Silent saboteurs: How microplastics disrupt stem cells and tissue regeneration

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
• MPs accumulate in human tissues, posing potential health risks.
• Limited research exists on MP-induced stem cell damage and its impact on tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize current evidence on MP effects on stem cells across various organ systems.
• To categorize phenotypic disruptions and elucidate underlying mechanisms of MP-induced stem cell damage.
• To evaluate the use of stem-cell-derived organoids for modeling MP toxicity.

Main Methods:

• PubMed database search using title and abstract fields for relevant studies.
• Systematic review and synthesis of evidence on MP-induced stem cell disruption.
• Evaluation of organoid models for MP toxicity assessment.

Main Results:

• MPs disrupt stem cell self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation.
• Evidence of MP-induced toxicity observed in nervous, hematopoietic, skeletal, and urinary systems.
• Stem-cell-derived organoids show potential for modeling organ-specific MP toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Microplastics pose a significant threat to stem cell function and tissue regeneration.
• A comprehensive understanding of MP-induced stem cell damage is crucial for public health.
• Further research and the use of organoid models are needed to assess MP risks and inform protective strategies.