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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics Exposure Enhances the Risk of Ulcerative Colitis: Insights From Multi-Omics Integration, Machine Learning, and Molecular Docking Reveal Intestinal Toxicity Mechanisms: A Commentary
ClearCommentary on “Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics exposure enhances the risk of ulcerative colitis: insights from multiomics integration, machine learning, and molecular docking reveal intestinal toxicity mechanisms”
This commentary on a published study linking PET microplastic exposure to ulcerative colitis calls for methodological refinements — including the addition of a standalone PET-MP exposure group, multi-dose gradient experiments, and longer observation periods — to more rigorously establish causality, dose-response relationships, and the chronic disease dynamics relevant to real-world human microplastic exposure.
Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics exposure enhances the risk of ulcerative colitis: insights from multiomics integration, machine learning, and molecular docking reveal intestinal toxicity mechanisms
Using multiomics integration, machine learning, and molecular docking, this study identified mechanisms by which PET microplastic exposure may increase the risk of ulcerative colitis. Key pathways included intestinal barrier disruption, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress triggered by PET-MP-protein interactions.
Impact of particulate microplastics generated from polyethylene terephthalate on gut pathology and immune microenvironments
Researchers generated particulate microplastics from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and investigated their impact on gut health using mouse models, histological examinations, and multi-omics analysis. The study found that while chronic low-dose PET microplastic exposure did not cause visible intestinal damage, it did alter the gut immune microenvironment and microbiota composition, suggesting subtle but measurable biological effects.
Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics affect gut microbiota distribution and intestinal damage in mice
Mice exposed to PET microplastics, the type commonly found in plastic bottles, developed intestinal inflammation, changes in gut bacteria, and signs of a weakened gut barrier. Even at relatively low doses, the microplastics increased liver stress markers and disrupted the protective mucus layer in the colon, suggesting that everyday PET plastic exposure could contribute to digestive health problems.
Intestinal Microplastic Retention Reshapes Gut Microbial Ecology through Surface-Associated Colonization and Additive Leaching
Researchers used an advanced gut simulation model to study how retained PET microplastics affect the human intestinal microbiome. They found that microplastics promoted colonization by potentially harmful bacteria on their rough, hydrophobic surfaces while displacing beneficial gut microbes. Additionally, chemical additives leaching from the plastics independently shifted microbial composition, suggesting that microplastics may alter gut ecology through both physical and chemical mechanisms.
Integrated network toxicology, machine learning, molecular docking and experimental validation to elucidate mechanism of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics inducing periodontitis
Researchers combined computational biology, machine learning, and laboratory experiments to explore how polyethylene terephthalate microplastics might contribute to periodontitis, a common gum disease. They identified key molecular targets and signaling pathways through which microplastics could promote gum tissue inflammation. The study provides the first evidence linking microplastic exposure to the biological mechanisms underlying periodontal disease.
Exploring the prognostic implications of PET microplastic degradation products in colorectal cancer: insights from an integrated computational analysis on glucocorticoid pathway–mediated mechanisms
Researchers used network toxicology, machine learning, and molecular docking to investigate how PET degradation products—ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid—affect colorectal cancer prognosis through the glucocorticoid signaling pathway. The analysis identified 43 shared target genes, suggesting that PET breakdown products may worsen colorectal cancer outcomes by dysregulating glucocorticoid-mediated anti-inflammatory and cell survival signals.
Orally Ingested Micro- and Nano-Plastics: A Hidden Driver of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer.
This review synthesizes evidence linking ingested micro- and nano-plastics to inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer risk, proposing that microplastics act as a hidden driver of gut inflammation in vulnerable populations. The authors argue that intestinal accumulation of microplastics triggers immune and oxidative stress pathways that contribute to disease progression.
Exploring the prognostic implications of PET microplastic degradation products in colorectal cancer: insights from an integrated computational analysis on glucocorticoid pathway–mediated mechanisms
Combining network toxicology, machine learning, and molecular docking, this study found that PET plastic degradation products ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid may influence colorectal cancer prognosis through 43 shared genes linked to TNF/IL-17 signaling and glucocorticoid-mediated metabolic pathways.
Quantifying the influence of micro and nanoplastics characteristics on cytotoxicity in caco-2 cells through machine learning modelling.
