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Microplastics and microbiota: deciphering the concealed environmental threats to health
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This review paper summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles found throughout the environment and their relationship with gut bacteria in humans and animals. It describes how these particles may disrupt the balance of gut microbes, a change linked to various diseases, and calls for more detailed studies using advanced lab techniques to understand the health effects.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have emerged as ubiquitous environmental pollutants, infiltrating terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric ecosystems. Recent research highlights a critical, bidirectional relationship between these particles and microbiota, particularly within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans and animals. The gut microbiota, a complex and diverse community of trillions of microbes residing in the human GI tract, plays a critical role in host digestion, metabolism, immune function, and overall health. Disruption of this microbial ecosystem, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to a wide range of diseases. MNP-induced gut dysbiosis also involves complex molecular mechanisms requiring integrative approaches. Multi-omics technologies are essential to identify pathways affected by exposure, including immune responses, oxidative stress, and host-microbe interactions. However, their use in human studies remains limited. Large-scale longitudinal studies combined with multi-omics analyses are crucial to clarify systemic health implications of microplastic exposure and develop mitigation strategies.
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Micro‐ and nanoplastics in gastrointestinal disorders: Mapping the translational gap between exposure, biomonitoring, and pathogenic mechanisms
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Tiny plastic particles from our food, air, and water may be doing more than just passing through our bodies, this review of existing research suggests they can irritate the gut lining, trigger inflammation, and throw off the balance of healthy gut bacteria. While scientists haven't yet nailed down exactly how much exposure causes harm or the precise mechanisms involved, the evidence so far suggests these ever-present plastic particles could be a hidden contributor to digestive health problems, making it a research area worth watching.
Interaction between microplastics and microorganism as well as gut microbiota: A consideration on environmental animal and human health
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This review explores how microplastics interact with microorganisms in the environment and within the gut, examining implications for both animal and human health. Researchers found that microplastics can alter gut microbiota composition, promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and amplify the toxicity of other environmental pollutants. The study suggests that the interaction between microplastics and gut microorganisms is an important emerging area for understanding health risks.
Defensive remodeling of gut microbiota under microplastic stress and its pathogenic mechanism
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This review pulls together existing animal research on how tiny plastic particles called microplastics—found in food, water, and air—can throw off the balance of good and bad bacteria living in our gut. This imbalance may weaken the gut's protective barrier, trigger inflammation, and mess with metabolism, which over time could contribute to disease. While the gut microbiota does have some natural defenses against this stress, the findings are a reminder that everyday plastic exposure may have hidden effects on our internal health, not just the environment.
Microplastics disrupt intestinal physiology: From microbiota composition to intestinal barrier integrity
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This review pulls together existing research on how the tiny plastic particles we swallow through food and water may mess with our gut health. The evidence suggests microplastics can shift our gut bacteria toward less beneficial types while reducing helpful bacteria that support digestion, and this may weaken the gut's protective lining—potentially allowing harmful substances to pass into the body more easily. While more research is needed to fully understand the risks, this adds to growing concerns about how everyday plastic exposure might affect our long-term health.
Gut microbiota, a key to understanding the knowledge gaps on micro-nanoplastics-related biological effects and biodegradation
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This review explores how micro- and nanoplastics affect the community of microorganisms living in the gut, and how those same gut microbes might be able to break down plastic particles. Swallowed microplastics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to various diseases. On the other hand, some gut bacteria can actually degrade plastics into smaller, less harmful molecules, opening a possible avenue for biological cleanup.
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