Overview

• Researchers at UC Davis administered daily doses of polystyrene nanoparticles to mice at levels reflecting human exposure estimates.
• Exposed mice developed systemic glucose intolerance, indicating impaired blood sugar control linked to diabetes risk.
• The study observed elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, a key marker of liver injury, in nanoplastics-fed animals.
• Nanoplastic ingestion increased gut permeability and endotoxin circulation, factors known to exacerbate liver stress.
• Authors call for targeted human research and policy measures to address pervasive micro- and nanoplastic contamination in the food chain.