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PET microplastics alter the transcriptome profile and oxidative stress markers in the liver of immature piglets: an in vivo study
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Researchers fed immature piglets PET microplastics for four weeks and examined the effects on their livers. They found that microplastic exposure altered gene expression patterns related to metabolism and immune response, and increased markers of oxidative stress in the liver. The study suggests that even relatively short-term microplastic ingestion may disrupt liver function at the molecular level.
The increasing global contamination with microplastics (MPs) poses a significant threat to human and animal health. Recent studies suggest that exposure to microplastics contributes to various detrimental hepatic effects, including oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the global liver transcriptome, oxidative stress and selected liver function markers in immature piglets (n = 15) exposed to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs for 4 weeks. The animals were divided into three groups: a low-dose MPs exposure group (0.1 g PET MPs/day), a high-dose MPs exposure group (1 g PET MPs/day), and a control group that did not receive MPs. The transcriptome profile of the liver was assessed using RNA-Seq. In addition, markers of oxidative stress (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, and malondialdehyde) were determined using specific enzymatic assays, and the levels of selected liver function markers (bilirubin, collagen IV, alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase) were measured by ELISA. The results showed that exposure to MPs, especially at a high dose, significantly altered the hepatic transcriptome profile. A low dose of PET MPs changed the expression of 5 genes, while a high dose affected the expression of 24 genes. The differentially expressed genes were associated with several biological processes such as cholesterol metabolism, transferase activity, and oxidation. Moreover, consumption of MPs resulted in increased catalase activity and decreased activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver. We also observed an increase in bilirubin and a decrease in collagen type IV, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase content in the liver. These results suggest that PET MPs ingestion may disrupt systemic homeostasis and contribute to liver dysfunction.
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Researchers fed young pigs PET microplastics (the type found in plastic bottles) and found that the particles triggered immune responses and oxidative stress in the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin. Higher doses caused changes in 86 genes related to immune function and cellular stress. Since pigs are biologically similar to humans, this study raises questions about whether microplastic exposure could contribute to pancreatic problems, including diabetes risk.
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Researchers exposed mice to PET microplastics ground from plastic bottles over 29 weeks and found that the particles caused obesity, liver enlargement, fatty liver disease, and early-stage scarring of liver tissue. The microplastics also disrupted gut bacteria and bile acid metabolism, pointing to damage along the gut-liver connection. The findings raise concerns about the long-term health effects of chronic exposure to the type of microplastics commonly found in food and beverages.
Ingested PET microplastics alter the metabolomic profile of the porcine pancreas
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Researchers fed young pigs low and high doses of PET microplastics for four weeks and analyzed changes in pancreatic metabolic profiles using mass spectrometry. They found that microplastic ingestion altered the metabolomic profile of the pancreas, with dose-dependent changes in metabolic pathways. The study suggests that dietary microplastic exposure may affect pancreatic function, raising questions about potential long-term metabolic health impacts.
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Researchers found that mice exposed to PET microplastics (the type commonly found in plastic bottles) over 17 weeks developed liver damage, including fat buildup, oxidative stress, and cell death. The study revealed that the damage was driven by changes in gut bacteria that altered lipid metabolism, and when researchers depleted the gut bacteria, the liver damage was reduced. This suggests the gut microbiome plays a key role in how microplastics cause harm to internal organs.
PET microplastics increase the risk of insulin resistance and pancreatitis
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Researchers fed young piglets PET microplastics for four weeks and found significant metabolic changes in their pancreatic tissue, including disrupted fat metabolism and signs of inflammation. Piglets receiving the higher dose showed tissue changes consistent with early pancreatitis, and both dose groups showed markers associated with insulin resistance. The study suggests that microplastic exposure in developing organisms may affect pancreatic function, though more research is needed to understand implications for humans.
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