We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Crossing barriers – tracking micro- and nanoplastic pathways into the human brain
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked potential pathways for micro- and nanoplastics to enter the human brain using both laboratory cell experiments and post-mortem human brain tissue. They found nanoplastic remnants inside cells of the choroid plexus, a brain barrier structure, as well as in cerebrospinal fluid immune cells from geriatric patients. These preliminary findings suggest that plastic particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate alongside age-related cellular debris in human brain tissue.
Abstract Nano- and microplastic (NMP) has been detected in human post mortem (PM) brain homogenates. It is still a matter of debate, if NMP can cross brain barriers and reach neurofluids and the brain parenchyma. To track putative pathways, we have investigated in vitro endocytosis of NMP using human stimulated monocytes exposed to plain 1 μm and 100 nm polystyrene beads in vitro by transmission electron microscopy TEM (N=5) and EDX spectroscopy. NMP was localized after 10 min incubation time in endocytic vesicles and adjacent and inside degenerating mitochondria inducing mitophagy and lipofuscin accumulation. To track corresponding in vivo pathways, we have performed TEM of randomly accessed human PM choroid plexus (N=5) and subventricular tissue (N=5) as well as of leukocytes prepared from CSF cell pellets from geriatric patients (N=6). NMP remnants were detected in all autopsy cases (mean 75.6 yrs.) inside endothelia and epithelial cells as well as inside CSF leucocytes, localized adjacent to lipofuscin and Biondi bodies together with Aß fibrils. These preliminary results in a monocyte cell line, postmortem brain tissue and CSF cells localized accumulation of NMP remnants after crossing the barriers between blood and the human brain.
More Papers Like This
Crossing barriers – tracking micro- and nanoplastic pathways into the human brain
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked potential pathways by which micro- and nanoplastics may enter the human brain, examining both in vitro cell models and post-mortem brain tissue. They found that human monocytes rapidly internalized polystyrene particles into endocytic vesicles and mitochondria, and detected plastic particles in brain tissue samples, providing evidence that nanoplastics may be capable of crossing brain barriers.
Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Human Brain: Mechanistic Plausibility, Translational Challenges, and Links to Neurological Disease Trends.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesized evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can accumulate in human brain tissue via multiple barrier-crossing routes and, once there, disrupt synaptic function, mitochondrial homeostasis, and neuroinflammatory pathways relevant to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and mood disorders — while emphasizing that longitudinal epidemiological evidence linking plastic exposure to neurological disease remains limited.
Brain under siege: the role of micro and nanoplastics in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
A perspective on the potential impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on the human central nervous system
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper discusses evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may be able to cross the blood-brain barrier, the protective layer that normally keeps harmful substances out of the brain. If confirmed in humans, this could mean plastic particles contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, though more research is needed to understand the extent of this risk.
Mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics on blood-brain barrier crossing and neurotoxicity: Current evidence and future perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, the protective shield around the brain, through multiple pathways including disrupting the barrier's tight junctions and being transported inside cells. Once in the brain, these particles may cause damage through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disrupted iron metabolism, with effects worsened when plastics carry other pollutants like heavy metals.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.