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Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastic Differentially Affects the Colon and Liver in Adult Male Mice
Somaye Zangene1, Hassan Morovvati1, Hojat Anbara1
1Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as novel environmental pollutant. Their ubiquity in natural environments and the global dissemination of plastic particles through food and drink have led to the oral ingestion of these particles by all kinds of living organism. In this investigation, male mice were subjected to exposure to 2 microm virgin PS-MPs for 6 weeks. To accomplish this, 36 adult male NMRI mice were gavaged with PS-MPs at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/kg body weight. A control group was also accounted for, which received 0.1 mL of distilled water. The results show that the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) decreased, while the level of malondialdehyde increased in colon and liver. Additionally, findings showed that PS-MPs can disrupt the integrity of the intestinal barrier and inhibit the secretion of intestinal mucus in mice, disrupt mucin secretion, and cause changes in the tissue structure of the colon and liver. Further information regarding the toxicity of MPs in a terrestrial organism was obtained through this study, which assist in the evaluation of the potential health hazards that PS-MPs may pose to living organisms.
Insights
Exposure to microplastics (MPs) in mice reduced antioxidant enzymes and increased oxidative stress markers. Microplastics also damaged the intestinal barrier and liver tissue, indicating potential health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants found globally.
- Oral ingestion of MPs is common in organisms due to widespread contamination in food and drink.
- Understanding MP toxicity in terrestrial organisms is crucial for assessing health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicological effects of virgin polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in male mice.
- To evaluate the impact of PS-MPs on antioxidant enzyme activity, oxidative stress, and intestinal barrier function.
- To assess histological changes in the colon and liver following MP exposure.
Main Methods:
- 36 adult male NMRI mice were gavaged with 2-microm virgin PS-MPs at varying doses (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/kg body weight) for six weeks.
- A control group received distilled water.
- Measurements included antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), malondialdehyde levels, intestinal barrier integrity, mucus secretion, and tissue histology.
Main Results:
- A decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity and an increase in malondialdehyde levels were observed in the colon and liver.
- PS-MPs disrupted intestinal barrier integrity and inhibited intestinal mucus secretion.
- Histological examination revealed tissue structure changes in the colon and liver.
Conclusions:
- Ingestion of virgin PS-MPs induces oxidative stress and damages the intestinal barrier in mice.
- Microplastic exposure alters tissue structure in the colon and liver.
- This study provides insights into the potential health hazards of PS-MPs for terrestrial organisms.
