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Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD
Published on: February 1, 2012
Analysis of Microplastics in Human Feces Reveals a Correlation between Fecal Microplastics and Inflammatory Bowel
Zehua Yan1, Yafei Liu2, Ting Zhang2
1State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
Abstract:
Human ingestion of microplastics (MPs) is inevitable due to the ubiquity of MPs in various foods and drinking water. Whether the ingestion of MPs poses a substantial risk to human health is far from understood. Here, by analyzing the characteristics of MPs in the feces of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and healthy people, for the first time, we found that the fecal MP concentration in IBD patients (41.8 items/g dm) was significantly higher than that in healthy people (28.0 items/g dm). In total, 15 types of MPs were detected in feces, with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (22.3-34.0%) and polyamide (8.9-12.4%) being dominant, and their primary shapes were sheets and fibers, respectively. We present evidence indicating that a positive correlation exists between the concentration of fecal MPs and the severity of IBD. Combining a questionnaire survey and the characteristics of fecal MPs, we conclude that the plastic packaging of drinking water and food and dust exposure are important sources of human exposure to MPs. Furthermore, the positive correlation between fecal MPs and IBD status suggests that MP exposure may be related to the disease process or that IBD exacerbates the retention of MPs. The relative mechanisms deserve further studies. Our results also highlight that fecal MPs are useful for assessing human MP exposure and potential health risks.
Insights
Human fecal microplastic (MP) levels are higher in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients than in healthy individuals. This study links MP exposure to IBD severity, suggesting MPs may influence the disease process.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) ubiquity in food and water makes human ingestion unavoidable.
- The health risks associated with MP ingestion remain largely unknown.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition affecting the digestive tract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare MP concentrations in the feces of IBD patients and healthy individuals.
- To investigate the correlation between fecal MP characteristics and IBD severity.
- To identify potential sources of human MP exposure.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microplastic characteristics in fecal samples from IBD patients and healthy controls.
- Quantification of MP types, shapes, and concentrations.
- Correlation analysis between MP levels and IBD status.
- Questionnaire survey to assess potential exposure sources.
Main Results:
- Fecal MP concentration was significantly higher in IBD patients (41.8 items/g dry matter) compared to healthy individuals (28.0 items/g dry matter).
- Poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polyamide were the dominant MP types, primarily in sheet and fiber shapes.
- A positive correlation was observed between fecal MP concentration and IBD severity.
- Plastic packaging and dust exposure were identified as significant sources of human MP exposure.
Conclusions:
- Fecal microplastic levels are elevated in individuals with IBD.
- A correlation exists between microplastic exposure and IBD, suggesting MPs may play a role in disease development or retention.
- Fecal MPs serve as a valuable indicator for assessing human exposure and potential health risks.
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