We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Blood-brain barrier damage accelerates the accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics in the human central nervous system
Summary
Researchers analyzed cerebrospinal fluid from 28 patients and found that specific plastics -- polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC -- can cross into the human central nervous system, especially when the blood-brain barrier is already damaged by infection. However, the study also found that these plastics did not appear to significantly worsen inflammation in the brain on their own.
The widespread use of plastics has led to increased micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution, resulting in significant environmental challenges and concerns about potential harm to human health. This study investigated whether certain types of MNPs can accumulate in the human central nervous system (CNS) and trigger inflammatory responses, particularly after CNS infection. Our analysis of 28 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 28 patients with or without CNS infection revealed that only polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were capable of selectively entering the human CNS. Concentrations of PP and PE were positively correlated with the CSF albumin index. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were significantly increased in patients with CNS infections. However, concentrations of MNPs were not significantly associated with CSF levels of IL-6 or IL-8. Overall, these findings suggest that specific MNPs can penetrate the human CNS, especially after impairment of the blood-brain barrier. Notably, MNPs derived from commonly used plastics did not significantly induce or exacerbate inflammation in the human CNS.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Brain under siege: the role of micro and nanoplastics in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
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
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.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics and nanoplastics in healthy human central nervous system and its blood-brain barrier transmission efficiency-A pilot study
In a pilot study, researchers measured microplastics and nanoplastics in healthy human brain tissue, blood plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid, finding polyethylene and PVC as the most prevalent types. The study suggests that common plastics can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, with PVC showing a transmission efficiency of about 100%, highlighting the need to consider potential neurotoxic effects of everyday plastic exposure.
Mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics on blood-brain barrier crossing and neurotoxicity: Current evidence and future perspectives
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.
Biotransformation of nanoplastics in human plasma and their permeation through a model in vitro blood-brain barrier: An in-depth quantitative analysis
Researchers tracked how nanoplastics behave in human blood plasma and found they rapidly accumulate a coating of proteins and lipids (called a "biocorona"), which affects how they cross the blood-brain barrier — a protective membrane shielding the brain. PVC nanoplastics crossed the barrier more readily than polystyrene ones, and the protein coating actually reduced — but did not eliminate — their penetration into brain tissue.