Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Protective effects of exocarpium citri grandis extract and its flavonoid components against polystyrene microplastic-induced hepatointestinal injury

Scientists found that an extract from citrus fruit peels (called ECG) helped protect mice from liver and gut damage caused by tiny plastic particles. The citrus extract reduced harmful inflammation and oxidative stress while improving healthy gut bacteria balance. This research suggests that natural compounds from citrus peels might help protect our bodies from the health risks of microplastics that we encounter in our food and environment.

2026 Cytotechnology
Article Tier 2

Assessment of the cytotoxicity micro- and nano-plastic on human intestinal Caco-2 cells and the protective effects of catechin.

Researchers used a human intestinal cell line (Caco-2) to test cytotoxicity of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics, finding dose-dependent cell damage and disruption of intestinal barrier function. The study supports growing concerns that ingested microplastics could contribute to gut inflammation and compromise the protective lining of the human intestine.

2024 Environmental science. Processes & impacts
Article Tier 2

Anthocyanins as protectors of gut microbiota: mitigating the adverse effects of microplastic-induced disruption

This review examines how anthocyanins, bioactive compounds found in berries and other pigmented plants, may protect gut microbiota from disruption caused by microplastic exposure. Researchers synthesized evidence suggesting that anthocyanins counteract microplastic-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut. The findings indicate that dietary anthocyanins could serve as a protective factor against the adverse effects of microplastics on digestive health.

2025 Food Innovation and Advances 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Micro-sized polyethylene particles affect cell viability and oxidative stress responses in human colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 and HT-29 cells

Researchers tested the effects of micro-sized polyethylene particles on two types of human colon cancer cells commonly used in gut research. The microplastics reduced cell survival and triggered oxidative stress, which is a type of cellular damage caused by an imbalance of harmful molecules. This study provides evidence that microplastics reaching the human gut through food and water could damage intestinal cells, though more research is needed at real-world exposure levels.

2023 The Science of The Total Environment 65 citations
Article Tier 2

Impact of Micro and Nanoplastics on Inflammatory and Antioxidant Gene Expression in the Gastrointestinal System

This study examined the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on inflammatory and antioxidant gene expression in gastrointestinal tissues. The results indicate that plastic particles trigger upregulation of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress pathways in gut cells, contributing to understanding of how dietary microplastic exposure may contribute to gastrointestinal disease.

2025 Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2 citations
Systematic Review Tier 1

Effect of microplastics and nanoplastics in gastrointestinal tract on gut health: A systematic review.

This systematic review of 30 in vitro studies found that microplastics and nanoplastics cause size- and concentration-dependent damage to human gastrointestinal cells, including increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis. Smaller particles consistently showed greater cellular uptake and biological effects, though chronic low-dose exposure generally produced minimal impacts.

2025 The Malaysian journal of pathology
Article Tier 2

Attenuative effects of poncirin against polyethylene microplastics-prompted hepatotoxicity in rats

Researchers tested whether poncirin, a natural plant compound, could protect rat livers from damage caused by polyethylene microplastics. They found that microplastic exposure caused significant oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver tissue damage, which poncirin was able to substantially reduce by activating protective antioxidant pathways. The study suggests that natural compounds like poncirin may help counteract some of the harmful effects of microplastic exposure on the liver.

2024 Journal of King Saud University - Science 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Impact of Environmental Microplastic Exposure on Caco-2 Cells: Unraveling Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy Activation

Researchers exposed human intestinal cells to polyethylene and PET microplastics of different sizes and observed significant decreases in cell survival along with increased oxidative stress. The microplastics triggered both programmed cell death (apoptosis) and the cell's self-recycling process (autophagy), with effects varying by particle size. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may compromise the intestinal barrier through multiple pathways of cellular damage.

2025 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2 citations
Article Tier 2

The detrimental effects of micro-and nano-plastics on digestive system: An overview of oxidative stress-related adverse outcome pathway

This review maps out how micro and nanoplastics damage the digestive system, identifying oxidative stress as the initial trigger that leads to inflammation, cell death, disrupted gut bacteria, and metabolic disorders. The authors use an adverse outcome pathway framework to connect molecular-level damage to broader health consequences. The findings suggest that ongoing microplastic exposure through food and water could contribute to digestive health problems.

2023 The Science of The Total Environment 52 citations
Article Tier 2

Peptide Extract from Apricot Kernels Mitigates Damage in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells Induced by Polystyrene Microplastics through theInhibition of the NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Researchers found that a peptide extract from apricot kernels protects human aortic endothelial cells from polystyrene microplastic-induced damage by simultaneously suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reducing oxidative stress through Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibition, reducing apoptosis by 39.1% and inflammatory cytokines by 17–38%.

2026 Protein and Peptide Letters
Article Tier 2

A potential therapeutic approach for ulcerative colitis: targeted regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy through phytochemicals

This review explored how plant-based compounds could be used to treat ulcerative colitis by targeting mitochondrial function. Researchers discussed how dysfunctional mitochondria generate excessive reactive oxygen species that drive intestinal inflammation. While focused on therapeutic approaches rather than microplastics directly, the study is relevant to understanding how environmental stressors that damage mitochondria may contribute to gut inflammation.

2025 Frontiers in Immunology 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Impact of micro- and nanoplastics on gastrointestinal diseases: Recent advances

This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics can harm the digestive system by causing oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and disruption of gut bacteria. These connected pathways can damage the intestinal lining and may contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how everyday plastic exposure through food and water could affect gut health over time.

