INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHERS
ISSN: 3030-332X Impact factor: 8,293
Volume 10, issue 1, February 2025
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Z.Z. Yuldasheva
Tashkent Medical Academy
Department of Histology and Medical Biology
IMPACT OF MICROPLASTICS ON HUMAN HEALTH
Annotation:
In recent years, microplastics have attracted the attention of the scientific
community as a potentially dangerous factor affecting human health. This review is devoted to
the analysis of the sources of microplastics, their routes of entry into the div, as well as
possible biological effects. Mechanisms of toxicity are reviewed, including inflammatory
responses, oxidative stress, damage to cellular structures, and effects on the endocrine system.
Particular attention is paid to the effect of microplastics on the digestive, respiratory, nervous,
and endocrine systems. Data are presented on the accumulation of microplastics in tissues and its
possible connection with the development of various diseases, including cancer and
neurodegenerative pathologies. Finally, prospects for further research and the need to develop
strategies to reduce the impact of microplastics on the human div are discussed.
Keywords
:microplastics, human health, toxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress, environmental
pollution.
In the modern world, when plastic has penetrated into all areas of our lives, the problem
of microplastics is becoming increasingly urgent. In recent years, a growing div of research has
pointed to potential risks to human health from exposure to microplastics. Key areas that require
attention include toxicity, inflammatory processes, and effects on the div's nervous and
immune systems.
Microplastics are synthetic high molecular weight compounds less than 5 mm in size.
These materials have a low rate of biodegradation, which leads to their accumulation in the
environment and negative effects on the human div, which is often at the top of the food chain.
Also, the surface of microplastics can serve as a habitat for pathogenic microorganisms.
Based on their origin, microplastics are divided into primary and secondary. Primary
microplastics are specially created plastic particles used in consumer and industrial products
such as cosmetics or detergents. Recycled microplastics are formed from the breakdown of
plastic waste, fibers or products in the environment.
The chemical composition of microplastics is varied and can include polymers such as
polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinyl alcohol. Microplastics may also contain particles of
unreacted monomers, plasticizers, dyes, etc. Microplastics can take the form of particles, films,
fibers and foam.
Sources of microplastics include drink bottles, reusable food containers, plastic cutting
boards, tea bags, etc. Microplastic dust can be carried into honey by bees, which mistake it for
pollen. In sugar, the source of microplastics can be dust from production, and in salt it is
obtained by evaporating large volumes of sea water.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHERS
ISSN: 3030-332X Impact factor: 8,293
Volume 10, issue 1, February 2025
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Index:
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What effect do microplastic particles have on human health? When microplastics enter
the div, they can cause inflammatory reactions. This is due to the fact that the div perceives
microparticles as foreign bodies. When microplastics are inhaled, the particles can irritate the
airways, causing inflammation and leading to diseases such as asthma, COPD (chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease).
Ingesting microplastics can disrupt intestinal flora, causing inflammation and digestive
problems. It may also be associated with more severe conditions such as irritable bowel
syndrome or inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease).
Microplastics also negatively affect the hormonal system, disrupting the normal
functioning of the endocrine system. This is because plastic materials may contain substances
that act as endocrine disruptors, affecting hormone levels in the div. In particular, phthalates,
bisphenol A and other chemicals can mimic or block the action of hormones such as estrogen
and testosterone, which can lead to reproductive problems, infertility, reducing fertility in men
and women, disrupting spermatogenesis and the menstrual cycle, and even cancer.
One of the most serious problems is the accumulation of microplastics in the div. Our
bodies are unable to effectively metabolize plastic, which leads to its accumulation in tissues and
organs, potentially leading to serious consequences.
Numerous experimental studies have confirmed the harmful effects of microplastics on
health. Ingested or inhaled microplastic particles can accumulate in the div, causing immune
reactions or local toxicity. Long-term exposure can also lead to additional problems due to
accumulation. One study on copepods found that polystyrene microplastics stimulated the
formation of reactive oxygen species in copepods, leading to changes in genetic information and
the activity of defense enzymes. Reactive oxygen species react with various molecules, causing
the degradation of structural proteins and lipids of cell membranes, as well as nucleic acids. This
leads to inhibition of enzymes, changes in the structure and functional properties of hormones
and their receptors. Microplastics have also been found to accumulate in the stomachs of
copepods and even in their eggs, which could affect several subsequent generations. This
discovery raises the possibility that microplastics can enter the human div through the food
chain, as they accumulate in the copepod, the lowest link in the food chain, and then move on to
the higher link.
