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Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in a colitis mouse model – effects on biodistribution, macrophage polarization, and gut microbiome
Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department for Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CBmed GmbH – Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine, Styria, Graz, Austria; CCC – Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria.
Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster of Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany.
Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
CBmed GmbH – Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine, Styria, Graz, Austria; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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2026 (English)In: Microplastics and Nanoplastics, E-ISSN 2662-4966, Vol. 6, no 1, article id 9Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The increasing prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rising pollution from micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles has prompted investigations on their potential interconnection. To elucidate the complex relationship between IBD and exposure to MNPs, we induced colitis in mice using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and orally administered a mixture of polystyrene (PS) MNPs (diameter 10, 1, and 0.29 µm). These particles enabled a detailed examination of MNP biodistribution, innate immune cell response and gut microbiome alterations under inflammatory conditions. Specifically, the nanosized PS particles predominantly accumulated in the bloodstream and excretory organs, with enhanced accumulation in the inflamed gut/colon. Proteomic analysis of the colon revealed alterations in molecular pathways related to protein transport, metabolism, and immune responses. Specifically, we found macrophage proteome signatures with pro-inflammatory polarization, highlighting the intricate effects of MNPs on inflammation and immune cell behavior. Moreover, MNPs significantly disrupted the gut microbiome, reducing microbial diversity and shifting bacterial populations towards pro-inflammatory and potentially pathogenic species. These changes suggest that MNP exposure could exacerbate colitis through complex interactions involving MNPs, immune responses, and microbial dynamics. The widespread presence of MNPs underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address MNP pollution, its implications for disease, and potential impacts on public health.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2026. Vol. 6, no 1, article id 9
Keywords [en]
Colitis mouse model, Gut microbiome, Micro- and nanoplastic, Polystyrene, Proteomics
National Category
Immunology in the Medical Area
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-249673DOI: 10.1186/s43591-025-00160-7ISI: 001673173500002Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105028697843OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-249673DiVA, id: diva2:2037540
Available from: 2026-02-11 Created: 2026-02-11 Last updated: 2026-02-11Bibliographically approved

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Zlatkov, Nikola

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