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Papers
61,005 resultsExposure of microplastic at levels relevant for human health : cytotoxicity and cellular localization of polystyrene microparticles in four human cell lines
Researchers tested the cytotoxicity of polystyrene microplastics on four human cell lines at concentrations relevant to real-world human exposure from food, water, and packaging. At environmentally realistic doses, microplastics were taken up by cells but did not cause significant toxicity, though higher concentrations did produce cell damage, suggesting that current exposure levels may be near a threshold of concern.
A review of potential human health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics exposure
This systematic review summarized 133 studies on how micro- and nanoplastics affect human health based on mammalian research. The evidence points to cell damage, inflammation, gut disruption, and reproductive harm, though most studies focused on polystyrene particles and more research is needed on other common plastic types.
Review of the toxic effects and mechanisms of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics across multiple animal species
This review comprehensively examines the toxic effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics across marine animals, freshwater species, soil organisms, and mammals. Researchers found that these particles can cause damage at multiple biological levels, affecting the digestive, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, and circulatory systems. The study highlights the widespread environmental presence of polystyrene plastics and the need to better understand how they harm living organisms.
The effects of polystyrene microplastics on human intestinal cells health and function
This study examined how polystyrene microplastics affect normal and cancer intestinal cells, addressing a gap left by previous research that used only cancer cell lines and pristine plastics. The work evaluated microplastic toxicity under more realistic conditions including digestive system biotransformation, assessing effects on nutrient uptake and cellular function.
Can Mammalian Reproductive Health Withstand Massive Exposure to Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastic Derivatives? A Systematic Review
This systematic review examined how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics affect reproductive health in mammals. The evidence from animal studies shows these particles can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances in reproductive organs, raising concerns about potential effects on human fertility.
Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Human Kidney and Liver Cell Morphology, Cellular Proliferation, and Metabolism
Researchers exposed human kidney and liver cells to polystyrene microplastics of different sizes and concentrations to assess their effects on cell health. They found that microplastics altered cell shape, reduced proliferation, and disrupted cellular metabolism, with smaller particles generally causing more damage. The findings suggest that microplastics reaching internal organs could have measurable effects at the cellular level.
Perilous effects of polystyrene fragments on male reproductive system and tenable directives of remediation
This review examines the effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on the male reproductive system, focusing on signaling mechanisms and potential remediation strategies. Researchers found that these small plastic particles can cross biological barriers and disrupt normal reproductive physiology, contributing to fertility issues. The study highlights significant gaps in the research compared to studies on female reproductive effects and points to bioremediation using microorganisms as a potential mitigation approach.
Nanoplastics as a Potential Environmental Health Factor: From Molecular Interaction to Altered Cellular Function and Human Diseases
This review examined how nanoplastics — particularly polystyrene — interact with cells at the molecular level, potentially causing lasting changes that could contribute to developmental problems and degenerative disease. The study highlights growing concerns about nanoplastics as an emerging environmental health risk given their widespread presence in food, water, and air.
Impact of Microplastics on Human Health: Risks, Diseases, and Affected Body Systems
This review summarizes how microplastics made of polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene affect multiple body systems, causing inflammation in the lungs and gut, weakening immune function, and increasing risks of cardiovascular disease and brain toxicity. These particles also disrupt hormones, which may lead to reproductive problems and elevated cancer risk, underscoring the need for stronger regulations on plastic materials.
Microplastic sampling and biological effects assessment
This study assessed microplastic sampling methods and evaluated their potential biological effects on marine organisms, finding that polystyrene nanoparticles affect mortality and reproduction in marine invertebrates. It also noted that current human exposure data is limited, making risk assessment for people difficult.
Microplastics and Human Health: A Comprehensive Review on Exposure Pathways, Toxicity, and Emerging Risks
This comprehensive review examines microplastic exposure pathways in humans, methods of detection, and the potential toxic effects on various biological systems. The study highlights growing evidence that microplastics can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, and may affect multiple organ systems, though significant uncertainties remain about long-term health outcomes.
Adverse health effects and mechanisms of microplastics on female reproductive system: a descriptive review
This review describes how microplastics, particularly polystyrene, can reach and accumulate in the female reproductive system through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Animal studies suggest these particles may disrupt ovarian function, hormone balance, and fertility through oxidative stress and inflammation. While human evidence is still emerging, the research raises important questions about microplastic exposure and women's reproductive health.
Impact of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the entire female mouse reproductive cycle: Assessing reproductive toxicity of microplastics through in vitro follicle culture
Female mice exposed to polystyrene microplastics suffered significant damage to their reproductive systems, including ovarian cell death, abnormal egg development, and fewer offspring. The microplastics accumulated in the ovaries and triggered cell death pathways while disrupting survival signaling in the cells that support egg development, suggesting microplastic exposure could contribute to declining fertility.
