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Our bodies are not exempt from microplastics! According to recent research, they are present in our bodies as well as in the food we consume, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Researchers are still trying to determine the true harm that these microplastics do to human health. According to a Taiwanese study, nanoplastics can modify the intestines in extremely harmful ways, which may result in the development of new illnesses.
The study’s findings and the significance of further human research on this topic for our health in the future will be covered in depth here. Let’s begin, then!
Microplastics and our intestines
Because they are present everywhere, including in our digestive systems, scientists are concerned about microplastics, which are minute pieces of plastic that have broken up into smaller pieces.
Although this topic has already been researched, a recent study conducted in Taiwan has discovered more information that you won’t like. Scientists discovered that these microplastics, in their smallest form known as nanoplastics, can change the balance of intestinal flora and lessen the intestine’s defensive qualities.
The study
By giving mice polystyrene nanoplastics for 12 weeks, researchers from Taiwan’s National Cheng Kung University have examined the impact of nanoplastics on mammals. Following this time frame, researchers conducted a more thorough examination to see what had altered within the mice’s bodies.
Observed changes
The experiment revealed that these microscopic microplastics altered numerous internal processes. Let’s examine what transpired:
- Changes when producing proteins and activity of certain genes.
- Lactobacillus bacteria that helps the digestive system was reduced.
- Bacteria like the Ruminococcaceae, which are potentially damaging, increased.
- A bacteria called Lachnospiraceae even absorbed part of the tiny microplastics, and changed its behaviour.
- Proteins that keep the intestine well sealed and protected were much lower, so the intestinal barrier weakened and harmful substances got easier into the bodies.
Cells and intestinal microbes
The intestinal cells employ vesicles, which resemble tiny bubbles, to carry microRNA, which is the message the cells send to the bacteria. This allows the intestinal cells and the beneficial bacteria to communicate inside our bodies.
Additionally, this study discovered that the vesicles ceased to function correctly when mice nibbled the microscopic microplastics. Bacteria in the intestine changed as a result of the cessation of cell-bacterial contact.
Is it dangerous for humans too?
Although the study was conducted on mice, whose processes are comparable to our own, experts are unable to guarantee that the same outcome will occur in humans. Furthermore, mice are given far more nanoplastics than the typical human eats in their daily lives.
Because of this, researchers are unsure if our exposure to microplastics is significant enough to have the same effects as those of mice.
After the results
Now that we are aware of the study’s findings, experts caution about the concerning state of affairs and pose crucial queries. We first need a few things in order to answer these questions:
- Researching more about how much plastic we are consuming on a daily basis.
- Improve the technology to detect nanoplastics on our bodies.
- Do more studies on humans.
There are still a lot of unknowns around this matter. Although our understanding of the potential impacts of microplastics on humans has advanced, much more has to be discovered. Given that practically everything in our environment is made of plastic, it is critical to comprehend the effects of microplastics in order to safeguard our health in the future. Therefore, funding for study on such topics is necessary.
