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Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 2038 and Streptococcus thermophilus 1131 suppress polystyrene nanoplastic transcellular permeability and internalization by intestinal epithelial cells
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In a lab model of the intestinal lining built from Caco-2 cells, two yogurt starter strains lowered the amount of polystyrene nanoplastic that entered or crossed the cell layer. Non-viable bacteria did the same. The effect was strain dependent, and the work was done in cells, not in animals or people.
The plastic is broken into nanoscale particles (nanoplastics) that are harmful to the human body. Nanoplastics orally ingested are internalized into various cells, causing adverse effects such as oxidative stress and apoptosis; however, methods for preventing nanoplastic internalization are lacking. By elucidating this method, it is possible to make a significant contribution to human health. Then, following previous reports that Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 2038 and Streptococcus thermophilus 1131 ameliorated barrier dysfunction in the small intestine, we examined their effects on the internalization of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) in a differentiated Caco-2 monolayer by flow cytometry and immunofluorescent staining. Both yogurt starter strains significantly suppressed fluorescently labeled PSNP internalization by Caco-2 cells, even when the strains were non-viable. Moreover, both strains significantly suppressed the transcellular permeability of PSNPs, suggesting reduced PSNP accumulation in blood vessels and various tissues. Finally, the suppression of PSNP internalization was strain dependent, and both strains were the most potent strains among multiple strains from the same species. This study highlights the potential of L. bulgaricus 2038 and S. thermophilus 1131 for ameliorating the adverse health effects of PSNP intake.
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Researchers assessed the effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on two in vitro models simulating the human intestinal barrier and its associated immune system. The study found that while cell viability and membrane integrity were largely maintained, the nanoparticles were able to interact with and translocate across the intestinal cell layers, raising questions about potential long-term exposure effects.
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Mice exposed to micro- and nanoplastics were given lactic acid bacteria that differed in how strongly they bind the particles in lab tests. Stronger binders reduced toxicity more. One weak binder, Lactobacillus plantarum DT22, still lowered toxicity, by raising tight junction proteins and shifting the gut microbiota.
Lactobacillus plantarum reduces polystyrene microplastic induced toxicity via multiple pathways: A potentially effective and safe dietary strategy to counteract microplastic harm
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Mice exposed to polystyrene microplastics were given Lactobacillus plantarum strains that differed in antioxidant activity and in how well they bind the particles. Mice given strong binders had less polystyrene in the body and more in feces. A weakly binding strain also lowered toxicity, apparently through the intestinal barrier and bile acid metabolism.
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