Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
DNBS/TNBS Colitis Models: Providing Insights Into Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Effects of Dietary Fat
Published on: February 27, 2014
Gut microbiota dysbiosis exacerbates polystyrene microplastics-induced liver inflammation via activating LPS/TLR4
Ning Zhou1, Tiantian Gu2, Mingcai Duan2
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100176, China; State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China.
Abstract:
Ubiquitous microplastics can bioaccumulate in organisms, resulting in detrimental health impacts, such as liver inflammation. Nonetheless, the exact mechanism by which polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) trigger liver inflammation via the gut-liver axis in ducks remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the impact of PS-MPs exposure to liver inflammation through the gut-liver axis in ducks. Our investigation indicated that exposure to PS-MPs markedly upregulated the levels of MDA and ROS in the liver tissue and enhanced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β). Additionally, PS-MPs exposure increased the LPS level, which ultimately triggered the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Notably, exposure to PS-MPs resulted in a marked change in the gut microbiota composition, primarily indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of Brachyspiraceae and a reduction in that of CAG-74 and Oscillospiraceae. Metabolome analysis further revealed that different expressed metabolites (DEMs) in the positive and negative mode were identified between the control and HMPs groups, including 1-methylhistamine, DL-Methionine sulfoxide, Guanidinoethyl sulfonate, l-Cysteic acid, Deoxyinosine, Camp. Both metagenomic and metabolome analyses showed enrichment in the lysosomal pathway. Correlation analysis suggested association among representative gut microbiota, serum LPS, oxidative stress factors, liver DEMs and key liver inflammatory indicators. Our study sheds light on the mechanism by which PS-MPs exposure induced liver inflammation in ducks via the modulation of the gut-liver axis. These findings improved our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that contribute to PS-MPs-induced hepatotoxicity in avian species.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) cause liver inflammation in ducks by disrupting the gut microbiota and activating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. This study clarifies the gut-liver axis mechanism behind PS-MP induced hepatotoxicity in avian species.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Animal Science
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) bioaccumulate and cause adverse health effects, including liver inflammation.
- The specific mechanisms by which polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) induce liver inflammation via the gut-liver axis in ducks are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the impact of PS-MPs exposure on liver inflammation through the gut-liver axis in ducks.
- To investigate the molecular and microbial changes associated with PS-MP induced hepatotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Assessed liver oxidative stress markers (MDA, ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β).
- Measured serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels and analyzed the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
- Characterized gut microbiota composition using metagenomic analysis and identified differential metabolites (DEMs) via metabolome analysis.
- Performed correlation analysis between gut microbiota, LPS, oxidative stress, DEMs, and liver inflammation indicators.
Main Results:
- PS-MPs exposure significantly increased liver MDA, ROS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Elevated LPS levels triggered the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
- Gut microbiota composition shifted, with increased Brachyspiraceae and decreased CAG-74 and Oscillospiraceae.
- Metabolome analysis revealed distinct DEMs and lysosomal pathway enrichment.
- Significant correlations were found among gut microbiota, LPS, oxidative stress, DEMs, and liver inflammation.
Conclusions:
- PS-MPs induce liver inflammation in ducks by altering gut microbiota and activating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
- This study provides insights into the gut-liver axis mechanism of PS-MP induced hepatotoxicity in avian species.
- Findings contribute to understanding the health risks of microplastic pollution in wildlife.
