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Combined exposure to lead and microplastics increased risk of glucose metabolism in mice via the Nrf2 / NF‐κB pathway
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A mouse study found that combined exposure to lead and microplastics (PVC and polyethylene) disrupted glucose metabolism more severely than either pollutant alone, causing insulin resistance and damaging the pancreas. The combined exposure triggered inflammation and oxidative stress through a specific signaling pathway. This research suggests that microplastics and heavy metals, which often occur together in the environment, may work together to increase the risk of metabolic diseases like diabetes in people.
The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of combined lead (Pb) and two types of microplastic (MP) (polyvinyl chloride [PVC] and polyethylene [PE]) exposure on glucose metabolism and investigate the role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in mediating these effects in mice. Adult C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, Pb (100 mg/L), MPs (containing 10 mg/L PE and PVC), and Pb + MPs, each of which was treated with drinking water. Treatments were conducted for 6 weeks. Co-exposure to Pb + MPs exhibited increase glycosylated serum protein levels, insulin resistance, and damaged glucose tolerance compared with the control mice. Additionally, treatment with Pb + MPs caused more severe damage to hepatocytes than when exposed to them alone concomitantly, exposed to Pb + MPs exhibited improved the levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and malondialdehyde, but reduced superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase assay in livers. Furthermore, they increase the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and phosphorylated p-NF-κB protein levels but reduced the protein levels of heme oxygenase-1 and Nrf2, as well as increased Keap1 mRNA and Nrf2 mRNA. Co-exposure to Pb + MP impacts glucose metabolism via the Nrf2 /NF-κB pathway.
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Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics exacerbated lead-induced liver toxicity in mice, with co-exposure causing higher lead accumulation, more severe inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and greater disruption of protective Nrf2 signaling pathways compared to lead alone.
Polystyrene Microplastics and Lead Co-Exposure Disturbed Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in C57BL/6 Mice
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Scientists exposed mice to both microplastics and lead—two pollutants we regularly encounter through food, water, and soil—and found that together they disrupted how the liver processes fats, with male mice showing the strongest effects. This matters because most safety research looks at these pollutants one at a time, but in real life we're exposed to mixtures, and this study suggests those combinations could throw off liver function in ways we don't yet fully understand. More research is needed to know if the same holds true for humans, but it's a signal that pollutant "cocktails" deserve more attention.
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Researchers found that microplastic exposure caused liver damage in diabetic mice by disrupting the way the liver processes sugars and fats through specific cellular signaling pathways. The microplastics also promoted liver scarring through activation of a fibrosis-related pathway. The study suggests that individuals with existing metabolic conditions like diabetes may be particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of microplastic accumulation in the body.
Microplastics and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate synergistically induce apoptosis in mouse pancreas through the GRP78/CHOP/Bcl-2 pathway activated by oxidative stress
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Researchers found that combined exposure to microplastics and the plasticizer DEHP synergistically induced pancreatic cell apoptosis in mice through oxidative stress activation of the GRP78/CHOP/Bcl-2 pathway, suggesting these co-occurring pollutants pose greater risk together than individually.
Environmental Insults to Glucose Metabolism: The Role of Pollutants in Insulin Resistance
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This review examines how environmental pollutants, including microplastics, contribute to insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells respond poorly to insulin. Researchers summarize evidence linking pollutant exposure to disruptions in glucose and lipid metabolism through mechanisms like oxidative stress and inflammation. The study suggests that environmental contamination may be an underrecognized factor in the growing prevalence of metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
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