Microplastics, nanoplastics and liver disease: an emerging health concern?

ORCID

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Human liver tissue has been found to contain microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), with evidence that hepatic MNP accumulation has markedly increased over the past 10 years, prompting critical questions regarding their potential causal role in liver disease. In cell-based and murine models, MNP exposure can trigger oxidative stress, fibrogenesis and inflammation, pathological features that resemble those of advanced liver disease, suggesting shared mechanistic pathways. Furthermore, the capacity for MNPs to act as vectors for microbial pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, endocrine-disrupting chemicals and carcinogenic additives might have important implications for liver pathology. This Perspective examines emerging evidence on the consequences of MNPs for liver health and disease, introducing the concept of plastic-induced liver injury. By highlighting critical methodological bottlenecks, key knowledge gaps and unmet research priorities, it lays out a road map for the emerging field of environmental hepatology.

Publication Date

2026-01-01

Publication Title

Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Volume

23

Issue

7

ISSN

1759-5045

Acceptance Date

2026-02-24

Deposit Date

2026-09-30

Embargo Period

2026-10-07

Keywords

Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/etiology, Animals, Oxidative Stress, Humans, Liver Diseases/etiology, Nanoparticles/adverse effects, Microplastics/adverse effects, Liver/drug effects

First Page

585

Last Page

599

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This item is under embargo until 07 October 2026

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