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The application of human-derived cell lines in neurotoxicity studies of environmental pollutants
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This review examines how human-derived neural cell lines, particularly neuroblastoma cells and stem cell-derived neurons, are being used to study the brain-damaging effects of environmental pollutants. Researchers summarized findings showing these cell models can effectively reveal how substances like heavy metals, pesticides, and plastic-associated chemicals cause nerve cell damage. The study highlights the value of these laboratory tools for understanding how environmental contaminants may contribute to neurological problems.
As industrial and societal advancements progress, an increasing number of environmental pollutants linked to human existence have been substantiated to elicit neurotoxicity and developmental neural toxicity. For research in this field, human-derived neural cell lines have become excellent in vitro models. This study examines the utilization of immortalized cell lines, specifically the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line, and neural cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells, in the investigation of neurotoxicity and developmental neural toxicity caused by environmental pollutants. The study also explores the culturing techniques employed for these cell lines and provides an overview of the standardized assays used to assess various biological endpoints. The environmental pollutants involved include a variety of organic compounds, heavy metals, and microplastics. The utilization of cell lines derived from human sources holds significant significance in elucidating the neurotoxic effects of environmental pollutants and the underlying mechanisms. Finally, we propose the possibility of improving the in vitro model of the human nervous system and the toxicity detection methods.
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This review examined the development and applications of in vitro blood-brain barrier models for assessing neurotoxicity of chemicals, drugs, and particles including nanoplastics. The authors argue that human cell-derived BBB models are critical alternatives to animal testing for predicting neurological effects of emerging contaminants.
Towards the development and applications of blood-brain barrier in vitro models for neurotoxicity assessment
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Researchers reviewed the current state of in vitro blood-brain barrier models and their utility for evaluating the neurotoxic potential of environmental contaminants including micro- and nanoplastics. The review identifies validation challenges and argues for more human-relevant model systems to close gaps in regulatory neurotoxicity assessment.
Application of brain organoid technology in exploring the neurotoxicity of micro/nanoplastics: a review of progress and challenges
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A review of brain organoid studies found that micro- and nanoplastics can penetrate these human-derived tissue models and cause mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium signaling disruption, and abnormal neural differentiation resembling neurodegenerative pathology. This significantly advances microplastic pollution research by establishing brain organoids as an ethical and translationally relevant model for assessing the neurotoxic risks of environmental plastic exposure in humans.
Human blood-derived neural progenitor cells as a platform for developmental neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics
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Scientists used human blood cells converted into brain cells to test how tiny plastic particles—like those now found in human placentas and brains—affect early brain development, using amounts similar to what people are actually exposed to. They found that smaller plastic particles were absorbed into cells and caused stress that damaged the cells' energy-producing components, disrupting the normal process of neurons maturing and dividing; importantly, an antioxidant treatment reversed this damage, suggesting the harm is driven by oxidative stress. While this is early-stage lab research (not a study of real pregnancies or babies), it offers some of the first mechanistic
Advancing Microplastic and Nanoplastic Toxicity Assessment: Insights from Human Organoid Models
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This review examines how human stem cell-derived organoids are being used to study the toxic effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on human tissues. Researchers found that organoid models of the gut, lung, brain, and other organs provide more human-relevant data than traditional animal testing for assessing plastic particle toxicity. The study suggests that organoid technology could significantly advance understanding of how microplastics affect human health at the tissue and organ level.
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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.