Nanoplastic Disrupts Intestinal Homeostasis in Immature Rats by Altering the Metabolite Profile and Gene Expression

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Nanotechnology
• Developmental biology

Background:

• Plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, with micro- and nanoparticles (MPs/NPs) posing potential health risks.
• Nanoplastics can cross biological barriers, raising particular concern for developing organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on the jejunum of immature rats.
• To assess the impact of environmentally relevant doses of PS-NPs on gut health and function.

Main Methods:

• Oral exposure of two-week-old rats to 25 nm PS-NPs (1 mg/kg b.w.) for 3 weeks.
• Analysis of jejunal tissue for PS-NP accumulation, gene expression (gut barrier, nutrient absorption, endocrine function), and oxidative stress markers.
• Metabolomic profiling of jejunal extracts to identify changes in amino acid pathways.

Main Results:

• Significant accumulation of PS-NPs observed in the jejunal epithelium and subepithelial layer.
• Altered gene expression related to gut barrier integrity, nutrient absorption, and endocrine function.
• Increased proinflammatory cytokines, decreased antioxidant capacity, and elevated protein oxidative damage markers.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged exposure to PS-NPs disrupts jejunal function in developing rats.
• Metabolomic, molecular, and biochemical data indicate impaired cellular energy, inflammation, and protein synthesis pathways.
• PS-NPs pose a significant risk to the intestinal health of developing organisms.