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Updated: Jul 23, 2026
Isolation of Tissue Extracellular Vesicles from the Liver
Published on: August 21, 2019
Microplastics detected in cirrhotic liver tissue
Thomas Horvatits1, Matthias Tamminga2, Beibei Liu1
1I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Background:
The contamination of ecosystem compartments by microplastics (MPs) is an ubiquitous problem. MPs have been observed in mice tissues, and recently in human blood, stool and placenta. However, two aspects remain unclear: whether MPs accumulate in peripheral organs, specifically in the liver, and if liver cirrhosis favours this process. We aimed to examine human liver tissue samples to determine whether MPs accumulate in the liver.
Methods:
This proof-of-concept case series, conducted in Germany, Europe, analyzed tissue samples of 6 patients with liver cirrhosis and 5 individuals without underlying liver disease. A total of 17 samples (11 liver, 3 kidney and 3 spleen samples) were analyzed according to the final protocol. A reliable method for detection of MP particles from 4 to 30 µm in human tissue was developed. Chemical digestion of tissue samples, staining with Nile red, subsequent fluorescent microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were performed. Morphology, size and composition of MP polymers were assessed.
Findings:
Considering the limit of detection, all liver, kidney and spleen samples from patients without underlying liver disease tested negative for MPs. In contrast, MP concentrations in cirrhotic liver tissues tested positive and showed significantly higher concentrations compared to liver samples of individuals without underlying liver disease. Six different microplastic polymers ranging from 4 to 30 µm in size were detected.
Interpretation:
This proof-of-concept case series assessed the presence of MPs in human liver tissue and found six different MP polymers in the liver of individuals with liver cirrhosis, but not in those without underlying liver disease. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether hepatic MP accumulation represents a potential cause in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, or a consequence of cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
Funding:
No funding was received for conducting this investigator driven study.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) accumulate in human liver tissue, particularly in patients with liver cirrhosis. This study detected six different MP polymers in cirrhotic livers, highlighting a potential link between MPs and liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) contamination is widespread in ecosystems and has been detected in human tissues.
- The accumulation of MPs in peripheral organs, especially the liver, and the influence of liver cirrhosis on this process remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in human liver tissue.
- To determine if liver cirrhosis affects MP accumulation in the liver.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of liver, kidney, and spleen tissue samples from patients with and without liver cirrhosis.
- Development of a method to detect MPs (4–30 µm) using chemical digestion, Nile red staining, fluorescent microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- No MPs were detected in liver, kidney, or spleen samples from individuals without liver disease.
- Significantly higher MP concentrations were found in cirrhotic liver tissues compared to non-cirrhotic liver samples.
- Six distinct microplastic polymers were identified in the liver tissues of patients with cirrhosis.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics were detected in human liver tissue, specifically in individuals with liver cirrhosis.
- The findings suggest a potential association between liver cirrhosis and hepatic MP accumulation.
- Further research is required to elucidate the role of MP accumulation in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis pathogenesis.
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