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Microplastics and gut microbiome: (Master thesis)

Πρίλλο, Πέτρος/ Prillo, Petros/ Τρόφιμα, Διατροφή και Μικροβίωμα

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) represent an emerging public health threat, and this thesis aims to map their trajectory from environmental sources to possible clinical impacts, highlighting the role of the gut microbiome and dietary strategies for protection. The first chapter introduces the global problem of plastic pollution, the categories, sources, and physicochemical characteristics of MNPs, as well as the primary routes of human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The second chapter analyses the distribution of MNPs across aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric ecosystems, their penetration into the agri-food chain, and their interaction with animals and animal-derived foods, viewed through a One Health lens. The third chapter focuses on the gastrointestinal microbiome, describing the mechanisms by which MNPs breach the intestinal barrier, the induction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and the characteristic dysbiotic changes documented in in vitro and in vivo studies. The fourth chapter synthesises clinical and epidemiological evidence on the health impacts of MNPs, covering gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, cardiometabolic disorders, neurological and immunological effects, and reproductive toxicity. The fifth chapter examines dietary sources of MNP exposure during food preparation and packaging, evaluates the Mediterranean Diet as a protective pattern through its antioxidants, dietary fibre, and fermented foods, and presents the conclusions and future research directions. Overall, MNPs emerge as a multi-systemic risk factor acting through oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and gut microbiome dysbiosis, with the gut microbiome serving as the central mediator of downstream effects. The Mediterranean Diet which is rich in antioxidants, dietary fibre, and fermented foods containing strains with demonstrated capacity to adsorb and excrete MNPs, stands out as the most promising protective dietary pattern.