Longevity PapersAbout
← All papers
RESEARCH PAPER / 2025-08-08

Polystyrene Accelerates Aging Related-Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis and -Metabolites in Old-Aged Mouse.

Hyun Hwangbo, Eun-Ju Kim, Gi-Young Kim, Sun-Young Hwang, Mee-Hyun Lee, Yung Hyun Choi

Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea.Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea. · pubmed

Abstract

Microplastics, particularly polystyrene (PS), are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and concerns about their potential detrimental effects on human health are increasing. Emerging evidence suggests that microplastics may disrupt the gut microbiota, a critical ecosystem involved in regulating host metabolism, immunity, and aging processes. However, the specific effects of PS on the gut microbiota composition and its potential role in modulating aging are yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PS exposure on gut microbiota dysbiosis and its potential role in the acceleration of aging. Gut microbiota composition was assessed using 16S rDNA sequencing, while fecal metabolites were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Exposure to PS resulted in a significant reduction in the abundance of beneficial microbiota, including

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

Polystyrene exposure leads to gut microbiota dysbiosis, which may accelerate aging processes. The study addresses the impact of environmental factors on gut health and aging, contributing to understanding the root causes of aging.

Author of this paper? Send a correction.