Understanding the implications of microplastics on maternal health during pregnancy, gut dysbiosis, and gestational diabetes mellitus

The pollution due to plastic waste has become a major environmental and health threat worldwide. Microplastics (MPs) enter the food pyramid from the sea salt, drinking water, and by the consumption of marine animals. Micro and nanoplastics upon ingestion by both humans and animals, can efficiently cross the epithelial barriers. Exposure to MPs results in changes leading to metabolic, oxidative effects, along neurotoxic as well as reproductive toxicity, and probable carcinogenic outcomes. MPs comprise additives which may play a key role as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s hormonal balance and potentially leading to a wide range of health complications in all age groups individuals including developing fetuses. MPs cause microbial dysbiosis, leading to and independently resulting in gut inflammation and dysfunction. A range of health complications, such as gut-associated disorders, inflammation, and other chronic diseases, are associated with gut disruption. In addition, circulating MPs possessing the potential to induce chronic inflammation cross the blood–brain barrier, thereby impacting through the gut-brain axis and potentially leading to neuroinflammatory effects. Exposure to MPs inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity and alters acetylcholine levels, the key contributors associated with behavior. Women’s gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by an increased presence of Ruminococcaceae, Parabacteroides distasonis , and Prevotella . These microbial diversities are linked to metabolic pathways involved in insulin signaling and carbohydrate metabolic pathways. MPs may be increasing some genera of the human gut microbiota, especially the Roseburia, Clostridium , and Prevotella . The effect of MPs on microbial dysbiosis, maternal health, and their potential metabolic repercussions needs urgent focus. The current review tries to address the effect of MPs on the microbial dysbiosis, specifically the maternal microflora and its impact leading to GDM.