Association between microplastics and the functionalities of human gut microbiome.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Microbiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• The gut microbiome is crucial for human health, and its dysbiosis is linked to diseases.
• Previous studies noted microplastics' impact on gut microbiome diversity and composition.
• The functional consequences of microplastic exposure on the human gut microbiome remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and types of microplastics in human blood.
• To analyze the functional impact of microplastics on the gut microbiome.
• To explore associations between microplastics and specific microbial genes and species.

Main Methods:

• Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to detect microplastics in adult human blood.
• Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of human stool and mouse fecal samples.
• Analysis of microbial genes related to virulence, quorum sensing, and biodegradation.

Main Results:

• Five types of microplastics (polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide 66) were detected in human blood.
• Associations were identified between microplastics and gut microbial species.
• Microplastic exposure correlated with changes in microbial genes, including those for virulence factors and biodegradation.

Conclusions:

• Microplastics in human blood are associated with functional alterations in the gut microbiome.
• These changes may have implications for human health and disease.
• Further research is needed to understand the full health risks of microplastic exposure.