Quantitative analysis of polystyrene microplastic and styrene monomer released from plastic food containers
Researchers analyzed how polystyrene food containers release microplastics and styrene monomers under everyday conditions like heating and UV exposure. They found that containers released significant amounts of both microplastic particles and chemical compounds that could enter food. The study raises concerns about human exposure to microplastics through common disposable food packaging.
Microplastics in polystyrene-made food containers from China: abundance, shape, size, and human intake
Researchers analyzed polystyrene food containers sold in China for microplastic contamination, examining the abundance, shape, and size of particles released. The study found that these containers shed microplastics during normal use, with hot liquids and acidic foods increasing the amount of plastic released. The results raise concerns about daily microplastic exposure from common food packaging.
Microplastics release from victuals packaging materials during daily usage
Researchers investigated microplastic release from food packaging materials during daily usage, with a focus on polystyrene foam containers. The study found that these containers release microplastic particles during routine handling, heating, and food contact, suggesting that food packaging is a significant and direct source of human microplastic exposure.
Polystyrene microplastic particles in the food chain: Characteristics and toxicity - A review
This review covers how polystyrene microplastics move through the food chain, from water and soil into animals and ultimately humans. Accumulation in organs leads to a range of harmful effects including weight loss, lung disease, brain toxicity, and oxidative stress. The paper highlights that these tiny plastic particles are particularly dangerous because they can cross biological barriers and carry other toxic chemicals with them.
Role of Residual Monomers in the Manifestation of (Cyto)toxicity by Polystyrene Microplastic Model Particles
Researchers investigated whether the toxicity observed in laboratory studies using polystyrene microplastic particles might actually come from leftover styrene monomer trapped in the particles rather than the plastic itself. They found that standard commercial polystyrene particles containing residual monomers showed mild toxicity to mammalian cells, while thoroughly purified particles did not. The study suggests that some reported toxic effects of microplastics in lab settings may be partly attributed to chemical residues rather than the plastic particles alone.
Reproductive Toxicity of Chronic Exposure To Polystyrene Microplastics And The Molecular Mechanism of Decrease In Testosterone Levels In Male Mice
Chronic exposure to polystyrene microplastics lowered testosterone levels in male mice and disrupted reproductive organ function. The study identified molecular pathways through which microplastics interfere with male hormone production, with implications for reproductive health in humans exposed through diet.
Unmasking the Invisible Threat: Biological Impacts and Mechanisms of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Cells
This review summarizes how polystyrene nanoplastics, tiny plastic particles found throughout the environment, damage cells through multiple pathways including oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Nanoplastics can trigger several forms of cell death and disrupt normal cell processes like autophagy (the cell's recycling system). The findings raise concerns about long-term human health effects from chronic exposure to these nearly invisible plastic particles.
The potential effects of microplastics on human health: What is known and what is unknown
This review summarizes what is currently known about how microplastics might affect human health, noting that while contamination is widespread in food, water, and air, direct evidence of harm in humans is still limited. Studies in animals and cell cultures suggest microplastics could trigger immune responses, cause inflammation, and affect reproduction and development. The authors call for more rigorous clinical studies to determine whether the levels of microplastics that people actually encounter pose real health risks.
Unveiling the noxious effect of polystyrene microplastics in aquatic ecosystems and their toxicological behavior on fishes and microalgae
This review provides an extensive look at how polystyrene microplastics affect aquatic ecosystems, with a particular focus on their toxic effects on fish and microalgae. Researchers found alarming levels of polystyrene in surface waters and sediments across urban, coastal, and rural areas. Evidence indicates that polystyrene particles can impair growth, reproduction, and immune function in aquatic organisms, raising concerns about cascading effects through marine food chains.
Polystyrene nanoplastics induce profound metabolic shift in human cells as revealed by integrated proteomic and metabolomic analysis
Researchers used integrated proteomic and metabolomic analysis to study how polystyrene nanoplastics affect human kidney and liver cell lines. The study quantified changes in thousands of proteins and hundreds of metabolites, revealing that nanoplastic exposure induced a profound metabolic shift in human cells. Evidence indicates that nanoplastics can be internalized by human cells and trigger significant biological changes at the molecular level.
Reproductive and metabolic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics in adult female Wistar rats: a mechanistic study
Researchers gave female rats polystyrene microplastics orally for 45 days and found disruptions to both metabolic and reproductive hormone levels, including increased cholesterol, insulin resistance, and altered sex hormones. The microplastics also caused liver fibrosis and elevated inflammatory markers. The study suggests that chronic microplastic exposure may contribute to metabolic and endocrine disruption in mammals.