Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in a colitis mouse model – effects on biodistribution, macrophage polarization, and gut microbiome

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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Microplastics and Nanoplastics
Published
2025-12-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43591-025-00160-7
Primary Topic
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in a colitis mouse model – effects on biodistribution, macrophage polarization, and gut microbiome

Elisabeth S. Gruber, Bernadette Mödl, G Egger, Iris Kufferath et al.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
article

Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in a colitis mouse model – effects on biodistribution, macrophage polarization, and gut microbiome

Elisabeth S. Gruber, Bernadette Mödl, G Egger, Iris Kufferath, J Kabiljo, George Sarau, Gerald Timelthaler, Verena Kopatz, Silke Christiansen, Oldamur Hollóczki, Robert Eferl, Wolfgang Wadsak, Ulrike Resch, Marion J. Pollheimer, Vanessa Stadlbauer, J. Widder, Verena Pichler, Martin Raigel, Saule Beratlyte, Zeynab Mirzaei, Nikola Zlatkov Kolev, Julia Wallner, Marcus Krueger, Stefan Sarbu, Simina Laslau, Michaela Schlederer, Janette Pfneissl, Lukas Kenner, Kristina Draganic, Angela Horvath
article en

Abstract

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.

Microplastics and NanoplasticsVol. 6(1)
University of Vienna (AT), University of Debrecen (HU), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (AT), Medical University of Graz (AT), Academia Oamenilor de Știință din România (RO), Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna (AT), Christian Doppler Laboratory for Thermoelectricity (AT), Institute of Micro and Nanotechnology (ES), Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (DE), Center For Biomarker Research In Medicine (AT), Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (DE), Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics (AT), Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (DE), Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration (AT), Freie Universität Berlin (DE), Medical University of Vienna (AT), Umeå University (SE)
Openalex Percentile: Top 51%
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
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