.
Polystyrene microplastics and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate co-exposure: Implications for female reproductive health
When rats were exposed to both polystyrene microplastics and the common plasticizer DEHP together, they developed significantly more ovarian damage -- including increased cystic follicles, fibrosis, and hormone imbalance -- than from either substance alone. The combined exposure activated a specific signaling pathway (TGF-beta1/Smad3) linked to ovarian fibrosis and may increase the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome, raising concerns about real-world co-exposure in women.
Toxicological effects of micro/nano-plastics on mouse/rat models: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis pools data from mouse and rat studies to assess the toxic effects of micro and nanoplastics on mammalian health. The findings show that these particles can cause damage across multiple organ systems in lab animals, providing important evidence about the potential health risks that microplastic exposure may pose to humans.
Effects of nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy and lactation on neurodevelopment of rat offspring
When pregnant and nursing rats were exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics, their offspring showed thinner brain cortexes, disrupted neurotransmitter levels, damaged connections between brain cells, and problems with anxiety and spatial memory. This study suggests that maternal exposure to nanoplastics during pregnancy and breastfeeding could affect brain development in offspring.
Microplastics and nanoplastics co-exposure modulates chromium bioaccumulation and physiological responses in rats
Rats exposed to a mix of microplastics and nanoplastics along with hexavalent chromium, a toxic heavy metal, accumulated significantly more chromium in their liver, heart, brain, and skin than rats exposed to chromium alone. This shows that plastic particles can act as carriers that increase the amount of toxic metals absorbed by the body, potentially amplifying the health risks of metal pollution.
Mechanism of <i>S</i>-Palmitoylation in Polystyrene Nanoplastics-Induced Macrophage Cuproptosis Contributing to Emphysema through Alveolar Epithelial Cell Pyroptosis
Researchers found that breathing in polystyrene nanoplastics caused emphysema (a type of lung disease) in rats by triggering a chain reaction: the nanoplastics entered immune cells in the lungs, caused copper-related cell death in those immune cells, which then released inflammatory signals that destroyed the air sacs. This newly discovered mechanism shows how inhaled nanoplastics could contribute to serious, irreversible lung damage.
Exposure to polystyrene microplastics with different functional groups: Implications for blood pressure and heart
In a rat study, exposure to polystyrene microplastics raised blood pressure by 22-40% and caused heart muscle enlargement and oxidative damage, with chemically modified microplastics causing even worse effects. The research identified a molecular pathway involving reduced blood vessel-relaxing signals that may explain how microplastic exposure contributes to cardiovascular disease.
Polystyrene microplastics trigger colonic inflammation in rats via the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 pathway and modulation of intestinal microbiota
Rats exposed to polystyrene microplastics for 90 days developed significant colon inflammation, including damaged gut lining, increased inflammatory markers, and disrupted gut bacteria. The study identified a specific inflammatory pathway (TLR4/NF-kB/COX-2) through which microplastics trigger intestinal inflammation, providing important clues about how plastic particles in food and water could contribute to gut diseases in humans.
Polystyrene microplastics induced nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in juvenile rats
This study found that polystyrene microplastics caused kidney damage in young rats through a combination of oxidative stress, inflammation, and a cellular stress response called endoplasmic reticulum stress. The microplastics also reduced body weight growth and affected multiple organs including the heart and ovaries. These findings suggest that microplastic exposure during development could be particularly harmful to kidney health in young, growing organisms.
Identification of micro- and nanoplastic particles in postnatal sprague-dawley rat offspring after maternal inhalation exposure throughout gestation
Pregnant rats that inhaled micro- and nanoplastic particles throughout gestation passed them to their offspring, with plastic particles detected in pup tissues after birth. This is one of the first studies to show that inhaled microplastics can cross the placental barrier during pregnancy and persist in offspring, raising concerns about prenatal exposure from airborne plastic pollution.
Maternal exposure to nanopolystyrene induces neurotoxicity in offspring through P53-mediated ferritinophagy and ferroptosis in the rat hippocampus
When pregnant and nursing rats were fed nanoplastics, their offspring showed impaired learning and memory due to a specific type of cell death called ferroptosis in the brain's hippocampus. The nanoplastics triggered a chain reaction involving oxidative stress and iron buildup that damaged developing brain cells, suggesting that maternal exposure to nanoplastics during pregnancy and breastfeeding could harm offspring brain development.
Selective bioaccumulation of polystyrene nanoplastics in fetal rat brain and damage to myelin development
Pregnant rats exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics passed the particles through the placenta into their fetuses' brains, where they accumulated most heavily in the cerebellum. This exposure damaged the protective coating around nerve fibers (myelin) and reduced key brain cells, leading to motor problems in the offspring -- raising concerns about how nanoplastics during pregnancy could affect fetal brain development.
