Deciphering the Neurotoxic Burden of Micro- and Nanoplastics: From Multi-model Experimental Evidence to Therapeutic Innovation

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.