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Updated: Sep 14, 2025

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
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Gut microbiota and metabolic health risks from chronic low-dose microplastic exposure with focus on Desulfovibrio spp

Ziyun Li1, Yonghao Li2, Feiyu Cao2

  • 1Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|July 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Long-term exposure to microplastics (MPs) alters gut microbiota and metabolism, increasing risks for cancer and neurological diseases. This study highlights the urgent need to assess microplastic health impacts and develop preventive strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Toxicology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Humans are routinely exposed to microplastics (MPs) via diet and respiration.
  • The long-term health effects of low-dose microplastic ingestion, particularly on the gut microbiota, are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term impact of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on gut microbiota and host metabolism in mice.
  • To assess dose-dependent effects of PS-MPs at low and high concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • Male BALB/c mice were exposed to PS-MPs (0, 10, or 100 µg/mL) for six weeks.
  • Evaluated body weight, colon length, gut microbiota composition, and serum metabolites.

Main Results:

  • Low-dose PS-MP exposure altered colon length and increased specific bacterial species (e.g., Desulfovibrio spp.) linked to inflammatory diseases and cancer.
  • Metabolomic analysis revealed significant alterations in lipid and amino acid metabolism, activating pathways associated with cancer and neurological disorders.
  • PS-MP exposure promoted antibiotic resistance gene conjugation and opportunistic pathogen biofilm formation.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term, low-dose microplastic exposure significantly impacts gut microbiota and host metabolism, posing potential health risks.
  • Findings underscore the need for further research into molecular mechanisms and the development of public health strategies to mitigate microplastic risks.
Keywords:
Environmental PollutionGut MicrobiotaMetabolomicsMicroplasticsPolystyrene

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