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Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the kidney and cardiovascular system

Nature Reviews Nephrology volume 21, pages 585–596 (2025)Cite this article

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Abstract

Microplastics and nanoplastics are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that contaminate air, food and water supplies, resulting in widespread human exposure and potential health risks. Varying concentrations of particulate plastics have been identified in human tissues and body fluids, including the heart, kidney, liver, brain, blood and urine. Studies in animal models and human cells have reported that particulate plastics can induce oxidative stress, cell death and inflammation as well as disrupt metabolism and immune function. They have also been shown to have toxic effects on kidney and cardiovascular cells, which are exacerbated by the presence of other environmental contaminants such as heavy metals. Patients with kidney failure might be at risk of increased exposure to particulate plastics during dialysis. Furthermore, clinical evidence suggests that particulate plastic exposure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Approaches to mitigating such exposure include degradation via abiotic and biotic processes, improved waste management and water filtration approaches and use of alternative materials. Further research into the fate, toxicity and health consequences of particulate plastics is imperative to inform strategies to address this escalating environmental and health concern.

Key points

  • Particulate plastics are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that contaminate terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, resulting in human exposure via ingestion, inhalation and skin contact.

  • Following exposure, particulate plastics can enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body; they have been identified in organs including the heart, kidney, liver and brain.

  • Studies in animal models and human cells have demonstrated that exposure to particulate plastics can induce oxidative stress and cytotoxic effects as well as disrupt energy homeostasis, metabolism and immune function.

  • Evidence from in vitro experiments and animal studies suggests that particulate plastics have toxic effects on the kidney; patients receiving haemodialysis might be at risk of increased exposure to particulate plastics.

  • Particulate plastics are potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease and have been shown to have adverse effects on cardiovascular cells in experimental studies, including induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy dysfunction and suppression of angiogenesis.

  • Approaches to mitigating particulate plastic pollution include degradation via biotic and abiotic mechanisms; stricter regulations for plastic production, use and disposal; use of alternative materials; and public education efforts to encourage sustainable choices.

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Fig. 1: The toxic effects of microplastics and nanoplastics.

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Acknowledgements

The authors’ work was supported by the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (NSTC 113-2314-B-038-084 and NSTC 113-2314-B-039-044).

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Author notes

  1. These authors contributed equally: Yu-Hsuan Lee, Yung-Li Wang.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

    Yu-Hsuan Lee

  2. Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Cai-Mei Zheng

  3. Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan

    Cai-Mei Zheng

  4. TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Cai-Mei Zheng & Hui-Wen Chiu

  5. Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan

    Ying-Jan Wang

  6. Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Yung-Li Wang & Hui-Wen Chiu

  7. School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Yung-Li Wang

  8. Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan

    Hui-Wen Chiu

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  2. Cai-Mei Zheng
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  4. Yung-Li Wang
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  5. Hui-Wen Chiu
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All authors researched data for the article, made substantial contributions to discussions of the content, wrote the article and reviewed or edited the manuscript before submission.

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Correspondence to Hui-Wen Chiu.

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Nature Reviews Nephrology thanks Raffaele Marfella, Tian Xia and Thomas Munzel, who co-reviewed with Marin Kuntic, for their contribution to the peer review of this work.

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Lee, YH., Zheng, CM., Wang, YJ. et al. Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the kidney and cardiovascular system. Nat Rev Nephrol 21, 585–596 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41581-025-00971-0

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