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Influence of selected dosages of plastic microparticles on the porcine fecal microbiome
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Researchers fed pigs different doses of PET microplastics for 28 days and analyzed changes in their gut bacteria. Higher doses of microplastics increased certain bacterial groups that produce short-chain fatty acids, which are important for gut health and immune function. Since pig digestive systems are similar to humans, these results suggest microplastic exposure could alter our gut microbiome in ways that affect digestion and overall health.
Studies conducted so far have shown that nano- and microplastic may disturb the intestinal microenvironment by interacting with the intestinal epithelium and the gut microbiota. Depending on the research model used, the effect on the microbiome is different-an increase or decrease in selected taxa resulting in the development of dysbiosis. Dysbiosis may be associated with intestinal inflammation, development of mental disorders or diabetes. The aim of the study was to analyze the intestinal microbiome in 15 gilts divided into 3 research groups (n = 5; control group, receiving micropartices at a dose 0.1 g/day (LD) and 1 g/day (HD)). Feaces were collected before and after 28 days of exposure to PET microplastics. The analysis of the intestinal microbiome was performed using next-generation sequencing. Alpha and beta diversity indices were compared, showing, that repetition affected only the abundance indices in the control and LD groups, but not in the HD group. The relationships between the number of reads at the phylum, genus and species level and the microplastic dose were calculated using statistical methods (r-Pearson correlation, generalized regression model, analysis of variance). The statistical analysis revealed, that populations of Family XIII AD3011 group, Coprococcus, V9D2013 group, UCG-010 and Sphaerochaeta increased with increasing MP-PET dose. The above-mentioned taxa are mainly responsible for the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). It may be assumed, that SCFA are one of the mechanisms involved in the response to oral exposure to MP-PET.
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Polyethylene microplastics affect the distribution of gut microbiota and inflammation development in mice
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Researchers fed mice different concentrations of polyethylene microplastics for five weeks and found significant changes in gut bacteria composition and signs of intestinal inflammation. Higher doses increased bacterial diversity and altered the balance of specific bacterial species, while triggering immune responses and inflammation in the colon and duodenum. The study provides evidence that microplastic ingestion can disrupt the gut microbiome and promote intestinal inflammation in mammals.
Macrogenomes reveal microbial-mediated microplastic degradation pathways in the porcine gut: a hope for solving the environmental challenges of microplastics
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A metagenomic study of pig gut contents found a diverse community of microorganisms harboring genes capable of breaking down multiple types of microplastics. This raises the intriguing possibility that gut microbiota in food animals may partially degrade ingested microplastics, but it also raises questions about whether breakdown products or altered microbial communities pose risks that pass up the food chain to humans.
Impact of microplastics on the human gut microbiome: a systematic review of microbial composition, diversity, and metabolic disruptions
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This systematic review of 12 studies found that microplastics including polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC induce gut dysbiosis in humans, reducing beneficial bacteria and enriching pathogens. Microplastic exposure also impairs short-chain fatty acid production and modulates immune pathways, contributing to intestinal disease, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammation.
Exposure to High-molecular-weight Polyvinyl Chloride Alters Bacterial Diversity in the Gut Microbiota of the Wistar Rat
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Researchers exposed Wistar rats to high-molecular-weight polyvinyl chloride microplastics through their diet and measured changes in gut microbiota diversity and composition. PVC microplastic ingestion significantly altered bacterial diversity in the gut microbiome, supporting the hypothesis that microplastic exposure can disrupt intestinal microbial ecology with potential consequences for host health.
Effects induced by polyethylene microplastics oral exposure on colon mucin release, inflammation, gut microflora composition and metabolism in mice
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Researchers fed mice polyethylene microplastics for 30 days and found that even low doses reduced protective mucus in the colon, altered inflammation markers, and shifted the composition of gut bacteria. The microplastics increased the ratio of Bacteroides to Firmicutes bacteria and affected metabolic pathways in the gut microbiome. The study suggests that oral microplastic exposure may disrupt intestinal health by modifying the gut microbial community and its metabolism.
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