Emerging threat of environmental microplastics: A comprehensive analysis of hepatic metabolic dysregulation and hepatocellular damage (Review).

Abstract

The substantial rise in global plastic production has led to the widespread accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in the soil, water and atmosphere. Inevitably, animals and humans have ingested these MPs through environmental contact, resulting in their accumulation within the liver. The elucidation of the hepatotoxic effects of MPs in animals, and in particular on human liver pathophysiology, is now a central topic of investigation in the study of environmental particulate toxicology. The present review summarised existing studies on how MPs damage the liver, and in particular, highlighted the mechanisms of action and the key influencing factors. There is evidence that indicates that MPs can damage the liver tissue structure, induce liver cell death and disrupt lipid metabolism, and that particle size and exposure time are important factors influencing the adverse effects of MPs on the liver. However, further research is required to comprehensively elucidate the mechanisms by which MPs induce liver injury and the long‑term health risks they pose.