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Molecular effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on human neural stem cells
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Researchers exposed human brain stem cells to tiny polystyrene nanoplastics and found they caused oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and cell death. These findings suggest that nanoplastics could potentially harm brain development if they reach neural tissue, though more research is needed to understand real-world exposure levels.
Nanoplastics (NPs) have been found in many ecological environments (aquatic, terrestrial, air). Currently, there is great concern about the exposition and impact on animal health, including humans, because of the effects of ingestion and accumulation of these nanomaterials (NMs) in aquatic organisms and their incorporation into the food chain. NPs´ mechanisms of action on humans are currently unknown. In this study, we evaluated the altered molecular mechanisms on human neural stem cell line (hNS1) after 4 days of exposure to 30 nm polystyrene (PS) NPs (0.5, 2.5 and 10 μg/mL). Our results showed that NPs can induce oxidative stress, cellular stress, DNA damage, alterations in inflammatory response, and apoptosis, which could lead to tissue damage and neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Internalization and toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics on inmortalized human neural stem cells
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Researchers tested 30-nanometer polystyrene particles on human neural stem cells grown in the lab and found the particles entered the cells, accumulated inside them, and triggered cell death. The nanoplastics also slowed cell growth but did not penetrate the cell nucleus. This study provides direct evidence that nanoplastics could harm the brain's stem cells, raising concerns about potential effects on brain development.
Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on the Biology of Human Neural Stem Cells and Human Cerebral Organoids.
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This study investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on human neural stem cells and human cerebral organoids, examining whether nanoplastics that have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and placenta can disrupt normal brain development. Given the lack of prior research on nanoplastic effects on the developing brain, the findings carry significant implications for understanding neurodevelopmental risks from early-life plastic exposure.
Polystyrene nanoplastic exposure leads to abnormal brain development by dysregulation of neural stem cell functions
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A new study suggests that tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics, so small they can potentially cross into the brain, may interfere with how brain stem cells grow and develop, particularly during critical early development stages. While this research was likely done in animal models rather than humans, it raises important questions about whether everyday plastic pollution could affect brain development, especially in fetuses and young children whose brains are still forming. More research is needed to confirm these effects occur in humans and to understand what levels of exposure might pose real risks.
Microplastics exposure affects neural development of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical spheroids
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Researchers used lab-grown human brain tissue models to study how polystyrene microplastics affect early brain development. Short-term exposure stimulated cell growth, but longer exposure reduced cell survival and disrupted the expression of genes critical for brain tissue formation. The findings suggest that microplastic exposure could potentially interfere with embryonic brain development in a way that depends on both particle size and concentration.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics causes brain abnormalities in progeny
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Researchers found that maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics caused brain abnormalities in offspring, demonstrating that nanoplastics can cross maternal barriers and affect neurological development in progeny with implications for developmental toxicology.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.