Gut Microbiota Participates in Polystyrene Microplastics-Induced Hepatic Injuries by Modulating the Gut–Liver Axis

Dietary pollution by polystyrene microplastics (MPs) can cause hepatic injuries and microbial dysbiosis. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, exerts beneficial effects on the liver by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the role of microbiota in MPs-induced hepatic injuries and the protective effect of EGCG have not been clarified. Here, 5 μm MPs were orally administered to mice to induce hepatic injuries. Subsequently, antibiotic cocktail (ABX) and fecal microbial transplant (FMT) experiments were performed to investigate the underlying microbial mechanisms. Additionally, EGCG was orally administered to mice to explore its protection against MPs-induced hepatic injuries.…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 82173474, 82171877
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province

  Awards: 2021A1515012456, 2020A1515010370
• GM
  Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau

  Award: 202002030043