Assessing internal exposure to micro- and nanoplastics through blood analysis
NANOXPACE
Did you know? Monitoring micro and nanoplastic bioaccumulation is crucial for preventing inflammation and cellular damage.
NANOXPACE is a test that, through the analysis of a blood sample, evaluates the level of the organism’s exposure to micro- and nanoplastics.
This monitoring allows a deeper understanding of the long-term health effects associated with the presence of micro- and nanoplastics within tissues and bodily fluids. These effects may include inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular damage, and endocrine disruption. Furthermore, the test results can guide targeted and personalized interventions.
MICRO AND NANOPLASTICS OVERVIEW
Micro and nanoplastics, microscopic sized plastic particles, represent a growing threat to human health.
These particles derive from the fragmentation of plastic waste in the environment or from the use of consumer products containing plastics, such as cosmetics, synthetic clothing, and food packaging.
Once dispersed into the environment, micro- and nanoplastics contaminate water, soil, and the food chain, entering the human body via ingestion, inhalation, or direct contact.
Within the body, micro- and nanoplastics can accumulate in tissues and organs, exerting toxic effects. Specifically, they can trigger inflammatory responses, cause oxidative stress, damage cellular membranes, interfere with the endocrine system, and impair stem cell function. Moreover, these particles can act as carriers for toxic chemicals or environmental pollutants, thereby amplifying the health risks associated with their accumulation.
Quantifying micro and nanoplastics in the body is crucial to assess the exposure level to these particles and the associated risks. Ongoing monitoring enables a better understanding of the long-term health effects of these particles on human health and the environment, promoting timely and targeted interventions to reduce their impact.
How Micro and Nanoplastics Damage the Body
Micro and nanoplastics can trigger inflammatory responses, cause oxidative stress, and damage cellular membranes through a multi-step process:
Accumulation in Organs
Microplastics accumulate in organs, causing physical irritation and mechanical damage to tissues.
DNA Damage
Microplastic exposure causes direct DNA damage including strand breaks and mutations.
Inflammatory Response
Activation of the inflammatory response triggers chronic low-grade inflammation.
Chemical Carriers
Microplastics act as carriers for chemical pollutants and heavy metals, amplifying toxicity.
Excessive Inflammation
Induction of excessive inflammatory responses damages healthy tissues.
Oxidative Stress
Generation of oxidative stress at the cellular level damages proteins, lipids, and DNA.
Impacts of Micro and Nanoplastics on Human Health
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can enter the human body through air, food, or skin contact, accumulate in tissues, and interact directly with cells. Their ability to cross biological barriers and trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic alterations makes them a growing concern for long-term health.
Research shows that MNPs act on several biological levels.
And this is why their impact can be analysed through three main areas:
IMPACT ON THE BODY
By accumulating in cells and tissues, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) generate direct and indirect damage, leading to a series of complex biological consequences.
At a mechanical level, larger microplastics tend to deposit in specific anatomical districts, causing irritation and potential physical damage; nanoplastics, however, due to their smaller size, can cross biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, reaching sensitive organs such as the brain.
Furthermore, the chemical properties of MNPs amplify their toxicological effects. These particles often act as carriers for chemical contaminants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic compounds, which may be released into tissues and interfere with cellular metabolism.
MNPs are capable of activating a disproportionate immune response, resulting in chronic inflammation, a critical phenomenon in the development of many diseases and one that accelerates the process of cellular ageing.
Another significant effect of MNPs is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), generating oxidative stress within cells. This oxidative imbalance is responsible for damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, compromises cellular functionality, and promotes tissue deterioration.
IMPACT ON DNA
The interaction between MNPs and DNA represents one of the most significant consequences of exposure to these particles.
MNPs, due to their ability to penetrate cells and reach the nucleus, directly damage DNA, causing strand breaks, point mutations, and chromosomal aberrations; in addition, oxidative stress induced by MNPs, generating ROS, contributes to this damage.
If not properly repaired, lesions induced by MNPs compromise genomic integrity, promoting the emergence of mutations and functional alterations.
Chronic exposure to MNPs undermines genomic stability, leading to the accumulation of genetic alterations and errors during DNA replication, which, in addition to accelerating cellular ageing, contribute to the development of tumors and degenerative diseases.
Moreover, MNPs negatively affect DNA repair mechanisms (DNA Damage Response, DDR), hindering the activity of proteins and enzymes responsible for recognizing and correcting damage.
The direct impact of DNA damage can be assessed through a test analyzing circulating DNA to detect any genotoxic damage.
IMPACT ON STEM CELLS
The effects of micro- and nanoplastics have a significant impact on stem cells, which are particularly vulnerable to their presence.
The accumulation of MNPs within stem cell niches profoundly alters the cellular microenvironment, compromising the self-renewal and differentiation capacities of these cells (which are fundamental for tissue regeneration and the maintenance of homeostasis) and promoting the progressive loss of their functionality.
