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Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on rodent gut microbiota diversity: A systematic review and meta-analysis
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This review of animal studies found that microplastics don't necessarily reduce the overall variety of gut bacteria, but they do consistently change which specific types of bacteria are present—shifting the balance in ways that could affect digestion and health. Notably, "good" bacteria like Lactobacillus tended to decrease while other bacterial groups increased. Since these studies were done in rodents, more research is needed to confirm how this translates to humans, but it's an early signal that the microplastics we're exposed to through food and water may be quietly reshaping our gut ecosystem.
The increasing presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in food and water has raised concerns about their potential effects on gut microbiota. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis through a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the impact of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) on gut microbiota diversity in rodent experimental models. Following PRISMA guidelines, eligible studies were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE tool. A quantitative meta-analysis was conducted on three commonly reported α-diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson), while β-diversity and taxonomic changes were qualitatively synthesized. MNPs exposure showed no statistically significant effect on α-diversity (g = 0.17,p = 0.259), with substantial heterogeneity across studies. Subgroup analyses confirmed the absence of significant effects across particle size, animal model, polymer type, dose, and exposure duration. β-diversity was consistently and significantly altered in the vast majority of studies, indicating consistent microbial community restructuring. Taxonomic shifts were variable at the phylum level, particularly for Firmicutes and Bacteroidota, while decreases in Lactobacillaceae/Lactobacillus and increases in Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Desulfobacterota were frequently observed. These findings indicate that MNPs primarily reshape microbial composition. The high heterogeneity highlights the need for standardized, environmentally relevant experimental designs to better assess microbiome-related alterations associated with MNPs exposure and their potential implications for host health.
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The impact of microplastics on the mice gut microbiome: a meta-analysis.
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A new analysis combining data from multiple mouse studies found that eating microplastics measurably shifts the balance of bacteria living in the gut, boosting certain groups involved in digestion and metabolism. While this research was done in mice, not humans, it adds to growing evidence that the tiny plastic particles we're all exposed to daily could be quietly altering our gut bacteria in ways that might affect digestion and overall health, making this an area worth watching closely as research continues.
Gut microbiota responses to oral micro- and nanoplastic exposure in rodent models: a systematic review and evidence map of experimental paradigms
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This review of 40 rodent studies finds that eating micro and nanoplastics can shift gut bacteria communities, though not in one consistent pattern across studies. Scientists are still working out exactly how these changes might affect health, but the research so far supports the idea that swallowed plastic particles can disrupt the gut ecosystem in ways that may matter for humans too.
The impact of microplastics on the mice gut microbiome: a meta-analysis
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This meta-analysis pools data from multiple mouse studies to assess how ingested microplastics affect gut bacteria. It found that microplastic exposure can alter the balance of the gut microbiome, which is important because gut health is closely tied to immune function, digestion, and overall well-being.
Interactions between polystyrene-derived micro- and nanoplastics and the microbiota: a systematic review of multi-omics mouse studies
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Researchers systematically reviewed 15 mouse studies and found that exposure to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics consistently disrupted gut bacteria — reducing beneficial species like Lactobacillus and increasing harmful ones — while also altering metabolic pathways throughout the body. Nanoplastics caused more severe microbiome disruption than larger microplastics, highlighting a serious health concern for humans.
Unraveling Microplastic Effects on Gut Microbiota across Various Animals Using Machine Learning
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This meta-analysis used machine learning to compare how microplastics affect gut bacteria across different animal species. Mice showed the strongest negative effects, including reduced gut bacterial diversity and imbalanced gut flora — shifts linked to health problems in humans too. The study identified specific bacterial markers, including Lactobacillus, that could help detect microplastic-related gut damage.
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