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Microplastic exposure induces muscle growth but reduces meat quality and muscle physiological function in chickens
Jiahui Chen1, Genghua Chen1, Haoqi Peng1
1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
Abstract:
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become one of the global environmental concerns, but the contamination and effect of MP on chicken skeletal muscle are scarcely researched. Here, we found MP contamination in the chicken skeletal muscles, which were directly collected from a large-scale chicken farm. Using Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Agilent 8700 laser direct infrared imaging spectrometer, we found that polystyrene (PS) and polyamide are the significant type of MPs detected in chicken skeletal muscle. Constant PS-MP oral feeding for >21 days increases the content of MP deposited in chicken breast muscle, but the MP content in the leg muscle was gradually decreased. Surprisingly, the chicken's body and skeletal muscle weight was increased after constant PS-MP feeding. Physiological results showed that PS-MP exposure inhibited energy and lipid metabolism, induced oxidative stress, and potential for neurotoxicity in the skeletal muscle. Metabolomic analysis of the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled with the mass spectrometer results showed that PS-MP exposure changed the metabolomic profile and reduced meat quality. In vitro, experimental results showed that PS-MP exposure induced chicken primary myoblasts proliferation and apoptosis but decreased myoblasts differentiation. Transcriptome analysis of the skeletal muscle indicates that PS-MP exposure affects skeletal muscle function by regulating genes involved in neural function and muscle development. Considering that chicken is one of the most important meat foods in the world, this study will provide an essential reference for protecting meat food safety.
Insights
Microplastic (MP) pollution contaminates chicken skeletal muscle, with polystyrene MPs increasing body weight but impairing meat quality and inducing oxidative stress. This research highlights potential risks to food safety from microplastics in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern.
- Research on MP contamination in chicken skeletal muscle is limited.
- Chicken is a globally significant meat source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MP contamination in chicken skeletal muscle.
- To assess the physiological and metabolic effects of polystyrene MP (PS-MP) exposure.
- To evaluate the impact of PS-MP on chicken meat quality and muscle development.
Main Methods:
- MP identification using Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and laser direct infrared imaging.
- Oral administration of PS-MPs to chickens for >21 days.
- Physiological analysis, metabolomics (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS), in vitro myoblast studies, and transcriptome analysis.
Main Results:
- Polystyrene and polyamide MPs were detected in chicken skeletal muscle.
- PS-MP feeding increased chicken body and muscle weight but decreased meat quality.
- PS-MP exposure inhibited energy/lipid metabolism, induced oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity.
- In vitro studies showed altered myoblast proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation.
- Transcriptome analysis revealed impacts on genes related to neural function and muscle development.
Conclusions:
- Chicken skeletal muscle is contaminated with MPs, primarily polystyrene.
- PS-MP exposure has complex physiological effects, including increased weight but reduced meat quality.
- MP contamination poses a potential risk to meat food safety and requires further investigation.
