Inhaled microplastics and lung health: Immunopathological effects and disease implications
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose significant risks to respiratory health, contributing to numerous pulmonary diseases. MPs have been reported to interact with lung epithelial cells, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular dysfunction. Exposure to MPs causes reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, depletes antioxidants, and disrupts mitochondrial function, resulting in cell damage, impaired tissue repair, and cellular senescence. Similarly, they dampened the signaling pathways to interfere with autophagy, ferroptosis, and exaggerate injury and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, MPs compromise immune responses by activating inflammatory pathways, weakening the lung's defenses, and increasing susceptibility to infections. Interaction with lung surfactants impairs their function and contributes to abnormal lung dynamics. Furthermore, MPs may serve as vectors for other toxic pollutants, amplifying their harmful effects. In this review, we critically examined the molecular mechanisms through which MPs impact lung health, focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, immune modulation, and epithelial cell dysfunction. We further highlighted progressive MPs aging and their dynamic interaction with respiratory surfactants, which subsequently enhances their reactivity and toxic potential. Collectively, we critically examine the impact of MPs on human lung health and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive therapeutic strategies to mitigate the potential risks associated with MP inhalation.
Source: Food Bioscience
Authors: Rajan Thapa, Michael A. Schlesinger, Nisha Panth, Newton Suwal, Saroj Bashyal, Sudarshan Poudel, Sapana Subedi, Urmila Kafle, Sobia Idrees, Rajib Majumder, Bassma H. Elwakil, Mostafa El-Khatib, Suvash C. Saha, Kamal Dua, Rajendra Karki, Keshav Raj Paudel
Institutions: Sungkyunkwan University, University of Technology Sydney, Centenary Institute, Keimyung University, University of Canberra, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Macquarie University, Galala University, Pharos University in Alexandria, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Seoul National University, Uttaranchal University, Western Sydney University
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,380
Funders: Australian Respiratory Council, Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, National Research Foundation, Keimyung University, Seoul National University, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea, Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise, National Health and Medical Research Council, National Institute for International Education
OpenAlex ID: W4416959730