A plastic once thought harmless may be fueling fatty liver disease

Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that polyethylene, one of the world's most commonly used plastics found in food packaging and containers, may contribute to fatty liver disease and worsen its effects when combined with an unhealthy diet. The study is significant because polyethylene has been previously considered relatively harmless despite accounting for approximately one-third of global plastic production. The findings suggest that polyethylene microplastics interfere with the liver's natural defense and repair mechanisms, potentially affecting the 25% of people worldwide who suffer from fatty liver disease.