NCT06247579

Effects of Dietary Polystyrene Microplastics on Anxiety- and Depression-like Behaviors

Effects of Dietary Polystyrene Microplastics From Disposable Plastic Tableware on Anxiety- and Depression-like Behaviors

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 15 (actual)
• Sponsor: Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The objective of this clinical trial is to explore the potential impact of dietary polystyrene microplastics on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in resident physicians. Specifically, the study aims to address two key questions: 1. Can dietary polystyrene microplastics induce alterations in the human gut microbiome? 2. Can dietary polystyrene microplastics exacerbate anxiety- and depression-like behaviors? Participants will be divided into two groups based on their habitual eating practices: The control group, consisting of resident physicians, will use non-disposable plastic tableware (NDPT) provided by hospital canteens for two months. In contrast, the exposure group, also comprising resident physicians, will use disposable plastic tableware (DPT) made of polystyrene, provided by the same hospital canteens, over the same period.

Detailed description

The mental health and well-being of resident physicians is a critical topic that has gained increasing attention recently. Recent studies have shown a growing prevalence of mental health illnesses worldwide. For medical trainees and resident physicians, high rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and burnout have been consistently observed. Moreover, contemporary research suggests that dietary exposure plays a pivotal role in the development of mental illnesses. Disposable plastic tableware, commonly used during resident training programs, could be a contributing factor. However, the specific effects of dietary exposure from such tableware on mental health, particularly through the gut-brain axis, remain largely unexplored. Consequently, investigating the potential impact of dietary polystyrene microplastics on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in resident physicians is essential.

Conditions

• Depression, Anxiety

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Dietary polystyrene microplastics from disposable plastic tableware	Microplastic release from the daily use of disposable plastic materials (e.g., plastic boxes) when holding hot food or drink.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-01-01
• Primary completion: 2024-04-25
• Completion: 2024-05-01
• First posted: 2024-02-08
• Last updated: 2024-08-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China