We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Oral exposure to PET microplastics alters the pancreatic transcriptome – implications for the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed immature pigs to PET microplastics for four weeks and analyzed the resulting changes in pancreatic gene expression using RNA sequencing. They found a dose-dependent effect, with the higher dose altering expression of 86 genes including immune cell markers, cytokines, and chemokines that may activate immune responses characteristic of type 1 diabetes development. The study suggests that oral exposure to PET microplastics could be an environmental risk factor worth investigating in the context of rising type 1 diabetes incidence.
Abstract Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease, the incidence of which has been steadily increasing in recent years, particularly among adolescents. The disease results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that lead to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Recently, the potential role of microplastics in the pathogenesis of various diseases has gained attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of PET microplastics on the pancreas using immature pigs as a model organism. The global transcriptomic profile of the pancreas was analyzed in piglets treated with either a low (0.1 g/day) or high dose (1 g/day) of PET microplastics for 4 weeks using RNA-Seq. The analysis revealed a dose-dependent effect of PET microplastics on gene expression. A low dose affected the expression of one gene, while a high dose impacted 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 type 1 diabetes. It suggests that oral exposure to PET microplastics may be a new risk factor for the development of this disease.
More Papers Like This
Oral exposure to PET microplastics induces the pancreatic immune response and oxidative stress in immature pigs
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
PET microplastics increase the risk of insulin resistance and pancreatitis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed young piglets PET microplastics for four weeks and found significant metabolic changes in their pancreatic tissue, including disrupted fat metabolism and signs of inflammation. Piglets receiving the higher dose showed tissue changes consistent with early pancreatitis, and both dose groups showed markers associated with insulin resistance. The study suggests that microplastic exposure in developing organisms may affect pancreatic function, though more research is needed to understand implications for humans.
Ingested PET microplastics alter the metabolomic profile of the porcine pancreas
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed young pigs low and high doses of PET microplastics for four weeks and analyzed changes in pancreatic metabolic profiles using mass spectrometry. They found that microplastic ingestion altered the metabolomic profile of the pancreas, with dose-dependent changes in metabolic pathways. The study suggests that dietary microplastic exposure may affect pancreatic function, raising questions about potential long-term metabolic health impacts.
PET microplastics alter the transcriptome profile and oxidative stress markers in the liver of immature piglets: an in vivo study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed immature piglets PET microplastics for four weeks and examined the effects on their livers. They found that microplastic exposure altered gene expression patterns related to metabolism and immune response, and increased markers of oxidative stress in the liver. The study suggests that even relatively short-term microplastic ingestion may disrupt liver function at the molecular level.
PET microplastics induce lipotoxicity in the porcine pancreas
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed pigs to PET microplastics for four weeks and found dose-dependent changes in pancreatic protein profiles, with the higher dose altering 17 proteins involved in fatty acid synthesis, lipid peroxidation, and digestive enzyme production. Free fatty acid levels increased significantly at the higher dose, indicating lipotoxic stress in pancreatic tissue. The study suggests a novel pathway through which microplastics may contribute to metabolic disturbances by impairing pancreatic function.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.