Everyday packaging plastic may compound fatty liver risk from burgers and sodas
Microplastics have become nearly impossible to avoid. They have been detected in oceans, drinking water and even the human body, but scientists are still uncovering how they affect human health. Now, researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have uncovered evidence that one of the world's most common plastics may do more than pollute the…
Researchers at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have discovered that polyethylene, a prevalent plastic used in food packaging, may contribute to fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease affects about 25% of people globally, characterized by excess fat accumulation in liver cells. While polyethylene has been considered relatively inert, this study suggests it can worsen liver damage when combined with an unhealthy diet.
The team employed a novel technique, spatial transcriptomics, to observe liver damage at a microscopic level. Their findings reveal that polyethylene activates PPAR-alpha, a protein regulating fat production in the liver, and ANXA2, a gene linked to tissue repair. Consequently, exposure to polyethylene could exacerbate liver disease in individuals following a Western-style diet high in fat, fructose, and cholesterol.
The researchers aim to explore further the role of polyethylene-induced liver damage and potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate the adverse effects.
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