2025 European Journal of Internal Medicine 7 citations
Article Tier 2

Effect of Pineapple Extract on Superoxide Rat Microplastic-induced Liver Injury Model

Scientists fed rats tiny plastic particles (microplastics) to damage their livers, then gave some rats pineapple extract to see if it would help protect them. The pineapple extract boosted levels of an important protective enzyme that fights damage from microplastics. This early research suggests that eating pineapple might help our bodies defend against the harmful effects of microplastics we consume from food and water, though more studies are needed to confirm this works in humans.

2026 KnE Medicine
Article Tier 2

Natural Compounds in the Modulation of the Intestinal Microbiota: Implications in Human Physiology and Pathology

This review examines how natural compounds including polyphenols, fatty acids, and fiber can modulate the gut microbiome and affect human health. While focused on nutrition and gut health rather than microplastics, the gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as a target of microplastic toxicity, making dietary protective factors relevant.

2020 IntechOpen eBooks 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Investigating the protective effects of epigallocatechin-gallate against polystyrene microplastics-induced biochemical and hematological alterations in rats

This study investigated whether epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) -- a green tea antioxidant -- could protect rats from biochemical and hematological damage caused by polystyrene microplastic ingestion. EGCG supplementation partially mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory markers elevated by polystyrene microplastic exposure, suggesting a potential dietary protective strategy.

2024 Clinical Traditional Medicine and Pharmacology 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Effects of Microplastics on Cell Viability, Phagocytic Activity and Oxidative Stress in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Researchers exposed human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to four concentrations of polyethylene glycol and natural microplastics and measured cell viability, phagocytic activity, and oxidative stress. Higher microplastic concentrations reduced cell viability and phagocytic function while increasing oxidative stress markers, indicating that microplastics impair immune cell performance.

2025 Preprints.org
Article Tier 2

An inverted in vitro triple culture model of the healthy and inflamed intestine: Adverse effects of polyethylene particles.

Using a laboratory model of the human intestinal lining, researchers tested how polyethylene microplastics affect intestinal cells and found they disrupted the barrier function of the gut wall. A compromised intestinal barrier allows larger molecules and particles to pass into the body, which could amplify the health effects of microplastic ingestion.

2021 Chemosphere
Article Tier 2

Protocatechuic Acid Alleviates Dextran-Sulfate-Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice via the Regulation of Intestinal Flora and Ferroptosis

Researchers found that protocatechuic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in many fruits and vegetables, helped alleviate ulcerative colitis in mice by restoring healthy gut bacteria and reducing a type of cell death called ferroptosis. The treatment improved intestinal barrier integrity and reduced inflammation. This is relevant to microplastics research because gut barrier damage is a key concern with microplastic ingestion.

2023 Molecules 38 citations
Article Tier 2

The enhancement in toxic potency of oxidized functionalized polyethylene-microplastics in mice gut and Caco-2 cells

Researchers found that when polyethylene microplastics undergo oxidation in the environment, they become significantly more toxic to the gut than their unoxidized counterparts. In experiments with mice and human intestinal cells, oxidized microplastics caused more severe intestinal inflammation and disrupted the gut barrier. The study suggests that the environmental weathering of plastic waste may increase its biological harm, which is an important factor often overlooked in toxicity assessments.

2023 The Science of The Total Environment 25 citations
Article Tier 2

Role of nutraceutical against exposure to pesticide residues: power of bioactive compounds

This review explores how nutraceuticals, which are health-promoting compounds found in foods like fruits, vegetables, and spices, might help protect the body against damage from pesticide exposure. The bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and polyphenols, can support detoxification and repair cellular damage caused by environmental toxins. While focused on pesticides, this approach is relevant to microplastic exposure because microplastics carry pesticides and other chemicals into the body, and dietary interventions could potentially help mitigate some of their harmful effects.

2024 Frontiers in Nutrition 10 citations
Article Tier 2

Protective effects of herbacetin against polystyrene microplastics-instigated liver damage in rats

Researchers investigated the protective effects of herbacetin, a natural flavonoid, against liver damage caused by polystyrene microplastic exposure in rats. The study found that herbacetin helped restore antioxidant enzyme levels and reduce inflammation markers, suggesting it may offer some protection against microplastic-associated oxidative stress in liver tissue.

2024 Journal of King Saud University - Science 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Role of Gut Microbiota in Modulating Oxidative Stress Induced by Environmental Factors

This review examines how environmental pollutants, including microplastics, toxic metals, and antibiotics, disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and trigger oxidative stress throughout the body. The resulting gut dysbiosis impairs the production of beneficial molecules, weakens the intestinal barrier, and activates inflammatory pathways linked to chronic disease. The review also discusses therapeutic interventions like probiotics and polyphenols that may help restore gut health and counteract pollutant-driven damage.

2025 Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Healthful Diet and Nutritional Food as a Preventive and Interventional Paradigm in the Face of Microplastic and Nanoplastic Crisis

This review examines dietary patterns and nutritional interventions as potential strategies to reduce health risks from microplastic and nanoplastic exposure, discussing how antioxidant-rich foods and specific nutrients may mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by MNP ingestion.

2025 Food Frontiers
Article Tier 2

An assessment of the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics in human derived cells

Researchers assessed the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics on human-derived cell lines and found that the particles triggered inflammatory responses and oxidative stress at concentrations relevant to environmental exposure. The microplastics also affected cell viability and caused measurable changes in immune-related gene expression. The study raises concerns about potential health effects from chronic human exposure to one of the most commonly produced plastic types.

2019 The Science of The Total Environment 621 citations