Suspected Microplastic-like Particles in Human Gastric Autopsy Samples: An Exploratory Histopathological and Biochemical Study.

BACKGROUND

Human exposure to microplastics (MPs) is an emerging public health concern, yet their presence and pathological significance in gastric tissues remain poorly understood. This study investigated suspected MP-like particles in human gastric autopsy specimens, examining their association with histopathological changes and routine biochemical parameters.

METHODS

A retrospective post-mortem study was conducted on gastric tissue samples from 55 adults who underwent autopsies between 2022 and 2025. Tissue samples were digested using a hydrogen peroxide method, vacuum-filtered, stained with Nile Red, and quantified via ImageJ. Histopathological evaluation using hematoxylin-eosin staining and polarized light microscopy identified tissue-embedded suspected MP-like particles and assessed inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis. Data were analyzed based on suspected MP-like particle detection status.

RESULTS

Suspected gastric MP-like particles were detected in 15 of 55 cases (27.3%). Most positive cases exhibited a low particle burden (median 1/g). Polarized light microscopy additionally served as a technical assessment tool, revealing birefringent structures measuring 26-84 μm within the gastric mucosa or lumen. All suspected MP-like particle-positive cases showed gastric inflammation compared to 35.0% of suspected MP-like particle-negative cases. Fibrosis and necrosis occurred exclusively in the suspected MP-like particle-positive group but lacked statistical significance. No significant associations were found between suspected MP-like particle detection and demographics, comorbidities, or systemic biochemical markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Suspected gastric MP-like particles were identified in over a quarter of autopsy tissues and were strongly associated with localized gastric inflammation.