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Insights into mouse metabolic health and gut microbiota responses to conventional and biodegradable microplastics released from plastic food containers
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Researchers compared how conventional polyethylene and biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics from food containers affect mice over four weeks. They found that both types disrupted lipid metabolism and increased harmful gut bacteria, but the biodegradable PLA microplastics actually caused more severe metabolic disruption than conventional polyethylene. The study suggests that biodegradable plastics may not be safer than traditional plastics when it comes to microplastic exposure from food packaging.
Both conventional and biodegradable microplastics (MPs) are widely used in food packaging and other fields. Although existing studies have indicated that host metabolism and gut microbiota are key hubs for MPs to regulate their physiological homeostasis, the in vivo health risks of MPs released from these plastic food containers remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of irregularly shaped polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MPs) with a particle size range of 1-30 μm on plasma metabolism and gut microbiota in mice. Following a four-week exposure duration, PLA-MPs elicited a significantly more aggravated metabolic derangement when contrasted with PE-MPs. Both PE-MPs and PLA-MPs significantly interfered with glycerophospholipid metabolism. Significant changes including altered 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines, phosphatidylethanolamine in plasma were observed in the PE-MPs and PLA-MPs groups. In comparison to PE-MPs, PLA-MPs exerted a more potent impact on lipid metabolism. Moreover, exposure to PE-MPs and PLA-MPs was found to induce an increase in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria associated with inflammation. PE-MPs induced a greater number of differentially abundant bacterial species, while PLA-MPs led to more significant changes in the abundance of the gut microbiota. Taken together, it can be inferred that PE-MPs and PLA-MPs may exert adverse effects on the liver and intestine of mice. Histopathological examination confirmed that exposure to both PE-MPs and PLA-MPs caused liver and intestinal structural damage in mice, mainly manifested as inflammatory cell infiltration and mitochondrial damage, and PLA-MPs caused more serious damage. These findings indicated the toxicities of PLA-MPs in mice were not significantly reduced compared to PE-MPs, which would also provide new insights for re-examining bioplastic safety.
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Polylactic Acid Microplastics Do Not Exhibit Lower Biological Toxicity in Growing Mice Compared to Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics
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Researchers compared the health effects of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics to conventional polyvinyl chloride microplastics in growing mice over six weeks. Contrary to expectations, the biodegradable microplastics caused equal or more severe harm, including greater disruption of gut bacteria, stronger inflammatory responses, and more intestinal damage. The study suggests that biodegradable plastics may not be safer than conventional plastics once they break down into microplastic-sized particles.
Gut microbiota-mediated poly(ε-caprolactone) microplastic degradation exacerbates metabolic dysregulation
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Researchers investigated the health effects of poly(epsilon-caprolactone), a biodegradable plastic commonly used in food packaging and medicine, and found that its microplastic form disrupted lipid metabolism and worsened metabolic problems in mice on a high-fat diet. They discovered that gut bacteria capable of breaking down this biodegradable plastic actually amplified its harmful metabolic effects. The study raises important questions about whether biodegradable plastics are truly safer than conventional plastics once they fragment into microplastics.
Effects of biodegradable and conventional microplastics on the intestine, intestinal community composition, and metabolic levels in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)
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Researchers exposed tilapia fish to both biodegradable (PLA) and conventional (PVC) microplastics for 14 days and compared the effects on their intestines and gut bacteria. Both types of microplastics caused intestinal inflammation and disrupted the gut microbial community, though the specific effects differed between the two plastic types. The study suggests that biodegradable microplastics may not be substantially safer for aquatic life than conventional ones.
Comparative Analysisof Metabolic Dysfunctions Associatedwith Pristine and Aged Polyethylene Microplastic Exposure via theLiver-Gut Axis in Mice
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Researchers fed mice low doses of pristine and aged polyethylene microplastics for several weeks and analyzed changes in blood metabolites, liver proteins, and gut bacteria. Both forms caused lipid metabolism disruptions and reduced beneficial gut bacteria, with aged microplastics showing greater toxicity linked to changes in fatty acid processing enzymes.
Uncovering the Hidden Risks: How PLA and PLGA Microplastics Disrupt Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health
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Even "biodegradable" plastics aren't necessarily safe for your gut: this study found that microplastics from PLA and PLGA (common plant-based plastics used in things like food packaging and medical devices) disrupted gut bacteria and altered metabolism in ways that affected the liver and bloodstream. Each type of plastic caused its own unique problems, but both disrupted several of the same important body processes, including how the body handles amino acids and fats. This matters because "biodegradable" plastics are often marketed as eco-friendly alternatives, but this research suggests we shouldn't assume they're automatically better for our health.
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