Polyethylene microplastics linked to fatty liver disease

Researchers at Texas A&M found that polyethylene microplastics, which account for about a third of global plastic production, increase signs of fatty liver disease, especially on a Western diet high in fat, fructose and cholesterol. Spatial transcriptomics pinpointed PPAR-alpha activation and the ANXA2 gene in damaged liver areas.

• Polyethylene makes up roughly one-third of global plastic production
• Fatty liver disease affects about 25% of people worldwide
• Liver damage worsened with a diet high in fat, fructose and cholesterol
• PPAR-alpha and the ANXA2 gene were active in damaged liver areas