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. Environmental Sources Gut & Microbiome Human Health Effects Policy & Risk Sign in to save

Deciphering the Role of the Gut Microbiota in Exposure to Emerging Contaminants and Diabetes: A Review

Metabolites 2024 2 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 50 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Xueqing Li, Huixia Niu, Zhengliang Huang, Man Zhang, Mingluan Xing, Mingluan Xing, Zhijian Chen, Lizhi Wu, Peiwei Xu

Summary

This review explores the connection between exposure to emerging environmental contaminants, including microplastics and nanoplastics, and disruptions to gut microbiota that may influence glucose metabolism and diabetes risk. Researchers found that these pollutants can alter the composition and function of gut microbial communities through multiple mechanisms. The study suggests that the gut microbiome may be a key pathway through which environmental contaminants affect metabolic health.

Emerging pollutants, a category of compounds currently not regulated or inadequately regulated by law, have recently become a focal point of research due to their potential toxic effects on human health. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in human health; it is particularly susceptible to disruption and alteration upon exposure to a range of toxic environmental chemicals, including emerging contaminants. The disturbance of the gut microbiome caused by environmental pollutants may represent a mechanism through which environmental chemicals exert their toxic effects, a mechanism that is garnering increasing attention. However, the discussion on the toxic link between emerging pollutants and glucose metabolism remains insufficiently explored. This review aims to establish a connection between emerging pollutants and glucose metabolism through the gut microbiota, delving into the toxic impacts of these pollutants on glucose metabolism and the potential role played by the gut microbiota.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Emerging Contaminants: An Emerging Risk Factor for Diabetes Mellitus

This review examines how emerging environmental contaminants, including microplastics and nanoplastics, may contribute to the development and progression of diabetes. These contaminants can disrupt glucose metabolism through oxidative stress, inflammation, and interference with hormone signaling. The findings suggest that chronic exposure to microplastics and other pollutants in food and water could be an overlooked risk factor for the growing global diabetes epidemic.

Article Tier 2

Understanding the implications of microplastics on maternal health during pregnancy, gut dysbiosis, and gestational diabetes mellitus

This review examines how microplastic exposure during pregnancy may contribute to gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and metabolic complications including gestational diabetes. Researchers describe how micro- and nanoplastics can cross epithelial barriers, act as endocrine disruptors, and alter the gut-brain axis through neuroinflammatory effects. The study highlights the potential for microplastics to compound health risks during pregnancy through multiple biological pathways.

Article Tier 2

New Insights into the Relationship Between Microplastics and Diabetes from the Perspective of the Gut–Liver Axis and Macrophage Regulation

This review paper summarizes research suggesting that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) we're exposed to from the environment might increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The studies show microplastics could damage the gut, trigger inflammation, and disrupt how the body processes sugar, though this evidence comes mainly from animal studies rather than human research. While more human studies are needed to confirm these effects, the findings suggest reducing plastic pollution could be important for preventing diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

Article Tier 2

Exploring the micro- and nanoplastics–diabetes nexus: Shattered barriers, toxic links, and methodological horizons

This review examines growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to diabetes by disrupting blood sugar regulation, insulin signaling, and fat metabolism through oxidative stress and inflammation. Animal studies show that plastic particles can damage the pancreas, liver, and gut in ways that mirror the development of diabetes, though human studies are still limited. The review calls for more research into whether everyday microplastic exposure could be a hidden factor in the global rise of metabolic diseases.

Article Tier 2

Micro- and Nanoplastics as Emerging Environmental Materials: GreenChemistry Insights into Gut Microbiota Disruption and Chronic DiseasePathways

Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and disrupt gut microbiota composition, finding evidence linking these exposures to reduced microbial diversity, gut barrier dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and potential contributions to chronic diseases including metabolic disorders and neurodegeneration.

Share this paper