We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of the Toxicity of Polystyrene Microplastic in the Colon and Liver of Adult NMRI Mice
Summary
Researchers orally administered polystyrene microplastics to adult male mice at four doses for four weeks and examined histological changes in the colon and liver. Both organs showed dose-dependent tissue damage including inflammation and oxidative stress markers, with the colon showing earlier onset injury due to direct contact with ingested particles.
Background: In recent years, microplastics (MPs), emerging environmental contaminants measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, have garnered significant attention. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of MPs on colon samples, which are directly exposed to MPs that enter the digestive tract through food, and on the liver, which is responsible for processing chemicals from the digestive tract in mice. Methods: During this experiment, 36 adult male mice were randomly divided into four groups of nine animals each. Three groups received polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) at doses of 0.001, 0.01, and 1 (gavage) for 42 days; a control group was also considered. Tissue samples were collected for histomorphological, histomorphometric, inflammatory factor, and gene expression analyses 24 h after the last treatment. Results: The results showed that receiving PS-MPs negatively affected on the histomorphology and histomorphometry of the colon and liver. Also, PS-MPs caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), compared to the control group. In addition, a significant increase (P<0.05) in β-catenin and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was observed in the groups treated with PS-MPs compared to the control group. Conclusion: PS-MPs negatively affect histomorphology and histomorphometry and increase the concentration of TNF-α and PGE2 and the expression of HIF-1α and β-catenin genes in the colon.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastic Differentially Affects the Colon and Liver in Adult Male Mice
Researchers fed male mice polystyrene microplastics at varying doses for six weeks and examined the effects on their colon and liver. They found that the microplastics reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, damaged the intestinal barrier, disrupted mucus production, and caused tissue changes in both organs. The study provides further evidence that oral exposure to microplastics can cause oxidative stress and structural damage in the digestive system and liver.
Morphological features of the internal organs in mice after prolonged microplastics consumption
Researchers fed mice polystyrene microplastics at three dose levels for four weeks and found dose-dependent morphological changes restricted to the spleen and colon, including inflammatory infiltration and alterations in mucin-secreting goblet cells, while other organs showed no significant pathological changes.
Inflammatory response in the mid colon of ICR mice treated with polystyrene microplastics for two weeks
Researchers found that two weeks of oral polystyrene microplastic exposure in ICR mice induced an inflammatory response specifically in the mid colon, suggesting microplastics may contribute to colonic inflammation.
Effect of Polystyrene Nanoplastic on Colon, Liver, and Spleen Histopathology of Rats (Rattus norvegicus L.)
This study exposed rats to different concentrations of polystyrene nanoplastics and examined the effects on their colon, liver, and spleen. The results showed tissue damage including inflammation and cell death in all three organs, with higher concentrations causing more severe effects. These findings suggest that nanoplastics small enough to enter the body can cause organ-level damage, raising concerns about long-term human exposure.
Oral exposure to high concentrations of polystyrene microplastics alters the intestinal environment and metabolic outcomes in mice
In a mouse study, oral exposure to high concentrations of polystyrene microplastics caused fatty liver disease and abnormal blood lipid levels even without prior gut leakiness. The microplastics triggered intestinal inflammation through immune cells, disrupted gut bacteria, and altered how the body processes nutrients. These results suggest that swallowing microplastics could contribute to metabolic problems and liver disease in humans.