We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics increase the hepato-pathophysiological complications and decrease the therapeutic efficacy of Metformin in T2-DM rats
AI summary Read the abstract
In diabetic rats, exposure to microplastics worsened liver damage and actually made the diabetes drug metformin less effective at controlling blood sugar and protecting the liver. This matters because it suggests that everyday plastic contamination could quietly undermine treatment for the millions of people managing type 2 diabetes, though more research is needed to confirm this happens in humans.
Background: The widespread usage of plastic materials in the majority of daily activities has made microplastics (MPs) contamination a global issue. Aim of the work: This study addressed how long-term MPs administration affected the hepato-pathophysiological changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2-DM) rats. Materials and Methods: Forty Sprague Dawley rats were separated into; group 1 (Gp1) serving as a negative control. Rats from Gp2 to Gp4 were maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD) for twelve weeks. Subsequently injected with streptozotocin (30 mg/kg b.wt.) intraperitoneally (i.p.). As a single dose, 150 mg/kg b.wt of metformin (Met) was administered orally to Gp3. A dose of 50 mg/kg b.wt of MPs was provided orally to Gp4. Gp5 received Met, and MPs. Treatments with Met or Met/MPs were carried out for eight weeks, daily. The percentages of changes in rats' body weight were examined, as well as the hematological, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses were confirmed. Results: Met therapy improved the hepato-pathophysiological changes in T2-DM rats. Hepato-pathophysiological alterations increased upon MPs were administered to T2-DM rats. Furthermore, administering MPs along with Met decreased the effectiveness of its treatment. These findings were further confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical examinations that revealed by disorganization of the hepatic architecture, vacuolated hepatocytes, some with pyknotic nuclei and highly significance of caspase 3 immunoreaction expression specially in liver tissues of MPs administered group Conclusion: This study showed that MPs increased the hepato-pathophysiological changes in T2-DM rats and decreased Met effectiveness. The mechanisms underlying these effects need to be further investigated.
More Papers Like This
Comprehensive Assessment of Microplastic Toxicity in a Diabetic Model with Emphasis on Neurological Consequences
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assess microplastic neurotoxicity in a diabetic animal model, finding that even at ambient environmental concentrations, both acute and chronic microplastic exposure impairs neurological functions including memory, behavior, and cognitive processes, with diabetic physiology potentially amplifying these adverse effects on the nervous system.
Gut barrier breach and glucose dysregulation: the dual threat of food-transformed microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that when microplastics from plastic water bottles mix with food (especially starchy foods) during digestion, they get chemically altered in ways that make them more harmful to your gut. In lab tests, these food-transformed microplastics damaged the protective lining of the intestines and appeared to increase glucose absorption, meaning they could potentially affect blood sugar levels beyond just causing gut irritation. This suggests that what you eat alongside microplastic-contaminated food and water may influence how much damage those plastics actually cause in your body.
20260228 Dietary microplastic impair liver regeneration
AI summary Read the abstract
This research reviewed clinical evidence on the health impacts of microplastic exposure in humans, synthesizing findings from biomonitoring studies, epidemiological investigations, and in vitro toxicology. The review identifies associations between microplastic body burden and inflammatory outcomes, while noting significant gaps in long-term exposure studies.
20260228 Dietary microplastic impair liver regeneration
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined the impacts of plastic pollution on marine life in Palawan, Philippines, documenting plastic ingestion and entanglement in local fish, sea turtles, or other marine species. The findings highlight the ecological toll of inadequate waste management in a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot.
Microplastics, nanoplastics and liver disease: an emerging health concern?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed emerging evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in human liver tissue at increasing concentrations over the past decade, trigger oxidative stress, fibrogenesis, and inflammation in cell and animal models, and may carry microbial pathogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, introducing the concept of plastic-induced liver injury as a new focus for environmental hepatology.
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.