Polystyrene microplastics lead to pyroptosis and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells via NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway in rats
In a 90-day study, female rats exposed to polystyrene microplastics had fewer healthy ovarian follicles, increased oxidative damage, and elevated inflammation in their ovaries. The microplastics triggered a type of inflammatory cell death called pyroptosis in the cells surrounding eggs, along with increased programmed cell death. These findings suggest that microplastic exposure could harm female fertility by damaging the ovaries and the cells needed for healthy egg development.
Single inhalation exposure to polyamide micro and nanoplastic particles impairs vascular dilation without generating pulmonary inflammation in virgin female Sprague Dawley rats
A single inhalation exposure to polyamide (nylon) micro and nanoplastic particles impaired blood vessel function in female rats without causing obvious lung inflammation. This suggests that inhaled plastic particles may harm the cardiovascular system through pathways that do not involve the lungs directly. The finding is concerning because it means even brief exposure to airborne microplastics could affect heart and blood vessel health in ways that might go unnoticed.
Effects of micro/nanoplastics on oxidative damage and serum biochemical parameters in rats and mice: a meta-analysis
A meta-analysis of 36 studies in rats and mice found that micro/nanoplastics significantly increase oxidative stress markers (ROS, MDA) and liver enzymes (ALT, AST) while depleting antioxidant defenses (SOD, GSH, GPx, CAT). Smaller particles administered orally over longer durations caused the most pronounced damage, with the liver showing the highest elevations in biochemical stress markers.
Unveiling the toxicity of micro-nanoplastics: A systematic exploration of understanding environmental and health implications
This review summarizes what is known about the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics, noting they can cross critical barriers in the body including the blood-brain barrier. Studies in lab animals show these particles can cause DNA damage, oxidative stress, and cell death, with potential effects on the brain, heart, lungs, and skin, underscoring the need for more real-world human studies.
Impact of polyethylene microplastics exposure on kallikrein-3 levels, steroidal-thyroidal hormones, and antioxidant status in murine model: protective potentials of naringin
When male rats were exposed to polyethylene microplastics (the most common type found in packaging), they showed disrupted testosterone, thyroid hormones, and antioxidant defenses. A citrus compound called naringin partially reversed these harmful effects, suggesting both that microplastics can interfere with the hormonal system and that certain natural compounds might offer some protection.
Investigation of pulmonary inflammatory responses following intratracheal instillation of and inhalation exposure to polypropylene microplastics
Rats exposed to polypropylene microplastics through both inhalation and direct lung delivery developed inflammatory responses in their lungs, including increased immune cells and tissue changes. Even at relatively low concentrations, the microplastics triggered pulmonary inflammation, supporting concerns that breathing in airborne microplastics could contribute to respiratory health problems in humans.
Ingested Polystyrene Nanospheres Translocate to Placenta and Fetal Tissues in Pregnant Rats: Potential Health Implications
In a study on pregnant rats, researchers found that ingested nanoplastics (tiny 25-nanometer plastic spheres) crossed both the intestinal barrier and the placental barrier to reach every fetal organ examined, including the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. This is the first study to directly demonstrate that swallowed nanoplastics can travel from a mother's gut to developing fetal tissues. The findings raise serious concerns about potential health effects of nanoplastic exposure during human pregnancy.
Protective effect of Cordycepin on blood-testis barrier against pre-puberty polystyrene nanoplastics exposure in male rats
Young male rats exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics during a critical growth period developed lasting damage to their reproductive system, including lower sperm quality and weakened barriers protecting developing sperm cells. A natural compound called cordycepin partially reversed this damage by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting possible protective strategies against reproductive harm from plastic pollution.
Harmful effects of the microplastic pollution on animal health: a literature review
This review summarizes research on how microplastics affect the health of both aquatic organisms and lab animals like mice and rats. The animal studies suggest that microplastics could have a significant negative impact on human health, but the results are still mixed because experiments vary widely in plastic type, particle size, and dosage. More standardized research is needed before we can draw firm conclusions about the risks to people.
The Potential of Spent Coffee Grounds in Functional Food Development
This review explores whether spent coffee grounds, the leftover material after brewing coffee, could be used as a health-promoting food ingredient rather than being thrown away. Spent coffee grounds contain beneficial compounds like caffeine and antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease, cancer, and liver problems. While not directly about microplastics, repurposing this waste could reduce the millions of tons of coffee grounds sent to landfills each year, where they contribute to environmental pollution.
Single pulmonary nanopolystyrene exposure in late-stage pregnancy dysregulates maternal and fetal cardiovascular function
A single lung exposure to nanoplastics in pregnant rats during late pregnancy reduced fetal and placental weight and caused cardiovascular problems in both the mother and the developing fetus. The nanoplastics disrupted blood flow through the uterine arteries and impaired fetal heart function. This study is concerning because it shows that even a brief inhalation of nanoplastics during pregnancy can have immediate effects on fetal development.