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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Commentary on “Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics exposure enhances the risk of ulcerative colitis: insights from multiomics integration, machine learning, and molecular docking reveal intestinal toxicity mechanisms”
ClearPolyethylene 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
This commentary discusses a study linking polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics to increased risk of ulcerative colitis, using machine learning, genomic analysis, and molecular docking. The authors raise methodological questions to help strengthen this emerging line of research connecting plastic exposure to gut inflammation.
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.
Comment on “Analysis of Microplastics in Human Feces Reveals a Correlation between Fecal Microplastics and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Status”
This comment raised methodological concerns about a study reporting that fecal microplastics correlate with inflammatory bowel disease status, questioning whether the plastic detection methods adequately controlled for contamination and whether the patient and control groups were sufficiently matched. The authors called for improved standardization in human microplastic exposure studies.
Response to Comment on “Analysis of Microplastics in Human Feces Reveals a Correlation between Fecal Microplastics and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Status”
This correspondence responded to critiques of a study reporting a correlation between fecal microplastic concentrations and inflammatory bowel disease status in human patients. The authors defended their analytical methods and argued that the observed association warrants further investigation into microplastics as a potential factor in gut inflammation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Influence of Microplastics on Manifestations of Experimental Chronic Colitis
Researchers studied whether consuming microplastics worsens chronic colon inflammation in mice. While microplastics alone did not cause visible damage to healthy intestines, they significantly increased the severity of colitis symptoms, including more ulcers and greater inflammatory cell infiltration, in mice with pre-existing colon inflammation. The findings suggest that microplastic exposure may be particularly concerning for individuals who already have inflammatory bowel conditions.
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.
A potential therapeutic approach for ulcerative colitis: targeted regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy through phytochemicals
This review explored how plant-based compounds could be used to treat ulcerative colitis by targeting mitochondrial function. Researchers discussed how dysfunctional mitochondria generate excessive reactive oxygen species that drive intestinal inflammation. While focused on therapeutic approaches rather than microplastics directly, the study is relevant to understanding how environmental stressors that damage mitochondria may contribute to gut inflammation.
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.
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.
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.
Multiomics Reveals Nonphagocytosable Microplastics Induce Colon Inflammatory Injury via Bile Acid-Gut Microbiota Interactions and Barrier Dysfunction
Researchers used multi-omics analysis to understand how large microplastics that cannot be absorbed by intestinal cells still cause colon inflammation in mice. They found that long-term oral exposure to polystyrene microplastics disrupted bile acid metabolism and gut barrier function, leading to the accumulation of specific bile acids that triggered cell death in colon tissue. The study reveals a novel mechanism linking microplastic exposure to intestinal inflammation through bile acid-gut microbiota interactions.
Influence of Microplastics on Morphological Manifestations of Experimental Acute Colitis
Researchers fed polystyrene microplastics to mice for six weeks and found that healthy mice developed changes in their colon lining, including altered mucus composition and immune cell populations. When mice with experimentally induced colitis also consumed microplastics, their intestinal inflammation was significantly more severe. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may worsen inflammatory bowel conditions.
Multiomics RevealsNonphagocytosable MicroplasticsInduce Colon Inflammatory Injury via Bile Acid-Gut Microbiota Interactionsand Barrier Dysfunction
Mice were given long-term oral exposure to 10 µm polystyrene microplastics (too large for cellular uptake) and colonic inflammatory injury was assessed using multi-omics. Non-phagocytosable microplastics disrupted the colonic redox balance, elevated the Th17/Treg ratio, and caused colitis through bile acid-gut microbiota interactions and intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Oral exposure to polyethylene microplastics exacerbates the effects of a Western-style diet on the digestive tract of adult male mice
Researchers investigated how oral exposure to polyethylene microplastics interacts with a Western-style diet to affect the digestive tract of mice over 90 days. The study found that microplastics exacerbated diet-related intestinal disruption, suggesting that dietary context plays an important role in determining the health impact of microplastic ingestion.
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.
A Noninvasive Quantitative Method for Evaluating Intestinal Exposure to Microplastics Based on the Excretion and Metabolism Patterns of Microplastics and Their Additives
Researchers developed a noninvasive method to measure human intestinal microplastic exposure by tracking plastic additive chemicals (phthalates) in urine, which correlated strongly with actual microplastic intake in mouse experiments. They then applied this method to 133 people across 30 countries on 6 continents to estimate real-world gut exposure levels. This tool could help scientists finally quantify how many microplastics people are actually consuming and assess the associated health risks.
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.