Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Micro- and Nanoplastics Driving Adverse Human Health Effects.

ABSTRACT: Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly recognized as emerging contaminants of concern for human health. Their small size, diverse composition, and reactive surface enable interactions with biological barriers and cellular systems. This comprehensive narrative review synthesizes and critically evaluates current evidence on the mechanistic effects of MNPs in humans and experimental models. Systemic mechanisms, including oxidative stress, inflammation, barrier disruption, and immune dysregulation, may underlie reported adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems, as well as the placenta. Omics studies further reveal alterations in metabolic and stress-response pathways, providing systems-level insights and candidate biomarkers. Huma

SUBMITTER: Hernandez AF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12656411 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature