Efeitos epigenéticos transgeracionais da exposição a microplásticos

Nayara Lisboa Almeida Schonmeier; Cristina Keiko Yamaguchi; Natalia Veronez da Cunha

doi:10.5433/1679-0367.2025v46n2p176

Authors

Nayara Lisboa Almeida Schonmeier Universidade do Planalto Catarinense https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6502-3998
Cristina Keiko Yamaguchi Universidade do Planalto Catarinense https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7073-4307
Natalia Veronez da Cunha Universidade do Planalto Catarinense https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8522-5836

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0367.2025v46n2p176

Keywords:

Transgenerational Epigenetic Memory, Microplastics, Nanoplastics

Abstract

Exposure to micro- and nanoplastics is an emerging and largely invisible environmental issue that may compromise human health. Concern is particularly high when exposure occurs during pregnancy, a critical period for fetal neurological and somatic development. The consequences of this exposure still require in-depth investigation, particularly regarding transgenerational epigenetic alterations. Therefore, the objective of this integrative review was to analyze the transgenerational epigenetic effects of exposure to microplastics. Publications from 2020 to 2025 were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. Original experimental in vivo studies, published in English were included. A total of 64 articles were identified, and after applying the selection criteria, five studies were included in the review. The findings indicate that parental exposure to MNPs may induce adverse transgenerational effects in subsequent generations that were not directly exposed. Reported outcomes include impairments in reproduction, development, behavior, and epigenetic patterns. Although most of the included studies were conducted under laboratory conditions, which do not fully reflect the long-term exposure experienced by humans, the available evidence supports the concern that micro and nanoplastics toxicity may pose a genuine risk to health.

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Author Biographies

Nayara Lisboa Almeida Schonmeier, Universidade do Planalto Catarinense

Master’s degree in Environment and Health from the University of Planalto Catarinense (UNIPLAC), Brazil. PhD candidate in Environment and Health at the University of Planalto Catarinense (UNIPLAC), Brazil.

Cristina Keiko Yamaguchi, Universidade do Planalto Catarinense

PhD in Knowledge Engineering and Management from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil. Professor at the University of Planalto Catarinense (UNIPLAC), Brazil.

Natalia Veronez da Cunha, Universidade do Planalto Catarinense

PhD in the Multicentric Graduate Program in Science from the State University of Londrina (UEL), Brazil. Professor at the University of Planalto Catarinense (UNIPLAC), Brazil.

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