From environment to brain: the role of microplastics in neurobehavioral disorders

In recent years, the pervasive presence of microplastics has attracted significant attention from the scientific community, particularly concerning their potential implications for human health. Current literature suggests that microplastics may adversely affect the nervous system, with emerging evidence linking them to neurobehavioral disorders. However, many questions remain regarding the pathways of their environmental exposure, the specific effects on neurobehavior, and the underlying mechanisms of their impact. This review aims to explore the routes through which humans are exposed to microplastics, monitor behavioral changes associated with microplastic exposure, and examine how these particles infiltrate the body and traverse the blood-brain barrier. Several perspectives will be considered in assessing the potential mechanisms by which microplastics may influence neurobehavioral disorders, including oxidative stress, neurotransmitter regulation, and neuroplasticity. The article concludes by summarizing the effects of microplastics on neurobehavioral disorders, such as neurodegeneration and mood disorders, while analyzing the latest research findings. The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the neurotoxic effects of microplastics and their potential biological mechanisms, as well as to provide new insights and recommendations for future research in this domain.