We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Early-life exposure to polypropylene nanoplastics induces neurodevelopmental toxicity in mice and human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids
Summary
Researchers exposed pregnant mice to polypropylene nanoplastics through inhalation and found that their offspring showed impaired brain development, poor spatial memory, reduced motor coordination, and increased anxiety. Tests using human brain organoids (lab-grown mini-brains) confirmed that nanoplastics disrupt the growth and differentiation of neurons, raising concerns about fetal brain health from plastic pollution during pregnancy.
Nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging environmental pollutants that pose growing concerns due to their potential health risks. However, the effects of inhaled NP exposure during pregnancy on fetal brain development remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of maternal exposure to polypropylene nanoplastics (PP-NPs) on fetal brain development and neurobehavioral outcomes in a mouse model and further explored its mechanism in human cerebral organoids. Maternal exposure to PP-NPs significantly impaired neuronal differentiation and proliferation in the fetal cortex. Neurobehavioral assessments revealed significant deficits in offspring following maternal exposure, including impaired spatial memory, reduced motor coordination, and heightened anxiety-like behavior. Furthermore, human brain organoids exposed to PP-NPs exhibited reduced growth and neuronal differentiation, with significant downregulation of key neuronal markers such as TUJ1, MAP2, and PAX6. Transcriptomic analysis identified alterations in gene expression, particularly in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway. Molecular docking and fluorescence co-localization analysis further suggested CYSLTR1 and PTH1R as key molecular targets of PP-NPs. These findings provide novel insights into the toxicological effects of NPs on the developing brain and emphasize the need for preventive measures to protect fetal neurodevelopment during pregnancy.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Effects of nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy and lactation on neurodevelopment of rat offspring
When pregnant and nursing rats were exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics, their offspring showed thinner brain cortexes, disrupted neurotransmitter levels, damaged connections between brain cells, and problems with anxiety and spatial memory. This study suggests that maternal exposure to nanoplastics during pregnancy and breastfeeding could affect brain development in offspring.
Toxic effects and mechanisms of nanoplastics on embryonic brain development using brain organoids model
Using lab-grown brain organoids (miniature brain models), researchers found that nanoplastics exposure damaged developing brain cells, reduced the number of neural precursor cells, and disrupted connections between neurons. The damage appeared to work through the Wnt signaling pathway, which is critical for normal brain development. These findings raise concerns that nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy could potentially harm fetal brain development.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics impacts developmental milestones and brain structure in mouse offspring
Researchers exposed pregnant mice to polystyrene nanoplastics and studied the effects on their offspring's brain development. The study found that maternal nanoplastic exposure affected developmental milestones and brain structure in the young mice. The findings suggest that nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy may pose risks to fetal brain development, though more research is needed to understand the implications for humans.
Teratological, neurochemical and histomorphic changes in the limbic areas of F1 mice progeny due to co-parental polystyrene nanoplastic exposure
Researchers exposed parent mice to polystyrene nanoplastics before and during pregnancy and found that offspring exhibited skeletal and visceral malformations, impaired neonatal reflexes, learning deficits, and structural brain changes — including reduced hippocampal neurons — demonstrating transgenerational neurodevelopmental harm from nanoplastic exposure.
Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on the Biology of Human Neural Stem Cells and Human Cerebral Organoids.
This study investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on human neural stem cells and human cerebral organoids, examining whether nanoplastics that have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and placenta can disrupt normal brain development. Given the lack of prior research on nanoplastic effects on the developing brain, the findings carry significant implications for understanding neurodevelopmental risks from early-life plastic exposure.