Micro/nanoplastics induce thyroid follicular cell pyroptosis to trigger thyrotoxicity by activating NF-κB signaling.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Micro/nanoplastics (MNP) have emerged as ubiquitous environmental contaminants with demonstrated bioaccumulation potential in organisms through multiple exposure pathways, posing substantial health risks globally. While mounting evidence indicates that MNP exposure adversely affects various organ systems including the nervous, reproductive, and digestive systems, the specific mechanisms underlying MNP-induced thyrotoxicity remain enigmatic.

Methods

4-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were administered microplastics (MP, 5 μm) or nanoplastics (NP, 50 nm) via intragastric gavage at 30 mg/kg for 4 and 8 weeks. The thyroid architecture and endocrine function were evaluated by histological staining and thyroid hormones ELISA kit. The expression of apoptosis indicators

SUBMITTER: Fu F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12915396 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature