A new study led by researchers at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences suggests that polyethylene, one of the world’s most widely used plastics, may contribute to fatty liver disease. The findings indicate that exposure to this type of microplastic can worsen liver damage, particularly when combined with a diet high in fat, fructose, and cholesterol.
Dr. Adi Joshi, an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, led the research team. The study focused on polyethylene because it accounts for roughly one-third of global plastic production and is commonly found in food packaging, plastic wraps, storage containers, and beverage cup linings.
Despite its prevalence, polyethylene has received comparatively little scientific attention regarding its biological effects, as it has long been considered one of the more biologically inert microplastics.
"No studies have really looked into polyethylene’s effect on liver health, and it’s the most widely produced plastic," Joshi said. "What we now know is that these microplastics, especially polyethylene, affect our liver’s natural defense and repair mechanisms."
The researchers found that polyethylene increased signs of fatty liver disease on its own. Fatty liver disease, a condition where excess fat builds up in liver cells, affects about 25% of people globally, according to the American Liver Foundation. The study further showed that the condition was exacerbated when polyethylene exposure was paired with an unhealthy diet.
