A Bioenergetic Framework for Microplastic Accumulation in Human Tissues: A Cellular Turnover Hypothesis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous in human tissues.
• Conventional pharmacokinetic models do not fully explain MNP biological behavior.
• A novel framework is needed to understand MNP distribution and effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a bioenergetic model for MNP distribution in human tissues.
• To identify organs with the highest susceptibility to MNP accumulation.
• To elucidate the systemic biological responses to MNP burden.

Main Methods:

• Integration of human autopsy data with biological parameters.
• Analysis of tissue-specific metabolic rates, macrophage abundance, and intracellular vulnerability.
• Development of a hierarchy of organ susceptibility to MNPs.

Main Results:

• MNPs exhibit intracellular persistence and propagation through cell death and renewal cycles.
• A retention-driven recirculation system for MNPs is proposed.
• Highest MNP accumulation observed in spleen, intestinal epithelium, lung, and bone marrow.
• A circulating signature (lactate, hsCRP, LDH) indicates systemic bioenergetic disruption.

Conclusions:

• MNP accumulation follows bioenergetic logic linked to cellular turnover, not solely passive diffusion.
• The proposed model explains tissue dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation as responses to MNP burden.
• Identified circulating biomarkers can reflect MNP-induced systemic bioenergetic disruption.