From:  Microplastics and microbiota: deciphering the concealed environmental threats to health

 Different mechanisms of MNP-induced gut dysbiosis.

Different mechanismsPathophysiology
Physical mechanical damage
  • Mucus layer degradation

  • Epithelial barrier degradation

Oxidative stress and inflammation
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production

  • Inflammatory signaling

  • Reduced antioxidants

Alteration of microbial composition
  • Decreased beneficial gut bacteria

  • Increased harmful bacteria

  • Metabolic shifting

Chemical toxicities
  • Leaching of toxins into the gastrointestinal environment

MNP: micro- and nanoplastic.