We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Composite polyphenols mitigate microplastic exposure-related immune disturbances: a two-phase population trial
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=98) showing that a composite polyphenol supplement significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in participants with high fecal microplastic loads by modulating gut microbiota and glycerophospholipid metabolism.
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread, making it urgent to elucidate their toxicity and identify intervention strategies. Here, we designed a two-phase population trial, comprising a baseline pilot population (n = 151) and a 28-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n = 98). Primary outcomes include fecal MP concentration and blood parameters (complete blood count, glycemic and lipid, and cytokines), with exploratory outcomes comprising fecal metagenomics and plasma metabolomics. The median MP concentration in 151 participants’ fecal samples is 158.28 μg/g dry weight, correlating with levels of 7 inflammatory indexes, 4 cytokines, and 2 lipid indicators. Composite polyphenols (CP) significantly reduced plasma levels of IL-1β (P = 0.045, effect sizes = −0.463), IL-6 (P = 0.023, effect sizes = −0.576) and IL-8 (P = 0.022, effect sizes = −0.529). 507 differentially expressed microbiotas (DEMs; P < 0.05) and 144 significantly different metabolites (SDMs; P-FDR < 0.25, VIP ≥ 1) are observed between the high and low MP exposure groups; 108 DEMs and 85 SDMs are identified following CP intervention. Notably, CP could mitigate the pro-inflammatory effects of high MP exposure by modulating gut microbiota and up-regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism and arginine biosynthesis. The gut bacteria Staphylococcus and the plasma metabolite PC (22:5/0:0) are identified as potential mediators in this protective effect. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06437119. Here, in a two-phase population trial, the authors show that composite polyphenols intervention could mitigate the increase in pro-inflammatory indicators associated with high microplastic exposure by modulating gut microbiota and up-regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics and nanoplastics in human health: a comprehensive review of exposure pathways, cellular mechanisms, and toxicological implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed human exposure pathways to microplastics and nanoplastics through seafood, salt, drinking water, inhalation, and skin contact, examining how these particles cross biological barriers to reach organs and trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption with poorly understood long-term consequences.
Impact of Micro-nanoplastics on Gut and Immune Function
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined how micro- and nanoplastics disrupt gut microbiota and immune function across aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates, with implications for human health. Because the gut microbiome governs immune regulation and metabolic health, microplastic-induced dysbiosis represents a plausible mechanism by which plastic ingestion could drive systemic inflammation and disease beyond the GI tract.
Biochemical Effects of Microplastics on Human Health: A Comprehensive Review
AI summary Read the abstract
A comprehensive review documents how microplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, then reach the lungs, liver, kidneys, brain, and reproductive organs, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and genotoxicity. These biochemical pathways link microplastic exposure to serious chronic conditions including metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disease, reproductive dysfunction, and cancer.
Microplastic Pollution: Human Exposure, Uptake, Accumulation Pathways, and Potential Health Consequences
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the exposure routes, uptake mechanisms, and accumulation pathways of microplastics in the human body, concluding that the ubiquitous presence of these particles warrants urgent investigation into their long-term ecological and health consequences.
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.