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The potential influence of microplastics on the microbiome and disease susceptibility in sea turtles
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This review explores how microplastics disrupt the gut microbiome of sea turtles, potentially making them more vulnerable to diseases like fibropapillomatosis (a tumor-causing virus). Microplastics can alter gene expression and weaken immune defenses by changing the balance of beneficial gut bacteria. While focused on sea turtles, the study illustrates how microplastics may increase disease risk by disrupting the gut microbiome in animals.
Microplastics (MPs) are particles with sizes of ≤5 mm formed when plastic materials break down. These contaminants are often found in marine environments, making it easy for sea turtles to ingest them and for their microbiome to be exposed. MPs can disrupt microbiome balance, leading to dysbiosis and making organisms more susceptible to diseases. Owing to the significance of these processes, it is crucial to dedicate research to studying the metabolic and genetic analysis of the gut microbiome in sea turtles. The objective of this study was to describe the effects of exposure to MPs on the gut microbiome of sea turtles, based on current knowledge. This review also aimed to explore the potential link between MP exposure and disease susceptibility in these animals. We show that the metabolites produced by the gut microbiome, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), polyamines, and polysaccharide A, can regulate the expression of host genes. Regulation occurs through various mechanisms, including histone acetylation, DNA methylation, and the modulation of cytokine gene expression. These processes are essential for preserving the integrity of the gut mucosa and enhancing the functionality of immune cells. Exposure to MPs disrupts the gut microbiome and alters gene expression, leading to immune system disturbances in sea turtles. This vulnerability makes turtles more susceptible to opportunistic microorganisms such as chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChAHV5), which is linked to the development of fibropapillomatosis (FP). Additionally, targeted dietary interventions or the use of live microorganisms such as probiotics can help restore microbial biodiversity and recover lost metabolic pathways. The goal of these interventions is to restore the functionality of the immune system in sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation at specialized centers. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in sea turtle health, sparking discussions and investigations that can potentially lead to promising treatments for these animals.
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Plastic Debris as Ecological Drivers of Green Turtle Microbiome and Their Connectivity with Antibiotic Resistance Genes.
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Scientists found that sea turtles who eat ocean plastic end up with gut bacteria that look surprisingly similar to the bacteria living on that plastic, more so than the bacteria from their natural food or seawater. This means plastic debris can act like a "germ taxi," carrying potentially harmful bacteria into these animals, though the good news is it didn't seem to spread antibiotic-resistant genes along with it. Since plastic pollution is now widespread in our oceans and food chains, this research is an early warning sign worth watching as we study how it might affect the health of humans who eat seafood too.
Microplastics: An emerging environmental risk factor for gut microbiota dysbiosis and cancer development?
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This review examines how microplastics may disrupt the gut microbiome and immune system in ways that could promote cancer development. Evidence from recent studies suggests microplastics can cause chronic inflammation, alter the balance of gut bacteria, and trigger molecular pathways linked to several cancer types including lung, liver, breast, and colon cancer. While more human research is needed, the review highlights a concerning connection between microplastic exposure, gut health, and cancer risk.
Microplastics and the gut microbiome: How chronically exposed species may suffer from gut dysbiosis
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This review explores how chronic microplastic exposure may disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria in wildlife, a condition known as dysbiosis. Researchers suggest that ingesting microplastics can cause mechanical damage to the gastrointestinal tract, introduce foreign bacteria, and deliver chemical additives that disturb gut microbial communities. The study highlights that microplastic-induced gut dysbiosis could weaken immune systems, promote infections, and contribute to chronic health issues in exposed species.
Understanding the links between micro/nanoplastics-induced gut microbes dysbiosis and potential diseases in fish: A review
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This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in fish intestines and disrupt their gut bacteria, potentially leading to inflammation, immune problems, and metabolic diseases. The disrupted gut microbiome can weaken the intestinal barrier, allowing harmful substances to enter the fish's body. Since fish are a major protein source for billions of people, understanding how microplastics damage fish gut health is important for assessing risks to human food safety.
Blood and cloacal microbiome profile of captive green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata): Water quality and conservation implications
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Researchers analyzed the gut and blood microbiomes of captive green and hawksbill sea turtles and found that environmental factors — including microplastic polymer exposure and heavy metals — significantly shaped microbial community composition and correlated with blood health markers, underscoring the role of water quality in sea turtle conservation.
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