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

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.