The disposable paper cups (DPCs) release millions of microplastics (MPs) when used for hot beverages. However, the tissue-specific deposition and toxic effects of MPs and associated toxins remain largely unexplored, especially at daily consumption levels. We administered MPs and associated toxins extracted from leading brand DPCs to pregnant mice, revealing dose-responsive harmful effects on fetal development and maternal physiology. MPs were detected in all 13 examined tissues, with preferred depositions in the fetus, placenta, kidney, spleen, lung, and heart, contributing to impaired phenotypes. Brain tissues had the smallest MPs (90.35 % < 10 µm). A dose-responsive shift in the cecal microbiome from Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was observed, coupled with enhanced biosynthesis of microbial fatty acids. A moderate consumption of 3.3 cups daily was sufficient to alter the cecal microbiome, global metabolic functions, and immune health, as reflected by tissue-specific transcriptomic analyses in maternal blood, placenta, and mammary glands, leading to neurodegenerative and miscarriage risks. Gene-based benchmark dose framework analysis suggested a safe exposure limit of 2 to 4 cups/day in pregnant mice. Our results highlight tissue-specific accumulation and metabolic and reproductive toxicities in mice at DPC consumption levels presumed non-hazardous, with potential health implications for pregnant women and fetuses.

中文翻译：

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一次性纸杯中微塑料的胎盘和胎儿富集：对怀孕期间代谢和生殖健康的影响


一次性纸杯 (DPC) 在用于热饮时会释放出数百万个微塑料 (MP)。然而，MP 和相关毒素的组织特异性沉积和毒性作用在很大程度上仍未得到探索，特别是在日常消耗水平上。我们将从领先品牌 DPC 中提取的 MP 和相关毒素给予怀孕小鼠，揭示了对胎儿发育和母体生理的剂量反应性有害影响。在所有 13 个检查组织中均检测到 MP，其中首选沉积在胎儿、胎盘、肾脏、脾脏、肺和心脏中，导致表型受损。脑组织的 MP 最小（90.35 % < 10 µm）。观察到盲肠微生物组从厚壁菌门到拟杆菌门的剂量反应性转变，同时微生物脂肪酸的生物合成增强。每天适度饮用 3.3 杯就足以改变盲肠微生物组、整体代谢功能和免疫健康，正如母体血液、胎盘和乳腺中的组织特异性转录组分析所反映的那样，从而导致神经退行性和流产风险。基于基因的基准剂量框架分析表明，怀孕小鼠的安全暴露限制为每天 2 至 4 杯。我们的结果强调了小鼠在 DPC 消耗水平（假定无害）下的组织特异性积累以及代谢和生殖毒性，对孕妇和胎儿具有潜在的健康影响。