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Nano/micro-plastic, an invisible threat getting into the brain
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This editorial highlights growing evidence that nano- and microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier through the bloodstream and nasal passages, triggering neuroinflammation and potentially contributing to brain disorders. The authors call for urgent multidisciplinary research to understand the pathways by which these plastic particles reach the brain and what long-term neurological damage they may cause.
Due to weather and working/operational conditions, plastic degradation produces toxic and non-biodegradable nano and microplastics (N/M-Ps, ranging from 10 nm to 5 mm), and over time these N/M-Ps have integrated with the human cycle through ingestion and inhalation. These N/M-Ps, as serious emerging pollutants, are causing considerable adverse health issues due to up-taken by the cells, tissue, and organs, including the brain. It has been proven that N/M-Ps can cross the blood-brain barrier (via olfactory and blood vessels) and affect the secretion of neuroinflammatory (cytokine and chemokine), transporters, and receptor markers. Neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and brain injury, which may result in such scenarios are a serious concern and may cause brain disorders. However, the related pathways and pathogenesis are not well-explored but are the focus of upcoming emerging research. Therefore, as a focus of this editorial, well-organized multidisciplinary research is required to explore associated pathways and pathogenesis, leading to brain mapping and nano-enabled therapeutics in acute and chronic N/M - Ps exposure.
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Brain under siege: the role of micro and nanoplastics in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
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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.
Micro-nanoplastics in the central nervous system: Evidence, mechanisms and perspectives
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This review examines evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurotoxicity through oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and disruption of neurotransmitter signaling. While clinical studies have confirmed the presence of plastic particles in human brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid, the authors note that methodological limitations and inconsistent quality controls currently prevent establishing a definitive causal link to neurological conditions.
Nano- and Microplastics in the Brain: An Emerging Threat to Neural Health
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This review summarizes evidence that nano- and microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue, where they trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein clumping linked to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The findings suggest that plastic particles may also interfere with the brain's ability to heal from injury, though long-term human studies are still lacking.
A systematic review of the potential neurotoxicity of micro-and nanoplastics: the known and unknown
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This critical review of 234 studies found that micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain via olfactory translocation or by crossing the blood-brain barrier, where they may cause neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, and behavioral changes in animal models. The evidence raises significant concerns about potential neurotoxic effects of chronic microplastic exposure in humans, though major knowledge gaps remain.
Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption by Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Implications for Neurodegeneration
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles reaching the brain and damaging the blood-brain barrier in lab and animal studies, causing cell stress and inflammation similar to patterns seen in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. Plastic particles have also been found in human brain tissue, but evidence remains limited, and no causal link to these diseases has been established.
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