A recent study has identified the universal presence of microplastics in human bile, highlighting the biliary system as a potential reservoir and excretion pathway for these environmental pollutants. Predominantly composed of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene, most particles measured 20–50 μm. The study demonstrates that chronic low-dose exposure to microplastics can induce mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence in cholangiocytes, suggesting a possible role in biliary pathology, including gallstone formation.
Importantly, antioxidant intervention with melatonin was shown to preserve mitochondrial function and reduce microplastic-induced cytotoxicity in experimental settings. While these findings provide a mechanistic basis linking environmental exposure to biliary disease, they remain preliminary. Further large-scale human studies are needed to establish clinical…
