Nanoplastics Toxicity Specific to Liver in Inducing Metabolic Dysfunction-A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Plastic pollution is a growing global issue, with increasing environmental nanoplastic (<100 nm) contamination.
• Health consequences of nanoplastics are largely unknown, despite their prevalence.
• Microplastics can disintegrate into nanoplastics, suggesting macroplastic exposure leads to indirect nanoplastic disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the existence and impact of nanoplastics in various vertebrate and invertebrate tissues.
• To review and summarize current research on the deleterious effects of nanoplastics on pathophysiological functions.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which nanoplastics affect the hepatic system.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of published research.
• Investigation of nanoplastic presence and effects in diverse organisms.
• Utilizing histopathological techniques to assess physiological reactions and inflammation.

Main Results:

• Nanoplastics enter organisms via respiratory, gastro-intestinal, or epidermal routes, accumulating in the liver.
• Nanoplastics can cause direct damage at exposure sites and indirect damage to organs via liver dysfunction.
• Nanoplastics disrupt the gut-liver axis and gut microflora, leading to multi-organ dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Nanoplastics exert deleterious effects on the hepatic system.
• Liver damage caused by nanoplastics can lead to multi-organ dysfunction.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the health impacts of nanoplastic exposure.