Microplastics In Food Could Travel From Gut To Brain, Liver, And Other Organs; Reveals Study
A study in mice showed that tiny plastic particles known as Microplastics, that can be found in numerous items we use and consume may move from the gut to Components of the human anatomy like the cerebral organ and hepatic tissue. This could potentially cause several health issues. More research is crucial to determine if this would similarly impact humans.
Microplastics can be found in nearly everything. From the air, water to food, and other substances, Microplastics are omnipresent. They are also known to have negative impacts on human health. A recent study discovered that Microplastics ingested could spread from the gut to the brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs. This study, which was published in Environmental Health Perspectives, examined the effects of consuming Microplastics on mice.
Study author Marcus Garcia, PharmD, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, mentioned to Medical News Today, "Our findings propose that Microplastic exposure could potentially result in metabolic changes in these tissues, indicating possible systemic effects.
The consequences of our findings on human health are significant.
The study describes Microplastics as plastic particles that are less than 5mm in size. The mice were exposed to varying amounts of polystyrene or mixed polymer microspheres through oral gastric feeding. Subsequently, the researchers analyzed their serum, brain, liver, kidney, and colon tissues to identify the presence of microplastics in them.
They discovered Microplastics in multiple organs of the Mice including the brain, liver, and kidneys. The study sheds light on how microplastics have the ability to spread to different parts of the body. Along with the exposure to microplastics, the researchers also identified certain metabolic changes in the colon, liver, and brain.
How does exposure to microplastics impact health?
These metabolic changes also rely on how significantly Microplastic exposure the mice were exposed to and what type they were exposed to. Garcia stated, "By exposing mice to levels of Microplastics similar to human ingestion, we unveiled that these particles can migrate from the gut into organs such as the liver, kidney, and brain."
Prior research from our group has illustrated that microplastics can interfere with immune function. This could present an issue when dealing with infections or could potentially exacerbate conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases. Moreover, our study was carried out over a 4-week period, displaying noteworthy alterations in Metabolism. This provides insight into the long-term accumulation of microplastics in the body, raising concerns about chronic exposure. Furthermore, our study revealed substantial metabolic alterations connected to various metabolic and immune disorders, involving changes in amino acid, lipid, and hormone metabolism.
Limitations of the study
The study encountered particular limitations. Firstly, the researchers utilized mice for this study. Hence, additional research is required to ascertain if these results are applicable to humans.
Secondly, the researchers employed microplastics that lacked chemical additives commonly found in microplastics, making their consumption detrimental to one's health.
The scientists also suggest that the analysis of Microplastics was restricted. Additional research is essential to concentrate on methods for detecting and measuring microplastics in tissues.
Garcia appended, "Further research is imperative to resolve numerous questions on how microplastic accumulation impacts human health," highlighted.
We must comprehend their overall effect better and the factors influencing their uptake. At present, we are exploring how microplastics navigate their way into the brain. Furthermore, we are utilizing newly established techniques to investigate the accumulation of microplastics in human brain, liver, and kidney tissues.
