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Papers
6 resultsShowing papers from University of Health and Allied Sciences
ClearTop 10 public health challenges to track in 2023: Shifting focus beyond a global pandemic
This article identifies the top 10 global public health challenges for 2023, including climate change, infectious disease preparedness, and environmental pollution. Microplastic contamination is highlighted as part of the broader environmental health threat that demands coordinated international attention. The authors argue that shifting focus beyond pandemic response is essential to address the interconnected health challenges facing the world.
The Risks of Microplastic Pollution in the Aquatic Ecosystem
This review examines the risks of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems, focusing on how these particles enter the food chain when marine organisms mistake them for prey. Researchers found that microplastic ingestion leads to chemical toxin accumulation, digestive organ damage, growth reduction, and decreased reproductive output in aquatic species. The study emphasizes the need for public education about products that contribute to marine microplastic contamination.
Chronic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on reproductive parameters of male rats
Researchers studied the chronic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on the reproductive system of male rats over 90 days. The study found significant reductions in sperm volume, motility, epididymal count, and serum testosterone levels, along with disrupted testicular architecture and decreased antioxidant capacity. The findings suggest that chronic microplastic exposure may adversely affect male reproductive parameters in mammals.
The role of microplastics exposure in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
Researchers reviewed the mechanistic links between microplastic and nanoplastic exposure and the two most common neurodegenerative diseases — Alzheimer's and Parkinson's — finding evidence that oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption, and protein aggregation are key pathways connecting plastic pollution to neurodegeneration.
Polystyrene Microplastic-Induced Cellular Alterations and Their Effects on Viral Entry (RSV, HCoV-OC43, EV-A71) and Viral Persistence
Researchers systematically investigated how polystyrene microplastics affect human cells and their interactions with three respiratory and enteric viruses. The study found that microplastic exposure caused cell damage, suppressed innate antiviral immune responses, and enhanced the persistence of enveloped viruses like coronavirus OC43 and RSV, suggesting that microplastics may create conditions favorable for viral survival.