Dietary silver nanoparticle supplementation induces Alzheimer-like lesions through Bifidobacterium deficiency-dominated gut microbiota dysbiosis and neuroinflammation

Apr 4, 2026NPJ science of food

Silver nanoparticles in the diet may cause Alzheimer-like brain damage by disrupting gut bacteria and increasing brain inflammation

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Abstract

Dietary supplement silver nanoparticles can accumulate in the intestines, brain, and liver of mice.

  • Chronic exposure to silver nanoparticles leads to Alzheimer-like lesions in mice.
  • Disruption of gut microbiota balance occurs, notably depleting Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcaceae.
  • Reduced intestinal metabolites, including sphingomyelin, tryptophan, and indole, are observed.
  • Neuroinflammation, cognitive impairment, and amyloid-β deposition are associated with this disruption.
  • Bifidobacterium is identified as a key microbial group linked to Alzheimer-like lesions.

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