Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Evaluating the toxicological effects of PET-MPs exposure on atherosclerosis through integrated network toxicology analysis and experimental validation

Researchers used network toxicology analysis and laboratory experiments to investigate how polyethylene terephthalate microplastics may contribute to atherosclerosis. They identified several molecular targets and biological pathways through which these microplastics could promote plaque formation in blood vessels. The study provides preliminary evidence that a commonly encountered type of microplastic may interact with cardiovascular disease mechanisms, though further research is needed to confirm these findings.

2026 Naunyn-Schmiedeberg s Archives of Pharmacology 1 citations
Article Tier 2

The toxicological impact of PET-MPs exposure on atherosclerosis: insights from network toxicology, molecular docking, and machine learning

Researchers used network toxicology, molecular docking, and machine learning to identify how PET microplastics may promote atherosclerosis, narrowing 28 candidate targets to seven key genes and predicting interactions with atherosclerosis-relevant pathways including inflammation and lipid metabolism.

2025 Scientific Reports
Article Tier 2

Assessing the toxicological effects of exposure to environmental pollutants PET-MPs on vascular diseases: insights from network toxicology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and experimental validation

Researchers used network toxicology, molecular docking, and cell experiments to investigate how PET microplastics may contribute to vascular diseases. They identified four core molecular targets and found that PET microplastics induced mitochondrial oxidative stress, increased reactive oxygen species, and promoted vascular smooth muscle cell death. The study provides initial molecular-level evidence that microplastic exposure may be a contributing factor in vascular damage and remodeling.

2025 Environmental Pollution 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Network toxicology and bioinformatics analysis reveal the molecular mechanisms of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics in exacerbating diabetic nephropathy

This computational study used bioinformatics to explore how polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics might worsen diabetic kidney disease. The analysis identified key genes and inflammatory pathways that are affected by both PET microplastics and kidney damage in diabetes. The findings suggest that microplastic exposure could accelerate kidney problems in people who already have diabetes, though lab and clinical studies are needed to confirm this.

2025 Scientific Reports 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Polyethylene Terephthalate Associated Cardiotoxicity through Network Toxicology and Molecular Docking

Researchers used computational approaches including network toxicology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore how polyethylene terephthalate microplastics may affect cardiovascular function. The study identified potential molecular pathways through which PET exposure could contribute to cardiotoxicity. The findings provide a theoretical framework for understanding how plastic contaminants might interact with heart-related biological targets.

2026 ACS Omega
Article Tier 2

Intersection of microplastic toxicity targets and differentially expressed genes in allergic rhinitis.

Network analysis identified a set of genes that are both targeted by common microplastics (PE, PP, PVC, PS) and differentially expressed in allergic rhinitis, providing a molecular framework for investigating how microplastic exposure may contribute to nasal allergy pathogenesis.

2025 Figshare
Article Tier 2

Integrated network toxicology, machine learning, molecular docking and experimental validation to elucidate mechanism of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics inducing periodontitis

Researchers combined computational biology, machine learning, and laboratory experiments to explore how polyethylene terephthalate microplastics might contribute to periodontitis, a common gum disease. They identified key molecular targets and signaling pathways through which microplastics could promote gum tissue inflammation. The study provides the first evidence linking microplastic exposure to the biological mechanisms underlying periodontal disease.

2025 Environment International 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Insights into the toxicological effects of nanomaterials on atherosclerosis: mechanisms involved and influence factors

Researchers reviewed how nanomaterials — tiny engineered particles including nanoplastics — can trigger or worsen atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaques in arteries that leads to heart attacks and strokes. The review found that nanomaterials can damage the cells lining blood vessels and provoke chronic inflammation, raising concerns about the cardiovascular risks of widespread nanomaterial exposure.

2023 Journal of Nanobiotechnology 15 citations
Article Tier 2

Integrative network toxicology and molecular docking preliminarily explore the potential role of polystyrene microplastics in childhood obesity

Researchers used computational methods including network toxicology, machine learning, and molecular docking to explore how polystyrene microplastics might contribute to childhood obesity. They identified 40 overlapping genes between obesity-related and microplastic-affected pathways, concentrated in lipid metabolism and insulin signaling. The study suggests that polystyrene microplastics may act as environmental triggers capable of disrupting metabolic balance by interacting with key regulatory genes.

2026 Figshare
Article Tier 2

Unveiling the pathogenic mechanisms of polyethylene terephthalate-microplastic-driven osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: PTGS2 signaling hub-oriented toxicity profiling

Researchers used computational analysis to investigate how PET microplastics might contribute to joint diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They identified the PTGS2 gene, involved in inflammation, as a central hub connecting microplastic exposure to joint disease pathways. The study suggests that microplastics may worsen joint inflammation through specific molecular mechanisms, though further laboratory and clinical research is needed to confirm these computational findings.

2025 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Atherosclerosis and the Bidirectional Relationship between Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: From Bench to Bedside—Part 1

This review explores the two-way relationship between cancer and cardiovascular disease, focusing on how atherosclerosis (artery-clogging plaque buildup) connects the two conditions through shared risk factors like chronic inflammation. While not directly focused on microplastics, the inflammatory pathways described are relevant because emerging research suggests microplastic exposure may contribute to cardiovascular inflammation, potentially adding to the disease burden discussed in this review.

2024 International Journal of Molecular Sciences 20 citations
Article Tier 2

Analyzing the toxicological effects of PET-MPs on male infertility: Insights from network toxicology, mendelian randomization, and transcriptomics

Using network toxicology, Mendelian randomisation, and transcriptomic analysis, researchers identified mechanisms by which PET microplastics may impair male fertility, linking shared gene targets to testicular oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and spermatogenesis interference. The multi-evidence approach strengthens the case for a causal role of PET-MP exposure in male infertility.

