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Pathways, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Strategies of Neurotoxicity Induced by Micro- and Nanoplastics
Summary
This review examined the pathways by which micro- and nanoplastics reach the brain—via the gut-brain axis, respiratory tract, and circulatory system—and the mechanisms by which they induce neurotoxicity, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of neurotransmitter systems. The authors surveyed emerging therapeutic strategies, highlighting antioxidant supplementation and anti-inflammatory interventions as the most promising current approaches.
Plastic pollution now represents a global environmental crisis, as micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) infiltrate organisms via multiple routes such as the digestive system and respiratory system, ultimately accumulating in tissues and endangering human health. The central nervous system exhibits particular vulnerability to MNPs toxicity, which can trigger neurotoxic effects and disrupt brain function, potentially contributing to neurological disorders. Understanding the precise mechanisms and biological pathways underlying MNP-induced neurotoxicity has therefore emerged as a critical step toward identifying therapeutic targets. This review synthesizes current knowledge on MNPs' entry routes into the brain, examines proposed neurotoxic mechanisms, and evaluates existing and prospective treatment approaches. These insights may inform both the risk assessment of MNPs exposure and the development of targeted interventions for neurological protection.