Lung hazards of microplastics and their toxicological mechanisms

Microplastics (MPs) are associated with various pulmonary health risks due to their ability to evade respiratory clearance.

• MPs promote oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species, which disrupt pulmonary antioxidant defenses.
• Inflammatory responses are triggered by MPs, leading to increased infiltration of inflammatory cells and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• MPs can induce apoptosis and autophagy in lung cells, contributing to tissue damage.
• Alterations in lung microbiota due to MPs may aggravate immune dysfunction.
• MPs impair lung surfactant function by adsorbing proteins, affecting alveolar structure.
• Long-term exposure to MPs is linked with conditions such as pneumoconiosis, asthma, and lung cancer.

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