Microplastic in Gastric Fasting Liquid and Associated Gastric Pathology.

Objective: To determine the presence of microplastics in the stomach, and the relationship between pathological changes in stomach tissue and microplastics.

Study design: An analytical study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Internal Medicine, Sorgun State Hospital, Yozgat, Turkiye, from December 2022 to November 2023.

Methodology: Fasting gastric fluid sampling and endoscopic sampling including mucosal and submucosal layers from the antrum were performed. The pH values of the gastric fluids were recorded. Samples were analysed gradually by adding iron solution, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium chloride (NaCl) in a beaker at 75 degrees for 30 minutes. Biopsy materials obtained from antrum were examined histopathologically and reported according to the Sydney classification. The relationship between gastric biopsy results and the presence of microplastic was evaluated using Chi-square test. The significance level was taken as p <0.005.

Results: The study included 61 individuals. The presence of microplastics was detected in 17 (27.86%) gastric fluid samples obtained from the individuals. A significant correlation was found between increased activity and inflammation in antrum biopsy and the presence of microplastic (χ2 = 8.55 p = 0.014; χ2 = 25.75, p = 0.001). The relationship between atrophy, metaplasia, and Helicobacter pylori in gastric tissue and the presence of microplastic was statistically insignificant (p >0.05).

Conclusion: Microplastics were detected in gastric fasting fluid. These materials can cause histopathologic changes and inflammation in the gastric antrum.

Key words: H. pylori, Intestinal metaplasia, Inflammation, Microplastic, Plastic, Sydney classification.