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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Lung microbiota participated in fibrous microplastics (MPs) aggravating OVA-induced asthma disease in mice
ClearDetrimental effects of microplastic exposure on normal and asthmatic pulmonary physiology
Researchers exposed both healthy and asthmatic mice to airborne microplastics and found significant lung inflammation, immune activation, and increased mucus production in both groups. Microplastic particles were taken up by immune cells called macrophages, and gene analysis revealed changes in immune response, cellular stress, and cell death pathways. The study suggests that inhaling microplastics may worsen respiratory health in both normal and vulnerable populations.
Breathing plastics: Influence of airborne microplastics on the respiratory microbiome and health of human lungs (Review)
Researchers reviewed evidence showing that inhaled airborne microplastics can physically interact with the microbial community living in human lungs, disrupting its balance and triggering inflammation linked to conditions like asthma and fibrosis. Because microplastic particles have been found in lung tissue and fluid samples, inhalation is now recognized as a significant exposure route with measurable consequences for respiratory health.
Impact of Microplastic Exposure on Airway Inflammation in an Acute Asthma Murine Model
Mouse experiments found that microplastic exposure worsened inflammatory responses in healthy lungs but did not further aggravate airway inflammation in mice with pre-existing asthma, suggesting the lung's response to microplastics depends on baseline immune state.
Microplastics exposed by respiratory tract and exacerbation of community-acquired pneumonia: The potential influences of respiratory microbiota and inflammatory factors
Researchers found that microplastics were present in the lungs of pneumonia patients, and that patients with severe pneumonia had higher levels of microplastics in their airways than those with milder cases. The microplastics appeared to worsen lung infections by disrupting the balance of airway bacteria and increasing inflammation. This study provides early evidence that inhaled microplastics may make respiratory infections more dangerous in humans.
Inhalable microplastics of different shapes disrupt airway epithelial homeostasis: A comparative study of fibers and irregular particles
Researchers compared the lung effects of fiber-shaped versus irregularly shaped microplastics in mice and cell models. They found that fibrous microplastics caused more severe airway damage, inflammation, and disruption of the protective mucus barrier than irregular particles. The study suggests that the shape of inhaled microplastics matters significantly for how much harm they may cause to the respiratory system.
Airborne polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics induce nasal and lung microbial dysbiosis in mice
Researchers found that airborne polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics can induce microbial dysbiosis in the nasal passages and lungs of mice. The study showed that both micro- and nanoplastics altered airway microbiota composition, with microplastics having a stronger influence on lung bacterial communities, suggesting that inhaled plastic particles may disrupt respiratory microbial balance.
Gut-lung axis: a novel mechanism involving microbiota dysbiosis-coordinated PLA2-TRPV1 neuroimmune crosstalk in nanoplastic-induced asthma exacerbation
Researchers found that inhaled polystyrene nanoplastics worsen asthma in mice by triggering a chain reaction involving gut bacteria disruption, nerve-immune signaling, and airway inflammation, revealing a gut-lung connection where plastic particles in the body can amplify respiratory disease through multiple biological pathways at once.
Microplastics as environmental modifiers of lung disease
This review examines growing evidence that inhaled microplastics may contribute to lung diseases including asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Researchers found that different plastic types, sizes, and weathering states can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular changes in lung tissue, suggesting microplastics may act as environmental modifiers that worsen respiratory conditions.
Winds of change a tale of: asthma and microbiome
This review explores the relationship between the human microbiome and asthma, considering how environmental factors including air pollution and microplastics may influence microbial communities in the airways. Researchers found that changes in the lung and gut microbiome are associated with altered immune responses that can worsen asthma symptoms. The study suggests that environmental exposures, including airborne microplastics, may contribute to asthma development by disrupting the body's natural microbial balance.
Gut-lung microbiota dynamics in mice exposed to Nanoplastics
Researchers gave mice PET nanoplastics orally for 28 days and analyzed the microbiome in their lungs, colon, mouth, and stool. While gut and oral bacteria were relatively unchanged, the lung microbiome showed significant shifts, including increases in bacteria associated with respiratory inflammation. The findings suggest a gut-lung connection where ingested nanoplastics may influence lung microbial communities even when gut bacteria appear unaffected.
Presence of nanoplastics in sputum of patients with severe asthma: a novel environmental perspective
Researchers analyzed sputum from severe asthma patients and detected nanoplastics in samples for the first time, comparing concentrations and immune profiles across asthma phenotypes. Nanoplastic presence in sputum was associated with more severe disease and distinct immune dysregulation patterns, identifying environmental nanoplastic exposure as a potential modifier of asthma severity.
Deleterious effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on rodent lungs: a systematic review
This systematic review summarizes research on how inhaled micro- and nanoplastics affect the lungs in animal studies. The findings show these particles can cause lung inflammation, tissue damage, and immune responses, suggesting that breathing in airborne microplastics may pose real risks to respiratory health.
