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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Oral exposure to micro- and nanoplastics generated from polyethylene terephthalate suppresses acute intestinal damage in vivo
ClearImpact 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.
Sonicated polyethylene terephthalate nano- and micro-plastic-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy in vitro.
Researchers created PET nano- and microplastic particles using sonication to better mimic environmentally realistic shapes and found these particles induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy in human cell lines, demonstrating cytotoxic effects relevant to real-world exposures.
Differently surface-labeled polystyrene nanoplastics at an environmentally relevant concentration induced Crohn’s ileitis-like features via triggering intestinal epithelial cell necroptosis
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics at environmentally realistic levels triggered Crohn's disease-like inflammation in the small intestine of mice. Different surface coatings on the nanoplastics affected which immune pathways were activated, but all types caused gut damage. This study suggests that nanoplastic exposure through food and water could contribute to inflammatory bowel disease in humans.
Representative secondary PET micro and nanoplastics via ethylene glycol fragmentation (EGF): Physicochemical and immuno-toxicological properties
Researchers developed a standardized lab method to produce realistic PET micro- and nanoplastics — the kind that form as plastic bottles degrade in the environment — and found that these particles trigger inflammation and reduce immune cell viability, providing better research tools for studying how plastic pollution harms human health.
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.
Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in a colitis mouse model – effects on biodistribution, macrophage polarization, and gut microbiome
Researchers exposed colitis mouse models to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics to test whether MNP exposure worsens inflammatory bowel disease, finding that MNPs altered biodistribution and exacerbated inflammatory responses in animals with pre-existing gut inflammation.
Effects induced by polyethylene microplastics oral exposure on colon mucin release, inflammation, gut microflora composition and metabolism in mice
Researchers fed mice polyethylene microplastics for 30 days and found that even low doses reduced protective mucus in the colon, altered inflammation markers, and shifted the composition of gut bacteria. The microplastics increased the ratio of Bacteroides to Firmicutes bacteria and affected metabolic pathways in the gut microbiome. The study suggests that oral microplastic exposure may disrupt intestinal health by modifying the gut microbial community and its metabolism.
Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in a colitis mouse model – effects on biodistribution, macrophage polarization, and gut microbiome
Researchers induced colitis in mice using dextran sodium sulfate and orally administered polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics of three sizes, then tracked biodistribution, macrophage polarization, and gut microbiome changes. In colitis conditions, microplastic uptake into systemic tissues was enhanced, macrophages shifted toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype, and gut microbial diversity decreased, suggesting that inflammatory bowel disease increases vulnerability to microplastic-driven systemic harm.
Oral exposure to polyethylene microplastics alters gut morphology, immune response, and microbiota composition in mice
Researchers fed mice polyethylene microplastics of two sizes commonly found in human stool for six weeks and examined the effects on gut health. The study found that microplastic exposure altered gut structure, disrupted immune cell function, changed gene expression related to inflammation and gut barrier integrity, and shifted the composition of gut bacteria. Mice exposed to both sizes simultaneously showed the most severe effects, suggesting that real-world exposure to mixed microplastic sizes may compound the damage.
Potential risks of PET micro- and nanoplastics to the human gastrointestinal system
Researchers exposed Caco-2 and HepG2 gastrointestinal cell lines to PET micro- and nanoplastics (50 nm to 2 mm) at concentrations from 0.001 to 100 mg/mL for up to 24 hours, assessing effects on gastrointestinal barrier integrity, cell viability, and inflammatory responses. Short-term exposure up to 4 hours did not affect barrier integrity, while longer exposures at higher concentrations began to reveal effects, with PET particles characterized by FTIR, Raman, SEM, and dynamic light scattering showing irregular morphology and elevated electrical charge.
Impact of Nanoplastic Particles on Macrophage Inflammation and Intestinal Health in a Mouse Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Researchers studied the effects of nanoplastic ingestion in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease and found that the particles influenced macrophage inflammation and intestinal health. The findings offer some reassurance that typical levels of nanoplastic exposure may not dramatically worsen bowel disease symptoms. However, the study notes that individuals with higher plastic intake due to lifestyle or dietary habits could face different long-term gastrointestinal risks.
Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in a colitis mouse model – effects on biodistribution, macrophage polarization, and gut microbiome
Researchers studied the effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in a mouse model of colitis, examining biodistribution, immune cell responses, and gut microbiome changes. The study found that nanosized particles in particular showed distinct biodistribution patterns and affected macrophage polarization under inflammatory conditions, suggesting that intestinal inflammation may alter how the body handles micro- and nanoplastic particles.
An innovative in vitro model of IBD to assess micro-/nano-plastics intestinal toxicity.
Researchers developed an innovative in vitro intestinal inflammation model (IBD model) to assess the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics at realistic concentrations and polymer types, moving beyond the high-dose polystyrene-only studies that dominate current literature.
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.
Gastrointestinal digestion potentiates nanoplastic-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and macrophage-driven inflammation
Researchers studied how the digestive process changes nanoplastics and affects their toxicity in the gut. They found that simulated gastrointestinal digestion altered the surface properties of polystyrene, PVC, and PET nanoplastics, making them more readily absorbed by intestinal cells and triggering stronger inflammatory responses. The study suggests that the way our bodies process nanoplastics during digestion may actually increase their potential to disrupt the gut barrier and cause inflammation.
Polyethylene terephthalate nanoparticles effect on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells
Researchers exposed mouse immune cells to PET nanoplastics (tiny particles from plastic bottles and containers) and found the cells easily absorbed them, triggering mild oxidative stress and switching on several genes linked to immune defense and cell maintenance, providing early evidence of how nanoplastics may affect human immune function.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis unveils nanoplastic-induced gut barrier dysfunction via STAT1/6 and ERK pathways
Researchers used transcriptomics and metabolomics in mice to show that orally consumed nanoplastics disrupt gut barrier integrity by activating STAT1, STAT6, NF-κB, and ERK signaling pathways, reducing tight junction proteins and increasing intestinal permeability in ways that worsen chemically induced colitis.
Developments in the field of intestinal toxicity and signaling pathways associated with rodent exposure to micro(nano)plastics.
This review synthesizes current research on how micro- and nano-plastics damage the intestinal epithelium, disrupt gut barrier function, and activate inflammatory signaling pathways. The findings highlight the gut as a primary site of microplastic accumulation and suggest that intestinal toxicity may link dietary microplastic exposure to systemic health effects.
Application of a genetically engineered macrophage cell line for evaluating cellular effects of UV/US-treated poly(ethylene terephthalate) microplastics
Researchers developed a method to create PET microplastic fragments that mimic environmentally weathered particles by combining UV irradiation and ultrasound treatment. These treated fragments triggered significantly higher inflammatory responses in human macrophage cells compared to untreated particles. The study suggests that the physical and chemical changes microplastics undergo in the environment may increase their potential to cause inflammation in human cells.
Cytotoxicity of UV-degradated polystyrene nanoplastics in co-culture model of inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers exposed intestinal co-culture models representing inflammatory bowel disease to UV-degraded polystyrene nanoplastics, finding greater cytotoxicity compared to pristine particles. The results suggest that people with IBD may be more vulnerable to nanoplastic-induced gut damage than healthy individuals.
Immunodysregulatory potentials of polyethylene or polytetrafluorethylene microplastics to mice subacutely exposed via intragastric intubation
Researchers found that subacute oral exposure to polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene microplastics caused immune dysregulation in mice, with effects varying by particle size and polymer type, demonstrating that ingested microplastics can disrupt immune function.
Bioenergetic effects of pristine and ultraviolet-weathered polydisperse polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene nanoplastics on human intestinal Caco-2 cells
Researchers studied how pristine and UV-weathered nanoplastics made from PET and polystyrene affect the energy-producing functions of human intestinal cells. They found that weathered nanoplastics, which better represent what people actually encounter, caused measurable changes in cellular energy metabolism at concentrations relevant to real-world exposure. The study provides early evidence that nanoplastic exposure may interfere with how human gut cells generate energy.
Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics aggravates colitis in a mouse model – effects on biodistribution, macrophage polarization, and gut microbiome
Researchers found that polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics aggravated colitis symptoms in a mouse model, increasing gut permeability, inflammatory cytokine levels, and tissue damage compared to controls. The study provides mechanistic evidence linking microplastic exposure to worsening of inflammatory bowel conditions.