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Airborne polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics induce nasal and lung microbial dysbiosis in mice
Hua Zha1, Jiafeng Xia1, Shengjie Li1
1State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) have been found in multiple environments and creatures. However, their effects on the airway microbiota still remain poorly understood. In this study, a series of bioinformatic and statistical analyses were carried out to explore the influence of airborne MP and NP on the nasal and lung microbiota in mice. Both MP and NP were capable of inducing nasal microbial dysbiosis, and MP had a stronger influence on the lung microbiota than NP. Multiple nasal and lung bacteria were associated with MP and NP groups, among which nasal Staphylococcus and lung Roseburia were most associated with MP group, while nasal Prevotella and lung unclassified_Muribaculaceae were most associated with NP group. The nasal Staphylococcus, lung Roseburia, lung Eggerthella and lung Corynebacterium were associated with both MP and NP groups, which were potential biomarkers of micro/nanoplastics-induced airway dysbiosis. SAR11_Clade_Ia and SAR11_Clade_II were associated with both nasal and lung microbiota in MP group, while no such bacterium was determined in NP group. The relevant results suggest that both airborne MP and NP could induce nasal and lung microbial dysbiosis, and the relevant preventative and curable strategies deserve further investigations.
Insights
Airborne microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) disrupt nasal and lung microbial communities in mice. MP significantly impacted lung microbiota more than NP, indicating potential health risks from plastic particle inhalation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
- The impact of airborne MP and NP on respiratory tract microbiota remains largely unknown.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for assessing health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of airborne MP and NP on the nasal and lung microbiota in a mouse model.
- To identify specific bacterial taxa associated with MP and NP exposure.
- To explore potential biomarkers for plastic-induced airway dysbiosis.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic and statistical analyses of nasal and lung microbiota composition.
- Exposure of mice to airborne MP and NP.
- Comparative analysis of microbial communities between control and exposed groups.
Main Results:
- Both MP and NP induced significant nasal microbial dysbiosis.
- MP exhibited a stronger effect on lung microbiota composition compared to NP.
- Specific bacteria like Staphylococcus (nasal) and Roseburia (lung) were strongly associated with MP exposure, while Prevotella (nasal) and unclassified_Muribaculaceae (lung) were linked to NP.
- Nasal Staphylococcus, lung Roseburia, lung Eggerthella, and lung Corynebacterium were identified as potential biomarkers for MP/NP-induced airway dysbiosis.
- SAR11 Clades Ia and II were associated with both nasal and lung microbiota in the MP group only.
Conclusions:
- Airborne MP and NP can induce significant microbial dysbiosis in the respiratory tract (nasal and lung).
- MP appears to have a more pronounced effect on lung microbiota than NP.
- Further research into preventative and curative strategies for plastic-induced airway dysbiosis is warranted.
