Core Insights - Recent research from Nantong University confirms that exposure to nanoplastics during pregnancy has transgenerational toxicity, revealing mechanisms behind this toxicity for the first time [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - Nanoplastics degrade into smaller particles, leading to microplastics and potentially harmful effects on human health, with evidence found in placental and umbilical cord blood [1] - A mouse model study showed that maternal exposure to nanoplastics during pregnancy resulted in neuronal cell shrinkage and loss in offspring, along with increased markers associated with Alzheimer's disease [1] - Offspring exhibited multi-organ damage, with severity correlating to the level of exposure to nanoplastics [1] Group 2: Gender Differences and Mechanisms - Transgenerational toxicity of nanoplastics shows gender differences, with male offspring being more sensitive to lung damage and intestinal pathology compared to females [2] - A significant downregulation of SIRT1 protein was observed in affected organs of the offspring, which is crucial for cellular aging and stress response [2] - Virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that extracts from the common traditional Chinese medicine, Jin Qiao Mai, can significantly upregulate SIRT1 activity in experimental mice, suggesting potential clinical interventions [2]