Microplastic-induced multi-organ toxicity: cellular mechanisms and critical roles of organ crosstalk
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants with significant bioaccumulation potential, posing a growing threat to global health through multi-organ toxicity. This review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on MPs-induced organ-specific damage and its systemic health implications. We detail the accumulation of MPs in major organ systems, including the liver, brain, lungs, kidneys, intestines, heart, and reproductive organs. Furthermore, we emphasize the critical role of inter-organ communication in amplifying toxicity, such as gut-liver axis-mediated hepatotoxicity and gut-brain axis-driven neurotoxicity. Emerging evidence on the transgenerational adverse effects of parental MPs exposure is also discussed. The core cellular and molecular mechanisms across these organs are examined, with a particular focus on oxidative stress, inflammatory activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and programmed cell death. This review is distinct in its integrative approach, offering a novel perspective by synthesizing organ-specific pathologies with cross-organ communication networks and transgenerational effects, thereby providing a more holistic understanding of MPs' systemic toxicity. Collectively, this review elucidates the exposure-organ damage correlation, analyzes the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, and aims to provide a scientific foundation for public health risk assessment and informed environmental policy formulation.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Authors: Lifang Zheng, Xiaojie Ma, Zhihai Jin, Zhijian Rao
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Award: G5307068544
OpenAlex ID: W7127356998