How tiny plastic particles affect gut health
Defining the Harmful Effects of Microplastics on Gastrointestinal Health
This project looks at whether swallowing tiny microplastic particles harms the intestines and whether people with inflammatory bowel disease are more affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11101376 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use human gut cell lines and animal models (zebrafish) to study how chronic exposure to microplastics changes cellular metabolism, the gut barrier, and the community of gut bacteria. They will measure intestinal permeability, low-level inflammation, and shifts in cellular respiration that could explain damage to the gut lining. The team will compare effects under normal conditions and in situations that mimic inflammatory bowel disease to see who may be most vulnerable. The goal is to identify mechanisms by which microplastics could increase gut inflammation and inform ways to reduce risk for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory bowel disease or chronic intestinal inflammation would be the most relevant patients to follow this work or to join related future studies.
Not a fit: People without gut symptoms or who have very low microplastic exposure are unlikely to get direct benefits from this primarily lab-based project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how microplastic exposure contributes to gut inflammation and point to ways to reduce harm or protect people with IBD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies have shown microplastics can alter gut bacteria and cause low-level inflammation, but strong evidence in humans is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castillo, Eliseo F — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Castillo, Eliseo F
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.