In vivo test of acute exposure of polyethylene microplastics on kidney and liver of <i>Rattus norvegicus</i> Wistar strain rats

The increasing use of plastics has caused severe environmental pollution, especially microplastics with plastic particles with a diameter of 5 mm or less.These particles are formed by environmental factors such as weathering and ultraviolet radiation, worsening environmental pollution.This environmental pollution increases human exposure to microplastics through the food chain.Many studies have reported the adverse effects of microplastic exposure on food and aquatic organisms.However, relatively few studies have used white mice.The entry of microplastics into white mice can affect two essential organs, namely the liver and kidneys.In this study, we conducted in-vivo experimental tests on male white mice by exposing them to a single dose of pure PE (polyethylene) type microplastics and then observing them for 14 days.Toxicological effects were evaluated comprehensively in white mice by examining clinical signs, body weight, and kidney and liver function activity through blood tests for creatinine, SGOT, and SGPT parameters.Further kidney and liver abnormalities were analyzed through histopathological tests.Based on the results of experiments carried out, it was found that PE-type microplastics had a significant impact on changes in body weight, increased functional activity of the kidneys and liver in white mice as well as chronic histopathological abnormalities in male white mice, so it is hoped that this research can clarify that PE type microplastics can affect kidney and liver organs for those who consume large amounts in a short time.