Microplastics seem to infiltrate everywhere in our bodies. Chinese doctors have found it in the gallstones of several patients. Another worrying element of their study: the tests they carried out show that these small particles of plastic stimulate the formation of stony deposits in the gallbladder.
The researchers shared their work in the journal Journal of Hazardous Materials from April 5, 2024.
Microplastic and stones: young patients are more at risk
In their article, Chinese doctors reveal that they found microplastic in the gallstones of 16 patients with cholelithiasis. In addition, the youngest patients – that is to say those under 50 years old – had the highest levels of pollutants. “This indicates that younger patients may be more affected by microplastic pollution”notes the team.
According to the analyzes carried out, five types of microplastics were identified in the calculations: Polystyrene (PS, the most common), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
Researchers also noted that these substances seem to bind more easily with cholesterol than bilirubin (a yellow pigment found in bile), both possible components of gallstones.
Microplastics: a modification of the intestinal microbiota identified
To try to understand the observed phenomenon, doctors carried out an experiment with mice. If all rodents were fed a high cholesterol diet. Some had more or less large microplastics in their water, depending on the group. The animals having had this drink showed more severe cholelithiasis.
Furthermore, the rodents that had absorbed the smaller microplastics had much heavier gallstones than those that had drunk the liquid containing larger plastic particles. For researchers, this suggests that smaller microplastics would have an easier time infiltrating organs.
“Significant changes in the gut microbiota were also identified after ingestion of microplastics in mice”note the authors.
The scientists then conclude: “our study revealed the presence of microplastics in human gallstones, showing their potential to aggravate cholelithiasis by forming large cholesterol-microplastic heteroaggregates and altering the gut microbiota.”
