Effects of microplastics on the intestines
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are small pieces of plastic less than 5 mm in diameter. They are formed both as a primary product, which has found use in textiles and microspheres in cosmetics, and as a secondary product, resulting from the degradation of larger pieces of plastic due to physical, chemical, and even biological factors. The intestinal barrier is one of the body’s lines of defence against the entry of MPs molecules into the body. It can enter the body through various mechanisms and cause accumulation in the intestines and other organs. Furthermore, MPs can cause changes in the function of the intestinal barrier and increase its permeability, causing increased accumulation of particles. However, the actual extent of human exposure is still unknown due to discrepancies in the methodology of the available studies. Therefore, new validated analytical methods and long-term studies are needed to better understand the effects of microplastics on intestinal health.
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