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MeP Induces Metabolic Disorder and Liver Damage at Human-Relevant Exposure Levels: Role of the Gut Microbiota

Henglin Zhang1,2,3, Yanan Zhao1,2, Haitao Tu4

  • 1Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.

Environment & Health (Washington, D.C.)
|November 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Methylparaben (MeP), a common preservative, negatively impacts body weight, metabolism, and liver health in mice. Gut bacteria play a key role in mediating these adverse effects, though liver damage may persist.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Metabolic Science
  • Microbiome Research

Background:

  • Methylparaben (MeP) is a widely utilized preservative in consumer goods, leading to significant human exposure.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding MeP's impact on metabolic homeostasis and associated health concerns.
  • Investigating MeP's toxicological effects is crucial due to its prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of MeP on body growth, metabolic homeostasis, and liver health in a mouse model.
  • To explore the role of gut microbiota in mediating MeP-induced toxicity.
  • To determine if antibiotic-induced gut microbiota depletion mitigates MeP's adverse effects.

Main Methods:

  • Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to human-relevant levels of MeP.
  • Body weight, metabolic parameters, and liver health were assessed.
  • Gut microbiota composition was analyzed, and effects of antibiotic treatment were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • MeP exposure impaired body weight gain and disrupted metabolic parameters in mice.
  • Elevated serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and liver injury were observed following MeP exposure.
  • Altered gut microbiota composition was associated with MeP toxicity.
  • Antibiotic depletion of gut bacteria abolished MeP's effects on weight, inflammation, and metabolism, but not liver damage.

Conclusions:

  • MeP exposure at human-relevant levels induces adverse effects on metabolic homeostasis and liver health.
  • Gut microbiota significantly contributes to MeP's toxicity, influencing weight, inflammation, and metabolism.
  • While gut bacteria mediate some MeP effects, liver damage indicates additional mechanisms of toxicity.
Keywords:
growth impairgut microbiotaliver injurymetabolic disordermethyl paraben

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