In vivo methylmercury toxicity is exacerbated by polystyrene microplastic exposure, leading to colon barrier disruption, gut dysbiosis, and systemic oxidative imbalance

Key Points

• The aim is to investigate how polystyrene microplastics affect the toxicity of methylmercury and the resulting biological disruptions.
• In vivo exposure to both polystyrene microplastics and methylmercury.
• Assessment of colon barrier function and gut microbiome changes.
• Analysis of systemic oxidative stress levels.
• Combined exposure resulted in significant colon barrier disruption compared to individual exposures.
• Gut dysbiosis was observed, indicating alterations in microbiome composition.
• Increased systemic oxidative stress levels were noted, implying a broader impact on biological health.