Effects of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Microplastic Particles on Gut Microbiota Composition and Health Status in Rabbit...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used plastic with increasing environmental presence.
• Concerns exist regarding the impact of PVC microplastics on animal and human health.
• Limited research has explored the comprehensive effects of PVC microplastic ingestion in mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the physiological, pathological, hormonal, and microbiota impacts of PVC microplastic exposure in female rabbits.
• To assess dose-dependent effects of PVC exposure.
• To establish correlations between PVC intake and observed health parameters.

Main Methods:

• Female rabbits were exposed to low (P1) and high (P2) doses of PVC microplastics.
• Organ weights (spleen, liver, kidney) were monitored.
• Histopathological examinations of intestinal tissues and spleen were performed.
• Hormonal levels (17-beta-estradiol, TNF-α) were analyzed.
• Gut microbiota composition was assessed at the genus level.

Main Results:

• Trend-like alterations in spleen, liver, and kidney weights were observed in PVC-treated groups.
• Intestinal mucosa exfoliation and microplastic particle embedding in the spleen were noted.
• Elevated 17-beta-estradiol (E2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels indicated early sexual maturation and inflammation.
• Significant changes in the abundance of several gut microbial genera were identified in the high-dose group (P2).

Conclusions:

• PVC microplastic exposure is correlated with significant physiological, pathological, and microbiota alterations in rabbits.
• The study provides the first evidence of broad-spectrum health effects from PVC microplastic exposure in rabbits.
• Findings highlight potential health risks of PVC microplastics, necessitating further research in animal and human health.