We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics and nanoplastics in healthy human central nervous system and its blood-brain barrier transmission efficiency-A pilot study
Summary
In a pilot study, researchers measured microplastics and nanoplastics in healthy human brain tissue, blood plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid, finding polyethylene and PVC as the most prevalent types. The study suggests that common plastics can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, with PVC showing a transmission efficiency of about 100%, highlighting the need to consider potential neurotoxic effects of everyday plastic exposure.
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become critical anthropogenic pollutants of the ecological environment. Accurate data concerning MPs/NPs in the healthy human central nervous system (CNS) are still lacking. This study aims to qualitatively and quantitatively measure MPs/NPs in healthy human CNS and investigate their blood-brain barrier (BBB) transmission efficiency. Synchronous plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of healthy subjects and postmortem brains without brain disease were collected in this study. Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantify 11 types of common MPs/NPs, and laser direct infrared (LDIR) imaging spectroscopy was employed to identify polymer particles. Polyethene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were the main components of MPs/NPs in human plasma and CNS. The concentrations of PE and PVC in the brain were significantly higher than those in plasma and CSF. The BBB transmission efficiencies of polystyrene (PS), PVC, and PE that cross the BBB into the CSF were about 84.08 %, 100.94 %, and 62.86 %. The ratios of different types of MPs detected using LDIR varied among plasma, CSF, and brain tissue. In contrast, the physical characteristics of MPs in plasma and the CNS are similar. This work highlights that PVC, PS, and PE can effectively cross the BBB and enter the CSF in healthy individuals. PE and PVC are the most prevalent MPs/NPs in human plasma and the CNS. Therefore, it is important to consider the neurotoxic effects of high concentrations of PE and PVC on the human CNS in future research.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Micro-nanoplastics in the central nervous system: Evidence, mechanisms and perspectives
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.
Blood-brain barrier damage accelerates the accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics in the human central nervous system
Researchers analyzed cerebrospinal fluid from 28 patients and found that specific plastics -- polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC -- can cross into the human central nervous system, especially when the blood-brain barrier is already damaged by infection. However, the study also found that these plastics did not appear to significantly worsen inflammation in the brain on their own.
Brain under siege: the role of micro and nanoplastics in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
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.
Biotransformation of nanoplastics in human plasma and their permeation through a model in vitro blood-brain barrier: An in-depth quantitative analysis
Researchers tracked how nanoplastics behave in human blood plasma and found they rapidly accumulate a coating of proteins and lipids (called a "biocorona"), which affects how they cross the blood-brain barrier — a protective membrane shielding the brain. PVC nanoplastics crossed the barrier more readily than polystyrene ones, and the protein coating actually reduced — but did not eliminate — their penetration into brain tissue.
Neurotoxicityof Micro- and Nanoplastics: A ComprehensiveReview of Central Nervous System Impacts
This comprehensive review examines neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics, synthesizing evidence that MNP exposure disrupts neural signaling, promotes neuroinflammation, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and may contribute to neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.