Micro(nano)plastics as dynamic vectors for hazardous agents: Bridging environmental transport to health impacts.
Jackson Nkoh Nkoh, Obey Kudakwashe Zveushe, Emmanuel Sunday Okeke et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examines the environmental transport and health impacts of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), highlighting their role as vectors for hazardous agents. It synthesizes evidence from human biomonitoring studies, revealing MNPs in various biological samples and associations with cardiovascular inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis. The review underscores the need for standardized research methods to establish causation.
Key findings
- MNPs were found in blood, stool, placenta, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
- Associations were noted between MNP exposure and cardiovascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrosis.
- Higher fecal MNP concentrations correlated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, showing increased harmful bacteria and decreased beneficial taxa.
Why it matters
Understanding the health implications of micro(nano)plastics is crucial for clinicians, as these contaminants may contribute to significant health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and alterations in gut microbiota, which can affect overall health and disease susceptibility.
What to keep in mind
Causation remains unestablished due to methodological heterogeneity and the predominance of cross-sectional designs.