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Ingested microplastics and the gut–brain axis: A systematic review of mechanistic pathways and neurobiological impacts in human and preclinical models
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles and the gut-brain connection in rodent and human cell studies. Swallowed or inhaled plastics built up in the digestive tract, altered gut bacteria, and were linked to inflammation and behavior changes in animals. In rodent studies, treatments like fecal transplants and certain probiotics were linked to reduced brain-related harm from plastic exposure.
Miroplastic (MP) pollution which affects both humans and animals, has emerged as a global health concern. Evidence from in vivo rodent studies, in vitro human cell models, and multi-omics analyses indicates that ingested and inhaled MPs can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, cross epithelial barriers, and alter host-microbe interactions. Nanoplastics (NPs, <1 μm), owing to their small size and high surface-area-to-volume ratio, may exhibit greater cellular uptake, tissue translocation, and neurotoxic potential than larger MPs. These processes contribute to systemic effects, including immune activation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation. Recent studies suggest that MPs influence gut-brain communication, with changes in microbiota composition, neurotransmitter metabolism, and neuroinflammatory signaling linked to cognitive and behavioral deficits in animal models. Promising interventional strategies-including fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), probiotic supplementation (e.g., Lactobacillus plantarum), and bile acid therapy-have shown efficacy in mitigating MP/NP-induced neurotoxicity in preclinical models. Particle size, surface chemistry, and eco-corona formation modulate these effects, highlighting the importance of physicochemical heterogeneity. Despite progress, translating findings from animals to humans remains challenging, and standardized exposure models are lacking.
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Micro- and nanoplastics and potential perturbation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastics and nanoplastics and their possible effects on the gut, its microbes, and the brain. Animal studies found changes in gut bacteria, gut barrier function, inflammation, and behavior, but human evidence remains limited and cannot yet show these particles cause brain disease.
Microplastics and nano-plastics as emerging gut–brain axis disruptors: mechanistic insights, health implications, and future direction
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This review pulls together existing research showing that the tiny plastic bits we eat and breathe in (microplastics and nanoplastics) can disrupt the healthy bacteria in your gut, weaken your intestinal lining, and trigger inflammation, problems that don't stay put in your stomach. Once this damage occurs, plastic particles and inflammatory signals can travel through the bloodstream and even cross into the brain, potentially contributing to brain inflammation and disrupted brain chemistry. While more research is needed to confirm exact risks in humans, this matters because it suggests everyday plastic exposure could affect not just
Microplastics and the gut-brain axis: Unraveling neurotoxic mechanisms and health implications
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This review examines how microplastics interact with the gut-brain axis, a communication network linking the digestive system to the central nervous system. Researchers found that microplastics can disrupt intestinal barrier integrity, alter gut microbiota composition, and trigger systemic inflammation that may affect neurotransmitter balance and brain function. The study suggests that chronic microplastic exposure through the diet could contribute to neurological effects through inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.
Health risk analysis of micro-and nanoplastic exposure via the microbiota-gut-brain axis
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics that accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract may disrupt the microbiota-gut-brain axis through neural, immune, and endocrine pathways. The study suggests that these particles can interfere with normal gut microbiota function after entering the body through diet, inhalation, and skin contact, potentially inducing or worsening health effects.
Innovative mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastic-induced brain injury: Emphasis on the microbiota-gut-brain axis
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This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics may damage the brain through the gut-brain axis, a communication pathway between the digestive system and the nervous system. Nanoplastics can disrupt gut bacteria and weaken the intestinal barrier, potentially sending inflammatory signals to the brain. The authors suggest that targeting gut health could be a way to reduce brain damage caused by nanoplastic exposure.
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