Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Human Health Effects Sign in to save

Oral exposure to PET microplastics induces the pancreatic immune response and oxidative stress in immature pigs

BMC Genomics 2025 6 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 63 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Monika Golubska, Karol Mierzejewski, Karol Mierzejewski, Karol Mierzejewski, Karol Mierzejewski, Karol Mierzejewski, Ismena Gałęcka, Ismena Gałęcka, Ismena Gałęcka, Ismena Gałęcka, Karol Mierzejewski, Karol Mierzejewski, Karol Mierzejewski, Karol Mierzejewski, Karol Mierzejewski, Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Jarosław Całka, Jarosław Całka, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Karol Mierzejewski, Monika Golubska, Monika Golubska, Monika Golubska, Monika Golubska, Monika Golubska, Monika Golubska, Monika Golubska, Monika Golubska, Monika Golubska, Monika Golubska, Monika Golubska, Jarosław Całka, Jarosław Całka, Ismena Gałęcka, Ismena Gałęcka, Ismena Gałęcka, Ismena Gałęcka, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Ismena Gałęcka, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Ismena Gałęcka, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Jarosław Całka, Jarosław Całka, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Jarosław Całka, Jarosław Całka, Iwona Bogacka Iwona Bogacka Iwona Bogacka Iwona Bogacka Jarosław Całka, Jarosław Całka, Jarosław Całka, Jarosław Całka, Iwona Bogacka Iwona Bogacka Iwona Bogacka Iwona Bogacka Iwona Bogacka Iwona Bogacka Iwona Bogacka Iwona Bogacka

Summary

Researchers fed young pigs PET microplastics (the type found in plastic bottles) and found that the particles triggered immune responses and oxidative stress in the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin. Higher doses caused changes in 86 genes related to immune function and cellular stress. Since pigs are biologically similar to humans, this study raises questions about whether microplastic exposure could contribute to pancreatic problems, including diabetes risk.

Polymers

PET

Body Systems

Immune

Microplastics are a widespread environmental hazard and their impact on human health has become a growing concern in last years. Recently, the potential role of microplastics in the development of various diseases, including diabetes, has been highlighted. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PET microplastics on the pancreas using immature pigs as a model organism. We analyzed the global transcriptomic profile of the pancreas by RNA-Seq in piglets treated with either a low (0.1 g/day) or a high dose (1 g/day) of PET microplastics for 4 weeks. The analysis revealed a dose-dependent effect of PET microplastics on gene expression. A low dose changed the expression of one gene, while a high dose affected the expression of 86 genes. The differentially expressed genes, including immune cell markers, cytokines and chemokines, may activate the immune system in the pancreas in a way that is characteristic of the pathogenesis of diabetes. In addition, PET microplastics induced oxidative stress in the pancreas. These above imply that oral exposure to PET microplastics could be a new risk factor for the development of diabetes.

Read via DOI PubMed PMC Full Text Download PDF

Share this paper

Post Share Share Pin Email