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Deciphering the Neurotoxic Burden of Micro- and Nanoplastics: From Multi-model Experimental Evidence to Therapeutic Innovation
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This review summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics damage the brain and nervous system, covering evidence from cell studies, animal experiments, and clinical observations. Plastic particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, disrupt the gut-brain connection, cause oxidative stress, and trigger inflammation that leads to memory problems and cognitive decline. The review also discusses potential treatment strategies, making it a useful resource for understanding the brain health risks of plastic exposure.
The widespread production of plastic in all daily appliances and its poor non-biodegradable characteristics along with toxic plasticizers pose significant risks to human health, leading to several life-threatening conditions, including neurological illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Microplastics (MPs) (101 nm-5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs) (≤ 100 nm) infiltrate the human body via the respiratory system, digestive tract, and dermal absorption, resulting in the alteration of numerous biological and cellular processes, including apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, among others. The bioaccumulation of MPs and NPs disrupts the gut-brain axis, resulting in memory impairment, synapse malfunction, and ultimately cognitive deficits. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the molecular mechanisms by which MPs and NPs disrupt cellular function to assess their hazards to human health. This review explores the formation, behavior, toxicity, pollution, and health effects of MPs and NPs, while highlighting research gaps to encourage further studies on their unique properties and biological interactions. This review further elucidates the detrimental impact of MPs and NPs on the development and progression of neurological illnesses, as well as management strategies to alleviate the toxic effects of exposure to these substances.
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This review examines emerging evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in nervous tissue, potentially triggering neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Researchers summarized findings showing these particles may act as neurotoxicants that contribute to synaptic dysfunction and pathological changes in brain cells. The study highlights the need for further research into how chronic plastic particle exposure may affect central nervous system health over time.
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The neurotoxic threat of micro- and nanoplastics: evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo models
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This systematic review examined 26 studies showing that micro- and nanoplastics can cross into the brain, damage neurons, and trigger inflammation in lab and animal models. These findings raise concerns that long-term plastic exposure could contribute to neurological problems in humans, though more research is needed.
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This review synthesizes evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier or traveling along nerve pathways, accumulating in regions critical for memory and thinking. Animal studies show that chronic exposure leads to cognitive problems, behavioral changes, and brain changes resembling neurodegenerative diseases, driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of the gut-brain connection. The findings raise concern that long-term human exposure to nanoplastics through food and air could contribute to cognitive decline and neurological disease.
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This review compiles emerging evidence on how ingested microplastics and nanoplastics may affect the brain and nervous system. Researchers found that these particles can disrupt gut bacteria, cross the blood-brain barrier, and accumulate in neural tissue, potentially triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein changes linked to cognitive problems. The study highlights an urgent need for more human research, as initial findings have associated elevated plastic particle levels in brain tissue with neurological concerns.
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