Microplastics and the kidney: Exposure routes, renal pathophysiology, and clinical implications — A review
8th International Asklepios Congress On Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, And Health Sciences, Priştine, Kosovo, 12 June - 14 July 2026, pp.481-486, (Full Text)
- Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
- City: Priştine
- Country: Kosovo
- Page Numbers: pp.481-486
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background:
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are environmentally persistent
synthetic particles now detectable in human biological tissues. The kidney, as
the principal filtration organ, is particularly vulnerable to MNP accumulation.
This review synthesizes current evidence on renal MNP deposition,
pathophysiological mechanisms, and nephrourological implications.
Methods: A
narrative review was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
Studies published through early 2025 examining MNP detection in renal and
urinary tissues, mechanistic in vitro and in vivo data, and clinical correlates
were included.
Results: MPs
have been identified in human urine and kidney tissue using micro-Raman
spectroscopy and µFTIR. Animal and cell-based studies demonstrate tubular
dilatation, glomerular collapse, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and reduced renal
function following MNP exposure. Key mechanisms include oxidative stress,
NF-κB-mediated inflammation, cGAS/STING pathway activation, and disruption of
circadian regulatory networks. Human iPSC-derived kidney organoid models
confirm translational relevance.
Conclusions:
Accumulating evidence supports a biologically plausible role for MNPs in
renal injury and potentially in the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Prospective clinical studies are urgently needed to establish exposure-outcome
relationships in human populations.
Keywords:
microplastics, nanoplastics, kidney, renal tubular injury, oxidative
stress, chronic kidney disease, cGAS/STING, urine