We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered that microplastics in the bloodstream can cause blood clots in the brain by getting swallowed by immune cells that then block tiny blood vessels. These blockages reduced blood flow and caused neurological problems in mice. This reveals a new way microplastics may harm the brain, not by crossing into brain tissue directly, but by disrupting blood circulation.
Human health is being threatened by environmental microplastic (MP) pollution. MPs were detected in the bloodstream and multiple tissues of humans, disrupting the regular physiological processes of organs. Nanoscale plastics can breach the blood-brain barrier, leading to neurotoxic effects. How MPs cause brain functional irregularities remains unclear. This work uses high-depth imaging techniques to investigate the MPs within the brain in vivo. We show that circulating MPs are phagocytosed and lead these cells to obstruction in the capillaries of the brain cortex. These blockages as thrombus formation cause reduced blood flow and neurological abnormalities in mice. Our data reveal a mechanism by which MPs disrupt tissue function indirectly through regulation of cell obstruction and interference with local blood circulation, rather than direct tissue penetration. This revelation offers a lens through which to comprehend the toxicological implications of MPs that invade the bloodstream.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics block blood flow in the brain, mouse study reveals
AI summary Read the abstract
A mouse study using real-time imaging found that cells stuffed with microplastics can form clumps that block blood flow in the brain, affecting the animals' ability to move. This research raises concerns about potential neurological effects of microplastic accumulation in the bodies of mammals.
Microplastics block blood flow in the brain, mouse study reveals
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used real-time imaging in mice to demonstrate that microplastics can accumulate inside cells, causing them to form clumps that block blood flow in the brain and impair movement. The findings provide direct visual evidence linking microplastic ingestion to cerebrovascular obstruction and neurological effects in a mammalian model.
Microglial phagocytosis of polystyrene microplastics results in immune alteration and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier in mice after oral exposure and accumulate in brain tissue, where they are engulfed by microglia, the brain's immune cells. This engulfment triggered inflammatory responses and cell death in the microglia both in cell cultures and in living mice. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may affect brain immune function, with potential implications for neurological health.
Oral feeding of nanoplastics affects brain function of mice by inducing macrophage IL-1 signal in the intestine
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that when mice consumed nanoplastics, the tiny particles triggered immune cells in the gut to produce an inflammatory signal (IL-1) that traveled to the brain and impaired cognitive function. Nanoplastics were more potent at activating this gut-brain immune pathway than larger microplastics. This study reveals a concerning mechanism by which swallowing nanoplastics in food or water could affect brain health through the gut immune system.
Polystyrene micro-/nanoplastics induced hematopoietic damages via the crosstalk of gut microbiota, metabolites, and cytokines
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed mice to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics and found that the particles caused damage to the blood-forming system through disruption of gut bacteria, metabolic changes, and inflammatory signaling. Smaller nanoplastics caused more severe effects than larger microplastics, altering gut microbial communities and triggering systemic inflammation. The study reveals a previously unknown pathway by which ingested plastic particles may harm the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells.
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.