Polyethylene microplastic linked to fatty liver disease in mice

Researchers at Texas A&M University reported that microscopic particles of polyethylene, a common plastic used in food packaging and other products, are found virtually everywhere—in water, air and even in human bodies. In laboratory mice, exposure to these microplastic particles triggered the development of fatty liver disease. The study identified that polyethylene activates the liver protein PPAR‑alpha, which regulates fat metabolism, and involves the gene ANXA2 in tissue repair. The findings, published in *Science Advances*, suggest a potential health risk from widespread polyethylene microplastics, though the impact on human health remains to be clarified.

The researchers emphasize that polyethylene accounts for about one‑third of global plastic production and has received little attention until now. Further work will investigate whether similar mechanisms operate in humans and explore possible therapeutic approaches.