SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW: HOW DOES HUMAN EXPOSURE TO MICROPLASTICS INFLUENCE BIOLOGICAL HOMEOSTASIS AND WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS TO SYSTEMIC HEALTH?

Abstract

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment raises growing concerns about their impacts on human health. This integrative literature review investigated how exposure to MPs influences biological homeostasis and what the potential risks to systemic health are. To this end, a systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases, selecting 12 articles published between 2025 and 2026. The results reveal that polymers such as PVC, PP, and PE cross critical physiological barriers, accumulating in placental, urinary, and blood tissues. The discussions indicate that this bioaccumulation triggers endocrine dysregulation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Significant correlations were observed between the presence of MPs and fetal liver alterations, neurobehavioral deficits in children, telomere shortening, and insulin resistance. It is concluded that microplastics act as biologically active agents that compromise the integrity of barriers and cellular communication, posing an emerging public health risk with repercussions that can extend from fetal development to adulthood.