This systematic review uses machine learning to identify which characteristics of micro and nanoplastics are most toxic to intestinal cells. The researchers found that particle size, shape, and concentration all play important roles in how much damage these plastics cause to gut lining cells, helping us understand how ingested microplastics might affect digestive health.
Quantifying the influence of micro and nanoplastics characteristics on cytotoxicity in caco-2 cells through machine learning modelling.
This systematic review uses machine learning to determine which properties of micro and nanoplastics drive toxicity in human intestinal cell models. The findings reveal that smaller particles and higher concentrations cause more cell damage, which is important for understanding how the microplastics we swallow in food and water might harm our gut lining.
Analysis of Microplastics in Human Feces Reveals a Correlation between Fecal Microplastics and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Status
Researchers analyzed microplastics in the stool of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and healthy volunteers, finding that IBD patients had significantly higher concentrations of microplastics in their feces. PET plastic and polyamide were the most common types found, likely originating from food packaging and dust. The positive correlation between microplastic levels and IBD severity suggests that microplastic exposure may be linked to gut inflammation, though it is not yet clear whether the plastics contribute to the disease or the disease causes more plastic retention.
PET Microplastics Affect Human Gut Microbiota Communities During Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion. First Evidence of Plausible Polymer Biodegradation During Human Digestion
Researchers simulated gastrointestinal digestion and found that PET microplastics altered human gut microbiota community composition, and provided first evidence of plausible partial polymer biodegradation during passage through the human digestive tract.
Network Toxicology and In Vivo Studies Reveal the Toxicity and Mechanisms of Tributyl Citrate Carried by Microplastics in Promoting Colitis-to-Tumorigenesis Transformation
Researchers investigated the toxicity of tributyl citrate (TBC), a phthalate-free plasticizer substitute, using network toxicology and in vivo studies, finding it aggravates colonic inflammation through specific molecular pathways. The study raises concerns that plasticizer substitutes marketed as safer alternatives may still carry significant gastrointestinal health risks.
Deciphering the cytotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics in Caco-2 cells through meta-analysis and machine learning
This meta-analysis uses data from multiple studies and machine learning to determine which properties of micro- and nanoplastics make them most toxic to human intestinal cells. The findings show that smaller particles and certain plastic types cause more cell damage, which is important for understanding how ingested microplastics may affect gut health.
Oral exposure to micro- and nanoplastics generated from polyethylene terephthalate suppresses acute intestinal damage in vivo
Researchers generated environmentally realistic PET micro- and nanoplastics through UV-assisted mechanical fragmentation and found that oral exposure to these irregularly shaped particles unexpectedly suppressed acute intestinal inflammation in a mouse colitis model by downregulating JAK-STAT and NF-κB immune pathways.
Exploring the prognostic implications of PET microplastic degradation products in colorectal cancer: insights from an integrated computational analysis on glucocorticoid pathway–mediated mechanisms
This computational study investigated how PET microplastic degradation products affect colorectal cancer prognosis, identifying 43 genes linking ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid exposure to cancer pathogenesis via chronic inflammation mediated through TNF/IL-17 and glucocorticoid metabolic pathways.
Impact of micro- and nanoplastics on gastrointestinal diseases: Recent advances
This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics can harm the digestive system by causing oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and disruption of gut bacteria. These connected pathways can damage the intestinal lining and may contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how everyday plastic exposure through food and water could affect gut health over time.
Exacerbation of polyethylene microplastics in animal models of DSS-induced colitis through damage to intestinal epithelial cell conjunctions
Researchers tested the effects of UV-aged polyethylene microplastics on mice with chemically induced colitis, a model for inflammatory bowel disease. They found that the microplastics worsened intestinal inflammation by damaging the junctions between intestinal lining cells, weakening the gut barrier. The study suggests that microplastic exposure could aggravate existing gut conditions by compromising the protective intestinal wall.
Toxicity of true-to-life microplastics to human iPSC-derived intestinal epithelia correlates to their protein corona composition
Using a human intestinal cell model, researchers showed that real-world microplastics from common products (like PET bottles and PVC) damaged the gut lining, increased harmful reactive oxygen species, and triggered inflammatory immune responses. Importantly, the standard polystyrene microplastics commonly used in lab studies did not cause these effects, suggesting that most research may be underestimating the true danger of microplastics. The type of protein coating that forms on each plastic's surface in the body determines how toxic it is to the gut.