0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Gut & Microbiome Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Investigating the modulation of the endocannabinoid system by probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC513 in a zebrafish model of di-n-hexyl phthalate exposure

Scientific Reports 2024 5 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 55 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Roberta Prete, Carmine Merola, Natalia García-González, Federico Fanti, Giovanni Angelozzi, Manuel Sergi, Natalia Battista, Monia Perugini, Aldo Corsetti

Summary

Researchers found that a probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC513) protected zebrafish from neurological disruption caused by di-n-hexyl phthalate, a plasticizer chemical used in food packaging, by restoring normal gene expression in the brain's endocannabinoid signaling system. This suggests probiotics may help counteract the brain and gut effects of phthalate exposure from plastic products.

Environmental pollutants used as plasticizers in food packaging and in thousands of everyday products have become harmful for their impact on human health. Among them, phthalates, recognized as emerging endocrine disruptors (EDs) can induce toxic effects leading to different health disorders. Only few studies evaluated the effects of di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP) in in vivo models and no studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of DnHP on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), one of the majors signaling pathways involved in the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Due to the current relevance of probiotic bacteria as beneficial dietary interventions, the present study was aimed at evaluating the potential neuroprotective impact of daily administration of Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum IMC513 on zebrafish adults exposed to DnHP, with a focus on ECS modulation. Gene expression analysis revealed a promising protective role of probiotic through the restoration of ECS genes expression to the control level, in the brain of zebrafish daily exposed to DnHP. In addition, the levels of main endocannabinoids were also modulated. These findings confirm the potential ability of probiotics to interact at central level by modulating the ECS, suggesting the use of probiotics as innovative dietary strategy to counteract alterations by EDs exposure.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

The probiotic SLAB51 as agent to counteract BPA toxicity on zebrafish gut microbiota -liver-brain axis

Researchers tested whether the probiotic supplement SLAB51 could counteract the harmful effects of bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic-derived chemical, in zebrafish and found it significantly restored healthy gut bacteria, reduced liver damage, and protected the brain — suggesting probiotics may help offset harm from plastic-associated chemical exposure.

Article Tier 2

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 Alleviates Liver Toxicity of Combined Microplastics and Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate via Regulating Gut Microbiota

Researchers found that the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 reduced liver damage caused by combined exposure to microplastics and the plasticizer DEHP in mice. The probiotic reversed oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver and intestines while reshaping the gut microbiota. The study suggests that probiotic supplementation may offer a promising strategy for mitigating the toxic effects of co-exposure to microplastics and plastic-associated chemicals.

Article Tier 2

Damage of polyethylene microplastics on the intestine multilayer barrier, blood cell immune function and the repair effect of Leuconostoc mesenteroides DH in the large-scale loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus)

Researchers found that polyethylene microplastics damage the intestinal lining of loach fish, allowing plastic particles to break through the gut barrier and enter the bloodstream, where they caused blood cell death. Adding a probiotic bacterium (Leuconostoc mesenteroides) to the fish's diet significantly repaired the intestinal damage and improved immune function. This suggests that probiotics may help counteract some of the gut damage caused by microplastic exposure.

Article Tier 2

Probiotics an emerging therapeutic approach towards gut-brain-axis oriented chronic health issues induced by microplastics: A comprehensive review

This review examines how microplastics disrupt the gut-brain axis, the communication system between the digestive system and the brain, leading to chronic health problems like inflammation and neurological issues. The authors highlight probiotics as a promising treatment approach, since beneficial bacteria can help repair gut damage caused by microplastic exposure. The findings suggest that supporting gut health through probiotics may help counteract some of the harmful effects of microplastics on both digestion and brain function.

Article Tier 2

Oxidized/unmodified-polyethylene microplastics neurotoxicity in mice: Perspective from microbiota-gut-brain axis

Mice exposed to both regular and environmentally weathered polyethylene microplastics developed brain and gut damage, including behavioral changes, weakened gut and blood-brain barriers, and inflammation -- with weathered microplastics causing even more harm. Importantly, treatment with a probiotic (Lactobacillus) and a prebiotic partially reversed these effects, suggesting that gut-friendly supplements might help protect against microplastic-related brain and intestinal damage.

Share this paper