We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Oral Exposure to Microplastics Affects the Neurochemical Plasticity of Reactive Neurons in the Porcine Jejunum
AI summary Read the abstract
In a pig study, feeding PET microplastics (the type found in food packaging) for 28 days caused gut damage and changed the behavior of nerve cells in the intestine. Higher doses led to more inflammation, tissue injury, and shifts in key brain chemicals produced by gut neurons. These findings suggest that swallowing microplastics from food and drinks could harm the gut's nervous system, though more research is needed to confirm the effects in humans.
Plastics are present in almost every aspect of our lives. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is commonly used in the food industry. Microparticles can contaminate food and drinks, posing a threat to consumers. The presented study aims to determine the effect of microparticles of PET on the population of neurons positive for selected neurotransmitters in the enteric nervous system of the jejunum and histological structure. An amount of 15 pigs were divided into three groups (control, receiving 0.1 g, and 1 g/day/animal orally). After 28 days, fragments of the jejunum were collected for immunofluorescence and histological examination. The obtained results show that histological changes (injury of the apical parts of the villi, accumulations of cellular debris and mucus, eosinophil infiltration, and hyperaemia) were more pronounced in pigs receiving a higher dose of microparticles. The effect on neuronal nitric oxide synthase-, and substance P-positive neurons, depends on the examined plexus and the dose of microparticles. An increase in the percentage of galanin-positive neurons and a decrease in cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript-, vesicular acetylcholine transporter-, and vasoactive intestinal peptide-positive neurons do not show such relationships. The present study shows that microparticles can potentially have neurotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects, but there is a need for further research to determine the mechanism of this process and possible further effects.
More Papers Like This
Influence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic on selected active substances in the intramural neurons of the porcine duodenum
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists fed pigs PET microplastics (the type found in plastic bottles) for 28 days and found changes in the nerve cells of their small intestine, which is one of the first organs exposed to ingested microplastics. Higher doses caused shifts in important nerve signaling chemicals that help control digestion, pain, and gut function. Because pig digestive systems are similar to humans, these results suggest that swallowing microplastics may affect how our gut nerves work.
Microplastic and the Enteric Nervous System: Effect of PET Microparticles on Selected Neurotransmitters and Cytokines in the Porcine Ileum
AI summary Read the abstract
Gilts exposed to PET microplastics at 0.1 or 1 g/day for 28 days showed dose-dependent changes in ileum cytokine levels, neurotransmitter-expressing neuron populations, and tissue morphology, indicating that microplastics can disrupt the enteric nervous system and intestinal immune responses.
Microplastic-Induced Disruption of Intestinal Barrier Integrity and Triggering Neuroinflammatory Responses Through Gut-Brain Axis Dysregulation Mediated by NF-κB/PPAR-γ/BDNF Signalling Pathways.
AI summary Read the abstract
New research found that when animals were fed common plastic particles (from everyday plastics like grocery bags and food containers) over 45 days, it damaged their gut lining and triggered inflammation that traveled all the way to the brain, along with signs linked to memory problems. This matters because it suggests the tiny plastic bits we're increasingly exposed to through food and water may not just pass through harmlessly — they could disrupt gut health in ways that affect brain function, though more research is needed to confirm this happens in humans.
Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics affect gut microbiota distribution and intestinal damage in mice
AI summary Read the abstract
Mice exposed to PET microplastics, the type commonly found in plastic bottles, developed intestinal inflammation, changes in gut bacteria, and signs of a weakened gut barrier. Even at relatively low doses, the microplastics increased liver stress markers and disrupted the protective mucus layer in the colon, suggesting that everyday PET plastic exposure could contribute to digestive health problems.
Enterohepatic Circulationof Polystyrene NanoplasticsPromotes Intestinal Inflammation by Impairing Enteric Neurons
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists discovered that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) we swallow don't just pass through our gut once — they get absorbed into the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and then recycled back into the intestines through bile, allowing them to build up over time in mice. This repeated exposure damaged the gut lining, disrupted healthy gut bacteria, and harmed the nerves that control intestinal function, leading to inflammation. While this study was done in mice, it suggests that everyday plastic exposure could cause more lasting gut damage than previously thought, since our bodies may be unknowingly recirculating these partic
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.