Gut Microbiota Participates in Polystyrene Microplastics-Induced Hepatic Injuries by Modulating the Gut–Liver Axis

Abstract

Dietary pollution by polystyrene microplastics (MPs) can cause hepatic injuries and microbial dysbiosis. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, exerts beneficial effects on the liver by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the role of microbiota in MPs-induced hepatic injuries and the protective effect of EGCG have not been clarified. Here, 5 μm MPs were orally administered to mice to induce hepatic injuries. Subsequently, antibiotic cocktail (ABX) and fecal microbial transplant (FMT) experiments were performed to investigate the underlying microbial mechanisms. Additionally, EGCG was orally administered to mice to explore its protection against MPs-induced hepatic injuries. Our results showed that MPs activated systemic and hepatic inflammation, promoted fibrosis, and altered the liver metabolome; meanwhile, MPs damaged the gut homeostasis by disturbing the gut microbiome, promoting colonic inflammation, and impairing the intestinal barrier. Notably, MPs reduced the abundance of the probiotics Akkermansia, Mucispirillum, and Faecalibaculum while increasing the pathogenic Tuzzerella. Interestingly, the elimination of gut microbiota mitigated MPs-induced colonic inflammation and intestinal barrier impairment. Moreover, ABX ameliorated MPs-induced systemic and hepatic inflammation but not fibrosis. Correspondingly, microbiota from MPs-administered mice induced colonic, systemic, and hepatic inflammation, while their profibrosis effect on the liver was not observed. Finally, EGCG elevated the abundance of probiotics and effectively repressed MPs-induced colonic inflammation. MPs-induced systemic and hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and remodeling of the liver metabolome were also attenuated by EGCG. These findings illustrated that gut microbiota contributed to MPs-induced colonic and hepatic injuries, while EGCG could serve as a potential prevention strategy for these adverse consequences.

Nano-Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) Mitigates the Effects of Microplastics on a Ryegrass Soil–Microbe–Plant System

“…The numerous applications of plastics, mainly due to their flexible surfaces and lightweight nature, have greatly boosted plastic production since 1950 to the current manufacture of more than 12.5 million tons annually. , The prevalent use of plastics is projected to generate around 12 billion tons of plastic debris by 2050, and this is likely to lead to severe environmental issues. , Microplastic (MP) particles of synthetic organic polymers with sizes <5 mm have emerged as dangerous pollutants since 1980, and much attention has been paid to the MPs and their relevant health issues. , MPs with different shapes and morphologies such as pellets, fibers, foams, and films have been reported to spread in the atmosphere, terrestrial, aquatic, and soil environments, posing a threat to living beings. , Therefore, MP contamination has been intensifying/escalating rapidly, gaining a lot of research attention and generating the need to understand the impact of MPs on terrestrial environments, especially agriculture. Although the use of plastic in agriculture initially promoted food security worldwide, today it is well-known that it has left a pollution legacy, as MPs threaten food production systems …”

“…5,6 MPs with different shapes and morphologies such as pellets, fibers, foams, and films have been reported to spread in the atmosphere, terrestrial, aquatic, and soil environments, posing a threat to living beings. 7,8 Therefore, MP contamination has been intensifying/escalating rapidly, gaining a lot of research attention and generating the need to understand the impact of MPs on terrestrial environments, especially agriculture. Although the use of plastic in agriculture initially promoted food security worldwide, today it is well-known that it has left a pollution legacy, as MPs threaten food production systems.…”

Timing of standard chow exposure determines the variability of mouse phenotypic outcomes and gut microbiota profile

“…Among the diets, 5058 exhibited the most distinct effect on beta diversity, while both 5058 and 2920X stood out as the extremes in diet effects on bacterial genera abundance. Although we were unable to measure the phenotypic consequences of these microbial differences, several have predicted pathogenic effects ( Clostridium sensu stricto 1 27 , Ruminococcus 28 , Tuzzerella 29 , Acetatifactor 30 ) while others are predicted to have protective effects on a range of outcomes including gut and metabolic health ( Bifidobacterium 31 , Lactobacillus 32 , Eubacterium nodatum group, Alistipes 33 , Blautia 34 , Eubacterium xylanophilum group 35 ) .…”

Polyethylene Terephthalate Hydrolases in Human Gut Microbiota and Their Implications for Human Health

“…In assessing the impact of MPs on human health, considering chemical risk alongside particle toxicity and gut microbiota perturbation was a natural approach. Detailed description of the gut microbiota perturbation caused by PS MPs was presented in our previous work [ 30 , 31 ]. In addition, prior studies have reported a synergistic toxic effect between MPs and substances like bisphenol A and phthalates absorbed by MPs, leading to intensified intestinal inflammation and metabolic disorders [ 32 , 33 ].…”