Microplastics can carry various toxic substances. These substances can enter the div
through ingestion, inhalation, or even through the skin. For example, chemical additives. Many
plastic products contain substances such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other additives that can be
endocrine disruptors, cause hormonal imbalances and have carcinogenic effects. Microplastics
can absorb harmful chemicals from the environment, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and
petroleum products, which increases their toxicity.
The neurotoxic effects of microplastics are due to the fact that some components of
microplastics can affect the nervous system. Potential risks include neuropathies, cognitive
impairment, and others. Some chemicals, such as those found in plastics, can cross the blood-
brain barrier and affect the brain, which can lead to neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression
or anxiety. There is evidence that long-term exposure to microplastics can affect memory and
cognitive abilities, especially in children whose nervous systems are still developing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHERS
ISSN: 3030-332X Impact factor: 8,293
Volume 10, issue 1, February 2025
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One study found that polystyrene in sizes 0.5 and 50 microns can disrupt the balance of
microorganisms in the intestines of fish and mice. Some animal experiments have shown signs of
neurotoxicity from microplastics. Researchers orally administered polystyrene particles to mice
for 7 days and found that they accumulated in the central nervous system, activated microglia,
and damaged neurons. Additional evidence indicates that polystyrene exposure caused cognitive
dysfunction as well as changes in motor function in mice. A study was also conducted that
showed the effect of polystyrene particles on human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Exposure to
microplastics significantly increased the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 genes, which are the main
substances that cause inflammation in the div. Thus, microplastics not only increase the
production of reactive oxygen species in brain cells and epithelial cells, but also induce oxidation
in intestinal and lung epithelial cells.
Some studies suggest that microplastics can affect the immune system, causing a
weakened immune system. Chronic inflammation caused by microplastics can weaken the
immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.
It is hypothesized that microplastics
may be linked to the development of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis due to chronic
inflammation and exposure to toxic substances.
Based on the above, the following conclusions can be drawn:
Microplastics pose a serious threat to both human health and the environment:
Can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species, which can contribute to the degradation of
proteins and membranes, reducing the activity of protective enzymes;
• complicate the course of cancer and diabetes;
• have a negative effect on the central nervous system,
as well as the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive and immune systems of the div.
Thus, the issue of microplastics requires further research, as well as broad discussion and the
development of effective measures to solve it.
Combating excess microplastics requires effort and persistence from society, industry and
governments.
Although the task is difficult, there are solutions that can help reduce the spread of
microplastics and their impact on the environment.
Implementing effective strategies to reduce plastic use, supporting recycling
infrastructures, developing biodegradable alternatives, improving recycling systems and
regulating the production of plastic materials, and continuing to research and monitor the
distribution and impact of microplastics are all important steps towards reducing their excess.
To effectively combat this pollution, further research is needed to understand the
pathways through which microplastics affect the div, its toxicity, and the development of
environmental cleanup methods.
Literature:
1. Books and textbooks: "Plastics and the Environment", "Microplastic Pollutants"
2. Scientific articles and journals:
• Science of the Total Environment
• Environmental Science & Technology
• Environmental Pollution
3.“Study of the impact of microplastics on ecosystems”, Islamova S.V., Mikryukova E.Yu.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHERS
ISSN: 3030-332X Impact factor: 8,293
Volume 10, issue 1, February 2025
https://wordlyknowledge.uz/index.php/IJSR
worldly knowledge
Index:
google scholar, research gate, research bib, zenodo, open aire.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=ru&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=wosjournals.com&btnG
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Worldly-Knowledge
https://journalseeker.researchbib.com/view/issn/3030-332X
80
4. “Microplastic pollution of the environment and potential threats to human health”, Burak
L.Ch., Pisarik M.I., Bogdanov N.P.
5. “The impact of microplastics on living organisms”, A. A. Kalinina, Scientific supervisor: I. V.
Rukavishnikova, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia;
6. “Microplastics in everyday life and its impact on health”, A. A. Kalinina, Scientific supervisor:
I. V. Rukavishnikova, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
7. Reports and studies of organizations:
• World Health Organization (WHO) - reports and studies on the dangers of microplastics to
human health. In 2019, WHO released a report on the impact of microplastics on human health.
• UN Environment Program (UNEP) - studies and reports on the global impacts of microplastics
on ecosystems.
