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Melatonin Alleviates Intestinal Barrier Damaging Effects Induced by Polyethylene Microplastics in Albino Rats
Walaa Bayoumie El Gazzar1,2, Rania E Sliem3, Heba Bayoumi4
1Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan.
Abstract:
There have been concerns about the potential health risks posed by microplastics (MP). The detection of MP in a variety of food products revealed that humans are ingesting MP. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of data about their impacts, as well as their uptake, on intestinal barrier integrity. This study examined the toxic effects of oral administration of two doses of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) (3.75 or 15 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks; mean particle size: 4.0-6.0 µm) on the intestinal barrier integrity in rats. Moreover, the effect of melatonin treatment with MP exposure was also assessed. The PE-MP particle uptake, histopathological changes, Alcian blue staining, Muc2 mRNA, proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α), and cleaved caspase-3, as well as tight junction proteins (claudin-1, myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK), occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)) were assessed. Oral administration of PE-MP resulted in apparent jejunal histopathological alterations; significantly decreased mucin secretion, occludin, ZO-1, and claudin-1 expression; and significantly upregulated MLCK mRNA, IL-1β concentration, and cleaved caspase-3 expression. Melatonin reversed these altered parameters and improved the PE-MP-induced histopathological and ultrastructure changes. This study highlighted the PE-MP's toxic effect on intestinal barrier integrity and revealed the protective effect of melatonin.
Insights
Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) harm intestinal barrier integrity in rats, causing damage and inflammation. Melatonin treatment effectively protected against these toxic effects, improving gut health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Microplastics (MP) are increasingly detected in food, leading to human ingestion.
- Data on the impact of microplastics on intestinal barrier integrity is limited.
- Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) are common environmental contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of oral PE-MP exposure on rat intestinal barrier integrity.
- To assess the protective role of melatonin against PE-MP-induced intestinal damage.
- To evaluate PE-MP uptake and its impact on gut barrier markers.
Main Methods:
- Rats were orally administered two doses of PE-MP (3.75 or 15 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks).
- Histopathological analysis, mucin secretion (Alcian blue), Muc2 mRNA, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) were assessed.
- Expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, ZO-1, claudin-1), MLCK, and cleaved caspase-3 were evaluated.
Main Results:
- PE-MP exposure caused jejunal histopathological alterations and reduced mucin secretion.
- PE-MP significantly decreased occludin, ZO-1, and claudin-1 expression.
- PE-MP upregulated MLCK mRNA, IL-1β, and cleaved caspase-3, indicating inflammation and apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Oral PE-MP exposure damages intestinal barrier integrity in rats.
- Melatonin treatment demonstrated a protective effect, reversing PE-MP-induced damage.
- This study underscores the potential health risks of microplastics and the therapeutic benefits of melatonin.
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