Topic: 探討塑膠顆粒的健康隱憂：著重於腎臟和肝臟的研究
Speaker: 邱惠雯 (臺北醫學大學臨床醫學研究所 教授)
Time: April 10, 2025 1:30-3:00 pm
Venue: 醫學院 602 教室
Abstract: Particulate plastics, including microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), are typically defined as <5 mm and <1 µm in size, originating from primary plastic materials or the fragmentation of larger plastic debris. Due to their ubiquitous presence in aquatic, atmospheric, terrestrial, and food systems, particulate plastics have emerged as a critical environmental and public health concern. Evidence suggests that MPs exert adverse biological effects, yet their detection in human tissues remains challenging. Nonetheless, particulate plastics have been identified in various biological matrices, including the placenta, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, bloodstream, urine and kidneys, indicating systemic exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that particulate plastic accumulation in biological fluids and tissues is associated with metabolic dysregulation, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and organ dysfunction, which may contribute to disease pathogenesis and unfavorable clinical outcomes. Xenobiotic metabolism occurs predominantly in the liver. Exposure to particulate plastics can disrupt hepatic lipid and energy metabolism while promoting oxidative stress. While research on particulate plastic interactions with the human kidney remains limited, concerns over renal toxicity drive emerging interest. Additionally, chronic kidney disease (CKD) warrants further investigation, as impaired renal clearance mechanisms may predispose individuals to particulate plastic accumulation, exacerbating disease progression. Recently, our lab studied the potential impact of particulate plastics focused on kidneys and the liver. Overall, a better understanding of particulate plastics’ effects may help evaluate human health hazards, particularly highlighting the effects on the kidneys and liver.