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Incineration-Generated Polyethylene Micro-Nanoplastics Increase Triglyceride Lipolysis and Absorption in an <i>In Vitro</i> Small Intestinal Epithelium Model

Environmental Science & Technology 2022 54 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.

Glen M. DeLoid, Glen M. DeLoid, Glen M. DeLoid, Glen M. DeLoid, Glen M. DeLoid, Glen M. DeLoid, Glen M. DeLoid, Glen M. DeLoid, Glen M. DeLoid, Glen M. DeLoid, Xiaoqiong Cao, Xiaoqiong Cao, Glen M. DeLoid, Wenwan Zhong, Dilpreet Singh, Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Dimitrios Bitounis, Roxana Coreas, Glen M. DeLoid, Roxana Coreas, Dimitrios Bitounis, Dimitrios Bitounis, Dilpreet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Wenwan Zhong, Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Glen M. DeLoid, Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou Philip Demokritou

Summary

Researchers found that incineration-generated polyethylene micro-nanoplastics increased fat digestion by 33% and fat absorption by up to 147% in a laboratory model of the small intestine. The study suggests that lipid and protein coronas forming on the plastic particle surfaces may facilitate lipase activity, potentially altering how the body processes dietary fats.

Polymers

Study Type In vitro

Despite mounting evidence of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) in food and drinking water, little is known of the potential health risks of ingested MNPs, and nothing is known of their potential impact on nutrient digestion and absorption. We assessed the effects of environmentally relevant secondary MNPs generated by incineration of polyethylene (PE-I), on digestion and absorption of fat in a high fat food model using a 3-phase <i>in vitro</i> simulated digestion coupled with a tri-culture small intestinal epithelium model. The presence of 400 μg/mL PE-I increased fat digestion by 33% and increased fat absorption by 147 and 145% 1 and 2 h after exposure. Analysis of the PE-I lipid corona during digestion revealed predominantly triacylglycerols with enrichment of fatty acids in the small intestinal phase. Protein corona analysis showed enrichment of triacylglycerol lipase and depletion of β-casein in the small intestinal phase. These findings suggest digestion of triacylglycerol by lipase on the surface of lipid-coated MNPs as a potential mechanism. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the greater observed increase in fat absorption, to verify these results in an animal model, and to determine the MNP properties governing their effects on lipid digestion and absorption.

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