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Metabolic Reprogramming in Gut Microbiota Exposed to Polystyrene Microplastics
Jinhua Chi1,2, Jeffrey S Patterson1, Yan Jin2
1College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
Biomedicines
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Microplastic (MP) exposure significantly alters gut microbiota composition and function in vitro and in vivo. These changes impact microbial metabolism, potentially affecting human health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with potential health risks.
- Global plastic production has led to widespread environmental contamination by MPs.
- MPs are a growing public health concern due to their potential ecological and human health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of microplastic (MP) exposure on gut microbiota composition and function.
- To explore the role of metabolic reprogramming in MP-induced gut dysbiosis.
- To provide mechanistic insights into MP exposure effects on human health.
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus rhamnosus) exposed to polystyrene MPs.
- Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for untargeted metabolomics analysis.
- 16S rRNA sequencing and targeted/untargeted metabolomics on mouse gut microbiota exposed to MPs.
Main Results:
- MP exposure reduced bacterial growth in a dose-dependent manner.
- Significant alterations in metabolic pathways including sulfur metabolism, amino sugar metabolism, and energy production pathways (glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway).
- MP exposure led to significant changes in gut microbial composition, including upregulation of Lactobacillales and reduction of Erysipelotrichales.
Conclusions:
- Microplastic exposure induces comprehensive changes in gut microbiota, affecting both composition and function.
- Metabolic reprogramming, particularly in tryptophan metabolism and energy pathways, is a key mechanism of MP toxicity.
- Findings suggest potential mechanistic effects of microplastic exposure relevant to human health.
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