We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Phthalates released from microplastics inhibit microbial metabolic activity and induce different effects on intestinal luminal and mucosal microbiota
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used a simulated human gut model to show that intestinal microbiota accelerates the release of phthalate plasticizers from microplastics, and these released phthalates inhibit microbial metabolic activity and differentially affect luminal versus mucosal gut bacteria.
The intestine is not only the main accumulation organ of microplastics (MPs), but also the intestinal environment is very conductive to the release of additives in MPs. However, the kinetics of release process, influence factors, and the related effects on gut microbiota remain largely unknown. In this study, a mucosal-simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (M-SHIME) was used to investigate the influence of gut microbiota on the release of phthalates (PAEs) from MPs and the effects of MPs on the intestinal luminal microbiota and mucosal microbiota. We found that di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) were the dominant PAEs released in the gut. Gut microbiota accelerated the release of PAEs, with the time to reach the maximum release was shortened from 7 days to 2 days. Moreover, MPs induced differential effects on luminal microbiota and mucosal microbiota. Compared with mucosal microbiota, the luminal microbiota was more susceptible to the leaching of PAEs from MPs, as evidenced by more microbiota alterations. MPs also inhibited the metabolic activity of intestinal flora based on the reduced production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA). These effects were mainly contributed by the release of PAEs. Acidaminococcus and Morganella were simultaneously correlated to the release of PAEs and the inhibition of metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota and can be used as indicators for the intestinal exposure of MPs and additives.
More Papers Like This
Intestinal Microplastic Retention Reshapes Gut Microbial Ecology through Surface-Associated Colonization and Additive Leaching
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used an advanced gut simulation model to study how retained PET microplastics affect the human intestinal microbiome. They found that microplastics promoted colonization by potentially harmful bacteria on their rough, hydrophobic surfaces while displacing beneficial gut microbes. Additionally, chemical additives leaching from the plastics independently shifted microbial composition, suggesting that microplastics may alter gut ecology through both physical and chemical mechanisms.
Perturbation of gut microbiota plays an important role in micro/nanoplastics-induced gut barrier dysfunction
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how micro- and nanoplastics disrupt gut barrier function in mice, finding that different surface chemistries caused varying levels of damage. The study suggests that these plastic particles harm the gut by altering the gut microbiome, which then leads to inflammation and weakening of the intestinal barrier that normally keeps harmful substances out of the body.
Impact of microplastics on human gut microbiota: first evidences from in vitro gut models
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the impact of microplastics on human gut microbiota using in vitro gut models, providing early experimental evidence of how microplastic exposure may disrupt intestinal microbial communities. The study offers foundational data on microplastic-microbiome interactions that are difficult to study directly in humans.
Impact of polyethylene microplastics on human gut microbiota as assessed in an in vitro gut model
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists used a lab-based model that mimics the human gut to test how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) affect our gut bacteria, the microbes that help digest food and support overall health. The study found that exposure to these plastic particles can change the balance of gut bacteria, which matters because an unhealthy gut microbiome has been linked to issues like digestive problems, weakened immunity, and inflammation. Since microplastics are increasingly found in our food and water, this research adds to growing evidence that we should take their potential health effects seriously.
Effects induced by polyethylene microplastics oral exposure on colon mucin release, inflammation, gut microflora composition and metabolism in mice
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed mice polyethylene microplastics for 30 days and found that even low doses reduced protective mucus in the colon, altered inflammation markers, and shifted the composition of gut bacteria. The microplastics increased the ratio of Bacteroides to Firmicutes bacteria and affected metabolic pathways in the gut microbiome. The study suggests that oral microplastic exposure may disrupt intestinal health by modifying the gut microbial community and its metabolism.
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.