Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
A Double Humanized BLT-mice Model Featuring a Stable Human-Like Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System
Published on: August 30, 2019
Gut microbiome remodeling induced by microplastic exposure in humans
Xin-Yue Yang1, Zhong-Wei Zhang1, Guang-Deng Chen1
1International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Efficient Utilization of Nutrient Resources and Fertilizer Innovation, College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The impact of microplastics (MPs) on the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome has been extensively documented in animal studies, but evidence in humans remains limited. Recognizing the potential differences in MP effects between animal and human gut microbiomes, this review synthesizes current evidence concerning their impact on the human gut microbiota. Furthermore, the potential links between microplastic-induced dysbiosis and the pathogenesis of human diseases were analyzed. Cross-sectional studies have been conducted to explore microplastic exposures (such as in humans who consume hot foods served in disposable plastic tableware) and their associations with gut microbiome functionalities in infants, preschool children and adults. Exposure to MPs increased the abundance of Dethiosulfovibrionaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae, Actinomycetota, Pseudomonadota, and Veillonella. On the other hand, MPs decreased the abundances of Bacillota, Bacteroidota, Lactobacillales, Rikenellaceae, Parabacteroides, Roseburia, Coprococcus, Turicibacter, and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes. These changes were associated with a decrease in butyrate production and a decrease in short-chain fatty acid levels. However, for some other bacteria, both inductive (on Oscillospiraceae, Adlercreutzia, Phascolarctobacterium, and Collinsella) and repressive effects (on Streptococcus) have been documented. There are contradictory reports about MP-induced changes in Lachnospiraceae (including the Dorea genus), Alistipes and Faecalibacterium, which may be correlated with obesity, gastrointestinal dysfunction, some cancers, inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease. Potential reasons for these discrepancies are proposed. This review also examines putative mechanisms, with a focus on biofilm formation on selective surfaces, and discusses the inherent limitations of current MP exposure assessments in human gut microbiota studies.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) alter the human gut microbiome, decreasing beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids. This dysbiosis may link to diseases like IBD and cancer, though research is ongoing.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Microbiology
- Human Health
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) impact on animal gut microbiomes is known, but human data is scarce.
- Human gut microbiome differences necessitate specific investigation of MP effects.
- Potential links between MP-induced gut dysbiosis and human disease pathogenesis are emerging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on microplastic impacts on the human gut microbiota.
- To analyze potential links between microplastic-induced dysbiosis and human disease.
- To explore mechanisms and limitations in human microplastic exposure studies.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional studies on human microplastic exposure (e.g., hot foods in disposable tableware).
- Analysis of associations between microplastic exposure and gut microbiome composition and function.
- Review of existing literature on microplastic effects on human gut bacteria.
Main Results:
- Microplastic exposure altered bacterial abundances, increasing some (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae) and decreasing others (e.g., Bacillota).
- Observed changes correlated with reduced butyrate and short-chain fatty acid levels.
- Contradictory findings exist for certain bacteria (e.g., Lachnospiraceae), potentially linked to diseases like obesity and IBD.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics induce gut dysbiosis in humans, affecting microbial diversity and function.
- Microplastic-induced dysbiosis is a potential factor in human disease pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to clarify mechanisms and address limitations in human exposure assessment.
Related Concept Videos
07:32A Double Humanized BLT-mice Model Featuring a Stable Human-Like Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System
09:18A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
10:51Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
08:38Application of Flow Vermimetry for Quantification and Analysis of the Caenorhabditis elegans Gut Microbiome
08:27Sampling and Identification of Microplastics in Groundwater
06:46Accumulation and Distribution of Fluorescent Microplastics in the Early Life Stages of Zebrafish