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Microplastics and the Endocrine-Metabolic Interface: Novel Diagnostic Tools Targeting Thyroid-Adipose Axis
Sunday Amos Onikanni1,2,3, Babasola Aiyeku4, Marjorie Dardis Murucci5
1Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology-LEEx, Health Sciences Center, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Environmental Toxicology
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Microplastics (MPs) disrupt endocrine networks, impacting thyroid and adipose tissues. Advanced diagnostic tools are crucial for understanding and managing these metabolic risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- MPs and their additives interfere with endocrine functions, including thyroid hormone signaling and adipocyte differentiation.
- The precise mechanisms linking MPs to thyroid-adipose axis disruption are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advanced diagnostic technologies for identifying and understanding microplastic-induced endocrine and metabolic disruptions.
- To explore how these technologies illuminate the interaction between microplastics, thyroid follicular cells, and adipose tissues.
- To emphasize the need for improved diagnostic tools for assessing metabolic risk in populations exposed to microplastics.
Main Methods:
- Review of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies such as quantum-dot nanosensors, single-cell multiomics, machine learning-assisted endocrine profiling, and microfluidic organ-on-chip systems.
- Integration of environmental analysis with endocrine testing.
- High-resolution mapping and measurement of microplastic levels and their effects on hormone-receptor interactions.
Main Results:
- These advanced platforms provide high-resolution insights into microplastic interactions with thyroid and adipose tissues.
- The technologies enable measurement of microplastic levels and detection of hormone-receptor changes.
- Modeling of endocrine system disruptions facilitates early identification of imbalances.
Conclusions:
- Advanced diagnostic tools are essential for understanding microplastic-induced endocrine and metabolic issues, particularly concerning the thyroid-adipose axis.
- These technologies aid in early identification of imbalances, development of novel treatments, and monitoring strategies.
- Studying thyroid toxicity with a focus on the adipose axis is critical for assessing metabolic risk in contaminated populations.