The genetic damage induced by MNPs in stem cells is particularly concerning, as mutations accumulated in stem cells can be transmitted to their differentiated progeny, amplifying the risk of tissue dysfunction and malignant transformations.
Health Consequences
Micro- and nanoplastics negatively influence human health through the various mechanisms already detailed, exacerbating pre-existing conditions and promoting the onset of new diseases.
The main diseases associated with exposure to micro- and nanoplastics include:
| Disease Category | Health Effects |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Diseases |
Atherosclerosis: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress promoted by MNPs can favour plaque accumulation within blood vessels. Hypertension: Vascular damage may alter blood pressure regulation. |
| Neurodegenerative Diseases | Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease: Nanoplastics cross the blood-brain barrier, promoting neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. |
| Metabolic Diseases |
Type 2 Diabetes: Chronic systemic inflammation and endocrine disruption can alter insulin sensitivity. Obesity: Hormonal dysfunction induced by chemical additives, such as bisphenol A (BPA), can impair lipid metabolism. |
| Endocrine Disorders |
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Infertility: Endocrine disruption by MNPs alters hormonal balance. Thyroid disorders: Exposure to BPA and phthalates impairs thyroid function. |
| Tumours |
Gastrointestinal system: Accumulation of MNPs in the intestinal walls may promote inflammatory processes and carcinogenesis. Hormone-dependent tumours (breast, prostate): The action of chemical additives as endocrine disruptors increases the risk of tumour development. |
| Gastrointestinal Diseases |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Direct contact of MNPs with the intestinal mucosa can induce inflammation and dysbiosis. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Chronic exposure to MNPs can exacerbate conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. |
| Immunological Diseases | Autoimmune diseases: Chronic inflammation and constant activation of the immune system may favour the emergence of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. |
| Respiratory Disorders | Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Inhalation of MNPs can cause airway inflammation and lung damage. |
| Developmental Alterations |
Fetal growth retardation: Nanoplastics can cross the placenta and interfere with normal fetal development. Neonatal neurological defects: Maternal exposure during pregnancy can have consequences on the fetus's central nervous system. |
| Cellular Ageing Acceleration | Reduced tissue regeneration and mitochondrial dysfunction, impacting the development of age-related diseases such as osteoporosis and macular degeneration. |
| Renal and Hepatic Dysfunctions | The accumulation of MNPs in excretory organs can impair their function, favoring the development of nephropathies and liver diseases. |
Comprehensive Analysis
The following table shows the results of the test performed.
The microplastics detected were classified according to size (< 10μm, 10-30μm, 30-70μm), thus providing quantitative results for each subset; the “total concentration” section represents the sum of all particles and the overall concentration (P/mL).
| MICROPLASTIC SIZE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| < 10 μm | Particles smaller than 10 μm detected in the sample. |
| 10–30 μm | Particles ranging between 10 and 30 μm. |
| 30–70 μm | Particles ranging between 30 and 70 μm. |
| Total concentration | Sum of all particles detected, expressed as overall P/mL. |
Although the optimal value of plastics detected in the body should be zero, based on data from the scientific literature, we have determined the following levels of microplastics:
| Low 1 0-4 |
Low 2 5-9 |
Medium 1 10-14 |
Medium 2 15-19 |
High 1 20-24 |
High 2 25-29 |
Very High 30+ |
|---|
Recent scientific studies show that ingested microplastics, mainly from food, beverages, and the environment, can accumulate in the body, penetrate tissues, and even enter the circulatory system. Their presence in varying amounts may be influenced by several factors, such as diet, environmental exposure, and lifestyle.
Detecting and comparing microplastic levels can help better understand individual exposure compared to the general population and assess the potential health risks associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage.
EXTENDED DIAGNOSTIC PROTOCOL
With a view to an integrated approach, it is recommended that the analysis of systemic inflammation be complemented with the following tests that are part of the BIOXPACE protocol:
GUTXPACE - Gut Microbiome Analysis
Analyses the gut microbiome to identify and characterise the microorganisms present in the intestinal tract. The balance of intestinal bacteria is one of the main modulators of immune responses. Gut health directly influences the effectiveness of the immune system, including its ability to clear senescent cells that drive systemic inflammation.
CYTOXPACE - Systemic Inflammation Assessment
Assesses key markers of systemic inflammation that, when altered, are associated with accelerated aging processes, increased genotoxicity, and genomic instability, conditions that increase the risk of disease onset.
SENEXPACE - Cellular Senescence Monitoring
Assesses cellular senescence, a defence mechanism that prevents the uncontrolled proliferation of cells with damaged DNA, which possess high tumourigenic potential. Senescent cells release inflammatory signals that generate and propagate inflammation throughout the body, thereby activating systemic inflammation.
IMMUNEXPACE - Immune System Balance Evaluation
Evaluates the balance and effectiveness of the immune system in carrying out its functions. The immune system helps counteract systemic inflammation by eliminating senescent cells that fuel inflammatory processes. When the immune system is weakened, these cells are not adequately removed and therefore accumulate in tissues, contributing to chronic inflammation.
