Are Microplastics Toxic? A Review from Eco-Toxicity to Effects on the Gut Microbiota

Niu, Huixia; Liu, Shaojie; Jiang, Yu‐Jie; Hu, Yang; Li, Yahui; He, Lin; Xing, Mingluan; Li, Xueqing; Wu, Lizhi; Chen, Zhijian; Wang, Xiaofeng; Lou, Xiaoming

doi:10.3390/metabo13060739

Cited by 20 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 126 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Thus, these models are vital for exploring both local and systemic effects of environmental toxins, underlining the importance of neuronal incorporation in organoids for toxicological studies and the exploration of the gut-brain axis and beyond. Additionally, incorporating human gut microbiota in organoid cultures could provide insights into the impact of plastic particles on gut microbiome health and other systemic effects (Chen et al, 2022;Niu et al, 2023). Organoid-microbe co-cultures have been well-established and reported allowing for investigation into possible microbial disruptions due to MPs/NPs (Puschhof et al 2021).…”

Section: Commentary Background Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastics on Human Intestinal Organoid‐Derived Epithelium

Wang,

Iglesias‐Ledon,

Bishop

et al. 2024

Current Protocols

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The development of patient‐derived intestinal organoids represents an invaluable model for simulating the native human intestinal epithelium. These stem cell‐rich cultures outperform commonly used cell lines like Caco‐2 and HT29‐MTX in reflecting the cellular diversity of the native intestinal epithelium after differentiation. In our recent study examining the effects of polystyrene (PS), microplastics (MPs), and nanoplastics (NPs), widespread pollutants in our environment and food chain, on the human intestinal epithelium, these organoids have been instrumental in elucidating the absorption mechanisms and potential biological impacts of plastic particles. Building on previously established protocols in human intestinal organoid culture, we herein detail a streamlined protocol for the cultivation, differentiation, and generation of organoid‐derived monolayers. This protocol is tailored to generate monolayers incorporating microfold cells (M cells), key for intestinal particle uptake but often absent in current in vitro models. We provide validated protocols for the characterization of MPs/NPs via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for detailed imaging and their introduction to intestinal epithelial monolayer cells via confocal immunostaining. Additionally, protocols to test the impacts of MP/NP exposure on the functions of the intestinal barrier using transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements and assessing inflammatory responses using cytokine profiling are detailed. Overall, our protocols enable the generation of human intestinal organoid monolayers, complete with the option of including or excluding M cells, offering crucial techniques for observing particle uptake and identifying inflammatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells to advance our knowledge of the potential effects of plastic pollution on human gut health. These approaches are also amendable to the study of other gut‐related chemical and biological exposures and physiological responses due to the robust nature of the systems. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Human intestinal organoid culture and generation of monolayers with and without M cellsSupport Protocol 1: Culture of L‐WRN and production of WRN‐conditioned mediumSupport Protocol 2: Neuronal cell culture and integration into intestinal epitheliumSupport Protocol 3: Immune cell culture and integration into intestinal epitheliumBasic Protocol 2: Scanning electron microscopy: sample preparation and imagingBasic Protocol 3: Immunostaining and confocal imaging of MP/NP uptake in organoid‐derived monolayersBasic Protocol 4: Assessment of intestinal barrier function via TEER measurementsBasic Protocol 5: Cytokine profiling using ELISA post‐MP/NP exposure.

show abstract

Section: Commentary Background Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastics on Human Intestinal Organoid‐Derived Epithelium

Wang,

Iglesias‐Ledon,

Bishop

et al. 2024

Current Protocols

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…PFOS has been detected in meat, fish, shellfish, and fast food [35], and Ericson et al estimated that an adult male's dietary intake of PFOS could reach 62.5 ng/d [36]. In contrast, research on microplastics found that oral exposure is mainly concentrated in commercial fish, table salt, honey, and bottled water [37]. For instance, researchers found microplastics in various edible salts used by humans, with the highest concentrations in sea salt (550-681 particles/kg) [38].…”

Section: Sources Of Exposure To Emerging Pollutantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deciphering the Role of the Gut Microbiota in Exposure to Emerging Contaminants and Diabetes: A Review

Li,

Niu,

Huang

et al. 2024

Metabolites

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Emerging pollutants, a category of compounds currently not regulated or inadequately regulated by law, have recently become a focal point of research due to their potential toxic effects on human health. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in human health; it is particularly susceptible to disruption and alteration upon exposure to a range of toxic environmental chemicals, including emerging contaminants. The disturbance of the gut microbiome caused by environmental pollutants may represent a mechanism through which environmental chemicals exert their toxic effects, a mechanism that is garnering increasing attention. However, the discussion on the toxic link between emerging pollutants and glucose metabolism remains insufficiently explored. This review aims to establish a connection between emerging pollutants and glucose metabolism through the gut microbiota, delving into the toxic impacts of these pollutants on glucose metabolism and the potential role played by the gut microbiota.

show abstract

“…Although the prospective health hazards correlated with contact to microplastics are still being investigated using in vivo, in vitro and in silico studies, there is a growing concern about their potential impact on human health. Studies show that the ingestion of microplastics cause damage to the intestinal wall, which can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in gut microbiota [128][129][130][131]. This would possibly cause unwanted health effects, such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.…”

Section: Impacts Of Microplastics On Our Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics as an Emerging Threat to the Global Environment and Human Health

Ghosh

Sinha²,

Ghosh³

et al. 2023

Sustainability

118

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In recent years, there has been mounting concern about the bearing of microplastics on human health and the comprehensive natural environment. These particles come from a variety of sources, such as soaps, personal care products, and the rundown of bigger plastic items. The impacts of microplastics on marine life and other ecosystems are substantial, including ingestion by marine animals, interference with their reproductive systems, and even death. The economic implications of microplastics are also significant, with industries, such as fishing and tourism being affected by the presence of microplastics in the environment. Exposure to microplastics can also pose potential health risks to humans, including respiratory and digestive problems, as well as disrupt sleep, contribute to obesity, and increase the risk of diabetes. To address this issue, policies and initiatives have been put in place to reduce microplastic pollution, but there are challenges that need to be overcome, such as lack of awareness, limited resources, and ineffective regulations. Further research is also needed to fully understand the impacts of microplastics on our health and to develop effective strategies to mitigate the problem. In this article, we have discussed the requirement of a multifaceted approach including reducing plastic use, promoting proper disposal and recycling of plastic waste, developing innovative technologies for capturing and removing microplastics from the environment, raising public awareness, and implementing effective regulations and policies. It is only through concerted efforts and collaboration between individuals, industries, and governments that the threat of microplastics can be tackled.

show abstract

Are Microplastics Toxic? A Review from Eco-Toxicity to Effects on the Gut Microbiota

Cited by 20 publications

References 126 publications

Impact of Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastics on Human Intestinal Organoid‐Derived Epithelium

Impact of Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastics on Human Intestinal Organoid‐Derived Epithelium

Deciphering the Role of the Gut Microbiota in Exposure to Emerging Contaminants and Diabetes: A Review

Microplastics as an Emerging Threat to the Global Environment and Human Health

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About