Microplastics in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: An emerging threat to liver health

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Jasmine

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly termed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a leading worldwide cause of end-stage liver disease. Environmental and lifestyle drivers—obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, and pollutant exposure—shape hepatic risk. Microplastics have been detected in human blood and multiple organs, and may harm tissues, but their liver-specific mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Further work is needed to link direct and extrahepatic microplastic effects to MASLD pathogenesis, including impacts on mitochondrial homeostasis and endocrine regulation, to clarify disease progression.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Core Tip

Introduction

| W | J | H | World Journal of
Hepatology | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Submit a Manuscript: [https://www.f6publishing.com](https://www.f6publishing.com) World J Hepatol 2025 December 27; 17(12): 111198 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v17.i12.111198 ISSN 1948-5182 (online) MINIREVIEWS Microplastics in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: An emerging threat to liver health Sangam Rajak, Ambuj Shahi, Abhishek Yadav, Pratik Medhe, Rohit A Sinha Specialty type: Gastroenterology and hepatology Provenance and peer review: Invited article; Externally peer reviewed. Peer-review model: Single blind Peer-review report’s classification Scientific Quality: Grade B, Grade B, Grade D Novelty: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C Creativity or Innovation: Grade B, Grade B, Grade D Scientific Significance: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C P-Reviewer: Cen KY, Academic Fellow, Associate Chief Physician, Malaysia; Zheng L, PhD, Professor, China Received: June 25, 2025 Revised: July 20, 2025 Accepted: November 13, 2025 Published online: December 27, 2025 Processing time: 184 Days and 17.6 Hours Sangam Rajak, Department of System Toxicology, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India Ambuj Shahi, Abhishek Yadav, Pratik Medhe, Rohit A Sinha, Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India Corresponding author: Rohit A Sinha, Associate Professor, Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rae Bareilly Road, Lucknow 226014, Uttar Pradesh, [India.](India. anthony.rohit@gmail.com)[ anthony.rohit@gmail.com](India. anthony.rohit@gmail.com) Abstract Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a major cause of end-stage liver disease worldwide. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the liver is predominantly influenced by environmental and lifestyle risk factors that lead to obesity and diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental pollutants. Microplastics (MPs) are a significant global concern, having been detected in human blood, lungs, kidneys, and liver, and may have deleterious effects on these tissues. Although the effects of MP exposure on the liver have only been partially elucidated, further research is necessary to integrate the direct and extrahepatic effects of MPs on the pathogenesis of MASLD. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of MPs on hepatic metabolism, including their effects on mitochondrial homeostasis and the endocrine system, with potential implications for the progression of MASLD. Key Words: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease; Liver; Microplastics; Inflammation; Lipid metabolism ©The Author(s) 2025. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. WJH [https://www.wjgnet.com](https://www.wjgnet.com) 1 December 27, 2025 Volume 17 Issue 12 Rajak S et al. MPs and MASLD Core Tip: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a leading cause of severe liver disease worldwide. Intriguingly, the rise in the incidence of metabolic diseases including MASLD parallels rapid industrialization and environmental pollution worldwide. Microplastics (MPs) are a big global issue and have been found in human blood, lungs, kidneys, and liver. While some effects of MPs on liver health are known, more research is needed to understand how MPs harm the liver and how they relate to lifestyle risks. This article looks at how MPs affect liver metabolism and their role in the progression of MASLD. Citation: Rajak S, Shahi A, Yadav A, Medhe P, Sinha RA. Microplastics in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: An emerging threat to liver health. World J Hepatol 2025; 17(12): 111198 URL: [https://www.wjgnet.com/1948-5182/full

FAQs

What is MASLD and why is it clinically important?

MASLD is the predominant cause of liver disease worldwide and is strongly linked to metabolic disorders. Clinically advanced disease can progress to MASH, which increases the risk of end-stage liver disease.

How are microplastics related to MASLD?

Microplastics have been detected in human tissues and may exert deleterious effects. The review highlights the need to integrate direct and extrahepatic microplastic impacts to clarify MASLD pathogenesis.

Which biological pathways does the review emphasize for microplastic effects on the liver?

The review focuses on hepatic metabolism, including potential effects on mitochondrial homeostasis and endocrine system regulation, with implications for MASLD progression.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Jasmine