2025 Reproductive Biology
Article Tier 2

Integrative network toxicology and molecular docking preliminarily explore the potential role of polystyrene microplastics in childhood obesity

This study found that tiny plastic particles called polystyrene microplastics (found in food packaging and disposable cups) may contribute to childhood obesity by disrupting how the body processes fats and controls metabolism. The researchers discovered that these plastic particles can bind to and interfere with key genes responsible for managing cholesterol and insulin in the body. While more research is needed, these findings suggest parents should try to limit their children's exposure to disposable plastic food containers as a precaution against obesity risk.

2026 SAR and QSAR in environmental research
Article Tier 2

Microplastics. a New Risk Factor for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

This paper reviews emerging evidence linking microplastic exposure to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, noting that MPs have been detected in arterial plaques and human tissues and may contribute to cardiovascular risk through inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial disruption.

2025 American Journal of Preventive Cardiology
Article Tier 2

Integrative network toxicology and molecular docking preliminarily explore the potential role of polystyrene microplastics in childhood obesity

Researchers used an integrative computational approach combining cross-species transcriptomics, network toxicology, and molecular docking to investigate potential links between polystyrene microplastic exposure and childhood obesity. They identified shared gene targets involved in lipid metabolism and insulin signaling pathways, with molecular docking confirming stable binding between microplastic compounds and key metabolic proteins. The findings provide a preliminary molecular hypothesis suggesting microplastics could disrupt metabolic processes relevant to obesity.

2026 Figshare
Article Tier 2

Exploring the prognostic implications of PET microplastic degradation products in colorectal cancer: insights from an integrated computational analysis on glucocorticoid pathway–mediated mechanisms

Researchers used network toxicology, machine learning, and molecular docking to investigate how PET degradation products—ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid—affect colorectal cancer prognosis through the glucocorticoid signaling pathway. The analysis identified 43 shared target genes, suggesting that PET breakdown products may worsen colorectal cancer outcomes by dysregulating glucocorticoid-mediated anti-inflammatory and cell survival signals.

2025 International Journal of Environmental Health Research
Article Tier 2

Microplastics and Atherosclerosis: Mechanisms

This review examines the emerging evidence linking micro- and nanoplastic exposure to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in blood vessel walls. Researchers found that these particles can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact and may promote cardiovascular damage through inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune activation. While direct causation has not been established, the study highlights the need for further research into how plastic pollution may affect heart and blood vessel health.

2026 The Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Micro and Nano-plastic particles: What are they and do they effect cardiovascular health?

This review examines the cardiovascular health effects of micro- and nanoplastics, summarizing evidence that these particles have been detected in human tissues including arterial plaques and may promote endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. The authors call for further clinical and epidemiological research into cardiac risk.

2024 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Emerging cardiovascular risks of micro- and nanoplastics: toxic effects and mechanistic pathways

Tiny plastic particles called micro- and nanoplastics are getting into our bodies through food, air, and skin contact, and researchers have found them building up in people's hearts and blood vessels. This review of existing studies shows these plastic bits may contribute to heart disease by causing inflammation and damaging cells in the cardiovascular system. While more research is needed, this suggests that plastic pollution isn't just an environmental problem—it could be directly harming our heart health.

2026 Particle and Fibre Toxicology
Article Tier 2

Microplastic exposure and allergic rhinitis: Network toxicology, and molecular docking insights

Researchers used network toxicology and molecular docking approaches to investigate how microplastic exposure may contribute to allergic rhinitis. The study identified key molecular mediators through which microplastics may drive respiratory inflammation pathways, and found that resveratrol could potentially modulate these pathways, offering insights into the mechanisms linking microplastic exposure to allergic respiratory conditions.

2025 PLoS ONE 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Exploring the prognostic implications of PET microplastic degradation products in colorectal cancer: insights from an integrated computational analysis on glucocorticoid pathway–mediated mechanisms

Combining network toxicology, machine learning, and molecular docking, this study found that PET plastic degradation products ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid may influence colorectal cancer prognosis through 43 shared genes linked to TNF/IL-17 signaling and glucocorticoid-mediated metabolic pathways.

2025 Figshare
Article Tier 2

Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics promote pulmonary fibrosis via AKT1, PIK3CD, and PIM1: A network toxicology and multi-omics analysis

Using computational toxicology and multi-omics analysis, researchers identified three key proteins (AKT1, PIK3CD, and PIM1) through which PET microplastics may promote pulmonary fibrosis, a serious scarring disease of the lungs. The microplastics appear to affect metabolic and inflammatory pathways in specific lung and immune cells. This study provides molecular evidence for how inhaled plastic particles from everyday items could contribute to chronic lung disease.

2025 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 5 citations
Article Tier 2

Assessing the toxicological impact of PET-MPs exposure on IVDD: Insights from network toxicology and molecular docking

Using computer modeling and molecular analysis, researchers identified key biological targets through which PET microplastics (the type found in plastic bottles) may contribute to spinal disc degeneration. The study found that PET particles could disrupt immune pathways, cell death processes, and tissue breakdown, suggesting a potential link between microplastic exposure and degenerative spinal conditions.

2024 Journal of Environmental Management 32 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics are associated with elevated atherosclerotic risk and increased vascular complexity in acute coronary syndrome patients

Researchers found that blood microplastic levels were highest in heart attack patients, followed by patients with chest pain, and lowest in those with clear arteries, with polyethylene being the most common type detected. The findings suggest that microplastic accumulation in the bloodstream may be associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

2024 Particle and Fibre Toxicology 59 citations