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Microplastics release phthalate esters and cause aggravated adverse effects in the mouse gut
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Researchers investigated whether microplastics can transport and release phthalate esters (PAEs) into the mouse gut, finding that microplastics adsorbed PAEs and carried them into the intestine where they accumulated. The study suggests that microplastics acting as carriers for chemical contaminants may aggravate adverse health effects in the gut beyond what either pollutant causes alone.
Increasing evidence shows that microplastics (MPs) have the potential to act as carriers and transport contaminants into organisms, as well as induce serious health risks. Here we endeavored to address for the first time whether MPs could transport and release phthalate esters (PAEs) into mouse gut and the consequential toxic effects. As a result, MPs could adsorb PAEs, transport PAEs into the gut and cause intestinal accumulation. The accumulation of PAE in the gut followed the order of DEHP > DBP > DEP > DMP, which was the same order for the adsorption of PAEs on MPs. After exposed to DEHP-contaminated MPs for 30 days, significantly increased intestinal permeability and enhanced intestinal inflammation were induced compared with individual MPs and DEHP according to biochemical and histological analysis. Transcriptomic analysis found that 703 genes were differentially regulated and these genes are involved in oxidative stress, immune response, lipid metabolism, and hormone metabolism. Moreover, gut microbiota analysis found that the combined exposure of MPs and DEHP also caused alterations in gut microbiota composition, especially some energy metabolism and immune function related bacteria were significantly changed in the relative abundance. The aggravated effects on intestinal inflammation and metabolic disorders caused by DEHP-contaminated MPs may attribute to increased DEHP accumulation, changed exposure pathway, and shared toxic mechanisms. Our results provide valuable information for the health risk of MPs and plastic additives.
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Microplastics serve as a potential vector for the transfer of naphthalene from freshwater to the human gastrointestinal system
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Researchers investigated whether microplastics can transfer the pollutant naphthalene from freshwater into the human gastrointestinal system. The study examined three types of microplastics and found they can adsorb naphthalene from water and subsequently release it under simulated digestive conditions, suggesting microplastics may act as vectors that carry environmental contaminants into the human body through ingested water or food.
Enhanced reproductive toxicities induced by phthalates contaminated microplastics in male mice (Mus musculus)
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Researchers investigated the combined reproductive toxicity of phthalate-contaminated microplastics in male mice over a 30-day exposure period. They found that microplastics enhanced the accumulation of phthalates in the liver and gut, and the combination significantly worsened reproductive damage including reduced sperm quality and testicular tissue changes. The study suggests that microplastics may amplify the harmful effects of chemical contaminants they carry by increasing their bioavailability in the body.
Phthalates released from microplastics inhibit microbial metabolic activity and induce different effects on intestinal luminal and mucosal microbiota
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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.
Environmental microplastic and phthalate esters co-contamination, interrelationships, co-toxicity and mechanisms. A review
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This review examines the widespread co-occurrence of microplastics and phthalate esters, common plastic softening chemicals, across water, soil, and living organisms. Researchers found that factors like temperature, UV exposure, and plastic type influence how much phthalate leaches from or adsorbs onto microplastics. Evidence indicates that the combination of these two pollutants produces synergistic toxic effects, including reproductive, neurological, and liver damage.
Bioaccessibility of plastic-related compounds from polymeric particles in marine settings: Are microplastics the principal vector of phthalate ester congeners and bisphenol A towards marine vertebrates?
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Researchers studied whether microplastics are a major pathway for delivering harmful plastic chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A to marine animals during digestion. They found that while microplastics do release these compounds under simulated gut conditions, the amounts were relatively low compared to other environmental sources. The study suggests that microplastics may not be the primary route of chemical exposure for marine vertebrates, though they still contribute to the overall burden.
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