Recently (Link) it was reported that nano and microplastics are increasingly becoming a real threat to our health and wellbeing. While the research cited in general has to do with these plastics in the bloodstream, it is conjectured that they exhibit a deleterious effect on the kidneys also and thus are of interest to those of us on dialysis and sensitive to causes of CKF.
In this blog, I intend to first provide current definitions of and causes of the phenomena of microplastics followed by a survey of current research into the impact of the same on kidneys. Perplexity was used throughout.
What are microplastics and how are they produced?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5mm in diameter, that are a significant concern due to their harmful effects on humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. These particles originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items and the intentional design of small plastic particles for specific functions like microbeads in beauty products12. Primary microplastics are intentionally produced small plastic particles, while secondary microplastics result from the degradation of larger plastic items due to environmental factors like UV radiation and exposure to sea waves12. Microplastics are found in oceans, lakes, waterways, soil, air, and even in food products like seafood and table salt2. They pose environmental risks by being ingested by marine life and accumulating toxic chemicals that can harm ecosystems2. In terms of human health impacts, research suggests that humans ingest microplastics through food and water, with potential risks including inflammatory responses, cancer, infertility, and other health issues depending on factors like size, shape, polymer type, and exposure levels3. Efforts are needed to better understand and mitigate the risks associated with microplastics to protect both human health and the environment3.
What has research found concerning microplastics and their impact on kidneys?
Research has found concerning evidence regarding the impact of microplastics on kidneys. Studies have shown that microplastics, particularly polystyrene microplastics, can lead to histological and functional alterations in kidney cells, including autophagy, oxidative stress, and inflammation
34. These effects are mediated by processes like inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid disturbance, which can result in decreased kidney function and structural damage in kidney tissues35. Additionally, research indicates that microplastics can induce nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in juvenile rats, leading to decreased growth rates and organ index changes5. While further studies are needed to fully understand the extent of microplastics’ impact on kidneys, the existing evidence highlights the potential risks posed by these tiny plastic particles to renal health.
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