Papers

Tiny trouble: microplastics, nanoplastics, and their heartfelt impact on cardiovascular health

This review summarizes growing evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in human heart tissue, arterial plaques, and blood, and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lab studies show these particles can damage blood vessel walls, disrupt cholesterol processing, trigger inflammation, and promote blood clot formation, raising serious concerns about heart health.

Health Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Humans: Systematic Review of <i>In Vivo</i> Evidence

This meta-analysis reviews 25 studies that directly measured micro- and nanoplastics in living human tissues and fluids. The evidence confirms that plastic particles accumulate in multiple organ systems, including the heart, reproductive organs, and gut, and are associated with inflammation and functional problems. This is some of the strongest direct evidence that microplastics are present inside our bodies and may be affecting our health.

Health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in humans: systematic review of in vivo evidence

This review of existing research found that tiny plastic particles (called microplastics and nanoplastics) build up in different parts of the human body and may cause inflammation and organ problems. However, the studies had different methods and limitations, so scientists can't yet prove these plastics directly cause health issues. Better long-term studies are needed to understand if microplastics - which come from things like plastic bottles and food packaging - truly harm human health.

Impact of Microplastics on the Ocular Surface

This review examines emerging evidence on how microplastics may affect the surface of the human eye. Researchers found that microplastics can potentially trigger inflammatory responses, microbial imbalance, and oxidative stress in ocular tissues, though research is still limited. The study highlights the need for more investigation into this overlooked exposure route, as the eyes are constantly exposed to airborne particles including microplastics.

Exposure to nanoplastics exacerbates light pollution hazards to mammalian

Researchers discovered that nanoplastics can enter the brain's master clock region, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and disrupt circadian rhythms in mice. When nanoplastic exposure was combined with artificial light pollution, the disruption to sleep-wake cycles, metabolism, and immune function was significantly worse than from either stressor alone. The study is the first to show that nanoplastics can amplify the harmful effects of light pollution on mammalian health.

Health Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Humans: Systematic Review of in Vivo Evidence

Polystyrene nanoplastics promote neurodegeneration by catalyzing TDP43 hyperphosphorylation

Researchers exposed human stem cell-derived neurons to polystyrene nanoplastics and found that the particles penetrated cells in a size-dependent manner and bound to TDP43, a protein implicated in ALS. The nanoplastics appeared to facilitate conditions leading to TDP43 hyperphosphorylation, resulting in ALS-like characteristics including disrupted neuronal structure, impaired mitochondrial function, and accelerated motor neuron death. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative conditions by promoting harmful protein modifications in nerve cells.

Microplastics identified in commercial over-the-counter lubricant eyedrops

Researchers conducted extensive quantification of microplastic contamination in commercial over-the-counter lubricant eyedrops, finding MPs in multiple product brands at concentrations suggesting direct ocular exposure with each application. The study identified a previously unrecognized route of microplastic exposure with potential implications for eye health.