Effects of secondary microplastic on the respiratory system of BALB/c mice
Researchers exposed BALB/c mice to secondary microplastics derived from environmentally weathered plastic and assessed respiratory system effects. Secondary MPs caused greater pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress than virgin particles, suggesting that real-world aged plastics carry higher respiratory toxicity risks than pristine particles used in most laboratory studies.
The impaired response of nasal epithelial cells to microplastic stimulation in asthma and COPD
Researchers exposed nasal lining cells from healthy people, asthma patients, and COPD patients to polyamide microplastic fibers and found that diseased airways responded very differently than healthy ones. Asthma cells showed changes in cholesterol metabolism and stress responses, while COPD cells showed altered immune cell movement and signaling. This suggests that people with existing respiratory conditions are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of inhaled microplastic fibers.
Investigation of the presence of microplastics and their clinical significance in patients with exacerbation and stable periods of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Researchers examined the presence of microplastics in sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients during exacerbation and stable phases. MPs were detected in a majority of patient samples, and their presence was associated with greater airway inflammation, suggesting inhaled microplastics contribute to COPD pathology.
Effects of microplastics on allergic airways and potential pathogenesis: a review
This review examines how microplastics, which can enter the body through breathing, eating, and skin contact, may affect allergic airway conditions. Researchers found evidence that microplastics can damage airway lining cells, disrupt the protective barrier of the respiratory tract, and trigger heightened airway reactivity. The study suggests that chronic microplastic exposure may worsen allergic airway inflammation, though more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.
Silent invaders: the role of MPs on epithelium inflammation and damage in airway diseases
This review examines how inhaled microplastics and nanoplastics interact with airway epithelial surfaces and trigger inflammatory, oxidative, and structural changes that may contribute to respiratory diseases. The study describes how these particles activate key inflammatory pathways such as NF-kB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, potentially worsening conditions like asthma and COPD through enhanced barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress, and disrupted tissue repair.
Chronic lung tissue deposition of inhaled polyethylene microplastics may lead to fibrotic lesions
In a mouse study, inhaled polyethylene microplastics accumulated in lung tissue over 90 days of repeated exposure, causing chronic inflammation, immune changes, and early signs of lung scarring (fibrosis). Even at the lowest doses, the microplastics triggered inflammatory cell buildup and thickening of lung walls. These findings suggest that long-term breathing of airborne microplastics could lead to permanent lung damage, which is concerning given rising levels of plastic particles in indoor and outdoor air.
Inhaled polystyrene microplastics impaired lung function through pulmonary flora/TLR4-mediated iron homeostasis imbalance
Mice that inhaled polystyrene microplastics for 60 days developed lung scarring, reduced lung function, and weakened lung barriers. The microplastics increased harmful bacteria in the lungs, which triggered an iron-related cell death process called ferroptosis -- revealing a new mechanism by which breathing in microplastics could cause lasting lung damage.
Microplastics, potential threat to patients with lung diseases
This review examines the potential threat that airborne microplastics pose to people with existing lung conditions, noting that these particles have been found in human lung tissue and sputum. Researchers explored possible mechanisms by which inhaled microplastics could worsen lung diseases, including triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. The study highlights significant knowledge gaps and calls for more research into how microplastic inhalation affects respiratory health.
Respiratory Toxicity of Microplastics: Mechanisms, Clinical Outcomes, and Future Threats
This review examined the mechanisms by which inhaled airborne microplastics cause respiratory harm, including inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and impaired mucociliary clearance. The authors also discuss emerging evidence linking microplastic inhalation to worsening asthma, COPD, and potentially lung cancer.
Inhaled Microplastics Inhibit Tissue Maintenance Functions of Pulmonary Macrophages
Researchers found that inhaled microplastics accumulate in lung macrophages, the immune cells responsible for cleaning and maintaining lung tissue, and significantly impair their normal functions. The microplastic-laden macrophages showed reduced ability to perform tissue maintenance tasks that are essential for lung health. The study provides evidence that breathing in microplastics could compromise the lung's built-in defense and repair systems, with potential implications for respiratory health.
Pulmonary Flora‐Derived Lipopolysaccharide Mediates Lung‐Brain Axis through Activating Microglia Involved in Polystyrene Microplastic‐Induced Cognitive Dysfunction
In a mouse study, inhaling polystyrene microplastics impaired learning and memory -- even though the plastics never reached the brain directly. Instead, the microplastics changed the bacterial community in the lungs, which produced inflammatory signals that traveled to the brain and triggered damage, revealing a lung-to-brain pathway for microplastic harm.
Airborne microplastics: Consequences to human health?
Researchers reviewed existing evidence on airborne microplastics and their potential effects on human respiratory health. Studies of workers exposed to plastic fibers and particles have documented airway inflammation and breathing difficulties, suggesting that susceptible individuals may face health risks even from environmental concentrations. The paper calls for greater awareness and future research into the health consequences of inhaling microplastic particles.