Editorial
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Apr 28, 2024; 30(16): 2191-2194
Published online Apr 28, 2024. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i16.2191
Microplastics and microbiota: Unraveling the hidden environmental challenge
Jean Demarquoy
Jean Demarquoy, Université de Bourgogne, Institut Agro-Dijon, Dijon 21000, France
Author contributions: Demarquoy J conducted literature review and analysis and authored this manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The author declares no conflict of interest.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Jean Demarquoy, PhD, Professor, UMR PAM, PMB, Université de Bourgogne, Institut Agro-Dijon, INRAe, 6 blvd Gabriel, Dijon 21000, France. jean.demarquoy@u-bourgogne.fr
Received: March 3, 2024
Revised: April 2, 2024
Accepted: April 8, 2024
Published online: April 28, 2024
Processing time: 53 Days and 17 Hours
Abstract

This editorial explores the intricate relationship between microplastics (MPs) and gut microbiota, emphasizing the complexity and environmental health implications. The gut microbiota, a crucial component of gastrointestinal health, is examined in the context of potential microbial degradation of MPs. Furthermore, dysbiosis induced by MPs emerges as a consensus, disrupting the balance of gut microbiota and decreasing diversity. The mechanisms triggering dysbiosis, including physical interactions and chemical composition, are under investigation. Ongoing research addresses the consequences of MPs on immune fun-ction, nutrient metabolism, and overall host health. The bidirectional relationship between MPs and gut microbiota has significant implications for environmental and human health. Despite uncertainties, MPs negatively impact gut microbiota and health. Further research is essential to unravel the complex interactions and assess the long-term consequences of MPs on both environmental and human well-being.

Keywords: Microplastics; Microbiota; Gut; Dysbiosis

Core Tip: The intricate relationship between microplastics (MPs) and gut microbiota, as outlined in this article, emphasizes the growing concern for environmental health. Although the potential microbial degradation of certain MPs is recognized, the dysbiosis induced by these particles is widely acknowledged as a threat, impacting the balance and diversity of gut microbiota. Ongoing research aims to unravel these complex, bidirectional interactions, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of their implications for both environmental ecosystems and human health.