Together with poor biodegradability and insufficient recycling, the massive production and use of plastics have led to widespread environmental contamination by nano- and microplastics. These particles accumulate across ecosystems - even in the most remote habitats - and are transferred through food chains, leading to inevitable human ingestion, that adds to the highest one due to food processes and packaging. The present review aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding the effects of nano- and microplastics on intestinal homeostasis. We conducted a literature search focused on the in vivo effects of nano- and microplastics on gut epithelium and microbiota, as well as on immune response. Numerous animal studies have shown that exposure to nano- and microplastics leads to impairments in oxidative and inflammatory intestinal balance, and disruption of the gut’s epithelial permeability. Other notable effects of nano- and microplastic exposure include dysbiosis (changes in the gut microbiota) and immune cell toxicity. Moreover, microplastics contain additives, adsorb contaminants, and may promote the growth of bacterial pathogens on their surfaces: they are potential carriers of intestinal toxicants and pathogens that can potentially lead to further adverse effects. Despite the scarcity of reports directly relevant to human, this review brings together a growing body of evidence showing that nano- and microplastic exposure disturbs the gut microbiota and critical intestinal functions. Such effects may promote the development of chronic immune disorders. Further investigation of this threat to human health is warranted.

中文翻译：

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纳米和微塑料的免疫毒性和肠道效应：文献综述


由于生物降解性差和回收不足，塑料的大量生产和使用导致纳米和微塑料广泛污染环境。这些颗粒在整个生态系统中积累 - 即使在最偏远的栖息地 - 并通过食物链转移，导致不可避免的人类摄入，由于食品加工和包装，这增加了最高的颗粒。本综述旨在全面概述有关纳米和微塑料对肠道稳态影响的现有知识。我们进行了文献检索，重点关注纳米和微塑料对肠道上皮和微生物​​群以及免疫反应的体内影响。大量动物研究表明，接触纳米和微塑料会导致肠道氧化和炎症平衡受损，并破坏肠道上皮通透性。纳米和微塑料暴露的其他显着影响包括生态失调（肠道微生物群的变化）和免疫细胞毒性。此外，微塑料含有添加剂，吸附污染物，并可能促进细菌病原体在其表面的生长：它们是肠道毒物和病原体的潜在载体，可能导致进一步的不利影响。尽管与人类直接相关的报告很少，但这篇综述汇集了越来越多的证据，表明纳米和微塑料暴露会扰乱肠道微生物群和关键的肠道功能。这种影响可能会促进慢性免疫疾病的发展。有必要进一步调查这种对人类健康的威胁。