Salute e Benessere
UEG Week 2025: Microplastics found to change gut microbiome in first human-sample study
The study used stool samples from five healthy volunteers to grow ex vivo gut microbiome cultures. These cultures were then exposed to five common microplastic types – polystyrene, polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, poly(methyl methacrylate) and polyethylene terephthalate – at concentrations reflecting estimated human exposure, as well as higher doses to investigate potential dose-dependent effects.
While total and viable bacterial cell counts remained largely unchanged, microplastic-treated cultures showed a consistent and significant increase in acidity (lower pH levels) compared to controls, indicating altered microbial metabolic activity.
Further analysis revealed microplastic-specific shifts in bacterial composition, with certain bacterial groups increasing or decreasing depending on the microplastic type. Changes were observed across several bacterial families, with the majority occurring within the phylum Bacillota – a key group of gut bacteria important for digestion and overall gut health.
These shifts in bacterial composition were accompanied by changes in the chemicals produced by the bacteria, some of which corresponded with the observed decreases in pH. Some of these changes reflected patterns previously linked to diseases such as depression and colorectal cancer, underscoring the potential implications of microplastic exposure for disease risk.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the study, lead author Christian Pacher-Deutsch commented, "These findings are significant given how pervasive microplastic exposure is in everyday life, with microplastics being found in fish, salt, bottled water, and even tap water."
"While it's too early to make definitive health claims, the microbiome plays a central role in many aspects of well-being, from digestion to mental health. Reducing microplastic exposure where possible is therefore a wise and important precaution," he concluded.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ueg-week-2025-microplastics-found-to-change-gut-microbiome-in-first-human-sample-study-302567511.html