Investigation of the Protective Effects of Rice Bran Extract on Histological Changes in the Small Intestine of Mice Exposed to Polystyrene Microplastic

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 PhD, Department of Comparative Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 MSc Student, Department of Comparative Bioscience, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Comparative Bioscience, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.48305/jims.v43.i824.0867

Abstract

Background: Microplastics are emerging and widespread pollutants that can pass through nutritional barriers and accumulate in various tissues of the body. However, the histological effects of polystyrene microplastics on the small intestine are unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of rice bran extract against intestinal toxicity caused by polystyrene microplastics.
Methods: In this experimental study, 20 male adult mice were randomly divided into four groups of five. Two groups of mice received polystyrene microplastics at a dose of 1 mg/kg, body weight orally via gavage for 40 days. One of these groups was also given rice bran extract at a dose of 1 g/kg, body weight orally via gavage. A control group and a group that received only rice bran extract were also included. Tissue samples were collected 24 hours after the last treatment for histological assessments.
Findings: Histomorphological and histomorphometric evaluations of the small intestine showed that the administration of polystyrene caused destructive effects on histomorphological structure and a significant decrease in histomorphometric parameters and tissue superoxide dismutase levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, polystyrene exposure significantly increased the level of cellular apoptosis compared to the control group. The administration of rice bran extract significantly improved the observed changes in the mentioned parameters.
Conclusion: It seems that rice bran extract can reduce the negative effects on histomorphology, histomorphometry, and oxidative parameters, as well as decrease the level of apoptosis induced by polystyrene in the small intestine.

Highlights

Hojat Anbara: Google Scholar

Abolfazl Motevalli: Google Scholar 

Jamile Salaramoli: Google Scholar 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 824
4th Week, September
September and October 2025
Pages 867-879

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 11 August 2025

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