Breathing plastics: Influence of airborne microplastics on the respiratory microbiome and health of human lungs (Review) 

The issue of airborne microplastic pollution is a significant environmental challenge due to its widespread and rapid distribution and potential health hazards. One of these issues is the potential impact of microplastics on the lung microbiome and its potential effects on respiratory health. Evidence suggests that microplastic fibers may contribute to an increased incidence of respiratory conditions, including asthma, by affecting the lung microbiome and triggering inflammation. The lung microbiome is essential for regulating innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. The microbiome contributes to maintaining lung homeostasis by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microbial colonies and supporting tissue repair processes. It has been demonstrated that changes in the lung microbiome due to microplastic pollution are associated with increased airway inflammation, increased mucus production and fibrosis in asthmatic mice, suggesting that microplastics may compromise respiratory health by affecting the lung microbiome. The present review aimed to integrate available research on the impact of inhaled microplastics on the lung microbiome, resulting in changes in microbial composition and function, and to assess the potential implications of microplastics for inflammation, immune dysfunction and respiratory disease. Previous research has validated the detection of microplastics in pulmonary tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage samples, further indicating that inhalation serves as a major means of exposure. Concurrently, academic investigations indicate that these foreign particles may interfere with the respiratory microbiome by engaging in physical interactions with microbial communities, eliciting inflammatory responses, and transporting chemical additives and environmental toxins.